Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
12:37

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

Published on: September 7, 2013

Effects of a sunscreen formulation on albino hairless mice: a morphological approach

Bryan Hudson Hossy1, Alvaro Augusto da Costa Leitão, Flávio Barbosa Luz

  • 1Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Archives of Dermatological Research
|April 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study found that a sunscreen formulation effectively protected albino hairless mice skin from simulated solar light (SSL) induced photoaging. The vehicle alone, however, exacerbated skin damage, highlighting the need to assess formulation phototoxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Photobiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Skin photoaging is a significant concern, driven by exposure to simulated solar light (SSL).
  • Evaluating the efficacy and safety of sunscreen formulations is crucial for preventing UV-induced skin damage.
  • Albino hairless mice serve as a relevant model for studying skin photoaging and the effects of topical treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the protective effects of a specific sunscreen formulation against morphological skin changes induced by simulated solar light (SSL).
  • To investigate the potential phototoxicity of the sunscreen's vehicle formulation.

Main Methods:

  • Albino hairless mice were divided into four groups: control, SSL-irradiated, sunscreen-treated + SSL, and vehicle-treated + SSL.
  • Mice were exposed to weekly SSL for five weeks.
  • Dermatoscopic examination, skin biopsies, histological analysis, and immunohistochemistry for Von Willebrand factor were performed to evaluate neovascularization and histological changes.

Main Results:

  • SSL exposure induced significant photoaging signs, including epidermal thickening, increased dermal cellularity, follicular keratosis, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and angiogenesis.
  • The sunscreen formulation (SPF 30, PF-UVA) prevented these SSL-induced morphological changes.
  • The vehicle formulation alone, when exposed to SSL, worsened the observed morphological changes compared to SSL-only exposure.

Conclusions:

  • The tested sunscreen formulation demonstrates efficacy in protecting against simulated solar light (SSL)-induced skin photoaging in mice.
  • The vehicle component of the sunscreen formulation may possess phototoxic properties, emphasizing the importance of evaluating vehicle safety.
  • Comprehensive assessment of sunscreen formulations should include both efficacy and phototoxicity of all components.

More Related Videos

Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation03:20

Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation

Published on: August 19, 2025

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells06:09

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Published on: June 7, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Pigmentation01:19

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...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...