Comparison of human and porcine skin for characterization of sunscreens
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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Hans-Jürgen Weigmann1, Sabine Schanzer, Alexa Patzelt
1Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Department of Dermatology, Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
The universal sun protection factor (USPF) characterizing sunscreen efficacy based on spectroscopically determined data, which were obtained using the tape stripping procedure. The USPF takes into account the complete ultraviolet (UV) spectral range in contrast to the classical sun protection factor (SPF). Until now, the USPF determination has been evaluated only in human skin. However, investigating new filters not yet licensed excludes in vivo investigation on human skin but requires the utilization of a suitable skin model. The penetration behavior and the protection efficacy of 10 commercial sunscreens characterized by USPF were investigated, comparing human and porcine skin. The penetration behavior found for typical UV filter substances is nearly identical for both skin types. The comparison of the USPF obtained for human and porcine skin results in a linear relation between both USPF values with a correlation factor R(2)=0.98. The results demonstrate the possibility for the use of porcine skin to determine the protection efficacy of sunscreens.
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