Photoprotection-UV Filters: Properties, Use and Safety in Sun Products

Sunscreen application is a common strategy used to prevent the damage induced by UV radiations. In the last 30 years a variety of protective agents against UV exposure have been developed: physical filters, chemical filters and organic filters. Physical filters are the safest: they scatter and reflect UV rays, but are difficult to apply on the skin. Chemical filters are capable of absorbing these rays, they are cosmetically pleasant, but recent studies suggest a toxicological nature for some of these agents. Organic filters are the newest advance in sun products. Since 2003 the COLIPA Index [Europe] has regulated sun product availability on the market. In the USA, the FDA establishes the classification and the safety of sun products, which are considered topical medical drugs. This article summarizes the dermatologist's point of view, according to the patient's request, professional ethics and increasing offer of sun product.