From ancient wisdom to modern science: sun protection through the ages
The history of sun protection goes back to the first advanced civilizations of mankind. It is not only a history of skin care, but also a reflection of social, cultural and scientific developments over the millennia.
Around 4000 BC: beginning of the sun cult
The Sumerians are one of the first advanced civilizations of humanity who lived in what is now Iraq. They worshipped the sun god Shamash, who as the god of justice also fought against evil and darkness. The Egyptians also had a sun god and worshipped Re (also known as Ra). He was one of the main gods and was not worshipped as the creator of the sun but was embodied as the sun itself. Re stood for the life-giving and life-sustaining light that enables all growth and prosperity.
3000 BC: Egyptian innovations
Despite all the worship of the gods, the cult of the sun evolved into a quest for protection from the scorching heat. The Egyptians were probably the first civilization to actively seek protection from the sun. They were known for their advanced beauty and body care rituals and developed a paste of rice, jasmine and lupins which they applied to their skin. This mixture not only provided protection from the sun, but also kept the skin smooth and soft. The Egyptians also wore hats and light clothing, and used umbrellas made of palm leaves to protect themselves from the intense sun.
500 BC: Greek and Roman influences
The Greeks rubbed olive oil on themselves to protect their skin from the sun. It kept the skin hydrated and reflected the sun's rays. This custom was adopted by the Romans, who also wore light-colored robes to reflect the sun's rays.
Middle Ages (5th - 15th century)
In Europe, the tradition / history of skin care was less documented during the Dark Ages, but the use of hats and clothing for sun protection persisted. In Asia, particularly in China and Japan, parasols became popular and were not only functional but also status symbols.
16th century: Sailors and sun protection
During long voyages, European sailors increasingly used headgear and long clothing to protect themselves from the intense sunlight on the open sea. Materials such as canvas were used to make protective clothing.
17th century: Cultural differences
This century saw a difference in advanced sun protection methods. For example, silk and rice paper face masks became popular in Asia and served both a protective and aesthetic function. In Europe, however, zinc oxide was used as a white face powder, which also had a protective effect
19th century: Industrial revolution and sun protection
With the Industrial Revolution and increasing urbanization, fair skin was considered a sign of wealth and social class in Europe and America. Sun protection was provided by parasols, hats and long dresses.
20th century: Scientific breakthroughs
At the beginning of the 20th century, tanned skin was still considered a sign of a lower status (farm workers, sailors, road workers). In parallel with industrial development, a societal shift towards more light, air and sun began in the 1920s. Tanning became a sign of wealth and leisure rather than just a byproduct of working outdoors.. With more bare skin exposed to the sun, the problem of sunburn took on a new meaning. In the 1930s, oils were used as cosmetics to “protect” the body from the sun, but they didn't not actually protect against UV rays.. The discovery of UV rays and their harmful effects led to the development of the first commercial sunscreens with specific sun protection factors (SPF) in the 1930s. These products were based on new scientific findings and offered more effective protection against sunburn (skin cancer was not yet an issue). During the World War II, soldiers in the Pacific were among the first to widely use sunscreen in the form of a red, sticky substance that blocked UV radiation. Its effectiveness was limited and it worked as a physical radiation blocker. The Austrian chemist Franz Greiter introduced the term "Sun Protection Factor" (SPF) in the 1970s to measure how well sunscreens protect the skin. This became a standard that helped consumers to choose the right sunscreen product. At the same time, scientists started studying how to protect the skin from UVA rays as these rays can cause wrinkles and skin cancer. This was the starting point to develop sunscreen products with UVA and UVB filters to give a broadspectrum protection to the skin. This protects the skin from sunburn (caused by UVB rays) and skin aging (caused by UVA rays).