BASF develops new generation of UV filters to protect skin
24 May '07
3 min read
UVA radiation causes mainly chronic damage to connective tissue. It generates free radicals, highly aggressive reactive compounds that attack everything around them. For example, they harm cell membranes and cause genetic damage – leading to disturbances of the finely tuned balance of cellular functions.
The body's natural breakdown of connective tissue fibers consisting of elastin and collagen is also overstimulated by UVA radiation. The skin then loses elasticity and moisture and wrinkles form or deepen. The innovative UVA filter Uvinul A Plus protects against these effects. It absorbs the incident radiation and converts it into harmless heat.
The substance is highly light-stable, which ensures long-lasting protection. Professor Leonhard Zastrow, Head of Research for the cosmetics manufacturer Lancaster in Monaco, has tested the filter: "Uvinul A Plus is able to efficiently intercept UVA radiation – thereby considerably reducing the formation of free radicals in the skin. It also can be superbly combined with other cosmetic ingredients. For us as a cosmetics manufacturer, that is a major advantage."
BASF's all-round UV protection concept includes not only chemical UV filters like Uvinul A Plus, but also physical filters which reflect the sun's rays – both long-wave UVA and short-wave UVB radiation. Miniscule particles of titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide serve as mini-mirrors. They measure no more than a five thousandth of a millimeter andare therefore invisible on the skin.
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