Sunscreen Use Research Articles

Skin cancer’s prevention in the light of current medical knowledge

Among all diagnosed malignancies, skin cancers account for more than 30-50%. Caucasian patients have a lifetime risk of more than 20%. The incidence increases with the age of patients. In 2017, there were over 14,000 new cases in Poland. It can be expected that these results are underestimated due to incomplete registration of new cases in the National Cancer Registry.(1,2)The most common skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma - over 80% of cases. In second place is squamous cell carcinoma - 15-20%. Other types are less common.(1)The appearance of a new mole or a change in the appearance of an existing one is often missed at the beginning, and even if it is noticed, it is underestimated by the patient. Therefore, detection rate of skin cancer, including melanoma at an early stage, is unfortunately relatively low.The incidence of skin cancer is constantly increasing, which is an important epidemiological problem of modern medicine.(2)Patient education should focus on behaviors that the patient can influence and modify, including: regular visits to a dermatologist and undergoing a dermatoscopic examination, the use of sunscreen with a high UV factor, the use of special protective clothing, sunglasses, covering head when under sun’s exposure, moderate overall sun exposure, avoiding sunburn, not using a tanning bed.The purpose of this review was to assess the current literature on the impact of educating the public and promoting sun protection as a necessary method to directly reduce the incidence of skin cancer.The literature was searched in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases.

Trust your sunscreen with caution: A literature review on the side effects of sunscreen

Sunscreen use has grown significantly in recent years due to its ability to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and reduce skin problems such as sunburn, aging skin, and immunosuppression. This review examines the ingredients in sunscreen and the effects they have. Substances including oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, enzacamene, and benzophenone enter the systemic circulation. The discovery of these substances in plasma and urine sparked concerns about their safety and the requirement for additional study into the long-term consequences they produce. The adverse effects of benzophenone, ecamsule, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, methylisothiazolinone, homosalate, octinoxate, aluminum oxide, and cinnamate derivatives such as octyl methoxycinnamate and octocrylene are also covered in this research. The mechanism of action of UV filters, as well as methods for assessing the effectiveness of sunscreens such as the sun protection factor, persistent pigment darkening, and immune protection factor, is elaborated. This literature review will also discuss the safety and effectiveness of the compounds used in sunscreen formulation as well as any potential health risks and toxicities.

Abstract 1929: Not just demographics: Urban and rural differences in skin cancer sun protection behaviors in the United States

Abstract Introduction: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States (US) and is associated with notable morbidity and mortality. There has been mixed evidence regarding whether rural vs. urban residence is an independent risk factor for skin cancer, and it is not clear to what degree these differences are driven by demographic or behavioral factors. We investigated if there are differences in skin cancer sun protection behaviors between urban and rural residents. Methods: We used data from three (2013-2018) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles. Sunburns and sun exposure and behavior measures were dichotomized: 2+ hours outside during work days or non-work days, at least one sunburn in the past year (yes/no); sunscreen use, wearing long sleeves, staying in the shade (never, rarely, sometimes/most of the time, always). Urban/rural residence was measured as a 2-level indicator. We compared sunburn and sun behavior measures by rural-urban status using adjusted survey-weighted logistic regression models. Because of distribution difference by rural-urban status, we stratified by non-Hispanic (NH) white identity vs. identifying as a person of color. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals presented were adjusted for age, sex, income, education, body mass index, and smoking. Results: When comparing urban vs. rural residents, both NH white individuals (42.9 vs. 29.1%, OR: 1.60 [1.27, 2.01]) and people of color (48.9 vs. 36.5%, OR: 1.54 [1.08, 2.19]) in rural communities had greater odds of spending 2+ hours outside on work days. Rural NH white residents had greater odds of spending 2+ hours outside on non-work days (64.8 vs. 72.2%, OR: 1.45 [1.12, 1.88]). Both rural NH white individuals (26.7 vs. 21.6%, OR: 0.72 [0.57, 0.89]) and rural people of color (41.1 vs. 35.5%, OR: 0.81 [0.68, 0.97]) had lower odds of staying in the shade. Rural NH white residents reported lower sunscreen use (35.1 vs. 26.0%, OR: 0.74 [0.59, 0.93]). Among people of color, rural residency was associated with greater odds of at least one sunburn in the past year (34.5 vs. 24.7%, OR: 1.60 [1.23, 2.09]). Sunburns were more frequent overall (59-61%) in NH white individuals; however, no significant differences by rural-urban residence were observed. Conclusions: Rural residents report engaging in skin cancer preventative sun behaviors less often than urban residents. Greater sunburn frequency among rural and urban NH white individuals compared with individuals of color is consistent with higher skin cancer rates in NH white individuals. However, over 25% of people of color reported a sunburn in the past year, highlighting the importance of intervention on skin cancer risk beyond NH white individuals. Consistently less sun protection behavior across rural populations even after adjustment for demographics emphasizes that rurality should be recognized as an independent risk factor for sun risk behaviors. Citation Format: Allison C. Dona, Patricia Jewett, Rehana L. Ahmed, DeAnn Lazovich, Rachel I. Vogel. Not just demographics: Urban and rural differences in skin cancer sun protection behaviors in the United States [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1929.

