LAUSR

So far sun protection meant ultraviolet (UV) protection. But there is preliminary data that beside UV radiation also visible light (VIS) and near infrared A (IRA) radiation may have harmful effects on our skin resulting in photoaging and even cancer induction. Therefore, some authors claim that modern sun protection should also include shielding against longer wavelengths such as VIS and IRA. Therefore, avoidance of sun exposure at peak times and textile sun protection are important pillars of a modern prophylactic approach. Besides, antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes may be added to topical sunscreens in order to enhance the protection before and even after sun exposure. Furthermore, there are reports raising the question about a negative impact of specific UV filters on our environment causing among other things coral bleaching. There is need for more studies elucidating the benefit of photoprotective agents against UV, VIS and IRA with the aim to be environmentally safe at the same moment.