Risk Of Sunburn Research Articles

The Role of Nanoparticles in Sunscreen: UV Protection and Particle Size

Sunscreen formulas are essential for protecting the skin from damaging UV rays, which reduces the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. However, conventional sunscreens frequently lack further advantages including anti-aging and antioxidant capabilities. Strong polyphenolic component epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), present in green tea extracts, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties. Similar to this, poly amino acids and hyaluronic acid (HA) have hydrating, anti-aging, and skin-repairing qualities. In this work, we investigated the co-delivery of EGCG and HA/poly amino acids in sunscreen formulations using nano-carriers, namely transferosomes and polymeric nanoparticles. To increase the effectiveness of these nano-carriers, a number of formulation factors, such as the drug-polymer ratio, surfactant concentration, homogenization speed, and sonication time, were improved. When compared to normal EGCG solutions, the optimized nano-formulations showed superior properties such reduced particle size, higher encapsulation efficiency, and improved skin permeability. Studies on cytotoxicity showed that the nano-formulations were not harmful to skin cells and that they increased cell viability when compared to EGCG in its purest form. Because the nano-formulations contained EGCG and HA/poly amino acids, they offered considerable protection against skin damage caused by UV radiation. The spherical shape of the nano-carriers was shown by transmission electron microscopy, and the lack of interactions between EGCG and excipients was validated by differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Retractable Netting and Evaporative Cooling for Sunburn Control and Increasing Red Color for ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple

Protective netting and evaporative cooling are commonly used for sunburn protection in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards in semiarid environments such as central Washington state. Sunburn is caused by a combination of solar radiation and heat, which can cause significant economic losses. Although protective netting and evaporative cooling can be effective for preventing apple sunburn, netting can also introduce new risks, including red color development on the fruit surface. This study evaluated whether retracting netting before harvest improves red color development and/or changes sunburn risk compared with leaving netting in place until after harvest. An experiment was conducted that compared three netting treatments: 1) netting from June until harvest, 2) netting retracted 10 d before harvest, and 3) no netting all season combined with the presence or absence of evaporative cooling. Fruit was harvested and assessed for sunburn incidence and external quality characteristics immediately after harvest. In retracted netting treatments, red color was higher when netting was retracted compared with the nonretracted controls, and sunburn risk did not increase with netting retraction. Evaporative cooling reduced sunburn incidence. Retractable netting can be used to minimize the loss of fruit to sunburn while allowing a full light environment that promotes red color near harvest. There is no inherent increase in sunburn risk from netting retraction, and the proportion of fruit with red color improved.

Predictors of Sun-Protective Behaviors and Sunburn in the United States Population

ABSTRACT Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the United States. Despite years of education about prevention, incidence is increasing. There are mixed findings about sun protection factors' relationship to preventing sunburn. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the performance of sun-protective behaviors and understand sunburn risk factors, which relate to skin cancer risk, controlling for demographic factors. This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2017 to 2018. Data were subset to U.S. participants ages 20 years and older who answered the dermatology questions, which included 3,404 people. A hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted in SPSS to investigate the contribution of several factors predicting sun-protective behaviors while controlling for demographic variables. In addition, multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine potential factors related to getting a sunburn. Statistical significance was p < .05. Race, education, birth country, gender, and sun sensitivity were significant predictors of sun protection behaviors. Those who used sunscreen with a higher frequency and those with severe sun sensitivity had the highest odds of reporting a sunburn. Younger age and severe sun sensitivity were associated with multiple sunburns. The discrepancy between the perceived level of sun sensitivity and the incidence of sunburn suggests that people need to be adequately informed about the risks of sunburn. This finding supports the need for additional research to understand the attitudes and health beliefs toward sunburn and skin cancer prevention.

Sun exposure practices, attitudes and knowledge among students and teachers at a University School of Health Sciences in Ecuador

