Sunscreen Research Articles

Development of an Antioxidant, Anti-Aging, and Photoprotective Phytocosmetic from Discarded Agave sisalana Perrine Roots

The primary source of hard fiber globally is Agave sisalana Perrine, also known as sisal. In areas where sisal is grown, the roots of the plant are usually left in the field after it has stopped producing, which leads to soil degradation and decreased sisal productivity. It is, therefore, critical to find alternatives to reuse this waste. This study explores the potential use of sisal waste in the cosmetic industry by incorporating a hydroethanolic extract (HER) into a cream–gel formulation, taking advantage of the plant’s recognized ethnopharmacological value. The study involves analyzing the extract’s phytochemical composition (flavonoids) and evaluating its cytotoxicity. Subsequently, the antioxidant and antiglycation activities of the extract and cream–gel are evaluated, as well as ex vivo ocular toxicity, photoprotective activity, and preliminary stability analyses. The HER extract showed a flavonoid composition (catechin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and chrysin) and maintained cell viability above 70% throughout all time points analyzed in the MTT assay. Furthermore, the extract and the formulation demonstrated proven antioxidant and antiglycation activities. The cream–gel’s UVB and UVA protection effectiveness with the HER was comparable to that of synthetic UVB/UVA sunscreens, with the samples proving nonirritating and stable. In conclusion, the extract has a significant presence of flavonoids, and the cream–gel developed with it did not present cytotoxicity and met the stability requirements, indicating phytocosmetic potential with antioxidant, antiglycation, and photoprotective properties.

Encapsulation of organic ultraviolet photoprotective actives into poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles for sunscreen formulations

AbstractSkin cancer is the most common of all cancers worldwide. This way, it is mandatory to adopt an adequate sun protection routine, including sunscreen lotions. However, despite the proven effectiveness of numerous chemical filters, many of them are also known for their allergenic and carcinogenic potential effects, which can be mitigated by exploring some encapsulation routes. Thus, the present work evaluates the influence of seven distinct ultraviolet (UV) organic filters on the final particle size and molecular weight distributions of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) beads. Moreover, the sun protection factors (SPF) of the loaded nanoparticles are also evaluated when used for preparation of sunscreen formulations. The UV filters did not affect the course of MMA miniemulsion polymerizations significantly, enabling the synthesis of loaded nanoparticles. Nevertheless, adding the filters shifted the particle size distributions toward larger diameters, which are appropriate for cosmetic formulations. Based on the SPF analyses, it was also possible to observe a 12‐fold increase in the SPF values of the prepared formulations and an increase in the critical wavelength. Therefore, the in situ incorporation of distinct UV filters during miniemulsion MMA polymerizations constitutes a robust and versatile technology to produce PMMA nanoparticles loaded with UV filters for preparation of sunscreen formulations.

Study on the application and performance of liquid crystal emulsion system in sunscreen products

ABSTRACT Liquid crystal (LC) emulsion is a new emulsion system which has excellent application potential in the field of cosmetics. In this study, the LC emulsifier and traditional emulsifier were used to prepare the emulsions containing different types of sunscreen agents, respectively. The microstructure, sunscreen performance and rheological properties of the emulsions were studied systematically. The results showed that the formation of LC structure was not affected by sunscreen agents. LC structure can also enhance the sunscreen property of the emulsion as well as improve the sensory property. Further, we combined different sunscreen agents to prepare LC sunscreen emulsion. The sunscreen performance and repair effectiveness of emulsion were evaluated by human test. The results showed that LC sunscreen emulsion has an increased SPF value from 56 to 70 compared to non-LC sunscreen emulsion. Meanwhile, the LC structure also enhanced the moisturising properties of the emulsion, and the TEWL value of LC emulsion and non-LC emulsion was 67.4% and 96.5%, respectively. In addition, LC sunscreen emulsion has higher safety and better storage stability. In conclusion, this study provided the practical application of LC emulsion systems as well as the important guidance for developing excellent sunscreen emulsions.

