English ivy could revolutionise natural sunscreen
The protection provided by natural sunscreen could benefit from a recent breakthrough by a professor at the University of Tennessee.
Mingjun Zhang and his research team discovered that ivy nanoparticles could be four times more effective than metal-based sun blocks at protecting the skin from UV radiation.
Currently, many sunscreens contain metal-based particles which absorb and disperse sunlight.
After attending a conference where concerns were raised about the toxicity levels of these metal-based sun blocks, Professor Zhang decided to investigate the power of organic nanoparticles.
He had been intrigued by ivy's ability to cling to and climb walls and discovered the plant contains a yellowish product which gives it this ability. Tests also showed the same substance could also soak up light.
Professor Zhang's findings could revolutionise this type of product, providing a natural sunscreen that is far more compatible and healthy for humans.
A recent survey conducted by Cancer Research UK found that 89 per cent of women did not think having a sun tanned body was more attractive than pale skin.
Posted by James Mould
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