Skin cancer incidence is increasing worldwide. Late adolescence and young adulthood are fundamental stages of life to acquire good sun exposure practices, regarding both personal involvement in skin cancer prevention and being a role model for others, especially in a health education environment.This descriptive cross-sectional study is based on the validated CHACES questionnaire to study sun exposure and photoprotection behavior among students and teachers at the School of Health Sciences in the National University of Chimborazo, Riobamba (Ecuador). University members (814 students (89.8 %) and 93 teachers (10.2 %)) were studied, with a predominance of females and light-skin phototypes in both groups. Similar results were obtained regarding sun exposure, with higher recreative exposure in the teachers’ group and higher occupational exposure in students. However, students significantly showed lower avoiding midday sun (41.9 % vs 60.9 %), and lower use of sunglasses (10.1 % vs. 41.6 %). Attitudes towards the sun and photoprotection knowledge issues were also equivalent between students and teachers (6.1/10 vs 6.2/10). Students' sunburn rate last year reaches 88.4 % and 52.7 % in teachers (p < 0.001). Using a multivariable logistic regression model, we identified risk factors associated with a greater risk of sunburn in our population.This study highlights areas to be improved regarding knowledge, attitudes and, especially, practices of photoprotection, among students and teachers at the University of Chimborazo. These results point out that awareness-raising campaigns should be implemented to reduce sunburns, morbidity and mortality of skin cancer in this environment.

Noninvasive treatment of psoriasis and skin rejuvenation using an akermanite-type narrowband emitting phosphor.

Psoriasis is a noncontagious, long-lasting skin infection that affects many people around the world. Numerous therapeutic artificial treatments are available for the treatment of psoriasis, such as photodynamic therapy using broadband ultraviolet (UV) lamps, which have harmful effects on human skin. Similarly, the natural healing systems such as sunlight have a higher risk of sunburn and can cause dangerous forms of skin cancer. Significant light emission of a specific wavelength (in the UV range), and phosphor-based devices demonstrate the effectiveness of treating psoriasis without damaging the skin. Gd3+ -doped calcium magnesium silicate [Ca2 MgSi2 O7 :Gd3+ ,(CMS:Gd3+ )] phosphor is one of the ideal phosphors that emit specific narrow UV wavelengths for curing psoriasis and is in great demand in the field of dermatology. Photoluminescence analysis at room temperature (~25°C) shows that the synthesized CMS:Gd3+ phosphor emits narrowband UV-B light with a peak intensity at 314 nm. Comparative studies of the standard action spectrum of psoriasis with the emission spectrum of the CMS:Gd3+ phosphor show that the synthesized phosphor was the most suitable material for treating a variety of diseases, including psoriasis, vitiligo, type-1 diabetes, dental disease, sleep and mood disorders, and other skin diseases.

Protective effect of bromelain and pineapple extracts on UV-induced damage in human skin cells

In Hawaii, people experience high sunlight exposure, contributing to an increased risk of sunburn. Additionally, most parts of pineapples are discarded, contributing to food waste and microbial spoilage, and we wanted to determine whether bromelain sourced from pineapple could be repurposed as a treatment to protect skin cells from UV damage. Bromelain from pineapple can be used to treat symptoms of sunburn, which occurs when UV rays damage the DNA in cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that bromelain extracted from various parts of the pineapple (crown, flesh, skin, and stem) would protect the skin cells from cell death caused by UV damage. Also, we expected bromelain from the stem, which is known to contain the highest concentration of bromelain, to be the most effective in protecting skin cells from UV-induced cell death. The effect of purified bromelain powder on skin cell survival was analyzed using the PrestoBlue cell viability assay to compare the protective effect of pineapple extracts on UV-induced cell death. We also examined the expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which is a pro-inflammatory marker. The results indicated that bromelain protected skin cells from UV-dependent cell death and increased the mRNA expression level of TNF-α. Additionally, bromelain had a more protective effect when it was used as a pre-treatment method than post-treatment. Overall, this study suggests that bromelain may provide some protection to the skin from UV-induced cell death. Thus, further studies may investigate its application in sunscreen products to improve protection.

