Sunscreens – what's important to know

Abstract

The popularity of sunscreens dramatically increased since ultraviolet irradiation was implicated in the pathogenesis of skin cancer and skin ageing. The absorption properties, safety, photostability of different organic and inorganic filters are reviewed: para -aminobenzoic acid, salicylates, cinnamates, benzophenones, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane (Parsol 1789), drometrizole trisulphonic (Mexoryl XL), terephthalydene dicamphor sulphonic acid (Mexoryl SX), methylene bisbenzotriazol tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinasorb M), anisotriazine (Tinasorb S), titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Furthermore, this review discusses the optimal methods for measuring the protection that a sunscreen offers, the role of sunscreen use in melanoma prevention and future trends in sunscreen filters development.

Sunscreens and Antioxidants as Photo-protective Measures: An update

“…When not enough sunscreen is applied, the effective SPF of the product will be reduced significantly. This reduction in SPF may potentially lead to sunburn, particularly if the sunscreen used has a low or medium SPF to begin with [55]. An average size adult should apply at least one teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm, leg, frontand back of body, and at least half a teaspoon to the face (including theears and neck).…”

“…Re-applying sunscreen doesn't extend the length of time a person is protected from sunburn. It just guarantees that the actual SPF of the product is realized [55]. While using sunscreen sprays, the product should be both sprayed on and rubbed in to ensure uniform coverage [56].…”

“…Sun protection in children plays a significant role in preventing skin cancer later in life. Research indicates that regular use of sunscreen for the first 18 years of a child's life can reduce the lifetime incidence of skin cancers by more than 70% [55]. * Contact dermatitis: The most common cause of contact dermatitis (photoallergy) due to sunscreens is oxybenzone [57].…”

Inorganic UV filters

“…Typically, the organic UV filters are called chemical filters, as their mode of action is related to chemical changes in their molecules that prevent UV radiation reaching the skin. The inorganic UV filters are called physical, because their mode of skin protection against solar radiation is associated with physical phenomena, such as scattering and reflection of UV radiation (Antoniou et al, 2008;Jin et al, 2008;Seite et al, 2000;Van der Pols et al, 2006;Wang, Balagula, Osterwalder, 2010). However, the correct denomination of UV filters is inorganic and organic, because both of them are chemical products differing in their molecular composition and physical and chemical terms refer to the action mode of the UV filters (Morabito et al, 2011).…”

Determination of three ultraviolet filters in sunscreen formulations and from skin penetration studies by high-performance liquid chromatography

“…They are commonly used to improve the substantivity of the formulation and reduce the photodegradation of some sunscreens. 8 When formulating sunscreens, the sunscreen agents should remain on the surface of the skin, accumulate in the stratum corneum, and create a barrier against UV radiation without transdermally penetrating systemic circulation. 9 Unfortunately, several studies have demonstrated that some UV filters, such as 3-BZ, OMC, and OS, can penetrate the epidermis.…”