New Insight into the Degradation of Sunscreen Agents in Water Treatment Using UV-Driven Advanced Oxidation Processes

This study evaluates, for the first time, the effects of UV/PMS and UV/H2O2/PMS processes on the degradation of sunscreen agents in synthetic and natural water matrices and compares their effectiveness with the more conventional UV/H2O2. Investigations were conducted using a mixture of organic UV filters containing 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate. Among the investigated UV-driven AOPs, UV/PMS/H2O2 was the most effective in synthetic water, while in natural water, the highest degradation rate was observed during the degradation of EHMC by UV/PMS. The degradation of UV filters in the UV/PMS system was promoted by sulfate radical (68% of the degradation), with hydroxyl radical contributing approximately 32%, while both radical species contributed approximately equally to the degradation in the UV/H2O2/PMS system. The Vibrio fischeri assay showed an increase in inhibition (up to 70%) at specific stages of UV/H2O2 treatment when applied to natural water, which further decreased to 30%, along with an increase in UV fluence and progressive degradation. The Pseudomonas putida test recorded minor toxicity (<15%) after treatments. Magnetic biochar utilized in conjunction with UV-driven AOPs exhibited superior performance in eliminating residual contaminants, providing an efficient and sustainable approach to mitigate sunscreen agents in water treatment.

An Innovative Approach to Various Industrial Applications: The Fingered Citron

The fingered citron (Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis), which originates from India, has spread to different parts of the world over time. In opposition to the increasing resistance to traditional antimicrobial agents, the application of alternative treatments developed using herbs has recently gained interest. The aim of this study is to investigate alternative applications of the fingered citron in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. For this purpose, the antimicrobial activity of fingered citron leaf water extract (FCLWE) against test microorganisms was evaluated using a disk diffusion assay. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum cidal concentrations (bactericidal - MBC or fungicidal - MFC) of the extract were also determined. For FCLWE, among the pathogenic test microorganisms, Listeria monocytogenes strain ATCC 7644 and Staphylococcus aureus strain ATCC 25923 showed the smallest and the largest inhibition zone diameters, with values of 7.06 and 11.57 mm, respectively. MIC and MBC or MFC values of FCLWE varied from 10 to 40 µg/µl. In addition, the sun protection factors (SPF) of FCLWE and a mixture of FCLWE and commercial sun creams at different concentrations were determined. The SPF value of FCLWE was found to be 25. The mixture of FCLWE and commercial sun cream at an amount of 10 ml yielded an SPF value of 12.26. Next, the biological activity of the cream formulation obtained with commercial cream, FCLWE and Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 (cream-leaf water extract-probiotic - CWP) was investigated against test microorganisms using the well diffusion method. CWP exhibited inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes ATCC 7644 (2.56 mm), Candida glabrata RSKK 04019 (2.81 mm), C. albicans ATCC 10231 (4.54 mm) and S. aureus ATCC 25923 (5.00 mm). It was observed that the cream formulation of CWP increased the diameters of the inhibition zone by creating a synergistic effect against all pathogenic test microorganisms. FCLWE may potentially be used as an alternative natural additive to chemical preservatives in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Exploring the impact of solar radiation on skin microbiome to develop improved photoprotection strategies.

The skin microbiome undergoes constant exposure to solar radiation (SR), with its effects on health well-documented. However, understanding SR's influence on host-associated skin commensals remains nascent. This review surveys existing knowledge on SR's impact on the skin microbiome and proposes innovative sun protection methods that safeguard both skin integrity and microbiome balance. A team of skin photodamage specialists conducted a comprehensive review of 122 articles sourced from PubMed and Research Gateway. Key terms included skin microbiome, photoprotection, photodamage, skin cancer, ultraviolet radiation, solar radiation, skin commensals, skin protection, and pre/probiotics. Experts offered insights into novel sun protection products designed not only to shield the skin but also to mitigate SR's effects on the skin microbiome. Existing literature on SR's influence on the skin microbiome is limited. SR exposure can alter microbiome composition, potentially leading to dysbiosis, compromised skin barrier function, and immune system activation. Current sun protection methods generally overlook microbiome considerations. Tailored sun protection products that prioritize both skin and microbiome health may offer enhanced defense against SR-induced skin conditions. By safeguarding both skin and microbiota, these specialized products could mitigate dysbiosis risks associated with SR exposure, bolstering skin defense mechanisms and reducing the likelihood of SR-mediated skin issues.

