Sunscreens need to feel good when applied and we must encourage continued use

The continuing rise of skin cancer rates around the world makes the UV protection of sunscreen on people’s skin a very important topic among sunscreen manufacturers.

And manufacturers need to get the products right, so that it is, at the very least, a comfortable or enjoyable experience to apply sunscreen in the right amount throughout the day, as if it is not, then people may not be encouraged to keep themselves covered as much if it means applying a dollop of thick, sticky cream every few hours.

Use the right amount​

According to ingredients firm DSM, its consumer research confirms that even though people are aware of the risks of inadequate sun protection, they often do not use a sufficient amount of sunscreen.

“Sun protection to preserve skin health and juvenility by sunscreens is greatly reduced if people do not use adequate amounts of sunscreen, because they feel that they have already used enough on their skin”,​ says Dr Juergen Vollhardt, Head of Claim and Scientific Substantiation at DSM Personal Care.

“Together with our previous research on improving the sensorial characteristics of sunscreen formulations, we hope to help promote the effective use of sunscreen by consumers.”​

Presenting results​

Dr Vollhardt will introduce new research findings on the sunscreen application process in a talk on 10 June at the 13th International Sun Protection Conference, at the Royal College of Surgeons in London

The research findings to be presented by DSM will revisit the commonly-known film-forming process of sunscreens by shaping the process into three key phases for sunscreen application.

“For the first time DSM will present flow behaviour experiments in-silico that have been key in understanding the sunscreen application process, ultimately influencing the performance level of the sun protection,”​ says Dr Vollhardt.

“This research work also allowed us to build a simple model explaining variations of SPF measurements in-vitro and in-vivo.”​

SkinCare Ingredients 2015​

Speaking of sun care, later in the month on Wednesday 24 June, 2015, Coty’s Marc Pissavini will also be approaching the subject, looking at the spreadability and efficacy of products and how important this is.

For more information and to register for free, please click here.​