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Related Experiment Videos

The sunscreening effect of urocanic acid

F de fine Olivarius1, H C Wulf, J Crosby

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
|June 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Trans-urocanic acid (UCA) applied topically offers minimal sun protection, yielding a sun protection factor of 1.58. Naturally occurring UCA in skin has a very low sunscreening effect due to low concentrations.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Photobiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Urocanic acid (UCA) in the stratum corneum absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
  • UV exposure converts trans-UCA to immunosuppressive cis-UCA.
  • Trans-UCA possesses potential natural sunscreen properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the photoprotective capacity of urocanic acid (UCA).
  • To determine the sunscreening effect of topical trans-UCA application.
  • To assess the correlation between endogenous UCA levels and UV sensitivity.

Main Methods:

  • Determined minimal erythema dose (MED) on human buttock skin.
  • Measured UCA isomer concentrations in the skin.
  • Applied trans-UCA 5% cream and re-measured MED.

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Main Results:

  • Trans-UCA cream provided a sun protection factor (SPF) of 1.58.
  • Applied UCA concentrations were 20-200 times higher than endogenous levels.
  • No correlation found between natural UCA levels and UV sensitivity (MED).

Conclusions:

  • Topical trans-UCA offers minimal photoprotection.
  • Naturally occurring UCA has a very low sunscreening effect in the skin.
  • Endogenous UCA levels do not predict individual UV sensitivity.