Sunscreens are preparations that are created to protect the skin from UV rays and to counteract cellular aging. On the subject of sunscreens, nature also helps us under the umbrella: in fact, in recent years the formulations of organic sunscreens have achieved great goals, becoming more and more performing and decidedly comfortable on the skin, without the unsightly ghost effect

In this article we will see what sunscreens are for, why it is important to use them, the difference between sunscreens with chemical filters and physical filters and how nature can help us under the umbrella. Finally we will talk about our 'Osolebio suncare line, which protects the skin while respecting the sea and its inhabitants:

• what are sunscreens used for?
• Eco bio sunscreens: what are the differences with traditional sunscreens?
• What are the characteristics of the perfect bio solar?
• The new 'Osolebio Line

what are sunscreens used for?

Sunscreens have the function of protecting our skin from UV rays and the radiation they give off, plus they are essential to counteract cellular aging.

Solar radiation

The sun emits a large quantity and variety of electromagnetic radiations that originate from the thermonuclear reactions that take place at the level of its nucleus, the best known being ultraviolet rays, responsible for tanning.

Fortunately, solar radiation is largely absorbed by the earth's atmosphere which acts as a real filter, the radiations that manage to pass this natural protective barrier are composed of three different types of light:

• the infrared one which is an invisible radiation, but perceptible in the form of heat
• the one visible to the naked eye which goes from red to violet
• the ultraviolet one. This radiation, with its different wavelengths, is precisely the cause of the much sought-after tan!

Most of the UV rays are reflected by the superficial stratum corneum and only a small amount reaches the deeper layers of the epidermis.

Depending on the wavelength, they are divided into UV-A, UV-B and UV-C.

Their most important characteristic is the wavelength which determines the depth of skin penetration.

• UV-A accounts for about 98% of the UV rays that hit the Earth. They are mainly responsible for tanning, but in the long run, given their high wavelength, they are able to penetrate deep into the dermis, damaging the skin even in the long term.
• UV-B make up 2% of the ultraviolet radiation that passes the atmosphere. UV-B rays have a lower penetration capacity and are unable to overcome the more superficial structures of the skin. However, the deleterious effects are important since they are capable of altering the genetic material contained in the DNA, increasing the risk of the appearance of skin tumours. UV-B radiation is much more effective than UV-A radiation at causing erythema.
• UV-C are the most dangerous ultraviolet rays. They are particularly harmful to health as they have a high carcinogenic power. Fortunately, they are held back by the ozone layer and therefore have no particular effect on the skin.

Eco bio sunscreens: what are the differences with traditional sunscreens?

Ecobio sunscreens differ from traditional sunscreens on the market due to the different types of filters they contain and consequently to the different mechanism of action.

Sunscreens are substances capable of shielding the skin from the absorption of radiation (both visible and UV).

Formally, therefore, sunscreens are divided according to the nature and mechanism of action into:

• sunscreens with chemical filters: these are synthetic molecules that absorb UVA and UVB solar radiation, therefore they act by absorption.

They can have estrogenic effects as they are absorbed by the skin, furthermore they are not biodegradable: they have devastating effects on the aquatic flora and fauna as they remain afloat and prevent the sun's rays from penetrating the water, killing plants and algae and taking away food from the fish. This is why some countries such as Hawaii and Palau have banned the use of some chemical filters contained in traditional sunscreens: their use undermines the existence of the coral reef. To find out more, you can read the in-depth analysis here.

A recent American study, following the results obtained, has signaled the risk that the substances contained in the chemical filters can be absorbed by the skin and enter the bloodstream.

• sunscreens with physical filters: these are minerals that are reduced to very fine powders in order to be incorporated into the creamy base. They are like mirrors and protect us from harmful radiation through a reflection/diffusion mechanism.

These are inert, photostable substances, particularly safe for skin health and more environmentally friendly with the waters of our seas and their inhabitants.

The physical filters that we have chosen to use in our sunscreens are Zinc Oxide, a latest generation non-nano mineral physical filter. Its mechanism of action consists in reflecting UVA and UVB solar radiation and Hydroxyapatite. It is a latest generation non-nano physical mineral filter which enhances the action of zinc oxide and performs a double action: protection from UVA and UVB and anti-aging.

