Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2025
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
When should sunscreen be applied: The balance between health benefit and adverse consequences to humans and the
1Translational and Clinical Research Institute (Dermatology), Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Objective:
To propose a strategy for using sunscreens that optimizes the balance between skin health and adverse effects to humans and the environment.
Methods:
A model was developed to explore the relationship between sunscreen usage and personal sun exposure throughout the year in populations resident at different latitudes.
Results:
There is little biological justification in terms of skin health for applying sunscreen over the 4-6 winter months at latitudes of 45° N and higher, whereas year-round sunscreen is advised at latitudes of 30° N and lower. Avoiding sunscreen application at times when it is biologically unnecessary results in an annual reduction in sunscreen use of 25%. Furthermore, using products containing UV filters over the winter months at more northerly latitudes could lead to a higher number of people with vitamin D deficiency. The single largest use of sunscreen is on a sun-seeking holiday and encouragement to make more use of clothing and shade would appreciably reduce the sunscreen burden to the environment.
Conclusion:
We need to use sunscreens wisely so that we gain the health benefit from their use while at the same time limiting possible harm to ourselves and the environment.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Pigmentation
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...
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
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...
01:35Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
01:19Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...
01:24Biodiversity and Human Values