Photoprotection strategies with antioxidant extracts: a new vision

Abstract The most harmful to biological compounds is ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun. UVC rays (100–280 nm) are extremely harmful to the skin. Fortunately, it is primarily absorbed in the earth’s troposphere by molecular oxygen and ozone. Although UVB (290–320 nm) accounts for only about 5 % of terrestrial UVR, its effects are typically much stronger than those of UVA (320–400 nm). UVR’s clinical effects on normal-appearing human skin can include erythema, pigmentation, suppression of acquired immunity and enhancement of innate immunity, all caused by UVB, and blood pressure reduction caused by UVA. Long-term effects include photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. All of these effects are supported by molecular or cellular effects such as DNA damage, ROS generation, melanogenesis, and the expression of numerous genes and related proteins. The use of sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure are the first lines of defense in photoprotection. Sunscreens with the appropriate SPF and protection spectrum are now the mainstay of many studies on UV damage. A variety of novel strategies for developing better sunscreens have been proposed. It has been proposed that incorporating antioxidant phenolic extracts into sunscreens can provide additional photoprotective qualities and provide greater protection by replenishing the skin’s natural reservoirs. Thus, the goal of this study was to look into the use of antioxidant extracts from medicinal plants in sunscreens and cosmetic formulations to boost photoprotection, with a particular emphasis on green extraction of these antioxidants from their complex matrices.