Recent advances in sunscreen agents and their formulations: A review

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been shown to cause skin disorders, including sunburn and symptoms such as erythema, ageing and formation of wrinkles, pigmentation or dyspigmentation, DNA damage and ultimately photocarcinogenesis on prolonged exposure. It has been reported that sunscreens have beneficial effects in reducing the incidence of skin disorders and protect the skin against exogenous and endogenous harmful agents by absorption, scattering and by blocking phenomena. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are divided into three wavelength categories: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Skin exposure to sunlight and other climatic conditions induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can react with DNA, proteins, and fatty acids in the skin, resulting in oxidative damage and damage of the antioxidant system in the human body. Such injuries disrupt the skin’s regulation pathways, resulting in photoaging and the development of skin cancer. Active ingredients in sunscreen agents are synthetic substances which are classified into organic and inorganic filters. Synthetic agents have a number of serious side effects. As a result, to overcome this deleterious effects natural sunscreens were found by the researchers from nature. Natural products can be used as sunscreens and have healing, softening, rejuvenating, and sun protection properties. However, the use of sunscreen has a number of drawbacks, including inducing photoallergic dermatitis, environment pollution, and deficiency of vitamin D production. Therefore, consumers should use appropriate herbal formulations to improve sun protection as well as to avoid the side effects of synthetic sunscreens.