An individual’s response to UV radiation and melanin
production is dependent on skin color and other
genetic factors. Even if an individual has dark skin, or
whose skin readily produces melanin when exposes to
UV radiation, may still experience sunburn as a result
of high intensity of UV radiation and an extended
length of exposure. Sunscreens are cosmetic
formulations that block UV rays. Sunscreens are
assigned sun protection fators, or SPF, ratings that are
supposed to indicate the level of protection from UV
radiation 2. This is important for human well-being
because exposure to ultraviolet radiation (principally
UV-B radiation) has a number of effects on health
including sunburn, skin cancer, immune suppression
and damage to the eye