-
The British Journal of Dermatology Nov 2019Global concern about vitamin D deficiency has fuelled debates on photoprotection and the importance of solar exposure to meet vitamin D requirements. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Global concern about vitamin D deficiency has fuelled debates on photoprotection and the importance of solar exposure to meet vitamin D requirements.
OBJECTIVES
To review the published evidence to reach a consensus on the influence of photoprotection by sunscreens on vitamin D status, considering other relevant factors.
METHODS
An international panel of 13 experts in endocrinology, dermatology, photobiology, epidemiology and biological anthropology reviewed the literature prior to a 1-day meeting in June 2017, during which the evidence was discussed. Methods of assessment and determining factors of vitamin D status, and public health perspectives were examined and consequences of sun exposure and the effects of photoprotection were assessed.
RESULTS
A serum level of ≥ 50 nmol L 25(OH)D is a target for all individuals. Broad-spectrum sunscreens that prevent erythema are unlikely to compromise vitamin D status in healthy populations. Vitamin D screening should be restricted to those at risk of hypovitaminosis, such as patients with photosensitivity disorders, who require rigorous photoprotection. Screening and supplementation are advised for this group.
CONCLUSIONS
Sunscreen use for daily and recreational photoprotection does not compromise vitamin D synthesis, even when applied under optimal conditions. What's already known about this topic? Knowledge of the relationship between solar exposure behaviour, sunscreen use and vitamin D is important for public health but there is confusion about optimal vitamin D status and the safest way to achieve this. Practical recommendations on the potential impact of daily and/or recreational sunscreens on vitamin D status are lacking for healthy people. What does this study add? Judicious use of daily broad-spectrum sunscreens with high ultraviolet (UV) A protection will not compromise vitamin D status in healthy people. However, photoprotection strategies for patients with photosensitivity disorders that include high sun-protection factor sunscreens with high UVA protection, along with protective clothing and shade-seeking behaviour are likely to compromise vitamin D status. Screening for vitamin D status and supplementation are recommended in patients with photosensitivity disorders.
Topics: Consensus; Evidence-Based Medicine; Global Health; Humans; Mass Screening; Recreation; Reference Values; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Sun Protection Factor; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 31069788
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17992 -
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Mar 2022Photoprotection behaviors can mitigate skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, and common methods include seeking shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak daylight... (Review)
Review
Photoprotection behaviors can mitigate skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, and common methods include seeking shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak daylight hours, wearing sun-protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and using sunglasses. While the role of sun protection in preventing sunburns, photoaging, and skin cancer is well established in fair-skinned populations, individuals with skin of color (SOC) are presumed to suffer fewer negative effects from solar radiation. Thus, the importance of photoprotection in this population is understudied and may be underestimated. In SOC populations, sun exposure is known to cause pigmentary disorders, photoaging, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), highlighting the potential benefits of photoprotection. Although SOC populations tend to practice photoprotection by seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, survey and interview-based studies have consistently found relatively low use of sunscreen among these populations. Common motivators for photoprotection in individuals with SOC include preventing sunburn and pigmentation, with the prevention of skin cancer being a less important reason. As a skin cancer risk behavior, indoor tanning is relatively rare in SOC populations, but its use may increase with acculturation to US norms. While more studies are necessary to clarify whether photoprotection behaviors may decrease skin cancer-related mortality in SOC populations, regular dermatologic care and counseling on photoprotection remain essential in patients with SOC for overall skin health.
