Enhancing sunscreen efficacy in the ‘real’ world?

Abstract

Sunscreens, used in the prevention of sunburn and skin cancer, have been commercialized since the 1930s. Their utilization is expanding, particularly in response to photoaging and an increase of skin cancer. However, failures occur in sunscreen use because their efficacy depends on the adequacy of application and utilization. This overview documents issues in sunscreen use and also discusses 2007 FDA-proposed rules to offer possible options for enhanced efficacy and communications to the consumer.

Combined use of two formulations containing diacetyl boldine, TGF‐β1 biomimetic oligopeptide‐68 with other hypopigmenting/exfoliating agents and sunscreen provides effective and convenient treatment for facial melasma. Either is equal to or is better than 4% hydroquinone on normal skin

“…This study revealed that the subjects applied much lower amount of sunscreen than the recommended dose. Therefore, every single melasma patient needs more education on sunscreen use such as sunscreen is just a complement to shade, clothing, and broad‐brimmed hats, and wearing sunscreen does not mean a person can spend longer periods of time in the sun. Patients must learn how to properly apply a sunscreen, and how to achieve adequate dose and uniform distribution of sunscreen (see details in ref …”

“…). So, a very high SPF value may not be as important as sufficient amount of sunscreen, frequency, and right moment of sunscreen application . Certainly, DAB serum and DAB/TGF‐ β 1 /sunscreen cream are formulated for normalizing skin color.…”

Layering sunscreen with facial makeup enhances its sun protection factor under real‐use conditions

“…second hour. 10 However, real-world sunscreen use diverges from the best practices described by the WHO, 10,11 which also means that many variables in real-world use differ from those used to test the sun protection factor (SPF) of a product. Sunscreen consumers use much less than the recommended amount of sunscreen, [11][12][13][14] and tend to apply it unevenly over their skin.…”

“…10 However, real-world sunscreen use diverges from the best practices described by the WHO, 10,11 which also means that many variables in real-world use differ from those used to test the sun protection factor (SPF) of a product. Sunscreen consumers use much less than the recommended amount of sunscreen, [11][12][13][14] and tend to apply it unevenly over their skin. 11,15 As part of their facial skin care and makeup routine, some people apply sunscreen to their skin sequentially after skin care products, and apply facial makeup products as a next step.…”

The Role of Dispensing Device and Label Warnings on Dosing for Sunscreen Application: A Randomized Trial

“…The structural design of packaging, as well as the design of the labeling, have the potential to influence both perceptions and physical interactions of consumers using regulated products like sunscreen (Jungman & Maibach, 2010). The FDA has mandated clear labeling for OTC drugs for many years; sunscreen labeling must include a drug facts label, SPF within a range of SPF 15 to SPF 50+, water resistance claims with specific time limits, and a warning alerting consumers the product does not protect against skin cancer or aging if it has an SPF between 2 and 14 (USFDA, 2011b).…”