Sunblock Creams Research Articles

Facile Lignin Extraction and Application as Natural UV Blockers in Cosmetic Formulations

Natural compounds are becoming increasingly popular in the fields of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. One such compound is lignin, a plant-derived aromatic polymer that serves as a natural anti-ultraviolet agent. Conventional methods for extracting lignin from plant materials typically involve performing procedures in harsh environments, such as dissolving it in highly alkaline solutions or subjecting it to treatment in acidic conditions. In this study, lignin was extracted from coconut husk under milder conditions, using neutral solvents and ultrasonic treatment, which allowed us to obtain lignin with significantly improved properties. The developed method facilitated the creation of light-colored lignin, which was employed as a natural ingredient in sunblock cream. Furthermore, for the sake of comparison, lignin was extracted under more rigorous conditions using the traditional method. The research findings confirm that the light-colored lignin sample exhibits a higher level of UV absorption. Furthermore, light-colored lignin demonstrates a synergistic effect when combined with commercial moisturizing creams and sunscreens, leading to a significant enhancement in their SPF performance against both UVA and direct sunlight exposure. This study highlights the potential value of incorporating lignin as a valuable natural ingredient in sunblock and cosmetic products.

Risk assessment of trace metals in sunblock creams using DABCOnium-based ionic liquid-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles.

In the present study, we synthesized DABCOnium-based-Brønsted acidic ionic liquid-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@(SU-DBC) NPs). Their structure was characterized using various morphological and physicochemical techniques such as SEM, powder-XRD, XPS, FTIR, VSM, and BET. The Fe3O4@(SU-DBC) NPs have remarkable magnetic recovery, extensive colloidal stability, and excellent recyclability. The fabricated ionic liquid-modified magnetic NPs show capability for magnetic dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction (MD-μ-SPE) of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) from sunblock cream samples. Micro-sampling flame atomic absorption spectrometry (MS-FAAS) was used to analyze the analytes. For evaluating the simultaneous effects of various parameters on the extraction efficiency, a central composite design was employed. In the method validation, the recoveries ranged from 97.84 to 102.36%, with relative standard deviations of 0.97% to 3.27%. The detection limits of the proposed method ranged between 0.067 and 0.715 μg kg-1. The developed method showed high sensitivity and precision, and stable recovery. Health risks were evaluated using the margin of safety (MoS), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR). Sunblock creams' MoS, HQ, and HI values were within permissible ranges, but LCR values were higher than permitted.

Environment-wide association study of elevated liver enzymes: results from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey 2018-2022.

Environmental exposure is characterized by low concentration, chronic, and complex exposure. Traditional epidemiological studies show limitations in reflecting these characteristics since they usually focus on a single or very limited number of exposure factors at a time. In this study, we adopted the methodology of environment-wide association study (EWAS) to figure out the association of human liver function with various environmentally hazardous substances. We analyzed 2,961 participants from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 4 (2018-2020). Using generalized linear model (GLM) analysis, we analyzed the association of 72 variables with 3 liver function indices (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT]). Finally, we visualized our results with Manhattan plot. In GLM analysis, perfluorooctanesulfonate were positively associated with ALT (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-3.46; p adjusted = 0.0147) and perfluorodecanoic acid showed positive association with GGT (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.36-5.5; p adjusted = 0.0256). Plasma mercury showed positive association with GGT (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84; p adjusted = 0.0315). Using a plastic container while keeping food in the refrigerator was associated with elevated GGT compared to using a glass container (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.16-1.95; p adjusted = 0.0153). 2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate, showed a negative trend with all 3 indices, with AST (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39-0.73; p adjusted = 0.00357), ALT (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.34-0.75; p adjusted = 0.036), GGT (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.4-0.76; p adjusted = 0.00697). Bisphenol S and frequent use of sunblock cream showed negative association with ALT (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66-0.89), and GGT (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11-0.55), respectively. We conducted an exploratory study on environmental exposure and human liver function. By using EWAS methodology, we identified 7 factors that could have potential association with liver function.

