Sunshine = Sunscreen
Sunscreen as we know it today has a relatively short history, but the concept of sun protection has been around for centuries.
In ancient Egypt, people used extracts of rice, jasmine, and lupine plants to protect their skin from the sun. In ancient Greece, women used white lead powder on their faces to lighten their skin and protect themselves from the sun.
In the early 1900s, sunburn creams were introduced in Europe and the US. These products contained ingredients like cocoa butter, lanolin, and beeswax, which helped to soothe sunburned skin but did not necessarily provide much sun protection.
In the 1920s, a chemist named Franz Greiter developed the first sunscreen, which he called Gletscher Crème (glacier cream). Greiter was inspired to create the product after suffering severe sunburn while climbing a mountain in Austria. Gletscher Crème had an SPF of 2, and it was sold in pharmacies in Switzerland.
In the 1930s, a Miami-based pharmacist named Benjamin Green developed a sunscreen called Red Vet Pet, which had an SPF of 8. The product was made with a combination of cocoa butter, coconut oil, and red veterinary petrolatum.
In the 1940s and 1950s, more effective sunscreens began to emerge. In 1944, an Australian chemist named H.A. Milton Blake developed a sunscreen called Red Vet Sol, which had an SPF of 15. In 1953, an American chemist named Franz Greiter (no relation to the earlier sunscreen inventor) developed a sunscreen called Glacier Cream III, which had an SPF of 10.
In the 1970s, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began regulating sunscreens, and manufacturers were required to provide evidence of their products' SPF claims. Over the years, new ingredients have been developed to improve the effectiveness of sunscreens, and today there are many different types of sunscreen available on the market, including chemical and mineral-based formulations, sprays, lotions, and sticks.
Choosing the right sunscreen can be important in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a sunscreen:
SPF: Look for a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. Higher SPF ratings provide greater protection from UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
Broad Spectrum: Choose a sunscreen labeled as "broad spectrum," which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause premature aging of the skin and contribute to skin cancer risk.
Water resistance: If you'll be swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen that will stay on longer.
Skin type: Consider your skin type when selecting a sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin, look for a formula that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. If you have oily skin, choose a light, oil-free sunscreen.
Activity level: Consider your activity level and the environment where you will be using the sunscreen. If you'll be outdoors for a prolonged period, choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF and water resistance.
Application: Consider the type of sunscreen that will be easiest for you to apply consistently. Sprays, lotions, and sticks are all options.