To find the perfect sun you can't ignore your phototype!

The size of the particles to which the minerals are reduced determines the classification in:

• Microparticles (order of magnitude greater than 200 nm)
• Nanoparticles (order of magnitude between 2 and 200 nm)

When we talk about nano particles, we are therefore talking about extraordinarily small materials obtained in the laboratory, on whose characteristics we still know too little. They represent the last frontier, an emerging technology but for this reason it is necessary to deepen and avoid a superficial attitude.

Nanoparticles must obligatorily be indicated in INCI with the entry NANO next to the substance.
La Saponaria sunscreens have NON-NANO physical filters.

Ecobio sunscreens are usually free of dyes, preservatives and synthetic fragrances to limit the risk of allergies and skin toxicity especially in children and people with sensitive skin.

Obviously, as with all sunscreens, even when choosing an organic sunscreen, the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) must be taken into account, which must be inversely proportional to the phototype, i.e., the lighter the skin, the higher the SPF. In fact, the COLIPA (European Association of Cosmetic Manufacturers) provides for the subdivision of sunscreens into:

• LOW PROTECTION, SPF 6-15
• MEDIUM PROTECTION, SPF 20-25
• HIGH PROTECTION, SPF 30-50

What are natural booster substances?

To highlight the all-round protection capacity of the finished cosmetic, superior to that of its individual parts, the term booster is used.

To obtain the so-called booster effect in organic sunscreens, natural substances are used, such as oils and extracts that improve performance by acting above all as natural antioxidants.

Among these we have:

1. Carrot oil, rich in β-carotene which stimulates tanning and protects the skin from radiation
2. Argan oil, protects from UV rays, has emollient properties and prevents skin aging
3. Jojoba oil, rich in vitamins and with antioxidant properties
4. Sunflower oil, helps tanning
5. Coconut oil, emollient and hydrating
6. Sweet almond oil, facilitates tanning
7. Vitamin E, increases protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Are you looking for a suitable sunscreen for everyone, even for the most delicate skin?

Discover our line of solar products 'Osolebio, with crazy formulas that are super simple to spread and new eco-packs with a practical dispenser!

Why choose physical filters

• They have a safer toxicological profile, do not interact with the skin and are potentially less allergenic. The possibility of using them alone in a sunscreen product considerably reduces the risk of individual skin sensitization, which makes them suitable and highly compatible with children's delicate skin;
• They are Eco-sustainable, in line with what we believe in! They do not have the devastating effects on the aquatic flora and fauna of chemical filters which remain afloat and prevent the sun's rays from penetrating the water, killing plants and algae and taking away food from the fish.

What are the characteristics of the perfect bio solar?

The ideal organic solar:

• It must consist of natural ingredients
• It must offer UVA and UVB protection
• It must be well tolerated
• Resistant to water and sweat
• Easy to apply
• Photo and thermo stable
• Safe and effective
• It must not have allergens
• It must be rich in antioxidants
• It must be made with physical filters
• Better without fragrance or with fragrance given by natural ingredients
• Excellent texture, should not leave white trails

The new 'Osolebio Line

The 'Osolebio Line includes 3 organic sunscreens + a travel format and 1 anti-aging face cream (also perfect for the city) with latest generation mineral filters, clinically tested which guarantee protection from both UVA and UVB rays for young and old!

To complete the line there are four other products with a fresh and intoxicating scent to prolong a beautiful and healthy tan. The news in particular are:

💛 Very light and easy to spread texture
💛 Zero white trail on all skin types
💛 SPF 50 sunscreen perfect for children and sensitive skin and also available in travel format for small trips
💛 Two new solar milks with SPF 30 and 20, very light and fragrant
💛 A new anti-aging face cream with SPF 30 suitable for all skin types and ideal for use even in the city against smog and oxidative stress, slightly pigmented
💛 A new boat shampoo shower, also ideal for camping and the beach to gently cleanse without polluting the sea
💛 In all cases where it has been possible we have chosen to introduce re-bottle recycled plastic bottles and also aluminum tubes for packaging that is as light and sustainable as possible
💛 Our suns are Friends of the Sea, for real! With our sunscreens we make our contribution to the protection of the coral reef in Mozambique.