Topics: Humans; Skin; Skin Pigmentation; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 35044638
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-021-00670-z -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Feb 2021Artificial sunscreens are already gaining traction in order to protect the skin from sunburns, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. However, the efficacy and safety of... (Review)
Review
Artificial sunscreens are already gaining traction in order to protect the skin from sunburns, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. However, the efficacy and safety of most artificial sunscreen constituents are hindered by their photostability, toxicity and damage to marine ecosystems. Natural selection and evolution have ensured that plants and animals have developed effective protective mechanisms against the deleterious side effects of oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation (UV). Hence, natural antioxidants such as sun blockers are drawing considerable attention. The exact mechanism by which natural components act as sunscreen molecules has not been clearly established. However, conjugated π system is reported to play an important role in protecting the vital genetic material within the organism. Compared to artificial sunscreens, natural sunscreens with strong UV absorptive capacities are largely limited by low specific extinction value and by their inability to spread in large-scale sunscreen cosmetic applications. Previous studies have documented that natural components exert their photoprotective effects (such as improved skin elasticity and hydration, skin texture, and wrinkles) through their antioxidant effects, and through the regulation of UV-induced skin inflammation, barrier impairment and aging. This review focuses on natural antioxidant topical formulations with sun protection factor (SPF). Lignin, melanin, silymarin and other ingredients have been added to high sun protection nature sunscreens without any physical or chemical UV filters. This paper also provides a reference for adopting novel technical measures (extracting high content components, changing the type of solution, optimizing formulation, applying Nano technology, et al) to design and prepare nature sunscreen formulations equated with commercial sunscreen formulations. Another strategy is to add natural antioxidants from plants, animals, microorganisms and marine organisms as special enhancer or modifier ingredients to reinforce SPF values. Although the photoprotective effects of natural components have been established, their deleterious side effects have not been elucidated.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Antioxidants; Humans; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Skin; Skin Aging; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 33360043
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111161 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2020Direct sun exposure is one of the most aggressive factors for human skin. Sun radiation contains a range of the electromagnetic spectrum including UV light. In addition... (Review)
Review
Direct sun exposure is one of the most aggressive factors for human skin. Sun radiation contains a range of the electromagnetic spectrum including UV light. In addition to the stratospheric ozone layer filtering the most harmful UVC, human skin contains a photoprotective pigment called melanin to protect from UVB, UVA, and blue visible light. This pigment is a redox UV-absorbing agent and functions as a shield to prevent direct UV action on the DNA of epidermal cells. In addition, melanin indirectly scavenges reactive oxygenated species (ROS) formed during the UV-inducing oxidative stress on the skin. The amounts of melanin in the skin depend on the phototype. In most phenotypes, endogenous melanin is not enough for full protection, especially in the summertime. Thus, photoprotective molecules should be added to commercial sunscreens. These molecules should show UV-absorbing capacity to complement the intrinsic photoprotection of the cutaneous natural pigment. This review deals with (a) the use of exogenous melanin or melanin-related compounds to mimic endogenous melanin and (b) the use of a number of natural compounds from plants and marine organisms that can act as UV filters and ROS scavengers. These agents have antioxidant properties, but this feature usually is associated to skin-lightening action. In contrast, good photoprotectors would be able to enhance natural cutaneous pigmentation. This review examines flavonoids, one of the main groups of these agents, as well as new promising compounds with other chemical structures recently obtained from marine organisms.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Aquatic Organisms; Flavonoids; Humans; Melanins; Oxidative Stress; Plants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Skin; Skin Pigmentation; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 32230973
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071537 -
Journal of the American Academy of... May 2021Cutaneous photobiology studies have focused primarily on the ultraviolet portion of the solar spectrum. Visible light (VL), which comprises 50% of the electromagnetic... (Review)
Review
Cutaneous photobiology studies have focused primarily on the ultraviolet portion of the solar spectrum. Visible light (VL), which comprises 50% of the electromagnetic radiation that reaches the Earth's surface and, as discussed in Part I of this CME, has cutaneous biologic effects, such as pigment darkening and erythema. Photoprotection against VL includes avoiding the sun, seeking shade, and using photoprotective clothing. The organic and inorganic ultraviolet filters used in sunscreens do not protect against VL, only tinted sunscreens do. In the United States, these filters are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as an over-the-counter drug and are subject to more stringent regulations than in Europe, Asia, and Australia. There are no established guidelines regarding VL photoprotection. Alternative measures to confer VL photoprotection are being explored. These novel methods include topical, oral, and subcutaneous agents. Further development should focus on better protection in the ultraviolet A1 (340-400 nm) and VL ranges while enhancing the cosmesis of the final products.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Administration, Oral; Erythema; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous; Radiation-Protective Agents; Skin; Skin Pigmentation; Sunlight; Treatment Outcome; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 33640513
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.11.074 -
Biomolecules Jul 2023Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), which include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and actinic keratosis (AK), are the most common cancer... (Review)
Review
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), which include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and actinic keratosis (AK), are the most common cancer diseases in the Caucasian race. If diagnosed late and improperly treated, BCC and SCC can become locally advanced and metastasize. Malignant melanoma (MM) is less frequent but more lethal than NMSC. Given the individual and social burdens of skin cancers, performing an adequate prevention is needed. Ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure is one of the main risk factors for skin cancer. Thus, the first-choice prevention strategy is represented by photoprotection that can be both topical and systemic. The latter consists of the oral administration of molecules which protect human skin against the damaging effects of UV rays, acting through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or immunomodulator mechanisms. Although several compounds are commonly used for photoprotection, only a few molecules have demonstrated their effectiveness in clinical trials and have been included in international guidelines for NMSC prevention (i.e., nicotinamide and retinoids). Moreover, none of them have been demonstrated as able to prevent MM. Clinical and preclinical data regarding the most common compounds used for systemic photoprotection are reported in this review, with a focus on the main mechanisms involved in their photoprotective properties.
