Dynamic visualization of ultraviolet dose on skin with sunscreen applied using minimum erythema dose

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Photoprotection Research
• Computer Science

Background:

• Visualizing ultraviolet (UV) radiation dose on skin is crucial for effective sunscreen application and preventing erythema.
• UV dose is influenced by sunscreen properties, environmental conditions, and activity type.
• A novel framework is proposed to visualize UV doses, incorporating these diverse external factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a computational framework for visualizing real-time UV skin dose.
• To enhance user understanding of UV exposure and promote safer outdoor practices.

Main Methods:

• A 3D human skin model using triangular meshes simulated static and dynamic postures for outdoor activities.
• Sunscreen persistency and insufficiency properties, affecting Sun Protection Factor (SPF) effectiveness, were evaluated.
• Real-time UV dose calculation integrated solar trajectory and skin motion with time-dependent sunscreen properties.

Main Results:

• A software/hardware system was implemented, visualizing UV dose distribution via dynamic color changes on exposed skin.
• The system uses true colors for Minimum Erythema Dose (MED) and pseudo-colors for pre-MED states.
• Demonstrated usability through various practical examples.

Conclusions:

• The system provides convenient display of MED based on individual skin phototype.
• Integrating commercial sunscreen properties into the database is expected to increase appropriate sunscreen usage rates.