The sunscreens belonging to this line contain 100% mineral filters, are free of synthetic fragrances and petrochemical substances, have dermatologically tested eco-bio formulas that protect the skin of adults and children and safeguard the environment.

Specific tests and analyzes required by law have been performed on all our organic sunscreens (the exact same ones necessary for any sunscreen, regardless of the type of filters contained!) to guarantee the correct sun protection index.

• PATCH TEST (dermatological tests on volunteers)
• CHALLENGE TEST (test on self-preservation of products)
• Determination of the SPF through the International Sun Protection Factor Test Method, to verify the protection from UVB
• In vitro method according to COLIPA guide levels, to verify protection from UVA
• Method for verifying compliance of the critical wavelength
• Water resistance to check the water resistance
• Organic certification

The 'Osolebio line of sunscreens is made with many natural active ingredients and latest generation mineral filters to ensure effective protection, ease of use and comfort on the skin. They are tested on sensitive skin and protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays and oxidative stress.

All the protections are with 100% natural - non-nano filters, dermatologically tested on sensitive and water-resistant skin.

Here are all the products in the line:

• Baby and sensitive skin sunscreen fluid – High Protection SPF 50: perfect for fair to medium skins and for the first days of sunshine, it is rich in nutrients and functional substances. It moisturizes and protects the skin of the face and body, promoting an even and golden tan. The texture is light and does not leave a white trail.
  It is without added perfume to make it even more suitable for children and loved by all sensitive skins
  
  
• Sunscreen fluid – High Protection SPF 50 - Travel size, very comfortable to take on the road or to choose only in the first days of sun exposure to gradually prepare the skin for tanning.
  
  
• Sunscreen Milk SPF 30 - High protection and Sunscreen Milk SPF 20 - Medium protection: they moisturize and protect the skin of the face and body, and help prevent skin ageing. They promote a uniform and golden tan thanks to the Carrot and the Walnut Hull. Their texture is liquid and light: just shake the bottle before use and spreading the sunscreen will be a pleasure, also thanks to its heady scent of coconut and summer. The new pack is in re-bottle plastic.
  
  
• Antipollution firming face cream - High Protection SPF 30: this face cream with a very light and impalpable texture is perfect for all skin types and is designed as a day cream to always wear, even in the city. offers triple protection against the sun, reduces the likelihood of the formation of spots, sunburn and sunburn, smog, makes your skin luminous and uniform by sweeping away the dullness of cities and wrinkles, protects the skin from the sun and smog and their oxidative action , slows down the formation of wrinkles and makes the skin more elastic and healthy. The new pack is in aluminium.
  
  
• Shower Shampoo for boats, sea and camping - Friend of the sea: it is the perfect cleanser to use when you are in nature, because it washes, moisturizes and refreshes body and hair respecting our world thanks to 100% renewable and biodegradable vegetable surfactants with which it is formulated. It takes care of and restores energy to skin and hair stressed by the sun, chlorine or salt. For a soft and velvety skin that smells of summer and nature.
  
  
• After sun lotion: this cream is rich in precious oils and butters, perfect for pampering and nourishing the skin, it has antioxidant, emollient and regenerating properties. Gives relief to skin stressed by the sun, wind and salt and makes it soft and velvety. It smells of nature and summer and is ideal for bringing home some sun and a good mood after returning from the sea
  
  
• Protective Hair Oil 3 in 1 - Aloha: a treatment oil with a rich formula and light texture based on organic oils of Argan, Coconut, Linseed, Babassu and pure Vitamin E to ensure nourishment and to protect the natural beauty of the hair. Triple action to protect hair from:
  
  • Sun, Salsedine and Chlorine: prevents dryness and fragility during sun exposure or swimming in the pool.
  • Heat from hair dryer and straightener: applied before styling, it protects from heat and prevents split ends.
  • Dryness and Opacity: used as a restructuring pack, it gives tone and shine