We all know that exposing our skin to sunlight can quickly lead to redness, and prolonged exposure can cause painful peeling. Fishermen who spend day and night at sea often have darker skin due to sun and wind exposure. This phenomenon is a result of premature skin aging caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
While UV rays can kill bacteria, they also damage the cutin cells of the skin. Mild exposure can result in redness and irritation, while severe exposure can lead to blisters, skin darkening, and even skin cancer.
In sunscreens, in addition to the oil and water similar to regular creams, there are also added sun-blocking agents that can reflect ultraviolet rays. The earliest sunscreens contained solid powders such as zinc oxide, talc, kaolin, and titanium dioxide. These ingredients effectively reflect UV rays, providing sun protection.
Later on, sunscreens were developed to include compounds that absorb ultraviolet rays. These are complex organic compounds with a strong ability to absorb UV rays, such as P-aminobenzoic acid esters. This compound can absorb up to 99% of ultraviolet rays hitting the skin, making it highly effective for sun protection.
Notably, it has been discovered that certain plants, flowers, and fruits contain liquids capable of absorbing ultraviolet rays. For example, the oil from cucumbers and the liquid found in aloe vera leaves can be incorporated into cosmetics to create sunscreens, sun oils, and sun sprays. Those who engage in outdoor activities for extended periods should apply sunscreen to protect their skin.
