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Pigmentation

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing

Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing

Published on: May 28, 2013

Beyond sun protection factor testing.

L E Rhodes¹, T M Callaghan

¹University of Manchester, Hope Hospital, Manchester, UK. lesley.e.rhodes@man.ac.uk

International Journal of Cosmetic Science

|May 23, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Sunscreens need better testing beyond sunburn protection to cover other UV-induced skin damage like photosensitivity. Improved sunscreen formulation and application are crucial for effective skin protection.

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Published on: May 28, 2013

Precision Implementation of Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing to Assess Individual Variation in Human Inflammatory Response

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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Published on: September 7, 2013

Area of Science:

Dermatology
Photobiology
Cosmetic Science

Background:

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight causes various skin issues, including sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer.
Current sunscreen testing, mainly Sun Protection Factor (SPF), focuses on sunburn (erythema) and may not reflect protection against other UV-induced effects.
Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, while less erythemogenic than UVB, contributes significantly to other skin damage.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the limitations of current sunscreen testing methods, particularly the SPF.
To advocate for expanded clinical testing of sunscreens to include endpoints beyond erythema, such as immunosuppression and photosensitivity disorders.
To emphasize the need for better sunscreen formulation and user application techniques for optimal skin protection.

Main Methods:

Review of existing sunscreen testing protocols and their limitations.
Discussion of the impact of different UV wavelengths (UVA and UVB) on skin health.
Analysis of the need for clinical testing against specific conditions like polymorphic light eruption.

Main Results:

Standard SPF testing inadequately assesses protection against a spectrum of UV-induced skin damage.
There is a significant gap in testing for conditions like photosensitivity disorders, affecting a large population segment.
Sunscreen efficacy is heavily dependent on formulation and correct application, which are often overlooked.

Conclusions:

Extended clinical testing is essential for sunscreens to evaluate protection against diverse UV-induced skin conditions.
Addressing photosensitivity disorders and improving sunscreen formulation and application are critical for comprehensive skin protection.
A holistic approach combining advanced testing, better formulations, and user education is needed for effective UV protection.