Technological study of kaolinitic clays from Fms. Escucha and Utrillas to be used in dermo-pharmaceutical products

The present study aims to evaluate five clay samples from different pits in the Teruel province, Spain. While these clays are primarily utilized as raw materials in ceramics, their potential applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic domains, notably in sun protection and thermal mud products, are under investigation. Characterization of these clays entailed X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, pH measurement, analysis of technological properties, rheological assessment, and thermal property evaluation. Furthermore, given the predominant composition of kaolin in most of the samples, their Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in suspensions and physical stability were assessed. The studied samples exhibited varied mineralogical compositions, primarily consisting of kaolinite (70% to 15%), quartz (75% to 5%), and illite (26% to 7%). The pH values of these dispersions closely matched the skin's pH, exhibiting anti-thixotropic behavior at 50% w/w and demonstrating suitable viscosity for skin application. Based on their composition and rheological properties, the samples exhibited potential for use as therapeutic thermal muds. Analyses of cooling kinetics were performed to validate this potential. Results showed that the dispersions systems attained temperatures between 33.89 °C and 34.62 °C within 20 min (the common application time for thermal muds) and reached 32 °C (skin temperature) in 24.3 to 26.22 min, confirming their appropriateness as therapeutic muds. The SPF values of the dispersions varied from 7.46 to 16.65, with the majority of samples showing significant stability during 45 h. Consequently, it can be inferred that most of the studied samples show advantageous characteristics for inclusion in topical formulations, especially in sun protection and thermal mud products.

PRESOLRE: study protocol for a primary school-based, cluster randomised controlled trial of three sun exposure risk prevention strategies on Reunion Island

IntroductionReunion Island, a French overseas department, is located in the southern hemisphere, close to the Capricorn tropic. This island has a multicultural and multiethnic population of 860 000 inhabitants, a...

Color morphing surfaces with effective chemical shielding

Color morphing refers to color change in response to an environmental stimulus. Photochromic materials allow color morphing in response to light, but almost all photochromic materials suffer from degradation when exposed to moist/humid environments or harsh chemical environments. One way of overcoming this challenge is by imparting chemical shielding to the color morphing materials via superomniphobicity. However, simultaneously imparting color morphing and superomniphobicity, both surface properties, requires a rational design. In this work, we systematically design color morphing surfaces with superomniphobicity through an appropriate combination of a photochromic dye, a low surface energy material, and a polymer in a suitable solvent (for one-pot synthesis), applied through spray coating (for the desired texture). We also investigate the influence of polymer polarity and material composition on color morphing kinetics and superomniphobicity. Our color morphing surfaces with effective chemical shielding can be designed with a wide variety of photochromic and thermochromic pigments and applied on a wide variety of substrates. We envision that such surfaces will have a wide range of applications including camouflage soldier fabrics/apparel for chem-bio warfare, color morphing soft robots, rewritable color patterns, optical data storage, and ophthalmic sun screening.

Photoprotection and dermatological profile of persons with albinism in Plateau state, Nigeria: findings from a collaborative awareness and screening outreach program

Introduction As a result of genetically being deficient of melanin, albinos are particularly susceptible to skin damage from ultraviolet rays leading to photodermatoses such as sunburns, dermatoheliosis, and cutaneous cancers. These negatively affects quality of life and cause premature death. Little is known of the photoprotective measures available to and dermatological profile of persons with albinism in Plateau state, North Central Nigeria. Objective To describe the dermatological profile of albinos in Plateau state, Nigeria, photo exposure levels, photoprotection strategies, and factors associated with presence of photodermatoses. Patients and methods Consenting individuals with albinism attending the sensitization event hosted by the Centre for Albinism Right and Empowerment Network were recruited. Demographic information, occupational history, solar exposure, photoprotective practices, and perceived sun exposure were all documented using semistructured questionnaires. Physical and dermatological examination, dermoscopy, and laboratory investigations were used to make diagnosis. Statistical package for social sciences, version 26, was used to carry out univariate and bivariate analysis. Results While a wide spectrum of skin diseases was observed among the 59 albinos that participated. Photodermatoses were three times more than nonphotodermatoses. The commonest photodermatoses were solar elastosis (55.9%), solar lentigines (44.1%), actinic keratosis (27.1%), and sunburn (25.4%). Skin cancers affected 10.2% of all patients and 16.6% of persons more than or equal to 20 years. Generally, the presence of photodermatoses was associated with age and occupation while actinic keratotic changes specifically was associated with living in rural areas (P=0.035). Despite this, only seven (11.9%) owned sunscreen at the time of study with more than a third (35.2%) being ignorant of existence of sunscreen lotions. Conclusion Continuous multifaceted programs that involve tracking, education, prevention, early detection, and treatment of photodermatoses will be planned to be targeted towards persons with albinism living in Plateau state.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Sunscreen Utilizing Blue Pea Flower Extract

