Plant-Derived bioactive compounds as Skin Photo protection Agents

Exposure to the sun is unavoidable in daily life. Ultra-violet radiations are the major component of sunlight and play a significant role in damaging the skin. They induce many skin problems like erythema, sun burn, rashes as well as skin cancer. Although the protective layer of earth, the ozone layer, filters most of the damaging radiations from the sun, with the dramatic rise in pollution, global warming is reaching at its peak point. These pollutants deteriorate the protective ozone layer of earth, resulting in its thinning which in turn allows the passage of hazardous solar radiations to the earth. These radiations act as the most potent irritant for the skin cells. In order to avoid these hazardous effects of UV radiations, there is an emerging demand for the use of photo protectants. Manufacturers of various cosmetic and skin care companies are focusing on natural compounds to deal with skin problems caused by UV radiations. It includes phytochemicals and bioactive compounds from the plants. As these are natural and economic, they don’t leave any damaging effect on the body and are the best photo protectants against UV radiations. There are several plants with their chemical compounds derived and studied for their photoprotective role. Most of them are proven best for cosmetic remedies. This review will provide a look over the plant-derived bioactive compounds of Southeast Asia with their photo protectant effect