Yohini Appa

High-SPF sunscreens (SPF ≥ 70) may provide ultraviolet protection above minimal recommended levels by adequately compensating for lower sunscreen user application amounts

BACKGROUND The manner in which consumers apply sunscreens is often inadequate for ultraviolet protection according to the labeled sun protection factor (SPF). Although sunscreen SPFs are labeled by testing at an application density of 2 mg/cm(2), the actual protection received is often substantially less because of consumer application densities ranging from 0.5 to 1 mg/cm(2). High-SPF sunscreens may provide more adequate protection even when applied by consumers at inadequate amounts. OBJECTIVE We sought to measure the actual SPF values of various sunscreens (labeled SPF 30-100) applied in amounts typical of those used by consumers. METHODS Actual SPF values were measured on human volunteers for 6 sunscreen products with labeled SPF values ranging from 30 to 100, applied at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/cm(2). RESULTS There was a linear relationship between application density and the actual SPF; sunscreens with labeled SPF values of 70 and above provided significant protection, even at the low application densities typically applied by consumers. Sunscreens labeled SPF 70 and 100 applied at 0.5 mg/cm(2) provided an actual SPF value of, respectively, 19 and 27. LIMITATIONS The study was conducted in a laboratory setting under standardized conditions and results are extrapolated to actual in-use situations. CONCLUSION Sunscreens with SPF 70 and above add additional clinical benefits when applied by consumers at typically used amounts, by delivering an actual SPF that meets the minimum SPF levels recommended for skin cancer and photodamage prevention. In contrast, sunscreens with SPF 30 or 50 may not produce sufficient protection at actual consumer usage levels.

Hydrophobically modified polymers can minimize skin irritation potential caused by surfactant-based cleansers

The addition of hydrophobically modified polymers (HMPs) to cleansers that contain surfactants can create polymer–surfactant complexes that are less irritating to the skin than commercially available mild cleansers. Our objective was to compare the tolerability and efficacy of a test foaming liquid facial cleanser containing HMPs with a commercial liquid nonfoaming facial cleanser in women with sensitive skin.

A broad spectrum high-SPF photostable sunscreen with a high UVA-PF can protect against cellular damage at high UV exposure doses.

Advances in sunscreen technologies have yielded broad spectrum sunscreens at high‐sun protection factor (SPF) and ultraviolet A protection factor (UVA‐PF) levels that are photostable and powerful in protecting skin from erythema. Questions arise whether these sunscreens protect proportionally against cellular skin damage caused by high ultraviolet exposures.

Multi-laboratory validation of very high sun protection factor values

Background: High sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreens have multiple benefits but there has not been validation of the test method for determining SPF values higher than 50. This study addresses specifically the accuracy and reproducibility of the high SPF test.