Sunlight Exposure and Protection Behavior as Prevention of Skin Cancer in Nursing Students

Background: Skin cancer ranks fifth in the world. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, ranks 23rd in Indonesia. Meanwhile, deaths caused by skin cancer are more than half of the number of new cases in Indonesia. Indonesia is a country that lies across the equator. It makes Indonesia have longer exposure to sunlight and a higher UV index. This study aims to describe the sunlight exposure level and protection behavior among nursing students.Methods: The samples of this study were 248 respondents from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, who were recruited with a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a modified Sun Exposure Behaviour Inventory (SEBI). The data were processed using SPSS statistical software to determine behavioral descriptions and exposure to sunlight. Then, the result of the data analysis was performed with descriptive analysis (frequency and percentage).Results: The result of this study showed that most of the respondents (84.3%) always used longsleeved clothes to cover their shoulders. Most respondents (85.9%) used sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or more, and more than half of the respondents (68.5%) used sunscreen that can protect from Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). Most respondents (76.2%) never spent time under natural or artificial Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) to get the desired brown skin. More than half of the respondents (66.9%) had never sunbathed in the last 12 months. Conclusions: More than half of the respondents had adequate protective behavior against sun exposure and had moderate sun exposure. Using sunscreens with a higher SPF has shown a stronger preventive effect. Therefore, regular use of sunscreen can decrease the risk of skin cancer.

Photosystem II Performance of Coffea canephora Seedlings after Sunscreen Application.

In the conilon coffee tree, the stress caused by high light can reduce the photosynthetic rate, limit the development and also reduce the yield of beans. Considering that the quality of a sunscreen spray can influence photosynthetic performance, the goal was to understand the iterations between the quality of the spray and the variation of the chlorophyll a fluorescence when applying sunscreen on conilon coffee trees. The parameters coverage, volumetric median diameter, density, droplet deposition, and the variation of the chlorophyll a fluorescence were evaluated. The nozzle and application rate factors did not show direct effects in the physiological responses of the plants. Plants with no sunscreen application showed high values of energy dissipation flux. The photosystem II (PSII) performance index and PSII photochemical maximum efficiency indicate that the use of sunscreen for plants promotes better performance of photosynthetic activity and that it provides photoprotection against luminous stress, regardless of the application rate and spraying nozzle; however, we recommend using the application rate of 100 L ha-1 and the cone jet nozzle type because they provide lower risks of product loss due to runoff.

Sunscreen use amongst US adults: a national survey.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. Consistent sunscreen use can help decrease the prevalence of this. This study assesses the general knowledge of United States citizens on sunscreen use, frequency of usage, common behaviors of sunscreen usage, and use of sunscreen based on knowledge of sun protection. We created a 14-question anonymous web-based survey that was distributed amongst a third-party polling service. The polling service conducted random recruitment of participants based on inclusion criteria. Results from 200 participants were then analyzed using JMP Pro 16 for the Mac [11]. Fishers two tailed exact test was used along with Wilcoxon's rank- sum test. The results of the survey found that 11% of the participants report not wearing sunscreen at all, 13.5% wear sunscreen daily, the most common reason for sunscreen use was avoidance of sunburns (50%, n = 100), most people learn about the importance of sunscreen from their parents/family members (46.5%, n = 93), and 66.5% of the participants feel that sunscreen education should be included in schools (n = 133). Furthermore, the participants in the lowest income bracket were less likely to apply sunscreen. In conclusion, our survey found that most US residents are aware about sunscreen's role in protection from UV rays, however, most citizens continue to use it inconsistently.

