Effect of Simultaneous Administration of Dihydroxyacetone on the Diffusion of Lawsone Through Various In Vitro Skin Models

Abstract

Abstract. Unprotected sunlight exposure is a risk factor for a variety of cutaneous cancers. Topically used dihydroxyacetone (DHA) creates, via Maillard reaction, chemically fixed keratin sunscreen in the stratum corneum with significant protection against UVA/Soret radiation. When used in conjunction with naphthoquinones a naphthoquinone-modified DHA Maillard reaction is produced that provides protection across the UVB/UVA/Soret spectra lasting up to 1 week, resisting sweating and contact removal. The aim of this study was to examine a simplified version of this formulation for effect on UV transmission and to determine if penetration levels merit toxicity concerns. Permeability was demonstrated for freshly prepared DHA (30 mg/mL) and lawsone (0.035 mg/mL) alone and in combination using a side-by-side diffusion apparatus at 37°C over 48 h across shed snake skin and dermatomed pig skin. These samples were then examined for effectiveness and safety. Concentrations were determined by HPLC and UPLC monitored from 250-500 nm. Lawsone flux significantly decreased across pig skin (20.8 (±4.8) and 0.09 (±0.1)mg/cm 2 h without and with DHA, respectively) but did not change across shed snake skin in the presence of DHA. Significantly reduced lawsone concentration was noted in donor chambers of combined solutions. Damage was not observed in any skins. Darker coloration with greater UV absorbance was observed in skins exposed to the combined solution versus individual solutions. This study confirmed that combined DHA and lawsone provided effective blocking of ultraviolet light through products bound in keratinized tissue. DHA permeation levels in pig skin suggest further in vitro and in vivo study is required to determine the safety of this system.

Sunscreens: UV filters to protect us: Part 1: Changing regulations and choices for optimal sun protection

“…Among the “reserved” products, which remain unclassified, are lawsone + dihydroxyacetone (Henna dye skin surface oxidation product, Munt et al, 2015 ), DEA methoxycinnamate (a UVF used mainly in hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners), digalloyl triolate (unapproved in the US and banned in EU) and red petrolatum (a technical grade form of petrolatum that contains intrinsic red pigments from crude oil, now used mainly in veterinary medicine). Table 1 summarizes all these UVFs along with many other compounds not in regular use for sunscreen products and highlights some associated human and environmental toxicities of these agents, which are detailed in Part 2 of this review.…”

Comparison of Color Development Kinetics of Tanning Reactions of Dihydroxyacetone with Free and Protected Basic Amino Acids

“…The public interest in tanning has grown dramatically since more and more people view the tanned skin as more esthetically pleasing and healthy. , Various ways of tanning have emerged and evolved through the years to become more readily feasible and convenient to use for all consumers, such as natural ultraviolet radiation (UVR), artificial UVR, and sunless tanning products . With the increasing incidence of skin cancer, people’s desire for safer and more efficient tanning methods has made sunless tanning the most popular way. , Sunless tanning products not only produce a durable sun-kissed look without the risks of photodamage but also offer a moderate sun protection factor. , These products come in many forms, such as lotions, mousses, gels, and creams.…”

“… 4 , 5 Sunless tanning products not only produce a durable sun-kissed look without the risks of photodamage but also offer a moderate sun protection factor. 6 , 7 These products come in many forms, such as lotions, mousses, gels, and creams.…”

Color Development Kinetics of Maillard Reactions

“…3,4 Therefore, it is not surprising that there is a huge and growing demand for sunless tanning products, since these products not only provide skin with the sun-kissed look without exposure to strong sunlight but also offer moderate UV protection at sun protection factors (SPF) of approximately 2−5. 5,6 Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a three-carbon sugar, is the main active ingredient in commercial sunless tanning products. 7 The chemistry of DHA tanning is similar to the well-known Maillard reaction (also known as nonenzymatic browning reaction), which has been extensively studied and used to control the color, flavor, taste, and texture of sugar-containing foods.…”

“…The most readily available method to achieve tanned skin is to expose skin to sunlight. , Unfortunately, this practice has many drawbacks and can cause harm to health. Indeed, many studies have reported that excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the skin’s DNA leading to faster aging of skin and even skin cancers, such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. , Therefore, it is not surprising that there is a huge and growing demand for sunless tanning products, since these products not only provide skin with the sun-kissed look without exposure to strong sunlight but also offer moderate UV protection at sun protection factors (SPF) of approximately 2–5. , …”