Uji pH dan Nilai SPF ( Sun Protecting Factor) Terhadap Krim Sunblock Ekstrak Daun Kelor (Moringa oleifera L.)

pH is an important parameter in cosmetic products because it is very high or low pH can caused skin irritation. SPF (Sun Protecting Factor) is a universal indicator that describes the effectiveness of a product or substance that is UV protector. The Moringa plant which has a Latin name called Moringa oleifera or in English it is called a drumstick plant is a plant that is a vegetable that is full of nutrients and has various types of uses. This study aims to determine the pH levels and SPF (Sun Protecting Factor) values contained in the sunblock cream of Moringa leaf extract (Moringa oleifera L.). In this study, pH levels were tested by weighing sunblock cream with a concentration of 1%, 3%, 5% then dissolved into aquadest and then tested for pH levels using a pH meter which resulted in pH levels of 6.89 for a concentration of 1%, 6.73 for a concentration of 3% and 6.60 for 5% concentration. While the determination of the SPF (Sun Protecting Factor) value was carried out by weighing the sunblock cream with a concentration of 1%, 3%, 5% then dissolved in ethanol then precipitated using a centrifuge and the absorption was measured using a spectrophotometer which resulted in a SPF (Sun Protecting Factor) value of 7.012 with the category of extra protection, for 1% concentration that 7.275 with extra protection category for 3% concentration and 9.397 with maximum protection for 5% concentration.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Factors in Adult Females of Chattogram

Background : Vitamin D is an essential nutrient and deficiency of it leads to devastating disorders. This study aimed to find out the associated factors with selected variables of low vitamin D among adult females of Chattogram.
 Materials and methods : Cross-sectional observational study was conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 at a diagnostic complex of Chattogram. Participants were adult females of Chattogram. All participants gave oral informed consent and answered a questionnaire that included 16 questions covering demographic information, monthly income, educational status, occupation, body weight, duration of sun exposure, dress pattern (Using hijab or burkha, regular dress-up) drug and disease history. Blood samples were collected by cautious aseptic procedure. Serum vitamin D levels were measured by using immunoassay method. Adult females of Chattogram with no religious restrictions, n= 150,aged 31 to 70 years.
 Results: Overall, 88% had low vitamin D levels with deficient 60.66% and insufficient 27.34%. Sufficient level of vitamin D was found only among 12%. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was much higher in females with house-wife status 73.33% (p value of 0.0001) wearing hijab 46.66% (p value of 0.001). It could be due to interference with UVB radiation into skin, short duration of sun exposure, use of sunblock cream or less supplementary intake.
 Conclusion : Vitamin D deficiency is an emerging but neglected health issue in modern time, particularly more vulnerable are female population. Ironically, abundant sunlight of Bangladesh seems failed to protect the self-imposed concrete prisoner, classically known as home-makers, and practitioner of indoor life style that leads to avoidance of sun light. However, large sample size is mandatory to boost-up the findings of current study.
 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (2); July 2021; Page 74-78

In sickness and in health: pivotal role of vitamin D.

Within the last several years, frequency of vitamin D testing has multiplied substantially all over the world, since it has been shown to have an important role in many diseases and conditions. Even though liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been identified as “gold standard” method for vitamin D measurement, most laboratories still use immunochemistry methods. Besides analytical problems (hydrophobicity, low circulating concentrations, ability to bind to lipids, albumins and vitamin D binding protein, presence of multiple vitamin D metabolites and variable ratios of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3 in the blood), vitamin D shows great preanalytical variability, since its concentration is drastically influenced by seasonal changes, exposure to sun, type of clothes or sun block creams. Vitamin D is mostly measured in serum or plasma, but new studies are showing importance of measuring vitamin D in pleural effusions, breast milk, urine, synovial fluid and saliva. Besides the main role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, many studies linked vitamin D deficiency with cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, fertility and many other conditions. However, even though initial observational studies indicated that supplementation with vitamin D might be beneficial in disease development and progression; first results of well-designed randomized controlled prospective studies did not find differences in frequency of cardiovascular events or invasive cancer between patients taking vitamin D supplementation compared to placebo. In the light of these recent findings, validity of excessive vitamin D testing remains an open question.

