Prospects of topical protection from ultraviolet radiation exposure: a critical review on the juxtaposition of the benefits and risks involved with the use of chemoprotective agents

Abstract

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is known to cause inevitable damage to human skin via different mechanisms which include disruption of genetic material and generation of free radicals. In the ever emerging field of photoprotective agents, there have been constant endeavors to uphold the standards for optimum protection from solar UV-induced damages which include alarming conditions ranging from severe keratosis to malignant transformation of skin cells. Out of the various methods available for photoprotection, chemical photoprotective agents are most popular due to its ease of applicability, availability, and efficacy. However, the benevolences of chemophotoprotective agents are not excluded from the fact that all chemical agents are bound to suffer predestined consequences of toxicity and unwanted side effects. The present article focuses on the basic knowledge pertaining to achieve adequate sun protection and also on the beneficial and risk factors of using chemical agents as photoprotective formulations. The article highlights the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and unapproved UV filters; and also sheds light on the overall measures to protect an individual from UV radiation exposure, dispel misconceptions and present the newer technologies that are available in the market to accomplish ideal sun protection.

Photoprotective Effect of Artemisia sieversiana Ehrhart Essential Oil Against UVB‐induced Photoaging in Mice

“…ABTS Á+ free radicalscavenging assay. 2,2 0 -azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS Á+ ) free radical-scavenging assay was conducted using the adapted method described by Bora et al (26) and Konda et al (27). A 7 mM ABTS and 2.45 mM K 2 S 2 O 8 both in aqueous solution were allowed to react in a ratio of 1:1 (v/v) in the dark for 12-24 h to generate ABTS Á+ stock solution.…”

Vitamin D and Skin Cancer: An Epidemiological, Patient-Centered Update and Review

“…The limitation of perfect sunscreen use is that it may impair vitamin D synthesis [15] (with studies stating that sun protection factor (SPF) 15 application can reduce it up to 98% [35]), triggering some authors to express an urgent need to evaluate the long-term effect of recommending strict sun avoidance and extensive use of sunscreens in Caucasian populations [6].…”

“…However, some studies have observed that this vitamin D synthesis impairment by sunscreens is inconclusive and may not be significant in real-world conditions [35,36], though there have been few trials of the high sun protection factor sunscreens that are currently recommended widely [37].…”

Photoprotection-UV Filters: Properties, Use and Safety in Sun Products

“…Chemical filters with limited photostability can produce toxic photoproducts, the emission of light with a larger wave length is possible. It is debated whether there is a skin tumor risk and other unwanted side effect with this type of chemical filters [9]. It is important to remember a contemporary review [10] regarding the neurotoxicity of several organic chemical filters and two allowed physical filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide).…”