Publication Search

Indonesia, as a tropical country, is exposed to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, increasing the risk of skin damage. Sunscreen is widely used as a protective measure indicated by the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of active ingredient variations on SPF values and other influencing factors. A literature review with a descriptive-comparative approach was conducted using research articles published between 2021 and 2026 from Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier. A total of seven eligible articles were analyzed. The results showed that the type of active ingredients, concentration, combination of ingredients, and dosage form significantly influence SPF values. Natural ingredients generally produce low to moderate SPF values, while combinations of active ingredients result in significantly higher SPF due to synergistic effects. Increasing the concentration of active ingredients also leads to higher SPF values. Additionally, dosage forms such as creams, serums, sunscreen powder and foundations affect sunscreen effectiveness through their film-forming ability on the skin. In conclusion, the combination of active ingredients and higher concentrations provides more optimal protection against UV radiation.

Extrinsic skin aging or photoaging occurs due to repeated and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). Photoaging prevention can be done, one of which is the use of sunscreen. This literature review aims to review the role of sunscreen in photoaging prevention using a variety of existing literature. Sunscreen plays an important role in preventing skin damage caused by sunlight, especially in preventing and repairing skin damage due to sun exposure (photoaging). The addition of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, melatonin, polyphenols, Polypodium leucotomos (PLE) extract as well as enzymes such as photoliase and T4N5 has been shown to increase protection against UV, visible light, and infrared-A rays and help repair skin damage. The use of colored sunscreen is recommended for protection from visible light. In addition, education on how to use sunscreen properly, such as reapplying every two to three hours and selecting the appropriate SPF and PA, also plays a big role in maximizing the effectiveness of skin protection from photoaging.