Comparison of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 Persistence Between Inorganic and Organic Sunscreen in Swimmers: Protocol for a Multicenter, Randomized, Noninferiority, Split-Body, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Outdoor swimming athletes are often exposed to undesirable environmental conditions such as long-term sun exposure. The risk of sunburn can still occur in this population due to the loss of sunscreen and an increase in the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet rays, particularly ultraviolet B, in wet conditions. Some previous trials showed that organic sunscreens had a longer shelf-life than inorganic sunscreens after exercise due to their characteristics to bind better with the skin layer. Meanwhile, inorganic sunscreens tend to form layers on the skin's surface so that they can be more easily removed. To our knowledge, no studies evaluate sunscreens' resistance, either inorganic or organic, after exercising in Indonesia. This study aims to evaluate the persistence of inorganic versus organic sunscreens used by swimmers. The primary objective is to assess whether the inorganic sunscreen is as good as the organic sunscreen in the field of the persistence of sunscreens after swimming for 1.5 hours. This study is a randomized, split-body, double-blind, noninferiority, and multicenter clinical trial in Cikini, Jakarta, Indonesia. An estimated 22 athletes in each group, who aged 18-40 years and practice in the morning or afternoon, will be randomized using a computer-generated randomization method. We calculated the sample size using the difference in the average decrease in sun protection factor (SPF) levels that is considered significant based on the clinical judgment set by the researchers, which was 5. Neither the research subjects nor the researchers are aware of the type of sunscreen that will be applied. The hypothesis will be tested using paired-sample t test or Wilcoxon to assess the difference of SPF levels in each group between organic and inorganic sunscreens with SPSS (version 20.0; IBM Corp). This study has been approved by the Ethical Committee Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia and is funded by the International Publication Grant from Universitas Indonesia. The enrollment process was completed in December 2020. This study will test all procedures in preparation for conducting the main study, including several potential obstacles and challenges from the perspective of participating physicians and eligible swimmers. The study results will be disseminated through publications in a peer-reviewed journal with Open Access format. This study will provide information about SPF 30 persistence in sunscreens and the best type of sunscreen to be used while swimming, particularly for athletes. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04618536; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04618536?term=NCT04618536. RR1-10.2196/42504.

Leaf Removal at Véraison and Foliar K+ Application to Beibinghong Vines Improved Berry Quality under Cold-Climate Conditions.

(1) Background: Beibinghong is a grapevine variety that is well distributed in Northeastern China due to its adaptation to extreme cold conditions and vine diseases. Nonetheless, Beibinghong wines are extremely acidic and rich in phenolic compounds. The aim of this research was to study the effects of leaf removal at véraison and foliar K+ applications on Beibinghong vines to reduce the acidity and increase their polyphenol content. (2) Methods: Beibinghong berries were harvested when they reached close to 20 °Brix, and the physicochemical parameters were determined. (3) Results: Leaf removal at véraison plus K+ foliar applications to Beibinghong vines decreased the titratable acidity and increased the total phenolic and phenolic acid contents compared with the control. Moreover, the titratable acidity in the Beibinghong berries was negatively related to their total contents of phenols, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins. (4) Conclusions: Leaf removal at véraison performed with foliar K+ applications to vines could be an interesting alternative for Beibinghong production under cold-climate viticulture because it allows for a decrease in the acidity and an increase in the phenolic content of the berries, without incurring the risk of sunburn.

Sunburn Prevalence is Underestimated in UK-Based People of African Ancestry.

BackgroundEumelanin, the primary pigment in human epidermis, has a well-established photo-protective role. It can confer a protection factor of up to approximately 13.4 in some individuals. However, the protection eumelanin affords is not absolute and, further, the susceptibility of human skin to the harmful effects of UV radiation is more complex than skin pigmentation alone.ObjectiveOur survey explored the lifetime prevalence of sunburn in people of African Ancestry based in the UK (Black African or Black Caribbean).ResultsA significant number of respondents, 52.2% (n=222), reported a history of sunburn. Interestingly, there was a significant increase in frequency of sunburn in those with a lighter skin tone (self-classified from dark, medium and light – 47.3%, 53.5% and 71.4%, respectively). In total 69% reported that the episode of sunburn occurred when they were not using sunscreen, and another 10% could not recall whether sunscreen was used. A large proportion of respondents (59%) indicated that they had been sunburnt while away from the UK in hot/sunny climates, raising the question of whether intermittent sun exposure at high UV indices is a key factor in sunburn risk for those living in temperate climates.ConclusionOur findings do not support the hypothesis of a simplistic relationship between skin colour and sun sensitivity and encourage us to re-examine this relationship and its implications for public health promotion. It also adds to a body of evidence revealing the need for more up-to-date and appropriate systems to assess the risk UV radiation poses to diverse populations.

