UNIT – 3 : SUN PROTECTION
Sunscreen (also called sunblock or sun cream) is a product applied on the skin.
It protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
It mainly absorbs UV rays and sometimes reflects them.
Sunscreen prevents sunburn and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
CLASSIFICATION OF SUNSCREEN AND SPF
1. PABA (Para-aminobenzoic acid)
Very effective in blocking UVB rays (200–320 nm).
Works best at 5% concentration in 70% alcohol.
Apply 60 minutes before sun exposure for best results.
Can cause skin allergy (contact dermatitis).
May stain clothes.
2. PABA Esters (like glyceryl PABA)
Also effective in UVB range (280–320 nm).
Best at 2.5–8% in 65% alcohol.
Less skin penetration than PABA.
Same side effects as PABA but less staining.
3. Benzophenones (like oxybenzone, dioxybenzone)
Slightly less effective than PABA.
Absorb both UVA and UVB rays (250–400 nm).
Work better when mixed with PABA or its esters.
Rarely causes skin allergy.
Helps prevent photosensitivity reactions.
4. Cinnamates and Salicylates
Minimally effective.
Absorb only UVB rays.
Usually used in combination with other agents.
5. Anthranilates
Absorb UVA rays (250–322 nm).
Not very strong alone.
Combined with UVB agents for full protection.
SUN PROTECTION FACTOR (SPF)
SPF tells how effective a sunscreen is.
It measures how much UV radiation is needed to cause sunburn on skin with sunscreen compared
to without sunscreen.
Formula:
SPF = UV dose to cause redness with sunscreen / UV dose to cause redness without sunscreen
Higher SPF means more protection.
SPF Classification:
Low protection – SPF 6–10
Medium protection – SPF 15–25
High protection – SPF 30–40
Very high protection – SPF 50+
SKIN CARE
Herbal skin care products are made from natural ingredients.
They are gentle on the skin and less likely to cause pimples, allergies or irritation.
Chemical-based skincare products may cause wrinkles, dark spots, skin damage or reactions.
ALOE VERA
Synonym: Ghritkumari
Biological source: Aloes is obtained from the dried juice of leaves of Aloe vera.
Family: Liliaceae
Chemical constituents: Aloin, Barbaloin
Cosmetic Uses:
Aloe gel gives a cooling effect and works as a moisturizer.
Helps in rejuvenating aging skin.
Reduces acne, wrinkles and redness.
Softens hardened skin cells.
Zinc in aloe works as an astringent.
Aloe Vera Gel Preparation
Method 1: Using a Blender
Wash aloe vera leaf.
Cut off sharp edges.
Slice the leaf and peel the skin.
Scoop out the pulp.
Blend for 30 seconds.
Store in airtight container in fridge.
Method 2: Scraping Method
Wash and cut the leaf ends.
Peel off the upper skin.
Scrape gel using spoon or knife.
Store in airtight container in fridge.
TURMERIC
Synonym: Haldi
Biological source: Curcuma longa
Family: Zingiberaceae
Chemical constituents: Curcuminoids, Curcumin I, II and III
Uses:
Acts as anti-inflammatory.
Used as spice.
Carminative – helps digestion.
Properties:
Very effective for healing wounds.
Deeply connected to Indian traditions.
Applied to wounds caused by rusty or unclean iron tools.
Helps heal wounds without pus or infection.