Content area
Full Text
New Formulations Improve Sunscreen Effectiveness: Protective Benefits of Anti-Oxidants Explored
At the American Academy of Dermatology's (Academy) summer scientific meeting in July 2006, Henry W. Lim, MD, FAAD, chairman and Clarence S. Livingood chair of the department of dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, discussed the latest in sunscreen protection.
"Initially, sunscreen was developed to protect against the short-term harmful effects of UV exposure such as sunburn," said Dr. Lim. "Today, we know that sunscreen does much more than protect us from sunburn. It also can protect against long-term effects like aging and skin cancer, aiding the body's natural defense mechanisms against UV radiation by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays on the skin."
UV radiation is broken into three types of wavelengths: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA has the longest wavelength, is not absorbed by the ozone layer, and it penetrates the skin deeper than UVB. UVB is partially blocked by the ozone layer and causes sunburns. Because UVC is totally absorbed by the earth's atmosphere, we receive it only from artificial radiation sources.
New technology has allowed manufacturers to combine and stabilize the special formulations of ingredients that block both UVA and UVB rays, which penetrate the skin and cause sunburns.
"Existing sunscreens that contain Parsol 1789, or avobenzone, do a good job of blocking UVB, but their protection against UVA starts to weaken after a few hours of sun exposure. The new formulations combine avobenzone and oxybenzone, are much more stable, and retain their ability to protect against UVA for a longer period of time," Dr. Lim said.
Researchers also are investigating how certain antioxidants like vitamin E, beta carotene, and vitamin C can protect the skin. In addition, the UV-protective properties of green tea and fish oil are being investigated.
While research to confirm the UV-protective benefits of anti-oxidants continues, one advantage of this type of sun protection would be that a person could protect her/his entire skin surface with an oral treatment and not have to worry about it washing, sweating, or rubbing off like sunscreen can.
The Academy recommends that everyone Be Sun SmartSM by wearing sunscreen and:
* Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.
* Seek shade...