At the very beginning of the summer season, many of us are wondering about the best sun cream, which also takes care of the environment. Although there are some protectors with sustainable ingredients, until now the star component had not been introduced: methylene blue.
This substance, hitherto unknown to many, is a highly effective broad-spectrum UV protection agent. It has been found that when used while swimming in the sea, it can also take care of coral reefs and the marine environment.
Oxybenzone may not be beneficial for the environment
Una new research suggests that methylene blue may be the substitute ingredient for all those that put marine life and sustainability at risk. In addition, it protects human skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation.
In current products, the most widely used chemical blocker of ultraviolet rays is oxybenzone. They absorb ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. UVA rays are associated with skin aging and have a longer wavelength. On the other hand, UVB rays are those that are related to skin burns and have a shorter wavelength.
Fortunately, there are many countries that have banned the use of oxybenzone, as well as its derivatives, to prevent the negative impact on marine ecosystems. Although consumers mainly think of the sun protection factor (SPF) to avoid sunburn and possibly dangerous health problems in the long term.
The researchers exposed a species of soft coral to similar amounts of oxybenzone or methylene blue. These monitored the growth of the soft coral species, as well as their responses to both components. They found severe bleaching and coral death in Xenia corals treated with oxybenzone in less than a week, while methylene blue has no side effect on coral health, even at higher concentrations.
Methylene blue is a more effective blocker
This substance provides protection against ultraviolet radiation. Research suggests that “methylene blue is an effective UVB blocker“, with highly desired features, according to Dr. Kan Cao, lead author and founder of Mblue Labs, Bluelene Skincare.
Methylene blue shows broad spectrum absorption of UVB and UVA rays, promotes the repair of DNA disturbances, and does not create any harm to coral reefs. The researchers, which included scientists from Mblue Labs and the University of Maryland, looked at the UV protection benefits of methylene blue among young and old people, and compared the results with Oxybenzone.
The research concluded that blue absorbs UVA and UVB rays and helps repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. So a certain preference could be established over the classic sunscreens. In addition, the scientists also compared methylene blue to other common skin care antioxidants such as vitamin A and vitamin C in its ability to decrease cellular oxidative stress. It is claimed that methylene blue is effective against cell stress.
The combination of methylene blue and vitamin C could have anti-aging effects, specifically on the skin of older people, suggesting a positive effect of both.
New research suggests that methylene blue may possibly be an active ingredient in sunscreens because it is safe for coral reefs and can offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.