Evaluation of heavy metals in cosmetic products and their health risk assessment

Heavy metals’ contamination in cosmetic products is a serious threat. Present study was conducted to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) in various brands of cosmetic products with special emphasis on their health risk assessment. Five heavy metals including Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni and Pb were quantified in different brands of lotions, foundations, whitening creams, lipsticks, hair dyes and sunblock creams using atomic absorption spectrometry. Risk to the consumer’s health was determined using systemic exposure dosage (SED), margin of safety (MoS), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR).On comparative basis, different brands of sunblock creams depicted highest concentration of Ni, Pb and Cr (7.99 ± 0.36, 6.37 ± 0.05 and 0.43 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively), whereas lipsticks had elevated levels of Fe at 12.0 ± 1.8 mg/kg, and Cd was maximum in lotions (0.26 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Multivariate analysis revealed strong associations among Cr, Ni and Pb, while Cd and Fe showed disparity in distribution and sources of contamination. MoS, HQ and HI values were within the permissible limit apart from for lotions and sunblock creams, while LCR value was higher than the permissible limit in all cosmetic products except lipsticks. Regular use of these products can cause serious threat to human health, particularly skin cancer on long time exposure. Therefore, continuous monitoring of cosmetic products, particularly with reference to HMs adulteration should be adopted to ensure the human safety and security.

Optimizing ultraviolet B radiation exposure to prevent vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in the tropical zone: report from cohort study on vitamin D status and its impact during pregnancy in Indonesia

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency during pregnancy carries potential threat to fetal well being. Natural conversion of vitamin D in the skin can be facilitated by direct ultra violet B (UVB) radiation, but the effect is reduced by wearing umbrellas, clothes, or sunblock cream. Muslim women wear hijab that allows only face and hands to be seen. With increasing proportion of muslim women wearing hijab and the lack of vitamin D fortification and fish consumption in Indonesia, it poses a problem for vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women. This study aimed at finding the best timing of UVB exposure and the duration of exposure which can be suggested to prevent vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women, for those wearing hijab or not.MethodsThis study recruited 304 pregnant women in the first trimester, 75–76 women from 4 cities of the most populated province, West Java, Indonesia which represented 70–80% percent of pregnancy per year. A 3-day notes on duration, time and type of outdoor activity and the clothing wore by the women were collected. UVB intensity radiation were obtained. Calculation on body surface area exposed to direct UVB radiation and UVB radiation intensity were done. Measurement of vitamin D level in sera were done on the same week.ResultsThe median of maternal sera vitamin D level was 13.6 ng/mL and the mean exposed area was around 0.48 m2 or 18.59% of total body surface area. Radiation intensity reached its peak around 10.00 and 13.00, but the mean duration of exposure to UVB during this window was lower than expected. Significant correlation was found between maternal sera vitamin D level and exposed body surface area (r = 0.36, p < 0.002) or percentage of exposed body surface (r = 0.39, p < 0.001) and radiation intensity (r = 0.15, p = 0.029). Further analysis showed that duration of exposure to UVB should be longer for pregnant women wearing hijab as compared to women without hijab.ConclusionThis study suggested that the best timing to get UVB exposure was between 10.00–13.00, with longer duration for women wearing hijab (64.5 vs 37.5 min) of continuous exposure per day.

Health Conditions Related to Air Travel and Destination Country

Objective: Because of the increasing use of air travel and the increased mobility of people, different health conditions may arise during the trip in the flight cabin or in the destination country. We aimed to determine the health conditions/problems associated with air travel and stays in a foreign country.Methods: The research included an electronic questionnaire completed by 1014 Estonian residents who travelled by plane during the last five years on holiday and/or on a cultural trip.Results: Health disorders occurred mostly during long trips of 1-4 hours, and the main health problems during plane travel were earaches, headaches, and flatulence. Fear of flying occurred in nearly in a third of the subjects on both short- and long-distance flights. It manifested in episodes of tachycardia and pre-travel insomnia. To cope with these situations, female passengers preferred to listen to music, and male passengers preferred to consume alcohol. In total, 59 different countries were visited, and the most frequent destinations were southern countries: Turkey, Spain, and Italy. Diarrhea, sunburn, severe headaches, fevers and flu-like symptoms were the main health problems in the destination countries. These problems were mostly caused by bad hygiene, consumption of local food, not applying sunblock creams and the change of the environment. The major share of information about the potential dangers of a trip was received from the Internet or from friends.Conclusions: People who decide to travel by plane are usually frequent flyers, and the preferred destinations were mostly warmer climates and not very distant but also not neighbor countries. Health problems occurred most frequently during flights of medium length (1-4 hours). The frequent health disorders at destinations were characteristic for northern tourists visiting southern countries.

Efficacy of Trichloro-Acetic Acid Peel Alone Versus Combined Topical Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate for Epidermal Melasma.

