Your Sunscreen Could Soon Come with DNA

We don’t often know what exactly is in the products we buy every day. But soon the sunscreen you pick up off the shelf could be infused with DNA.

A research team from Binghamton University in New York, as published in the journal Scientific Reports, managed to figure out cross-linked DNA molecules are the ultimate protection against UV rays.

The researchers spread a thin sheet of salmon sperm DNA onto a piece of glass and studied how it reacted when exposed to UVA and UVB light.

Guy German, the author of the study, says it was straightforward. 

The testing was no different than they would do with other sources and the film’s water capacity was also tested with samples of stratum corneum, the outermost layer of our skin.

Spectacularly, 90 percent of UVB light was blocked. As for UVA light, the DNA film blocked 20 percent and even became more resistant the longer it was left exposed in the light. Visible light transmission was essentially unaffected.

The technology is still years away from hitting the market but German is pushing for commercialization as soon as possible. Hopefully that is sooner rather than later. 

Most dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen every day—yes, every day.

I can tell you, personally, I’m behind. As so, I need a product better than anything already at the store to catch up. German and his team have found it.

Joshua Zeichner, also out of New York, is the director of cosmetic research at Mount Sinai Hospital. He says the higher the SPF, the better.

Zeichner also left us with some expert insight.

“In the real world,” says Zeichner. “You do not put on as much sunscreen as we should, and we do not reapply as much as we should.”

Maybe it’s just in our DNA. Maybe we can use some new kind.

To find out more about DNA innovations related to skincare, contact Cultura today.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.