Evaluation of the knowledge of sun exposure and sun protective measures in healthcare workers

Introduction: Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has a great impact on human life. The sun has always played an important role in Asian culture, so much so, that it is often prayed to as a God. Prolonged sun exposure can cause extensive and chronic harmful effects. Healthcare personnel is supposed to have good knowledge regarding sun protection as they play a key role in society disseminating knowledge to the general public. There are limited data regarding the knowledge of sun protection and sunscreen practice among health care workers. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from June to October 2020 on healthcare workers (medical staff) in Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. A questionnaire was distributed to the target study population without disturbing or hampering the healthcare worker’s duty. Results: Out of a total of 264 participants in the study, 84 (31.8%) were male and 180 (68.2%) were female. The knowledge of proper terminology for SPF (Sun Protection Factor) was noted in 196 (74.2%) and 57 (21.6%) agreed that the value of SPF was related to age. No significant difference was noted regarding knowledge about the time of sun exposure for Vitamin D synthesis. No significant differences were found in practices of sunscreen use for purposes of fairness, or prevention of tanning, wrinkle, mole, and skin cancer. Conclusion: A higher level of education was associated with better knowledge and proper abiding practices regarding sunscreen use. As healthcare workers play a key role in distributing information in society, they should be targeted in education campaigns regarding sun exposure and sun protection measures; with these efforts focused more on nurses and medical officers.

Athena: Specialty Certificate Examination Case for general dermatology and dermatology in primary healthcare.

Concurrent use of a mineral sunscreen can potentiate allergic contact dermatitis to gold. Prolonged avoidance of this allergen, up to several months, is necessary to assess for improvement.

Vitamin D in women with class II/III obesity: Findings from the DieTBra trial

To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and factors associated with serum vitamin D levels in adult women with class II/III obesity. We analysed baseline data from 128 adult women with class II/III obesity i.e. BMI ≥35kg/m2 who participated in the DieTBra clinical trial. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, sun exposure, sunscreen, dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, menopause, diseases, medication, and body composition data were analysed using multiple linear regression. 128 women had mean BMI 45.53±6.36, mean age 39.7±8.75kg/m2 and serum vitamin D 30.02ng/ml ± 9.80. Vitamin D deficiency was 14.01%. There was no association between serum vitamin D levels and BMI, body fat percentage, total body fat and waist circumference. Age group (p=0.004), sun exposure/day (p=0.072), use of sunscreen (p=0.168), inadequate calcium intake (p=0.030), BMI (p=0.192), menopause (p=0.029) and lipid-lowering drugs (p=0.150) were included in the multiple linear regression. The following remained associated with low serum vitamin D: being 40-49 years (p=0.003); ≥50 years of age (p=0.020) and inadequate calcium intake (p=0.027). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was lower than expected. Lifestyle, sun exposure and body composition were not associated. Age over 40 years and inadequate calcium intake were significantly associated with low serum vitamin D levels.

Evaluation of patient profiles, treatment paradigms and clinical efficacy, and safety outcomes in adult patients with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in India: A multicenter, prospective, non-interventional study

Background: Nationwide studies assessing sociodemographic factors associated with poor vitamin D status and efficacy-safety of vitamin D supplementation in Indian clinical practice are limited. Methods: In this multicenter, prospective, non-interventional study, patients with vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D <20 ng/mL)/insufficiency (25[OH]D 21-29 ng/mL) were enrolled at 9 sites across India and prescribed vitamin D supplements per routine practice. Primary endpoints were patient profiles associated with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and change in visual analog scale (VAS) scores for clinical signs/symptoms from baseline to weeks 4 and 8. Key secondary endpoints were prescription pattern of vitamin D supplements and incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs)/serious ADRs. Change in systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP [hypertensive patients]) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c [diabetic patients]) were assessed from baseline to weeks 8 and 12, respectively. Paired t test was used to assess statistical significance, except for patient profile association, where analysis of variance model was used. Results: Of 201 enrolled patients (mean [standard deviation] age: 43.4 [14.52] years), 61.7% were women. Most demographic and anthropometric factors, except for current sunscreen use (p=0.0297) and socioeconomic status (p=0.0222), were not significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Upper-lower class had significantly higher odds (p=0.033) for vitamin D deficiency versus insufficiency versus lower class. Most of the patients were prescribed 60000 IU/week orally. VAS scores for bone and lower back pain, bone loss, low bone mineral density, and muscle pain were significantly reduced at weeks 4 and 8 (p<0.001). SBP/DBP of hypertensive patients and HbA1c of diabetic patients were also significantly decreased (p<0.05). No ADRs/serious ADRs were observed. Conclusion: Sunscreen use and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Vitamin D supplementation improved clinical symptoms, HbA1c levels (diabetic patients), and SBP/DBP (hypertensive patients), without any adverse safety outcomes. Nevertheless, studies with long-term follow-up and larger sample sizes are warranted.

