Exposure to sunlight is of the utmost importance in vitamin D3 formation and has the additional cosmetically desirable effect of imparting a bronzed tanned glow to our skin in the summer months.
Indeed, when people sunbathe their bodies produce endorphins, which contribute to a ‘feel-good factor’ and enhance a person’s mood. However, it is now completely indisputable that the sun’s rays can damage the skin.
The short-term damaging effects of overexposure to UV radiation to the skin are well recognised by consumers, including skin reddening, blistering and burning. Furthermore, consumers are currently becoming more aware of the associated longer-term adverse effects, and it has been widely reported and well documented that excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause sun burn, photoageing, photoimmunosuppression and photocarcinogenesis.1–4 Table 1 summarises how light can be categorised according to its wavelength range and the potentially dangerous effects on the skin.
While many people have protected themselves with sunscreens against UVB radiation, and therefore burning for many years, this only comprises 5% of the total UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. 95% of the total UV radiation reaching the Earth is made up from UVA radiation, therefore it is important when formulating anti-ageing skin and sun care products that full UV spectral coverage is attained.
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