THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUN DEFENCE
HOW DOES LIGHT IMPACT THE SKIN?
PHOTOPROTECTION GOES BEYOND SPF
The importance of full-spectrum defense against ultraviolet (UV) A, UVB, Visible Light (VL),
and Infrared (IRA) is now recognised, with each inducing distinct biological effects that
accelerate aging, pigmentation, and carcinogenesis.
DAILY, YEAR-ROUND1 SUN PROTECTION IS ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR
PATIENTS OF ALL AGES AND SKIN TYPES TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY SKIN.
UVA (320–400 nm)
Penetrates deeply, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to photoaging. Due to its prevalence, deep penetration, and significant biological effects, UVA1 is a major contributor to skin damage, underscoring the need for broad-spectrum photoprotection that includes UVA1 up to 400 nm to preserve skin health and integrity.2,3.
UVB (290–320 nm)
Drives erythema, DNA damage, and mutagenesis, leading to increased risk of skin cancer.4
VL (400–700 nm)
Found especially in high-energy blue wavelengths, triggers melanogenesis and inflammation, worsening hyperpigmentation.1, 5-7.
IRA (700–1400 nm)
Increases mitochondrial ROS and matrix metalloproteinases, accelerating dermal collagen breakdown and contributing to photoaging.5,7,8
MEET THE MOLECULE
CHANGING PHOTOPROTECTION
BROAD-SPECTRUM UV FILTRATION, BACKED BY SCIENCE
MEXORYL XL
DROMETRIZOLE
TRISILOXANE
TRISILOXANE
Broadband filter
spanning UVB
through long UVA.
Bridges the gap
between SX and 400.
spanning UVB
through long UVA.
Bridges the gap
between SX and 400.
Oil-soluble - photostable -
UVB - partial UVA II
UVB - partial UVA II
MEXORYL SX
TEREPHTHALYLIDENE
DICAMPHOR
SULFONIC ACID
DICAMPHOR
SULFONIC ACID
Targets short UVA.
Most effective when
paired with XL for
full-spectrum coverage.
Most effective when
paired with XL for
full-spectrum coverage.
Water-soluble -
photostable - UVAI
photostable - UVAI
MEXORYL 400
METHOXYPROPYLAMINO
CYCLOHEXENYLIDENE
ETHOXYETHYLCYANO
ACETATE
CYCLOHEXENYLIDENE
ETHOXYETHYLCYANO
ACETATE
Fills the ultra-long
UVA gap (380-400
nm) - a key driver
of pigmentation that
most filters miss.
UVA gap (380-400
nm) - a key driver
of pigmentation that
most filters miss.
Photostable - ultra-long
UVA - pigmentation-focused
UVA - pigmentation-focused
Beyond UV Filtering : Regulating Pigmentation
MELASYL™
Developed over 18+ years of research, this L'Oréal patented molecule blocks visible light and actively reduces melanin precursors — targeting a key driver of hyperpigmentation that UV filters alone don't address.
Anti-melanogenesis -VL HEV blue · HEV green-pigmentation-focused - L'Oréal patented
← Related Content →
Download our practical photoprotection infographics
- 1 de Troya Martín M, VF Rodríguez Martínez A, Rivas Ruiz F, Subert A, Arellano Mendoza MI, Calzavara-Pinton P, et al. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2025;41(1):e70001.
- 2 Ivanova I, Bogner C, Gronwald W, Kreutz M, Kurz B, Maisch T, et al. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2023;22(8):1889–99.
- 3 Bernerd F, Passeron T, Castiel I, Marionnet C. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23:8243.
- 4 Fan W, Rokohl AC, Guo Y, Chen H, Gao T, Kakkassery V, et al. Front Oral Maxillofac Med. 2023;5:10.
- 5 Geisler AN, Austin E, Nguyen J, Hamzavi I, Jagdeo J, Lim HW. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021;84(5):1233–44.
- 6 Passeron T, Lim HW, Goh CL, Kang HY, Ly F, Morita A, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021;35(7):1460–9.
- 7 Austin E, Geisler AN, Nguyen J, Kohli I, Hamzavi I, Lim HW, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021;84(5):1219–31.
- 8 Marionnet C, et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2017;137(5):1184–7.
- 9 Rigel DS, Taylor SC, Lim HW, Alexis AF, Armstrong AW, Fuxench ZC, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022;86(3):S1–8.
- 10 Chen L, Hu JY, Wang SQ. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012;67(5):1013–24.
- 11 Burke KE. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2004;3(3):149–55.
- 12 Godic A, Poljšak B, Adamic M, Dahmane R. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2014;2014:860479.
- 13 Maeda K, Hatao M. J Invest Dermatol. 2004;122(2):503–9.