This thesis presents the formulation and evaluation of a novel herbal sunscreen incorporating Blue Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea) extract as the primary active ingredient. With increasing concerns about the adverse effects of synthetic sunscreens and the growing interest in natural alternatives, the study aims to explore the photoprotective properties of Blue Pea Flower extract, known for its rich anthocyanin and antioxidant content. The research begins with the extraction of Blue Pea Flower bioactive compounds through optimized solvent extraction methods. The formulated herbal sunscreen is developed by incorporating the extract into a suitable base, considering stability, safety, and efficacy. Key evaluation parameters include in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) determination, photostability studies, and assessments of skin compatibility. Characterization of the Blue Pea Flower extract reveals essential bioactive compounds, establishing a foundation for understanding its potential benefits. The herbal sunscreen's physical characteristics and stability are analyzed to ensure a reliable and effective formulation. In vitro SPF testing assesses the photoprotective efficacy, while photostability studies gauge the product's robustness under sun exposure conditions. Safety evaluations, including skin irritation tests and biocompatibility studies, contribute crucial data on the product's safety profile. The results provide insights into the effectiveness of Blue Pea Flower extract as a natural photoprotective agent and the overall suitability of the herbal sunscreen formulation. Comparisons with synthetic sunscreens highlight the potential advantages of the herbal formulation in terms of efficacy and safety. Recommendations for formulation optimization and future research directions are discussed, emphasizing the significance of eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives in the sunscreen industry. In conclusion, this research offers a comprehensive exploration of Blue Pea Flower extract's potential in herbal sunscreen formulations. The findings contribute to the understanding of natural photoprotective agents, fostering the development of safer and environmentally conscious sun protection products.

Impact of Sunscreen on Preventing Each Type of Facial Skin Cancer

The most frequent cancer in the US is skin cancer, around 5.4 million cases of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) are treated every year, while BCC is more common. Exposure to ultraviolet rays is the source of four varieties of skin cancer: BCC, SCC, Melanoma, and Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). Since there are several experiments done on the influence of sunscreen on skin cancer, this paper aims to offer a comprehensive and symmetric conclusion to existing research. This paper summarizes the current studies finished for each type of skin cancer that might be caused by high levels of UV exposure. This study cites 4 experiments for melanoma, and three of them show a reduction in the rate of melanoma if sun blockers were used. This paper also uses three research for SCC and BCC to analyze the relationship between sun cream application and the probability of having SCC and BCC. None of them found that sunscreen will decrease the rate of SCC and one of them contends that sun lotion can prevent some of SCC. There is no current research about MCC, as the difficulty of holding this kind of experiment. This study will provide a reference for the medical field and the general public to analyze if sun lotion should be employed to prevent skin cancers.

Photochemically Inert Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen by Metal-Phenolic Network Coatings of Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are extensively used as a sunscreen filter due to their long-active ultraviolet (UV)-blocking performance. However, their practical use is being challenged by high photochemical activities and limited absorption spectrum. Current solutions include the coating of TiO2 with synthetic polymers and formulating a sunscreen product with additional organic UV filters. Unfortunately, these approaches are no longer considered effective because of recent environmental and public health issues. Herein, TiO2-metal-phenolic network hybrid nanoparticles (TiO2-MPN NPs) are developed as the sole active ingredient for sunscreen products through photochemical suppression and absorption spectrum widening. The MPNs are generated by the complexation of tannic acid with multivalent metal ions, forming a robust coating shell. The TiO2-MPN hybridization extends the absorption region to the high-energy-visible (HEV) light range via a new ligand-to-metal charge transfer photoexcitation pathway, boosting both the sun protection factor and ultraviolet-A protection factor about 4-fold. The TiO2-MPN NPs suppressed the photoinduced reactive oxygen species by 99.9% for 6 h under simulated solar irradiation. Accordingly, they substantially alleviated UV- and HEV-induced cytotoxicity of fibroblasts. This work outlines a new tactic for the eco-friendly and biocompatible design of sunscreen agents by selectively inhibiting the photocatalytic activities of semiconductor nanoparticles while broadening their optical spectrum.

