Melanin, the skin pigment, is a protective layer that protects human skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Here, scientists developed a synthetic melanin and tried to strengthen this layer. Judging by the first results, synthetic melanin provides more effective protection against UV rays than sunscreens. Scientists have named this substance, which not only protects but also repairs skin damage, super melanin.
Is super synthetic melanin replacing sunscreen for UV protection?
In the research conducted at Northwestern University, scientists began to test the synthetic melanin they developed against UV radiation. Researchers first tested the substance, called supermelanin, on mice and donated human skin. In this sense, synthetic melanin not only reduced UV-induced radiation damage but also prevented the damage.
In treatments with super melanin, the skin suffered little or no permanent damage, even when exposed to toxic substances and UV-induced radiation.
Judging by the results, this synthetic super melanin saves the skin by absorbing the free radicals that occur in toxic attacks on the skin. Initial studies revealed that the substance, which acts just like real melanin, can be biodegraded. Especially in the observations made on super melanin, it is easily absorbed by the skin. This is among its important advantages in that it does not carry a toxic risk.
In this respect, researchers will test super synthetic melanin, which does not cause toxic damage to the skin, on animals and then on humans.
It is also important that synthetic melanin does not cause damage to the skin and has both protective and therapeutic properties against UV rays. With this aspect of super melanin, it may be an important alternative for sunscreens.
As you know, although sunscreen provides protection against UV rays in general, it is not a definitive solution for UV-induced radiation. In this sense, super synthetic melanin is both protective and damage-preventing, at least according to research results. Again, although sunscreen is preventive against skin cancer, super melanin is expected to be much more effective in this sense. It is also expected that it will reverse serious skin damage, especially sunburn.
So, do you think synthetic melanin can replace sunscreen in terms of UV protection? We are waiting your comments.