Transitioning from simply blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays to also protecting the skin from biological damage. Based on this idea, scientists from the Laboratory of Dermatological Photobiology of the University of Malaga, in collaboration with 'Cantabria Labs España', have carried out a study in which, for the first time, they have demonstrated how a natural extract -the Aspalathus linearis, the rooibos plant- could improve the effectiveness of traditional sunscreens, enhancing their absorption capacity, increasing their antioxidant levels, and providing longer-lasting protection against the risks of radiation.

Thus, the researchers present this substance as a sustainable alternative that would act as an enhancer and ‘biological reinforcement’ against traditional formulas. The results of this study have been published in the journal of the European Society of Photobiology Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, of the prestigious publishing house Springer Nature.

“We are looking at a 2-in-1 molecule,” says José Aguilera, a scientist from the ‘Skin Cancer’ group of the UMA and one of the authors of this paper, who highlights its double efficacy: for ultraviolet filtration and as an antioxidant ‘shield’. Particularly, he says that its addition to formulations that already include standard filters increases the protection factor, in some cases, up to 50 percent.

Moreover, the scientist of the Department of Medicine and Dermatology María Victoria de Gálvez, another author of this paper, highlights its stability under the sun as another of its benefits. “The attenuation under light exposure is one of the problems of traditional sunscreens. These extracts also protect against photodegradation, which is key to improving the durability of the sunscreen on the skin and, hence, to better preventing diseases such as skin cancer,” she says.

They also emphasize its role in preventing sun-induced immune damage and slowing skin aging -two conditions that derive from the oxidative stress triggered by UV radiation- as it helps the skin to better resist the consequences of radiation.

More ‘intelligent’ sunscreens

The experts clarify that this research, which so far has only been conducted in the laboratory, opens the door to healthier alternatives that could replace or supplement synthetic ingredients from the chemical industry, in order to reduce the environmental impact and potential adverse health effects.

“It’s not about replacing sunscreens but making them more intelligent. Less focused on blocking light and more on protecting the skin,” they conclude.

Together with the UMA researchers José Aguilera, María Victoria de Gálvez and Pablo Sepúlveda, Ana López and Luisa Haya, from Cantabria Labs, and Salvador González, from Hospital Ramón y Cajal in Madrid, are the other authors of this study, a university-company collaboration that is still in progress.