Calculation of solar ultraviolet influx in the eye considering the field of view and pupillary dilation due to sunglasses

The media and even the specialized literature report that the ultraviolet (UV) protection for sunglasses is critical, on the grounds that sunglasses can have a counter effect if the lenses do not provide adequate UV protection. They reason that the primary and natural mechanism is that the pupil of the eye contracts to attenuate radiation and protect the inner eye under sun exposure. Therefore, if dark lenses do not provide appropriate UV protection, there is an increased UV incidence in the inner eye due to pupil dilation, which enhances the adverse effects and impacts the ocular tissues more severely than in situations without UV protection. However, no existing literature properly quantified or supported this argument. In this work, the influx of solar UV throughout the pupil of the eye was calculated in two situations: when a person wear sunglasses and when he/she does not. In both situations, the pupil dilation and the field of view (squint) were considered with their dependence on the brightness of the ambient, calculated by modeling the solar irradiation. Finally, it was assessed whether sunglasses with poor UV protection actually increase the UV influx throughout the dilated pupil compared to the non-dilated pupil. A set of 214 sunglasses lenses were tested and the results show that pupil dilation does not play an important role in the UV influx throughout the pupil. It was observed that the FOV is the main player, surpassing the pupil size contribution by up to 314.3%, disproving the common explanation. Because of the major role of the FOV, our results show that sunglasses with UV-A protection below 86% may have a slight potential to increase hazards to the eye compared to not wearing sunglasses at all. These results can have direct impact on sunglasses standards regarding the UV protection linked to the category of the lenses.

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) in a Patient, Treated with Hemodialysis after a Kidney Transplant Rejection Reaction: A Case Report

Porphyrias are a group of inherited metabolic disorders of haem biosynthesis, involving a deficiency in the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase. In this case report we present a case of a patient with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). A 40-year-old man on hemodialysis after a kidney transplant rejection reaction, complaining of skin changes, with a history of smoking and alcohol intake. Treated with Fusidic acid Betamethasone cream, and erythropoietin. Porhyria cutanea tarda can be considered in a patient who complains of skin changes. History of alcohol intake, smoking, high ferritin levels, and increased hepatic markers can raise suspicion of disease. In patients with ESRD treatment with erythropoietin, SPF 50+ sun cream, Fusidic acid, and Betamethasone can be effective.

Sunscreen Safety and Efficacy for the Prevention of Cutaneous Neoplasm.

Sunscreen is widely used for ultraviolet radiation protection. Studies validate sun protection factors (SPFs) to prevent ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin changes such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Few studies examine sunscreen's impact on endocrine and immune system dysregulation, the production of radical oxygen species, and whether the ingredients deteriorate under prolonged exposure. We present an investigation of sunscreen labels and how ingredients impact sun safety and human health. A review of the literature was conducted using Embase and PubMed to examine sunscreen safety, efficacy, and use to prevent UV-induced skin damage. Increasing sunscreen reapplication, wearing protective clothing, and limiting exposure can reduce the incidence of skin cancer. Inorganic sunscreens form barriers to block UV light, but without titanium dioxide (TiO2), they may not be advantageous due to their low UVA protection. Organic sunscreens absorb into the skin and provide a better feeling after application. Octocrylene and avobenzone are stable and provide UVA and UVB protection with minimal adverse effects. Oxybenzone is harmful to the neuroendocrine system and should be avoided. Titanium dioxide works for broad-spectrum UV protection and offers minimal adverse effects. Octocrylene and avobenzone are organic sunscreen ingredients that also provide a better feeling on the skin after application, which enables higher rates of use. Oxybenzone should be avoided.

