History of Sunscreen

Aug 30, 2023

The podcast explores the history of sunscreen, from ancient Egyptian skincare practices to the development of actual sunscreen in the 20th century. It discusses early efforts in sun protection, the use of natural ingredients, and the advancements in understanding the effects of the sun on the skin. The chapter also explores the origins of sunscreen and sun tan oils, from the recognition of the need for sun protection to the development of more comfortable sunscreen lotions after World War II. Additionally, it delves into the history, advancements, and controversies surrounding sunscreen and sunblock, including the introduction of SPF ratings, the development of broad spectrum and water resistant formulas, the regulations by the FDA, the environmental impact of sunscreen ingredients, and the importance of sun protection.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

A Historical Overview of Sunscreen

01:34 • 11min

Understanding UV Radiation and Early Sunscreen Development

12:28 • 8min

History and Development of Sunscreen

20:02 • 3min

The Origins of Sunscreen and Sun Tan Oils

22:39 • 7min

The Development and Evolution of Sunscreens

29:48 • 11min

Marathon Stories and Post-Race Recovery

40:22 • 5min

People around the globe have protected their skin using a variety of substances throughout history. In the 19th and 20th centuries, deeper understanding of sunlight and the way it affects skin led to more protective sunscreen formulations.

Research:

Aldahan AS, Shah VV, Mlacker S, Nouri K. “The History of Sunscreen.” JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(12):1316. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.3011
Belmont, Trixie. “Suntans With Pay Off.” The Baltimore Sun. June 13, 1967. https://www.newspapers.com/image/377122417/?terms=%22franz%20greiter%22%20&match=1
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Johann Wilhelm Ritter". Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Jan. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johann-Wilhelm-Ritter
Diffey, B. “Has the sun protection factor had its day?.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 320,7228 (2000): 176-7. doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7228.176
Greiter, F. and Gschnait, F. “EFFECT OF UV LIGHT ON HUMANS.” Photochemistry and Photobiology. 1984. 39: 869-873. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.1984.tb08873.x
Hodgskiss, Tammy. “What the use of ochre tells us about the capabilities of our African ancestry.” The Conversation. Sept. 7, 2015. https://theconversation.com/what-the-use-of-ochre-tells-us-about-the-capabilities-of-our-african-ancestry-47081
“History of Hamilton.” https://www.hamiltonsunandskin.com.au/history-of-hamilton
Leach, Doreen, and Julie Beckwith. “The founders of dermatology: Robert WilIan and Thomas Bateman.” Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London. Vol. 33, No. 6. November/December 1999. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9665792/pdf/jrcollphyslond146949-0084.pdf
MacEACHERN W.N. and O.F. JILLSON. “A Practical Sunscreen— ‘Red Vet Pet.’” Arch Dermatol. 1964;89(1):147–150. doi:10.1001/archderm.1964.01590250153027
Rathish, Shruthi, and Sebastian Criton. “Robert Willan – A True Pioneer.” Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, April 22, 2019. https://jsstd.org/robert-willan-a-true-pioneer/
Rubin, Penny. “Only on Sun Days.” The Province. January 4, 1975. https://www.newspapers.com/image/501299818/?terms=%22franz%20greiter%22&match=1
“The science of sunscreen.” Harvard Health Publishing. Feb 15, 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen
Skin Cancer Foundation. “Ask the Expert: Does a High SPF Protect My Skin Better?”May 1. 2023. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/
“Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun.” FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun#spf
“SUNSCREEN IN THE ENVIRONMENT:The History of Sunscreen's Effect on Corals.” Smithsonian Institute Oceans. https://ocean.si.edu/ecosystems/coral-reefs/sunscreen-environment
“Sun Tan Free, by the Inch.” The San Francisco Examiner. June 18, 1967. https://www.newspapers.com/image/458648765/?terms=%22franz%20greiter%22&match=1
Svarc, Federico. "A brief illustrated history on sunscreens and sun protection" Pure and Applied Chemistry, vol. 87, no. 9-10, 2015, pp. 929-936. https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-0303
Urbach, Frederick. “The historical aspects of sunscreens.” Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. Volume 64, Issues 2–3. 2001.Pages 99-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1011-1344(01)00202-0.
Urbach, F. “Franz Greiter – The Man and His Work.” Photobiology. 1991. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3732-8_82

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