Blue-green hope to beat sunscreen allergy
Thursday October 27th, 2011
Swedish researchers are hoping that blue-green algae will yield a "natural" sunscreen that may spare users from skin reactions.
Researchers
at Gothenburg University have already synthesised the chemical scytonemin,
which is produced by some blue-green algae to counteract the effects of
strong sunlight.
The chemical absorbs ultra-violet light. Blue-green algae are also known as cyanobacteria.
Researcher Isabella Karlsson now hopes it can form the basis of new sunscreens for humans.
She said: “Unfortunately, several of the chemical UV filters used in sunscreens cause contact allergy, either of themselves or when they are exposed to sunlight.
"We have therefore studied a UV filter, scytonemin, that is found in certain bacteria. We have managed to produce this substance artificially in the laboratory."
Tags: Allergies & Asthma | Alternative Therapy | Dermatology | Europe
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