Find out more about UV filters.

DID YOU KNOW that a sun protection product only protects against UVA & UVB rays if, in addition to an SPF of at least 30, the UVA seal is also shown on the packaging?

The stated sun protection factor (SPF) only refers to UVB radiation. This provides protection from the sun in the epidermis. It stimulates vitamin D synthesis and is responsible for the rebuilding of the pigment melanin and thus for the skin's tan. Excessive or long-lasting UVB radiation causes sunburns and can be carcinogenic.

The UVA rays penetrate into the dermis. In high doses, they can also cause sunburns and there are signs that they could be (partly) responsible for the development of black skin cancer (melanoma). They are attributed to sun-induced skin aging (photoaging: collagen degradation, which leads to sagging skin) and the triggering of certain allergies. By the way, the UVA factor is also called PPD. This stands for Persistent Pigment Darkening: protection against pigmentation, i.e. tanning of the skin.

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WOW, lots of antioxidants, such as: B. Astaxanthin, vitamin E and vitamin C, help the skin protect itself against UV radiation. Plant substances, such as green tea, also protect the skin because they offer natural and effective sun protection.

In addition, chemical/organic or mineral UV filters are essential in sun protection products; these either convert the UV rays into heat or reflect them. It is important to have simultaneous protection against UVA and UVB rays, such as the filter combination we use of Avobenzone and Tinosorb S ( to the product ).

The UV filters that we use in our protect & care sun oil are clinically tested: UVA protection according to DIN EN ISO 24443:2012 and UVB protection (SPF) according to DIN EN ISO 24444:2020.

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IMPORTANT: A sunscreen with chemical filters that are compatible with humans is just as safe as a mineral sunscreen. There are even some advantages. Modern chemical filters are much easier to remove from the surface of the skin because they do not penetrate the skin. Mineral filters remain on the skin longer and they reflect sunlight instead of converting it into heat. In addition, mineral filters can dry out the skin in the medium term.

Source:
Chatelain, E. and Gabard, B., Photostabilization of butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate by bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Tinosorb S), a new UV broadband filter (2001)

Osterwalder, U., Luther, H. & Herzog, B., Beyond the sun protection factor - new efficient and photostable UVA filters. Federal Health Gazette – Health Research – Health Protection (2001)