A simple model for predicting sunburn on Satsuma mandarin fruit

Fruit sunburn, which is caused by high temperatures and strong sunlight, will increase under climate change due to warmer temperatures. In this study, to facilitate effective sunburn management, the occurrence of sunburn was predicted. The study included an investigation of sunburn-inducing conditions and the estimation of fruit skin temperatures in early maturing Satsuma mandarin. The fruit skin temperature fluctuated with the ambient air temperature and solar radiation, and the estimation function developed for these two factors by multiple regression was significant, with an R2 of 0.884 (P < 0.001). A specific sunburn-inducing air temperature could not be established due to the constant changes in solar radiation. At the maximum solar radiation, fruit sunburn was induced by air temperatures of 32–35 °C under strong sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm. The risk of sunburn occurrence was classified into 4 levels, normal, caution, alert, and serious, by a discriminant analysis that reflected the fruit skin temperatures over 5 days. Finally, the change in the number of sunburn risk days in recent decades was traced by applying the sunburn occurrence prediction method and risk classification to meteorological data from the last 30 years. The number of sunburn risk days (caution level and higher) in the 2010s (14 days) was significantly higher than that in previous decades (less than 6 days). Specifically, the ratio of the number of alert and serious days to the total number of sunburn risk days clearly increased over time, from 5.8% in the 1990s to 15.0% in the 2000s and 19.2% in the 2010s.

The significant health threat from sunbed use as a self treatment in patients with acne.

Patients with acne are increasingly using sunbeds as a self treatment despite the harmful effects. Little is known about sunbed use in adult patients with acne under dermatology care. This questionnaire study explored prevalence and behaviours surrounding sunbed use in patients with acne at a UK dermatology centre. Over a quarter (26%) of respondents used sunbeds and of these, 72% used them at least weekly. Respondents using sunbeds were more likely to be older, to be female, to have a longer duration of acne diagnosis and to have previously been offered blue-light therapy by their doctor (P < 0.05 for all) Reasons for use included recommendations from external sources (including the Internet), the perceived greater efficacy compared with physician-prescribed treatments and that light therapy was not offered by their doctor. Nearly half (49%) of respondents were taking isotretinoin at the time of sunbed use, which carries an increased risk for photosensitivity and sunburn in this cohort. Dermatologists have a responsibility to address this gap in public awareness by directly counselling patients at risk of sunbed use, particularly for those concomitantly prescribed oral retinoid therapy.

Sun Exposure and Physical Activity: The Valuable Role of UV Wearables

Skin cancers are one of the most common types of cancer in the United States [1], and melanoma has steadily increased over the last 20 years. Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is known as the main cause of damaging effects to the skin [1], [2], yet also the most preventable risk factor. Outdoor physical activity, an important health behavior, exposes the body to UVR and is thus ostensibly linked to increases the risk of sunburn, melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancers [3], [4]. Simultaneously, new UVR sensors can play an essential role in ensuring users gain enough sunlight for Vitamin D synthesis for optimal health. However, accurately monitoring personal UVR exposure is historically complex and costly, and thus minimal research exists at the intersection of personal UVR exposure during physical activity.

Children's sunburn exposed: identification of sun exposure and parental sun protection patterns.

Preventing sunburn in childhood is imperative in the light of skin cancer prevention. To provide directions for targeted interventions, a better understanding of children's sunburn and associated parental behaviours is necessary. To explore sun exposure and parent-for-child sun protection patterns and their relationship with sunburn experienced in children. An online survey was conducted among parents (n = 1,299) of children (4 to 12 years). Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify parental subgroups for children's sunburn, sun exposure and several sun protection behaviours (i.e. applying sunscreen, clothing, seeking shade) in two sun exposure settings (i.e. planned versus incidental). LCA results were validated by assessing predictions of class membership through several socio-demographic characteristics. Reported sunburn in the previous year was frequent (>40%). Four latent classes of sunburn-exposure-protection were identified. Overall, the majority of parents reported fair sun protection behaviours. While a low level of protection behaviour was not strongly reflected in lower sunburn rates among the classes, a high level of planned exposure (e.g. going to the beach) seemed to correspond with higher sunburn risk. Parents of younger children and those with more sensitive skin reported sun protection measures more frequently. Older children and those with more sensitive skin experienced more sunburn. This study contributes to current insight into children's sunburn, based on parent-proxy reports. Although a clear differentiation in sunburn risk was not found, several variables, relevant for future interventions, were indicated. By further understanding the complexity of children's sunburn, further research may be directed accordingly.

Skin cancers in skin types IV-VI: Does the Fitzpatrick scale give a false sense of security?