Pervasiveness sunscreen use and knowledge among university students in Riyadh, KSA, 2022-2023

Pervasiveness sunscreen use and knowledge among university students in Riyadh, KSA, 2022-2023

Longitudinal comparisons of self-affirmation approaches for sun protection.

Self-affirmation approaches for health behaviour demonstrate consistent small to medium effects on message acceptance, health intentions and behaviour change. There are several forms of self-affirmation (e.g., values affirmations, implementation intentions), but few empirical comparisons to guide selection in empirical work. Further, there has been little emphasis on the putative mechanisms of self-affirmation driving behaviour change. The current investigation compared a control and four self-affirmation approaches: values, social, implementation intention, and perspective taking. Participants were recruited through CloudResearch (N=666) and reported baseline sun exposure and protection behaviour at Time 1. One week later (Time 2), returning participants (N=535) were randomly assigned to condition, viewed a message conveying risks of sun exposure, and reported sun exposure and protection intentions for the next week. Follow-up one week later (Time 3; N=449) assessed past week sun exposure (i.e., number of days spent outside during peak hours), sun protection behaviour (e.g., sunscreen use), future sun exposure and protection intentions and engagement with resources conveying further health information (i.e., viewing infographics, following links to websites with more information). The association of putative mechanisms with self-affirmation conditions and health outcomes was also examined. Unexpectedly, there were few differences between self-affirmation conditions and the control on intentions, information seeking, or behaviour at follow-up. At follow-up, perspective circle participants reported fewer days spent outside, spent longer viewing infographics, and, along with social values participants, followed more weblinks seeking information than control participants. The putative mechanisms were unrelated to health outcomes. The current investigation was a first step in comparing novel online self-affirmation approaches and had largely null findings. Results suggest that the perspective circle performed best at promoting information seeking and, to some extent, behaviour change. Suggestions for future directions are discussed.

Personalized Medical Photoprotection: Determining Optimal Measures for Susceptible Patient Groups

Background: Increasing knowledge regarding the deleterious effects of sun exposure and the mechanisms of photodamage has enabled the development of tailored photoprotection strategies based on skin type and the existence of underlying conditions. Dermatologists play an essential role as they identify the specific skin photoprotection needs of their patients. This translates into specific recommendations of suitable protection measures, both in terms of the length and time of the day these patients can be exposed to the sun and the use of sun protection products. Purpose: Our purpose was to overview optimal photoprotection strategies for patients with dermatological pathologies or alterations. Methods: Increasing evidence supports the use of sunscreens containing not only organic and inorganic filters but also non-filtering biological ingredients that can enhance sunscreen protection efficacy. Examples of these biologicals are DNA repair enzymes, antioxidants including vitamins and other biological agents, including those of botanical origin. Results: Oral photoprotection is also an area of increasing interest that contributes to an integral protection against sun-related alterations. Conclusion: This article provides the skin care specialist with a simple, easy-to-use guide to identify appropriate measures for patients presenting pathologies or conditions requiring specific sun protection needs, including (but not limited to) photodermatoses (polymorphic light eruption, porphyrias); inflammatory dermatoses (atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis); pigmentation disorders (hyperpigmentation, vitiligo), photoaging, skin pre-cancerous lesions and cancers, and photosensitive or sensitized skin (patients undergoing specific drugs treatments or skin-related procedures), ensuring the choice of personalized protection for susceptible groups within the general population.

