At the 3rd CosmeticDays organized by Cosmed, Estelle Loing, Biologist at Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, presented a short history of sun protection in cosmetics. Apart from short periods, humans have always had a tendency to protect themselves from the effects of the sun on the skin. But our means to do it have tremendously changed over time…
In 1500 BC
The Egyptians already protected themselves from the sun, using inorganic clays or minerals. Clear skins were considered more attractive than dark skins (this trend can be observed throughout History, when tanned skins were typical of outdoor workers, who were considered an underprivileged social class).
In 400 BC
In ancient Greece, at the Olympic Games, people protected their skins from the sun with sand and oil mixtures.
1801
German physician and chemist Johann W. Ritter discovered the existence of UV rays.
1820
The photoprotective role of melanin was evidenced.
1918
It was the first time the link between sun exposure and skin cancer was established.
A few years later, it was the relationship between UVBs and sunburns that was demonstrated.
1936
France introduced the notion of paid leave. Eugène Schueller, founder of L’Oréal, marketed the very first sunscreen, which made it possible to expose oneself without getting sunburnt. It only protected against UVBs.
1962
The notion of SPF was introduced to measure the level of protection against UVBs.
1969
It was the first time we had talked about skin damage provoked by sun radiation.
From the 70s to the 80s
Albert Kligman and wife Lorraine’s work on UVAs led to the development of the first sunscreen products combining protection both against UVAs and UVBs.
1986
The photoaging concept introduced the notion of UV-related accelerated skin aging, although at that time, in the regions where people did not see the sun much, being tanned was a sign of good health and prosperity: it showed you were rich enough to go expose yourself on the other side of the world.
2006
Introduction of the notion of visible light.
Between 2008 and 2012
Many studies started to explain how infrared rays can damage the skin.
2009
The cosmetics industry quickly received the message and started taking interest in infrared rays.
2012
Coty-Lancaster marketed the first sun cream with an anti-infrared ray claim.
Today
We consider sun exposure is responsible for more than 90% of premature skin aging. It is recommended we protect ourselves with skincare all year round, even in the city. Sun protection is getting more and more multifactorial: anti-UVA, UVB, infrared rays, visible light, broad spectrum, etc.
