PABA

PABA stands for para-aminobenzoic acid which is mostly used in products made to protect from the harmful effects of sun. It is also used as a nutritional ingredient and helps in improving the protein use of body. There are many beneficial effects of PABA in the body. Lack of PABA in the body may cause fatigue, depression and patchy areas on skin.

PABA in vitamin supplements is taken to turn grey hair black again, improve protein digestion and inhibit sunburn. Sunscreen with PABA has proved to be very effective for sun protection when applied topically but has no sun protection effects when taken orally. PABA should always be taken according to the recommendation as dangers of too much PABA include liver damage and various adverse skin conditions.

PABA chemical in sunscreens provide effective protection but need to be applied at least 30 to 40 minutes before sun exposure to get maximum effects. A broad-spectrum sunblock with PABA gives protection from both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Some people experience side effects of PABA when using sunscreens or other products with PABA such as skin rashes and other allergic reaction. They should prefer using a PABA free sunblock and check the ingredients before opting for a sunscreen.

PABA side effects also include stinging in eyes if enters the eyes, rashes, photosensitivity and allergic reactions and damage in skin DNA when applied topically and nausea, vomiting and fever when taken orally. It should also never be used with sulfa containing drugs. Although PABA is a form of B complex vitamins but it should be taken with precaution.

PABA has resonance structures like chemical compounds in which electrons may change their positions and give an additional property. When applied as sunscreen, the structural resonance of PABA causes it to absorb UVB rays of sun and prevent them from reaching the skin underneath. Rheumatism or arthiritis is a condition of joints in which the patient experiences inflammation and pain in joint, swelling and even deformity. PABA and rheumatism are terms heard simulatneuosly as PABA has beneficial effects in arthiritis i.e. it reduces swelling of joints.

Suntan lotion and PABA are sometimes found together in products. The objective is to provide a tan colour to the skin by sun and simultaneously providing protection from the harmful sun rays which may cause sun burn, irreversible skin damage and also lead to skin cancer. To avoid the side effects of PABA, most sun protection products are now labeled as PABA free to give a safer option to the customers.