Effects of sunscreen on human skin's ultraviolet radiation tolerance

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2010 Dec;9(4):297-301. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2010.00525.x.

Abstract

Purpose: To observe the alteration ultraviolet radiation (UVR) of skin's tolerance after its exposure to the small dose of UVR under the protection of sunscreen.

Methods: Eleven subjects who applied sunscreen were exposed to 0.75 dose minimal persistent pigment darkening (MPPD) and minimal erythema dose (MED) by the Phototherapy Unit for 4 weeks. Each week their MPPDs and MEDs were measured by solar simulator. Meanwhile, SPECTCOLOMETER® and VISIOSCAN VC98® were used to detect the test areas and control areas.

Results: The values of MPPD and MED increased significantly after the exposure to UVR. But there were no visible changes on the surface of skin's texture.

Conclusion: With the protection of sunscreen, the UVR tolerance of skin was greatly increased after the skin's exposure to the small dose UV.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Erythema
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Tolerance / drug effects*
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / radiation effects*
  • Skin Pigmentation / drug effects
  • Skin Pigmentation / radiation effects
  • Sunscreening Agents / pharmacology*
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Sunscreening Agents