Optical and imaging techniques for in-vivo sunscreens investigation

Abstract

The methods available for testing the efficacy of topical sunscreens have improved considerably in recent years. Nevertheless, so far no simple and rapid test has been proposed to measure in vivo transmission spectra of sunscreens in the UVA region. Spectral changes that occur after sunscreen application were measured with a fluorescence spectrometer (LS 50B, Perkin Elmer, UK) equipped with a Y-shape quartz guide for in vivo measurements. Three sunscreens with different protection factors in the UVA range were tested. The excitation-emission maps of human collagen, skin, and sunscreens were analyzed. Visual demonstrations of the protective effects of sunscreens were also performed with photo- and video imaging techniques. As a consequence of the human skin and sunscreen's fluorescence map analysis, the optimal spectral regions (both for direct and indirect fluorescence measurements) were detected. In vivo fluorescence and remittance spectroscopy were used to investigate the time dependence in transmission spectra of epidermis with applied sunscreens. We also evaluate the feasibility of in vivo fluorescence measurements for the investigation of the sunscreen's water-resistance. The procedure is simple, and values obtained can be used to predict UVA protection on the basis of the mathematical algorithms.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.