It’s All in the Filter

Sunscreens with mineral or inorganic light protection filters are clearly superior to products with chemical filters. Inorganic filters are recommended by dermatologists because they reflect sunlight striking the surface of the skin, while chemical filters absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into heat. They penetrate the outer layers of the skin and may cause allergies in people with sensitive skin.

Faster absorption

Moreover, the substances in inorganic filters act immediately on application, whereas it takes products with chemical filters half an hour to start providing effective protection. Thanks to these advantages, the proportion of sunscreens with inorganic UV filters is growing steadily.

Inorganic titanium dioxide and zinc oxide filter particles from Evonik offer other key advantages: They have a high sun protection factor, are effective at relatively low concentrations and offer reliable protection over an extended period because they are photostable and do not decompose in sunlight. Moreover, the filter does not simply provide protection against UV-B radiation, which is mainly responsible for sunburn. It also protects against much of the longer wavelength UV-A radiation which causes premature aging of the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

New labeling regulations

Since 2007 labeling of sunscreen to indicate the level of UV-A protection has been standardized in the EU and became mandatory for all producers this summer. In future, sunscreens checked for UV-B protection that also offer adequate UV-A protection will be identified by a UVA logo.

But even the best sunscreen can work only if applied all over the skin. Headgear, suitable clothing and a good pair of sunglasses are important as well because UV light also damages the eyes.