Topics: Humans; Skin Neoplasms; Melanoma; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Keratosis, Actinic; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Syndrome; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 37509103
DOI: 10.3390/biom13071067 -
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology &... Nov 2022Melasma is a frequent photoexacerbated hyperpigmentary disorder, which can significantly impact on the quality of life. We sought to review the pathogenesis of melasma,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Melasma is a frequent photoexacerbated hyperpigmentary disorder, which can significantly impact on the quality of life. We sought to review the pathogenesis of melasma, and the role of photoprotection in the prevention and treatment of this disorder.
METHODS
We conducted a narrative review of the literature. We performed literature searches with PubMed from January 1990 to December 2021 using the keywords "melasma," "pathogenesis," "ultraviolet radiation," "visible light," "photoprotection," and "sunscreens."
RESULTS
The physiopathology of melasma includes a complex interaction between genetics, sex hormones, and sun exposure. Visible light, in particular high-energy visible light (HEVL), and long-wave UVA (UVA1) play a key role in melasma pathophysiology, and recent research suggests that melasma shares many features with photoaging disorders. Melasma disproportionately affects dark-skinned individuals. Some 30% to 50% of South Americans and Asians, among other ethnicities, can present with melasma. Dark-skinned patients take fewer photoprotective measures. Also, the majority of melasma patients do not adequately follow photoprotection recommendations, including the application of sunscreen. Intensive use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen can prevent melasma in high-risk individuals, can lessen melasma severity (associated or not with depigmenting agents), and can reduce relapses.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the physiopathology of melasma, sunscreens should be broad-spectrum with high sun protection factor, and provide high protection against UVA1 and VL. Sunscreens should be cosmetically acceptable and leave no white residue. Tinted sunscreens are an excellent choice, as pigments can protect from HEVL and UVA1, and may provide camouflage, but they must offer colors that match the skin tone of each patient.
Topics: Humans; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays; Quality of Life; Sun Protection Factor; Melanosis; Skin
PubMed: 35229368
DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12783 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2021The active metabolites of vitamin D (D) and lumisterol (L) exert a variety of antiaging and photoprotective effects on the skin. These are achieved through... (Review)
Review
The active metabolites of vitamin D (D) and lumisterol (L) exert a variety of antiaging and photoprotective effects on the skin. These are achieved through immunomodulation and include anti-inflammatory actions, regulation of keratinocytes proliferation, and differentiation programs to build the epidermal barrier necessary for maintaining skin homeostasis. In addition, they induce antioxidative responses, inhibit DNA damage and induce DNA repair mechanisms to attenuate premature skin aging and cancerogenesis. The mechanism of action would involve interaction with multiple nuclear receptors including VDR, AhR, LXR, reverse agonism on RORα and -γ, and nongenomic actions through 1,25D-MARRS receptor and interaction with the nongenomic binding site of the VDR. Therefore, active forms of vitamin D including its canonical (1,25(OH)D) and noncanonical (CYP11A1-intitated) D derivatives as well as L derivatives are promising agents for the prevention, attenuation, or treatment of premature skin aging. They could be administrated orally and/or topically. Other forms of parenteral application of vitamin D precursor should be considered to avoid its predominant metabolism to 25(OH)D that is not recognized by CYP11A1 enzyme. The efficacy of topically applied vitamin D and L derivatives needs further clinical evaluation in future trials.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; DNA Damage; Humans; Skin; Skin Aging; Vitamin D
PubMed: 34445803
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169097 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Natural ingredients have been used for centuries for skin treatment and care. Interest in the health effects of plants has recently increased due to their safety and... (Review)
Review
Natural ingredients have been used for centuries for skin treatment and care. Interest in the health effects of plants has recently increased due to their safety and applicability in the formulation of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Long-known plant materials as well as newly discovered ones are increasingly being used in natural products of plant origin. This review highlights the beneficial effects of plants and plant constituents on the skin, including moisturizing (e.g., , , and ), anti-aging (e.g., , , and ), antimicrobial (e.g., and ), antioxidant (e.g., , , and ), anti-inflammatory (e.g., , , , , and ), regenerative (e.g., , , , and ), wound healing (e.g., , , , and ), photoprotective (e.g., , , and ) and anti-tyrosinase activity (e.g., , , , and ), as well as their role as excipients in cosmetics (coloring (e.g., , , and ), protective and aromatic agents (e.g., , , and )).
Topics: Plant Extracts; Skin; Cosmetics; Skin Care
PubMed: 37895122
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015444