The light and the sunscreens: A social-theme

Abstract

Science education with focus on socioscientific issues has been considered a promising strategy to increase young people's interest for science. In this perspective, the discussion of the interrelations between sunlight and the chemistry of sunscreens, taking into account technological, social and environmental aspects, constitute a socioscientific topic of current relevance. Thus, in this paper we introduce the nature of sunlight and its effects on human skin. Additionally, a discussion of sunscreens is carried out by addressing the principles of operation and the reasons for its use in a social and psychological perspective. It also addresses the environmental and health consequences, as result of the use of certain compounds in the formulation of sunscreens.