Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
18.9K
[New aspects in the development of sunscreening agents]
J Lademann1, M C Meinke2, S Schanzer2
1Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland. juergen.lademann@charite.de.
Summary
Sunlight exposure induces harmful free radicals in skin, accelerating aging and cancer risk. Enhancing sunscreens with pigments and antioxidants can improve protection beyond UV rays.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photobiology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Solar radiation induces free radicals in skin, contributing to aging, immunosuppression, and cancer.
- Visible and infrared light cause 50% of solar radiation-induced free radicals, exceeding critical thresholds with prolonged sun exposure.
- Current sunscreens primarily offer UV protection, lacking defense against visible and infrared light-induced free radical damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for enhancing sunscreen protection beyond the ultraviolet spectrum.
- To explore the potential of scattering/reflective pigments and antioxidants in mitigating free radical damage from visible and infrared light.
- To shift sunscreen development towards comprehensive solar spectrum protection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of free radical formation in human skin induced by different solar radiation spectral regions.
- Evaluation of natural skin protection mechanisms.
- Assessment of the efficacy of scattering/reflective pigments (e.g., titanium dioxide) and antioxidants in sunscreen formulations.
Main Results:
- Visible and infrared light contribute significantly to free radical formation in skin.
- Prolonged sun exposure with conventional sunscreens can lead to excessive free radical damage.
- Incorporating scattering/reflective pigments and antioxidants can enhance sunscreen's protective effects against a broader solar spectrum.
Conclusions:
- Sunscreen formulations need to evolve beyond UV protection to address free radical damage from the entire solar spectrum.
- Titanium dioxide and antioxidants show promise in augmenting sunscreen efficacy against visible and infrared radiation.
- Future sunscreen development should focus on comprehensive photoprotection to combat skin aging and cancer effectively.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
8.5K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
8.5K
01:19Pigmentation
4.8K
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...
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...
4.8K
01:30Skin Cancer
6.4K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.4K
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
4.0K
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...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
4.0K
01:35Mutations
44.9K
Mutations are changes in the sequence of DNA. These changes can occur spontaneously or they can be induced by exposure to environmental factors. Mutations can be characterized in a number of different ways: whether and how they alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, whether they occur over a small or large area of DNA, and whether they occur in somatic cells or germline cells.
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
44.9K