The Fitzpatrick scale has been in use for skin colour typing according to the tanning potential of skin since its inception in 1975–1976. Thomas Fitzpatrick developed the scale to classify persons with ‘white skin’ in order to select the correct amount of UVA in Joules/cm2 for PUVA treatment for psoriasis. Since then, it has been widely used in Dermatology to gauge the skin's reaction to UV exposure, tanning potential, assessment of sunburn risk and amount of sun protection required for individual patients. However, the use of this scale has been of limited utility because of different self‐perception in different areas of the world, particularly among those with skin of colour. Skin cancer risk is loosely inversely correlated with the initial genetic/inherent amount of melanin (most research has focused on eumelanin) present in the skin, although the pattern of exposure and amount of UV radiation required causing DNA damage varies widely according to different cancers. In this review, we have shown that the Fitzpatrick scale is neither correct nor adequate to reflect sunburn and tanning risk for skin of colour. Therefore, it may give both patients and physicians a false sense of security that there is little risk that people of colour can develop skin cancers. We have reviewed the small but not insignificant risk of skin of colour developing skin cancers and emphasise that there remains much research that needs to be done in this field.

UV Index Does Not Predict Ocular Ultraviolet Exposure.

PurposeThe ultraviolet index (UVI), available online, is an international linear scale of levels from 0 to 13+ that warns about the risk of sunburn; however, it does not address the risk to eyes. Our purpose was to develop a useful instrument to warn the public against ocular ultraviolet (OUV) exposure and to serve as a tool for researching UV-induced ocular diseases.MethodsA rotating model head that included ultraviolet B (UVB) sensors documented UV irradiance at the crown and at the eyes spanning eight azimuths from sunrise to sunset under different climatic conditions in each season. The dose intensities obtained were compared with their respective UVI levels. Doses to the eyes were mathematically transformed to develop an OUV index with linear levels from 0 to 13+, similar to the UVI. Then, readings from both instruments were compared.ResultsUV exposure at the crown increases with solar culmination, whereas that to the eye is greater under low rather than maximum solar altitude. The OUV index levels were higher than recorded UVI levels in the summer under low solar altitude in the early morning and mid- to late afternoon and were markedly higher all day in winter when solar altitude remains low.ConclusionsThe UVI does not provide sufficient warning about the risks of ocular UV damage. The proposed OUV index is a useful instrument to warn the public against OUV exposure and to serve as a tool for researching UV-induced ocular diseases.Translational RelevanceThe OUV index is useful to prevent ocular UV-related diseases.

Photoprotection according to skin phototype and dermatoses: practical recommendations from an expert panel.

Increasing evidence on the impact of the different wavelengths of sunlight on the skin demonstrates the need for tailored recommendations of sunscreen according to skin phototype and dermatoses, which is now possible due to advances in the filters and formulations of sunscreens. A selective literature search was performed by an international expert panel, focusing on the type of sunscreen to recommend for photoaging, skin cancers, photodermatoses, pigmentary disorders and skin inflammatory disorders. Protection against ultraviolet (UV)B is especially important for light skin as there is a high risk of sunburn, DNA damage and skin cancers. Darker skin may be naturally better protected against UVB but is more prone to hyperpigmentation induced by visible light (VL) and UVA. Protection against UVA, VL and infrared A can be helpful for all skin phototypes as they penetrate deeply and cause photoaging. Long‐wave UVA1 plays a critical role in pigmentation, photoaging, skin cancer, DNA damage and photodermatoses. Adapting the formulation and texture of the sunscreen to the type of skin and dermatoses is also essential. Practical recommendations on the type of sunscreen to prescribe are provided to support the clinician in daily practice.

The influence of hail net on the water balance and leaf pigment content of apple orchards

Apple production accounts for 60–65 % of all fruit production in Hungary, as one of the most important areas of the fruit production sector. Extreme weather conditions in the continental climate can cause significant problems in apple production. The most important solutions to decrease their effects are irrigation and hail net. In addition to protection against hail damage, the hail net has effect on microclimatic factors, its shading effect has a positive effect on the growth of fruit trees and it reduces the risk of sunburn and transpiration. The aim of our research was to evaluate the effect of hail net on the water balance of Early Gold and Golden Reinders microclimatic factors on the basis of thermal imaging, water potential measurement, canopy dry matter content and to analyze the effect on pigment content. The research was carried out on a weekly basis in July and August 2019 at the Horticultural Unit of Pallag, University of Debrecen, Hungary. Based on our results, the air temperature was 2.91 % lower (p = 0.150) and the relative humidity was 3.16 % higher (p = 0.0001) under the hail net. Results also revealed that the foliage temperature was 7.28 % lower (p = 0.006), the water potential value of the foliage was 20.80 % higher (p = 0.399) under the hail net, while the dry matter content of the leaf was 4.76 % lower than in orchards outside the hail net. Canopy chlorophyll concentration was 10.24 % (p = 0.066) higher and carotenoid values were also higher (16.24 %, p = 0.004) in hail net protected circumstances. Based on the results, the hail net has a favorable effect on the water balance of apple orchards and pigment content of apple leaves through microclimatic conditions, partially offsetting the negative effects caused by summer heat and drought stress.

