Usefulness of Multifunctional Sunscreen Containing Cosmetics

Sunscreen is also known as sunblock, sun tan lotion or block out cream. They are topical cream, lotion or gel capable of reflecting or absorbing ultraviolet radiations falling on the skin.

The cosmetic products enriched with the UV light filtering agents are becoming popular in present times. Being multifunctional, these formulations serve the double benefits of enhancing your beauty and also protect you from the harmful ultraviolet rays.

Sunscreens are no longer greasy and oily preparations that were uncomfortable to apply. People abhorred the concept of wearing such oily sunscreen, and this lead to the idea of developing a multifunctional formulation that acts as a cosmetic as well as a sunscreen. The cosmetic companies have taken the initiative of introducing such product in the consumer market. Some of the commonly available multifunctional preparations include sunscreen-containing moisturizer and foundations.

Moisturizers containing sunscreen heave increased photoprotection compliance. They reduce the transdermal water loss and provide moisturization to the skin.

Sunscreen containing moisturizer protects the skin against sunburn, photoaging and skin cancer. Chemicals such as retinol, green tea or niacinamide provide anti-aging properties to the sunscreen.

Sunscreen containing moisturizers usually contain sun protection factor (SPF) between 15 to 30. Products with SPF 30 contain both UVA and UVB protecting ingredients and are very popular while those with SPF 15 provide photoprotection from UVA rays. The sunscreen becomes too oily if the SPF is increased beyond 30 as it contain substances such as octocylene which are thick oils. SO the best photoprotection is provided by sunscreen containing SPF 30.

Another good example of multifunctional cosmetic formulation is sunscreen-containing facial foundations. Facial foundations are used for to blend and camouflage the underlying texture and color of the skin. It creates a perfect complexion look and enhances your beauty.

Generally there are four types of foundations commercially available in the market: water-based, oil-based, oil-free and water-free. Most preferred foundations are the oil-in-water liquids in which small quantity of oil is mixed with pigment in large amount of water. Primary emulsifier is soap such as a nonionic surfactant or triethanolamine and the secondary emulsifier is propylene glycol stearate or glycerol stearate

Such multifunctional foundations acts as good skin coverage agents as well as provide good photoprotection from harmful rays of the sun. The photoprotection is due to the presence of inorganic filters like titanium dioxide, chalk, zinc oxide, kaolin, talc, etc.

Sheer coverage foundation are transparent containing titanium, dioxide and have an SPF of 2 while moderate coverage foundation are usually translucent and have an SPF of 4 to 5.  Waterproof thick cream facial foundations are used to cover or camouflage surgical scars and usually have unlimited SPF.

They offer superior photoprotection to people with photosensitive skin.

Nowadays sunscreens are available in a variety of forms such as mousse (foam foundation), liquid, soufflé, water-containing, stick cake, anhydrous cream and even shake lotions.

Owing to easy applicability, liquid foundations are the preffered choice of women globally.

Finally three forms of facial foundations are adapted for providing sun protection- the cake, the stick and the powder foundation forms. They are waterproof and offer water resistant photoprotection.

Wax is added to cream foundation and stick is formed that is easily stroked over the face. Cake foundation is compressed powder and contains talc, predicated chalk, kaolin, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The compressed cake is applied with the aid of a sponge over the face. These ingredients can be left loose in a container and can be used with a brush. This loose powder is termed as mineral makeup.

Mineral makeup is a new form of sunscreen cosmetics and can be easily dusted over your face. However they are good for day time as they are not water resistant and does not form an even sun protective film over the face.

For good sun-protection it is advisable to use sunscreen moisturizer followed by mineral makeup. An important point to remember is that the SPF ratings of the moisturizer and the powder are not at all additive.

The use of multifunctional cosmetic is becoming increasingly popular. Nowadays lipsticks, lip balms, facial serums and eye creams containing sunscreen are available in the market. Theses multifunctional products are less expensive and save your time as well.

Sunscreen filters are also being used in hair care products. Protection from harmful sun's ultraviolet rays is important to improve the color, growth and retention of dye color in hair.

To sum up it can be said that the multifunctional cosmetics such as lip balms, foundations, moisturizers, etc. are becoming popular and a finding their way in the market extensively. They make your beauty regime hassle-free and less time taking.

Reference:

The Multifunctional Value of Sunscreen-containing Cosmetics; Zoe Dianna et al; Skin Therapy Letter.com

Source-Medindia