Photoprotection of the future: challenges and opportunities
Open Access
- 1 March 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
- Vol. 34 (3), 447-454
- https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16030
Abstract
The use of sunscreens is an important and essential component of photoprotection. Since their introduction during the first half of the last century, sunscreens have benefited enormously from major technological advances such as the development of novel UV filters; as a result, their efficacy in preventing UV-induced erythema is unequivocal. More recently, however, new challenges have appeared, which have prompted a robust discussion about the safety of sunscreens. These include topics directly related to photoprotection of human skin such as improved/alternative methods for standardization of assessment of the efficacy of sunscreens, but also many others such as photoprotection beyond UV, concerns about human toxicity and ecological safety, the potential of oral photoprotective measures, consequences of innovative galenic formulations. On a first glance, some of these might raise questions and doubts among dermatologists, physicians and the general public about the use sunscreens as a means of photoprotection. This situation has prompted us to critically review such challenges, but also opportunities, based on existing scientific evidence. We conclude by providing our vision about how such challenges can be met best in the future in an attempt to create the ideal sunscreen, which should provide adequate and balanced protection and be easy and safe to use.This publication has 55 references indexed in Scilit:
- Linear and exponential sunscreen behaviours as an explanation for observed discrepancies in sun protection factor testingPhotodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 2019
- A brief illustrated history on sunscreens and sun protectionPure and Applied Chemistry, 2015
- Lifetime Cost-Effectiveness of Skin Cancer Prevention through Promotion of Daily Sunscreen UseValue in Health, 2012
- Reduced Melanoma After Regular Sunscreen Use: Randomized Trial Follow-UpJournal of Clinical Oncology, 2011
- Sun protection factors: world wide confusionBritish Journal of Dermatology, 2009
- Pigmentation effects of solar‐simulated radiation as compared with UVA and UVB radiationPigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 2008
- Prolonged Prevention of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin by Regular Sunscreen UseCancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2006
- Healthcare providers' sun-protection promotion and at-risk clients' skin-cancer-prevention outcomesPreventive Medicine, 2004
- A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess Sunscreen Application and Beta Carotene Supplementation in the Prevention of Solar KeratosesArchives of Dermatology, 2003
- Ultraviolet A radiation-induced biological effects in human skin: relevance for photoaging and photodermatosisJournal of Dermatological Science, 2000