We all know the importance of protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful and cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays, but traditional sunscreen applications range from mildly annoying to impersonating human sandpaper. It seems different. And it’s terrible for waterways and marine environments such as coastal reefs.
Scientists at the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) are killing two birds with one stone by using natural molecules found in herbs such as sage and peppermint to create eco-friendly products that can do more for less. I set out on a proverb. Adding a minimal amount to the solution increased the sun protection factor (SPF) of the sunscreen by 41%.
In addition, its molecule – rosmarinic acid – is a polyphenol antioxidant and has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibiotic, and anticancer properties. multi-functional product.
“Our study on photoprotection systems is primarily aimed at evaluating potential sunscreen enhancement strategies,” said co-author André Rolim, professor at the University of São Paulo Faculty of Pharmacy (FCF-USP). Baby said. “Above all, we are interested in finding ways to enhance sun protection while improving the stability of our products so that they remain safe and effective longer.”
In clinical and in vitro studies, the addition of as little as 0.1% rosmarinic acid to the solution significantly enhanced the photoprotection of sunscreens. This is a small amount compared to conventional products. This essentially means that much less sunscreen is needed to protect your skin, and less synthetic chemicals wash into your waterways.
“Another study found that rosmarinic acid has potential benefits for skin surface hydration, reinforcing the need for further research on this substance in the cosmetic field,” Baby said.
This is an encouraging result for a molecule that is abundant in nature and paves the way for greener multi-purpose sunscreens.
“We are also looking for ways to reduce the concentration of traditional filters by including products and systems that have a lower environmental impact and natural ingredients that enhance formulations,” added Baby. We are very interested in mapping other cosmetic properties of photoprotective molecules, such as protection of biomarkers in the outermost skin layer.”
The study was published in a journal cosmetic.
Source: Sao Paulo Research Foundation
