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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Hair melanin content and photodamage
Ana Carolina Santos Nogueira1, Inés Joekes
1Chemistry Institute, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, CP 6154, 13084-971 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to compare the susceptibility of hair with different melanin content (virgin white, blond and dark-brown) to photodegradation, evaluating changes on hair color and mechanical properties. Light exposure was carried out with a mercury-vapor lamp for up to 1800h. It was observed that color changes are different for each hair type and dependent on the wavelength range. Breaking elongation and breaking strength were affected in all hair types, mainly by UVB radiation. Results show that the melanin type and content of each hair is not the only parameter related to hair damages caused by sun exposure.
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