UV-filters

What Are UV Filters?

UV filters are the ingredients in sunscreen that protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

A good sunscreen should protect against both:

• UVA rays, which contribute to premature skin ageing and can penetrate deeper into the skin.
  
• UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Why are they so important?

When we talk about sun protection, SPF often gets most of the attention. However, it is the UV filters in sunscreen that actually do the work of protecting the skin from the sun's UV rays.

Good sun protection is one of the most important ways to help prevent premature skin ageing, pigmentation changes, and skin cancer.

There are different types of UV filters

UV filters are often divided into two main groups:

Mineral UV filters

These mainly sit on the surface of the skin and reflect and scatter UV rays. The most common are:

• Zinc oxide
  
• Titanium dioxide

Mineral filters are often recommended for sensitive skin because they generally have a low risk of irritation.

Organic (chemical) UV filters

These absorb UV radiation and convert the energy into heat before it can damage the skin.

There are many different organic UV filters, and they vary in how effectively they protect against UVA and UVB rays, how stable they are in sunlight, and how well they are tolerated by the skin.

Some examples of organic UV filters used in sunscreens include:

• Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul® A Plus) – provides UVA protection.
  
• Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul® T 150) – a highly effective UVB filter.
  
• Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb® S) – provides both UVA and UVB protection and is highly photostable.
  
• Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb® M) – a broad-spectrum filter that combines properties of both organic and mineral filters.

Did you know?

Many sunscreens for babies and young children use mineral UV filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as they are often well suited to sensitive skin. However, there are also children's sunscreens containing modern organic UV filters that have been thoroughly tested and approved for use.

Are some UV filters dangerous?

This is a question many people ask, and there is a lot of conflicting information.

Some older UV filters have been discussed in research due to laboratory or animal studies, including concerns about potential endocrine-disrupting effects. However, this does not necessarily mean that they pose a health risk when used in approved sunscreen products.

In Europe, UV filters are strictly regulated, and only filters that have been assessed as safe within specified concentrations are permitted for use in cosmetics.

At the same time, newer UV filters continue to be developed to provide broad protection, good photostability, and high skin tolerance.

Do you need to be concerned?

For most people, the benefits of using sunscreen far outweigh the potential risks that are often discussed on social media.

The most important things are to:

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
  
• Apply enough product.
  
• Reapply when needed.
  
• Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type.

A sunscreen you enjoy using every day will provide far better protection than a "perfect" sunscreen that stays unused on the shelf.

At EverNordic

At EverNordic, I recommend Skinvisible SPF 50+, which provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreens are designed for daily use and work well under make-up and as part of your everyday skincare routine. They are also some of my personal favourite sunscreens!