To compare the efficacy in terms of reduction in melasma area and severity index (MASI) score by more than 10 of a combination of 20% trichloro-acetic acid peel plus 5% topical magnesium ascorbyl phosphate versus 20% trichloroacetic acid peel alone in the treatment of epidermal melasma. Randomized controlled trial. Department of Dermatology, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Peshawar, from May 2012 to May 2013. Patients aged 18 - 65 years, with Fitzpatrick skin type III-V were divided into two equal groups having 74 patients each. Detailed history was taken and Wood's lamp examination done to rule out mixed and dermal melasma. Melasma area and severity index (MASI) score was calculated for every patient. Priming was done for all patients with tretinoin cream applied once daily at night for 2 weeks, and to use a broad spectrum sun block cream before sun exposure. Patients in group Awere subjected to combined treatment, i.e. trichloro-acetic acid peel 20% (weekly) plus magnesium ascorbyl phosphate cream (applied once daily), while patients in group B were subjected to trichloro-acetic acid peel 20% (weekly) alone. Treatment was continued for 6 weeks. After completion of treatment, MASI score was recalculated. Proportion of patients with significant MASI score reduction was compared using chi-square test with significance at p < 0.05. Male and female patients were 11 (14.9%) and 63 (85.1%), respectively in group A, whereas 13 (17.6%) and 61 (82.4%) in group B. The mean age in group Awas 30.28 ±8.08 years, and 29.36 ±6.84 years in group B. Significant MASI score reduction in group Awas seen in 60 (81.1%) patients and in group B 49 (66.2%, p= 0.040). Combination of trichloro-acetic acid peel and topical magnesium ascorbyl phosphate cream was significantly more effective than trichloro-acetic acid peel alone in treatment of melasma.

Most SA sunblock products ‘can’t take the heat’, tests show

South African sunscreen manufacturers are hastily reformulating their products following confidential tests commissioned by the National Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) which show that most offer sub-optimal protection. This means that outdoor lovers (especially those in the Western Cape, where the incidence of malignant melanoma has trebled over the past 20 years), will face at least another summer using mostly below-par sunblock creams. Those who don’t know that most locally sold creams don’t offer decent protection beyond two hours of exposure to sunlight, will remain vulnerable.

자외선 차단행동에 따른 자외선차단의류 인지도와 구매태도

The purpose of this study was to analyze potential effects of Koreans' ultraviolet risk awareness and appearance management on their UV protective behaviors in daily life and outdoor activities, and was to investigate in their awareness of UV-protective clothing and their purchase attitudes toward anti-UV protective clothing. To meet the above goals, we have surveyed a total of 262 participants(male and female) residing in Chungcheong province. Findings were as following: As a part of ultraviolet-protective behaviors, it was found that the respondents often relied on applying sun-block cream or shady place before exposition to sunlight. Particularly, it was notable that 30's or older group was more proactive in UV protective behaviors than younger group below 30 years old. There were significant correlations among the respondents' UV protective behaviors, their awareness of anti-UV clothing and their purchase attitudes to anti-UV clothing. Also, there were also significant correlations among their UV-protective means for outdoor activities. That is, more favorable awareness about anti-UV clothing they have is associated with their more active attitudes to purchasing anti-UV clothing and taking anti-sunlight behaviors. It was found that the number of respondents who used cosmetics for outdoor activities was more than that of respondents who used clothing to protect their body from ultraviolet ray. Hence, it will be necessary for follow-up studies to focus on the development and promotion of anti-UV clothing.

Hydroa vacciniforme: una rara forma de fotosensibilidad infantil

Abstract—Hydroa vacciniforme is a rare children's photodermatosis, characterized by recurrent crops of vesicles with tendency to heal with scarring. The condition generally improves with regular use of high protection suncreens and resolves during adolescence. We report a ten-year-old boy with typical picture that improved with sun block creams but only the administration of cloroquine controled the condition after eight months of treatment.

Stability of Water-in-Oil Emulsion by Gelation;Application of Sun-Block Cream containing Titanium Dioxide($TiO_{2}$)

Stability of Water-in-Oil Emulsion by Gelation;Application of Sun-Block Cream containing Titanium Dioxide($TiO_{2}$)

UVA exposure and pituitary secretion. Variations of human lipotropin concentrations (beta LPH) after UVA exposure.

Abstract— Variations of βLPH concentrations were measured in a group of volunteers exposed to UVA (2 J/cm2) without psoralen treatment. Volunteers were exposed with and without sunblock cream: with the sunblock cream, the (βPH concentration did not increase at all after UVA exposure; without the sunblock cream, the mean concentration increased significantly.