Consumer Behavior, Skin Phototype, Sunscreens, and Tools for Photoprotection: A Review

Sunscreens and photoprotection tools along with consumer habits and behaviors, can mitigate the skin damage caused by excessive solar radiation. For example, protecting oneself in the shade, avoiding inadequate sun exposure at times of higher incidence of UVB radiation (between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), wearing clothes with sun protection factors, applying sunscreens at the correct amounts and intervals, and wearing glasses with anti-UVA and UVB lenses are effective measures for protecting an individual. Therefore, the objective of this review was to highlight the importance of photoprotection for all skin phototypes, as skin cancer is a worldwide public health problem. In this review of the scientific literature on the Scopus platform between 2015 and 2022, we addressed the most common behaviors among different individuals and their phototypes, the importance of clarifying population habits against solar radiation, and the use of sunscreens and photoprotection tools to provide advice on healthy and safe sun exposure.

Vitamin D and Sun Exposure: A Community Survey in Australia.

Sun exposure carries both harms and benefits. Exposing the skin to the sun is the main modifiable cause of skin cancers, which exert a considerable health and economic burden in Australia. The most well-established benefit of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is vitamin D production. Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world but, despite the high ambient UV radiation, approximately one quarter of the population is estimated to be vitamin D deficient. Balancing the risks and benefits is challenging and requires effective communication. We sought to provide a snapshot of public knowledge and attitudes regarding sun exposure and vitamin D and to examine the associations between these factors and sun protective behaviors. In 2020 we administered an online survey; 4824 participants with self-reported fair or medium skin color were included in this analysis. Only 25% and 34% of participants were able to identify the amount of time outdoors needed to maintain adequate vitamin D status in summer and winter, respectively and 25% were concerned that sunscreen use inhibits vitamin D synthesis. This lack of knowledge was associated with suboptimal sun protection practices. Public education is warranted to prevent over-exposure, while supporting natural vitamin D production.

Sun Exposure and Intima-Media Thickness in the Mexican Teachers' Cohort Study.

Objective: To determine whether long-term sun exposure has a protective role in subclinical cardiovascular disease in adult Mexican women. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of women from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort (MTC) study. Sun exposure was assessed in the MTC 2008 baseline questionnaire, in which women were asked about their sun-related behavior. Vascular neurologists measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) using standard techniques. Multivariate linear regression models were used to estimate the difference in mean IMT and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), according to categories of sun exposure and multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs for carotid atherosclerosis. Results: The mean age of participants was 49.6 ± 5.5 years, the mean IMT was 0.678 ± 0.097 mm, and the mean accumulated hours of weekly sun exposure were 2.9 ± 1.9. Prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis was 20.9%. Compared with women in the lowest quartile of sun exposure, women in the highest quartile had lower mean IMT, but this was not significant in the multivariable adjusted analysis. (Adjusted mean % difference: -0.8; 95% CI: -2.3 to 0.8). The multivariate adjusted ORs of carotid atherosclerosis were 0.54 (95% CI: 0.24-1.18) for women who were exposed 9 hours. For women who denied regular sunscreen use, those in the higher exposure category (9 hours) had lower mean IMT compared with those in the lower category (multivariable-adjusted mean % difference = -2.67; 95% CI: -6.9 to -1.5). Conclusions: We observed that cumulative sun exposure was inversely associated with IMT and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. If these findings are further replicated and seen for other cardiovascular outcomes, sun exposure could be an easy, affordable strategy to lower overall cardiovascular risk.

Recent advances in sunscreen agents and their formulations: A review

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been shown to cause skin disorders, including sunburn and symptoms such as erythema, ageing and formation of wrinkles, pigmentation or dyspigmentation, DNA damage and ultimately photocarcinogenesis on prolonged exposure. It has been reported that sunscreens have beneficial effects in reducing the incidence of skin disorders and protect the skin against exogenous and endogenous harmful agents by absorption, scattering and by blocking phenomena. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are divided into three wavelength categories: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Skin exposure to sunlight and other climatic conditions induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can react with DNA, proteins, and fatty acids in the skin, resulting in oxidative damage and damage of the antioxidant system in the human body. Such injuries disrupt the skin’s regulation pathways, resulting in photoaging and the development of skin cancer. Active ingredients in sunscreen agents are synthetic substances which are classified into organic and inorganic filters. Synthetic agents have a number of serious side effects. As a result, to overcome this deleterious effects natural sunscreens were found by the researchers from nature. Natural products can be used as sunscreens and have healing, softening, rejuvenating, and sun protection properties. However, the use of sunscreen has a number of drawbacks, including inducing photoallergic dermatitis, environment pollution, and deficiency of vitamin D production. Therefore, consumers should use appropriate herbal formulations to improve sun protection as well as to avoid the side effects of synthetic sunscreens.

