The high incidence of skin cancer cases and our broadening knowledge about the aging process have prompted dermatologists to prescribe sunscreens to patients to protect their skin from sunburn and from the harmful effects of ultra violet rays.

Sunscreens have been formulated primarily to absorb the harmful UV rays. The most popular ingredients used in sunscreen preparations are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide has been found to be the best ingredient used for sunscreens because it remains on the surface of the skin after its application, in addition to its having photostable characteristics.

Because they are insoluble, zinc oxide particles do not penetrate the inner layer of the skin making it free from contamination and infection. A 2002 study conducted by German scientists show that those microscopic particles of zinc oxide, when applied on the skin, remain on the outer layer of the stratum corneum and does not penetrate the innermost layer of the skin, the dermis or the epidermis.

Photostability is the characteristic of a molecule to remain stable when exposed to various sources of radiation. It is advisable to have photostable sunscreens so that it does not simply disintegrate when exposed to radioactive substances thus providing the skin maximum protection from UV rays.

Zinc oxide has been used to treat various skin ailments since 300 years ago and was first used as a component of calamine lotions and creams and later marketed in paste form. It has been certified by the FDA as a safe ingredient for sunscreens. Research has shown that since this substance was first used, no medical literature has been found to have reported about the adverse effects associated with its use. Zinc oxide has also been classified as the best ingredient for skin protection and remedy for diaper rash.

For a long time since it was discovered, zinc oxide has been marketed as a white paste with a viscous consistency. It was not until the 1990s when zinc oxide in small particles became available and used as ingredient in skin preparations and medications. This substance has been reduced to 2 micrograms size particles where light is controlled making the substance transparent and almost invisible when applied to the skin.

Zinc oxide acts as an astringent, and protects against eczema. It has been used in making skin cremes and pastes together with other topical skin preparations.

Aside from organic sunscreens, inorganic sunscreens are gradually gaining popularity and getting a fair share of the sun protection market. These inorganic sunscreens have high SPF, cause less irritation and have a wider spectrum range.

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