Even before sunscreen became a commercial product and one of humankind’s greatest inventions, people still had to protect themselves from being charred by the harsh rays of the sun. It turns out that some of the components used in sunscreens today were put to use centuries ago. However, note that when humans applied a paste made from natural components to their skin in the dark ages, they used thick layers, and it worked primarily because of its thickness. Today, we can rely on sunscreens that are nearly invisible to the skin.
Before sunscreen became widely available, common household items like rice, crushed jasmine flowers, olive oil, sunflower oil, lupine, pine needles, dirt, charcoal, cocoa butter, and burnt almond paste were attempted to be used as a sun protector.
Take the Egyptians who experimented with a variety of chemicals and mixtures for skincare, which are included in many modern formulas even today. They were concerned with preserving themselves from sunburn as well as tanning, since they believed that lighter skin was more attractive cosmetically. They protected their skin using plant extracts, such as rice, jasmine, and lupine, whereas the Ancient Greeks tried to do the same thing with olive oil.
Let us go way back in time to examine the fascinating history of sunscreens and see how they evolved into a necessary component of our everyday lives.
Pre-Sunscreen Era
The necessity of wearing sun protection is not a recent development. Ancient civilizations did their homework too and recognised the damaging effects of the sun. They started looking for remedies from natural resources and ingredients.
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Egyptians: The forerunners of numerous beauty regimes, the Egyptians, protected their skin from the sun using materials such as rice bran, jasmine, and lupine. These substances functioned as physical barriers, dispersing or reflecting solar radiation (much like our modern mineral formulae).
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Greeks: Ancient Greeks used olive oil as a sunblock, protecting their skin with a mixture of olive oil and sand while training under the sun for the Olympic games.
Eastern Approaches: Pale complexion was highly regarded throughout Asia, especially in China and Japan. In addition to cosmetics, these societies used natural sunblock to create this look. Parasols made from silk or paper became symbols of status and beauty. They made use of pearl powder and rice water as a skin applicant to protect and brighten it.
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Indians: Through the ancient Indian medicinal literature Charaka Samhita (500 BC), it was found that ‘pushpanjan’ or zinc oxide was discovered and used - we continue to use this ingredient in physical sunscreens today.
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The Birth Of Sunscreen
When scientists started to recognise the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays in the early 20th century, the groundwork for contemporary sunscreen was established. Franz Greiter, an Austrian scientist, created ‘Gletscher Crème’ (Glacier Cream), the first sunscreen product that was sold commercially, in 1938. With a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of only 2, Greiter’s invention (which would provide virtually no protection as per today’s standards!) was largely focused on UVB radiation, or the wavelengths that caused burning.
After World War II, tanning became popular in nations where whiter skin tones were predominant. A tan was seen as a sign of luxury and relaxation, rather than merely the result of hard outdoor work. Nevertheless, as research revealed a connection between UV rays and skin cancer, the paradigm started to shift. Sunscreen evolved from being a specialised product for outdoor workers or troops to a necessary consumer item in this period.
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Make Way For SPF
Franz Greiter coined the term ‘Sun Protection Factor’ (SPF) in 1962 to measure the potency of sunscreens. This evolved into a global standard that let customers select goods according to their needs. Around the same period, researchers began looking into ways to protect skin from UVA rays, which cause cancer and premature ageing since they penetrate deeper into the skin. The goal changed to developing broad-spectrum sunscreens that could block UVA and UVB radiation.
The Ever-Evolving Sunscreens Of The 21st Century
Many new developments emerged at the turn of the millennium. Sunscreen formulations have advanced significantly, with brands now selling treatments that not only protect against UV damage, but also address hyperpigmentation, premature ageing, and other skin conditions. In addition, a greater understanding of the variety of skin tones has resulted in formulas that work for all skin tones, resolving the problem of sunscreen leaving a white cast on skins with a darker tone.
The history of sunscreen is proof of how inventive and adaptive people can be. From making use of natural components in ancient times to sophisticated formulations in the modern era, undoubtedly, sunscreen will keep evolving as we learn more about the sun’s rays and how they affect our skin, keeping our skin protected and glowing.
Image source: SheKnows, PharmEasy, Shopify