Sunscreen filters evolution

The trend for tanning appeared not so long ago, and the harmful action of the sun on the skin have been known for centuries. Scientific approaches to the production of sunscreen cosmetics promote the creation of the safest and most comfortable formulas with effective components.

In the 20th century, the market of products for harmless tanning began to develop rapidly. Traditional plant oils have shown good protective properties: for example, the sun protection factor (SPF) of olive oil is approximately 8, meaning that the skin treated with it can stay in the sun 8 times longer without damage than untreated.

But the mass production of sunscreens became possible only with the advent of the first chemical filters; many large brands of tanning cosmetics have been created. Chemical filters capture the energy of ultraviolet rays and thereby reduce their harm. In 1935 was released the first tanning oil containing benzyl salicylate. Later, the most popular chemical filter was para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). However, after a couple of decades it became clear that the first-generation chemical filters have a certain photoallergic potential. Soon information appeared about their possible hormonal activity, which is also undesirable.

Modern chemical filters (such as the Uvinul and Tinosorb compound groups) carry fewer risks of photoallergy. To make them even safer, the composition of sun protective creams and lotions often include a combination of different filters, that complement each other and are presented in a fairly low concentration. It is more reliable because each substance has its peak effectiveness at a specific wavelength of ultraviolet rays, and together they provide protection in a wide range.

Such solution is used in Sanosan children's sunscreen products. The highest level of protection (SPF 50+) is achieved here through a combination of five modern chemical filters. The formulas have been independently clinically tested with an ‟excellent” rating, which allows them to be safely applied to the most delicate skin of children and babies without fear of irritation. The addition of softening ingredients such as milk protein, panthenol, vitamin E and olive extract provides skin care.

SANOSAN Baby Sun Cream SPF 50+

Physical (mineral) sunscreens are a natural alternative to chemical filters. These are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which occur in the form of crystalline minerals: zincite, rutile and anatase. Their dense opaque color makes them indispensable in the production of white paints. On the surface of the skin, their particles act like umbrellas, reflecting and scattering harmful ultraviolet rays. Mineral sunscreens are completely neutral, do not enter into biochemical reactions with components of the skin mantle and are highly safe. Until recently, mineral-based sun protective creams and lotions had a certain disadvantage - they left noticeable white traces on the skin. To solve this problem, the developers took the path of reducing the particle size. At the same time, European legislation does not allow the use of nanocomponents in cosmetics, that is, the particle size should not be less than 100 nm (as such "tiny" easily penetrate the skin barrier into the bloodstream, and their action on organism can be unpredictable). However, even the allowed limits are enough to create transparent mineral-based sunscreen products - completely natural and with a high level of protection.

This is perfectly demonstrated by the new Sun Protect line from the organic brand I+M Naturkosmetik Berlin. It offers a range of sunscreens for all needs - for children and adults, for face and body, with an SPF of 30 or 50. All of them are hypoallergenic, waterproof, leave no white traces on the skin and do not harm marine life. The protective action of mineral sunscreens is enhanced by the antioxidant effect of organic plant ingredients - karanja oil and carrot extract. Jojoba oil nourishes the skin after sun exposure, and aloe gel refreshes and soothes, saving from redness.