A REVIEW - HERBAL SUNSCREEN AGENTS ON SKIN PROTECTION

*D. Anitha, Kolavali Yalla Reddy, P. Venkatesh and M. Jhansi Raani

ABSTRACT

Sunscreen is defined as substance that protects the skin from excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. The exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation has a destructive effect on keratinocytes by causing DNA damage that can subsequently lead to causes the cancer, erythema, edema, hyperpigmentation, photoaging, weakening of immune system and melanoma. Sunscreen agents are proposed for sun protection because of their ability to block UV-induced sunburns. It helps to prevent sunburn and reduce the harmful effects of the sun such as premature skin aging and skin cancer. Sunscreens are used to aid the body's natural defense mechanisms to protect against harmful UV radiation from the sun. Its function is based on its ability to absorb, reflect or scatter the sun's rays. Several synthetic organic sunscreen agents are available in the market but they have limited use because these agents may create adverse effects on human skin. To overcome these side effects, naturally occurring compounds like antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E), flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids play the main role in fighting against free radical species that are the main cause of numerous negative skin changes. These natural isolated plant compounds and whole herbal extracts have gained considerable attention as sun protective agents.

Keywords: UV radiation, Keratinocytes, Vitamin C, Protective agents.