18621 Temporal increase in the number of annual days with a very high UV index across the US

The ultraviolet (UV) index is an international standard indicating the intensity of solar radiation at a given place and time with respect to the risk of sunburn. The World Health Organization recommends utilizing sun protection including wide brim hats, sunglasses and sunscreens with SPF of at least 30 when UV index values are moderate (UV index levels of 3-5). Extra protection and greater awareness of high sunburn risk are urged for very high and extreme levels of UV exposure, when the UV index is 8 or above. At this UV index level, a typical individual may sunburn in less than 20 minutes. Using archived data from the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, we investigated the number of very high UV index days for numerous metropolitan areas across the US to determine how the intensity of solar exposure has changed over a 20-year period (1997-2017). Overall, the number of very high UV index days was observed to increase across all evaluated cities. Most striking were the significant increases in areas with moderate annual UV levels such as Boston in and Seattle. However, the number of high UV index days increased even in areas with average UV exposure such as the desert southwest. While there are numerous factors that contribute to the intensity of solar radiation at a specific location, this data indicates that Americans currently face a greater annual risk of solar overexposure and the resulting short and long-term negative skin health outcomes.

Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) L. flower extract exhibits antioxidant and photoprotective activities in human keratinocytes exposed to ultraviolet B radiation

Recently, there has been a demand for the replacement of chemical sunscreens with natural compounds that could prevent or restore UV-induced skin damage. Here, we investigated the photoprotective influence of the Melaleuca leucadendron ethanolic flower extract (EEMec) on factors involved in cellular and molecular UVB-induced oxidative stress in human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT). The phytochemical constituents, antioxidant potential by DPPH assay, content of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds in EEMec were evaluated. HaCaT cells were treated with EEMec followed by irradiation with UVB. CAT activity; GSH and ROS levels; and SOD1, GPx, CAT and COX-2 expression assays were employed to verify the oxidative stress, as well as EEMec effect on transmembrane transport, and pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic protein expression. EEMec reverted the viability loss of HaCaT cells after irradiation with UVB, exhibited significant antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity in vitro, inhibited COX-2 expression and ensure protection of DNA-damage. EEMec shown a great photoprotective property to prevent keratinocytes damage induced by UV radiation and, thus a candidate potential to application as an adjuvant in sunscreen formulations as a strategy to reduce risk of sunburn and prevent skin diseases associated with UV-induced inflammation and cancer.

Prevalence and correlates of sun protections with sunburn and vitamin D deficiency in sun-sensitive individuals.

Sun sensitivity is an inherent risk factor for skin cancer. Sun protection is important in sun-sensitive individuals to reduce sunburns for skin cancer prevention. However, concerns have arose regarding the possible impact of sun protection on vitamin D deficiency. To examine the prevalence and correlates of sun-protective behaviours (staying in the shade, using sunscreen and wearing long sleeves) with sunburn and vitamin D deficiency in sun-sensitive individuals. This was a cross-sectional study of 2390 US non-Hispanic white adults aged 20-59years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014. Sun sensitivity was defined as self-reported tendency to severe sunburn when exposed to the sun for half an hour after months of non-sun exposure, and single serum 25(OH)D levels less than 50nmol/L was determined as vitamin D deficiency. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using multivariable logistic regression taking into account the complex survey design. Sun-sensitive individuals had higher odds of frequently staying in the shade (aOR=3.08; 95% CI 2.19-4.33) and using sunscreen (aOR=1.93; 1.44-2.59) but not associated with sun exposure time (aOR=0.91; 0.62-1.32). Yet, sun-sensitive individuals had significantly higher likelihood of sunburns (aOR=1.93; 1.45-2.55), and no increased likelihood of vitamin D deficiency (aOR=1.15; 0.84-1.58). Among sun-sensitive individuals, being younger, male and spending more time outdoors were associated with increased odds of sunburns and the risk of sunburn was reduced with frequently staying in the shade and engaging in multimodal sun protections. Sun-sensitive individuals more frequently used sun protection methods yet they still were significantly more likely to experience sunburns and the risk of vitamin D deficiency was not increased. Education on proper application of sunscreen combined with other sun-protective techniques is important to reduce sunburn in sun-sensitive populations.