Application of catalytic wet peroxide oxidation for sunscreen agents breakdown

Sunscreen agents are chemical compounds widely used nowadays for skin protection from UV sunlight. Recently, their ubiquitous occurrence in aquatic systems has been evidenced, which poses a high risk for the environment and human health as they are associated with endocrine disrupting activity, reproductive toxicity, and genotoxicity. In this work, the feasibility of an economically and environmentally friendly catalytic system based on the thermally modified natural magnetite and hydrogen peroxide (Fe3O4-R400/H2O2), has been evaluated for the degradation of two representative sunscreen agents: benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and 4-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in wastewater. The experiments were conducted under circumneutral pH (pH0 = 5), with temperature control (25 °C). Both compounds (500 μg L−1) were successfully removed from water by using a relatively low catalyst concentration (0.5 g L−1) and the theoretical stoichiometric H2O2 dose for their complete oxidation (∼2.3 mg L−1). Afterwards, a complete operating condition study was performed with BP-3, given its predominant occurrence in fresh waters, analysing the influence of H2O2 dose (1.2–4.6 mg L−1), catalyst concentration (0.1–0.5 g L−1), and temperature (25–45 °C). From the evolution of the identified by-products, a reaction pathway was proposed according to which oxidation of BP-3 gives rise to several aromatic intermediates, which finally evolve to short-chain organic acids. The generation of such aromatic by-products led to a considerably ecotoxicity increase in the initial stages of the reaction, but non-toxic effluents were ultimately achieved. Notably, the mineralization yield reached was above 60%. As a proof of concept, the feasibility of the system was finally demonstrated in real water matrices (WWTP effluent and surface water).

Effect of Ag and Ni-Doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles on the Formation of ROS and Evaluation as an Alternative Physical Sunscreen Material.

CeO2 nanoparticles (nanoceria) were proposed as an alternative physical sunscreen agent with antioxidant properties and comparable UV absorption performance. Green synthesis of nanoceria with Ag and Ni dopants resulted in doped nanoceria with lower catalytic activity and biologically-safe characteristics. The doped nanoceria was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Rancimat Instrument, and UV-Vis Spectrophotometer for SPF (Sun Protection Factor) determination. XRD and TEM analysis showed that nanoceria had been successfully formed in nanoscale-sized with a change in crystallite size due to the crystal defect phenomenon caused by dopant addition. While the Rancimat test and band gap energy analysis were conducted to evaluate the oxidative stability and reactive oxygen species formation, it was confirmed that dopant addition could decrease catalytic activity of material, resulting in Ni-doped Ce with a longer incubation time (11.81 h) than Ag-doped Ce (10.58 h) and non-doped Ce (10.30 h). In-vitro SPF value was measured using the thin layer technique of sunscreen prototype with Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)-based emulsion, which yielded 10.862 and 5.728 SPF values for 10% Ag-doped Ce and 10% Ni-doped Ce, respectively. The dopant addition of nanoceria could reduce catalytic activity and give a decent in vitro UV-shielding performance test; thus, Ag and Ni-doped nanoceria could be seen as promising candidates for alternative physical sunscreen agents.

Genetic testing for familial melanoma.

While the average lifetime risk of melanoma worldwide is approximately 3%, those with inherited high-penetrance mutations face an increased lifetime risk of 52-84%. In countries of low melanoma incidence, such as in Southern Europe, familial melanoma genetic testing may be warranted when there are two first degree relatives with a melanoma diagnosis. Testing criteria for high incidence countries such as USA, or with very-high incidence, such as Australia and New Zealand, would require a threshold of 3 to 4 affected family members. A mutation in the most common gene associated with familial melanoma, CDKN2A, is identified in approximately 10-40% of those meeting testing criteria. However, the use of multi-gene panels covering additional less common risk genes can significantly increase the diagnostic yield. Currently, genetic testing for familial melanoma is typically conducted by qualified genetic counsellors, however with increasing demand on testing services and high incidence rate in certain countries, a mainstream model should be considered. With appropriate training, dermatologists are well placed to identify high risk individuals and offer melanoma genetic test in dermatology clinics. Genetic testing should be given in conjunction with pre- and post-test consultation. Informed patient consent should cover possible results, the limitations and implications of testing including inconclusive results, and potential for genetic discrimination. Previous studies reporting on participant outcomes of genetic testing for familial melanoma have found significant improvements in both sun protective behavior and screening frequency in mutation carriers.

Place of sun protection products in the photoprotection strategy

The effects of solar radiation are not always beneficial. As one of the risk factors for the occurrence of melanomas, unnecessary exposure to UV rays must be the subject of public awareness. In this paper, the sun protection product will be described widely to understand their place in photoprotection strategy.