Recommendation for sunscreens with natural ingredients against sun rays

With the arrival of the summer months, the sun’s impact begins to increase. Using sunscreen to protect against the harmful effects of sun rays is of great importance. Experts emphasized the benefits of natural ingredient sunscreens, highlighting important points to consider when choosing sunscreen.
Ways to protect against the harmful effects of sun rays
Dermatologist Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay pointed out that the harmful effects of sun rays include sunburn, premature aging of the skin, photoallergy, and skin cancer, and continued as follows:
“Dark yellow or brown sunspots that occur in areas exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays are more commonly seen in fair-skinned and elderly individuals. Sun rays reduce the protein called Type I collagen in the skin, causing wrinkles and premature aging. UVA rays make their way to the deep layers of the skin, causing damage to collagen and elastin fibers, while UVB rays, responsible for sunburn, show harmful effects on DNA structure. Simply staying in the shade is not enough to protect against the harmful effects of sun rays. Sun rays are reflected by the sea, sand, and grass. Even sitting under an umbrella on the beach can cause sunburn due to rays reflected from the sand. The most effective way to protect against the harmful effects of the sun is to use sunscreen.
Physical filter or chemical filter
Dermatologist Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay stated that sunscreens containing chemical ingredients also threaten marine life, and stated the following:
“Sunscreens containing physical filters create a physical barrier with minerals like zinc, scattering and reflecting the rays from the skin. Sunscreens containing chemical filters absorb UVA or UVB rays, reducing their penetration into the skin. However, repeated applications on large surface areas can pose a risk in terms of the absorption of chemical substances. Moreover, sunscreens containing chemical ingredients also threaten marine life. These sunscreens accumulate in the seas, showing harmful effects on mussels, algae, crustaceans, corals, starfish, fish, and dolphins. Therefore, the use of sunscreens containing completely natural ingredients such as natural organic non-nano mineral zinc and Anatolian propolis is important. When choosing a sunscreen, attention should be paid to features such as providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, having a high SPF value (SPF 50++ / PA++++), being produced with natural ingredients, containing mineral filters (zinc oxide), not harming marine life, being water-resistant, not leaving a white residue on the skin, containing particles in a non-nano size, and having formulas rich in antioxidant ingredients.
Natural sun protection with propolis
Dr. Aslı Elif Tanuğur Samancı, the Founder of BEE’O Apicare, who develops completely natural sunscreen formulas with Anatolian Propolis, stated that scientific studies have shown that propolis can be beneficial as a natural sunscreen agent, saying, “In a study conducted in Lithuania in 2022, the protective effect of propolis against sun rays was investigated and it was found to have a high SPF value. Additionally, propolis extracts were found to have high antioxidant activity. Another study conducted in Poland evaluated the inhibition potential of propolis on the tyrosinase enzyme and it was determined that propolis exhibits a strong anti-spot activity on the skin. In summary, sunscreens enriched with natural components such as propolis offer a safe option for both the skin and the environment.”