Sun-protective behaviors and sunburn among US adults.

Individuals can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by minimizing ultraviolet sunlight exposure, though recent trends in sun-protective behaviors remain to be investigated. To evaluatesun-protective behaviorsand sunburn among US adults. We analyzed data from the 2010, 2015, and 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual, cross-sectional survey conducted by the US Census Bureau. Multivariable regression models were stratified by demographic variables and constructed to evaluate sun-protective behaviors and sunburn avoidance across time. From 2010 through 2020, US adults had significantly increased prevalence of seeking shade (pvalue, 0.003), wearing wide-brimmed hats (< 0.001), wearing long-sleeved shirts (< 0.001), using sunscreen (< 0.001), and avoiding sunburns (< 0.001) and significantly decreased prevalence of sun avoidance (< 0.001). Disparities in sun-protective behaviors also exist among different sexes, ages, education levels, and those reporting higher sun sensitivity. This cross-sectional study found that by 2020, US adults had an increased prevalence of wearing sun-protective clothing and sunscreen use, though decreased prevalence of sun avoidance. Although certain sun-protective behaviors have become more prevalent, the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise. Efforts to understand drivers of sun-protective behaviors and targeted intervention efforts are needed.

Development of multifunctional sunscreens: Evaluation of physico-mechanical and film-forming properties

The exposome consists of several factors such as solar radiation and pollution, which can provoke skin damage and lead to premature skin aging. Thus, the use of multifunctional sunscreens is critical in order to prevent this damage. In addition, film formation is very important to reach the expected SPF. Within this context, the objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate the in vivo SPF, sensory, physico-mechanical, and film-forming properties of sunscreens containing a biopolymer from Tara and red algae. A clinical study of the film-forming effect and of skin hydration was performed by instrumental measurements and by biophysical and skin imaging techniques. The SPF of both formulations, with or without the biopolymer, was 45.6. This result was 10.09% higher than expected. higher than expected. However, the sunscreen added to the biopolymer showed better sensory and texture properties, significantly increased skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss. The film-forming property was observed by the analysis of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy images 2, 4, and 6 h after formulation application, and this result was more pronounced for the sunscreen added to the biopolymer. Thus, the film-forming property of the biopolymer was important for prolonging the skin barrier function due to film formation and to obtain more effective and multifunctional sunscreens that provide longer protection.

Estimation of the vitamin D (VD) status of pregnant Japanese women based on food intake and VD synthesis by solar UV-B radiation using a questionnaire and UV-B observations

Although vitamin D (VD; serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D) deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) is widespread among Japanese women, the VD status among pregnant women is unknown. This study aimed to determine the VD status of pregnant Japanese women during different meteorological seasons and to determine the factors controlling VD status. A total of 309 pregnant Japanese women were recruited at 28 weeks of gestation at the gynecology department of a university hospital in Tokyo between August 2018 and October 2019. Blood samples were collected to measure serum 25(OH)D levels. Two questionnaires were completed: a brief self-administered dietary history questionnaire (BDHQ) and an outdoor exposure history questionnaire to determine skin sunlight exposure and the use of sunscreen. Among the recruited subjects, 268 were included in the statistical analysis. The average VD intake from food was 9.0 μg/day, the average VD synthesis from UV-B was 15.2 μg/day, and the average sum of VD intake and nominal VD synthesis was 24.1 μg/day; this exceeded the recommended 2011 Dietary Reference Intake for the USA and Canada (15.0 μg/day). However, the average serum 25(OH)D level (11.4 ng/mL) was very low, indicating widespread VD deficiency. Serum 25(OH)D and VD synthesis by solar UV-B were significantly correlated only during the high UV-B season. The 25(OH)D level was weakly correlated with the VD intake from food in all seasons. We obtained a statistically significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D level and VD intake from food using the BDHQ. We also obtained a statistically significant correlation between the serum 25(OH)D level and VD synthesis from solar UV-B exposure, especially during the high UV-B season. Our logistic regression analysis model predicted VD deficiency in 88.0% of subjects. Our method might be possible to be used to predict the VD status of pregnant Japanese women, although another validation cohort is needed to verify the ability of the estimation equation.