Photoprotection
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Photoprotection Review Article Photoprotection Authors: ABSTRACT Gabriel Teixeira Gontijo1 2 Maria Cecília Carvalho Pugliesi Introduction: Incidence of skin cancer has increased signifi cantly in recent decades, Fernanda Mendes Araújo3 corresponding to a public health problem in many countries. Skin is the organ most affected 1Professor of Dermatology – by the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation and the association between sun exposure Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais; Preceptor of the and skin cancer is well-documented. Objective: To conduct a comprehensive review of the Dermatologic Surgery Department main photoprotection measures. Method: We conducted searches on MEDLINE from June at Hospital das Clinicas – 22 through August 18. Descriptive studies, review, and comparative studies were analyzed Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais together. Results: Eleven articles about a review of photoprotection, effects of ultraviolet 2Resident in Dermatology, UFMG radiation on the skin, prevalence of the use of sunscreens, and behavioral measures among 3 MD adults and adolescents were reported were selected. Conclusions: The use of broad-spectrum Correspondence to: sunscreens, besides simple behavioral measures, appears to have a major impact on prevention Gabriel Gontijo of skin cancer. Praça da Bandeira, nº 170, 4º andar Keywords: ultraviolet light, sunlight, ultraviolet fi lters, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell Bairro Mangabeiras – Belo Horizonte – MG carcinoma, melanoma, vitamin D, stability of cosmetics. CEP: 30130-050 Tel: (31) 3227-7733 INTRODUCTION E-mail: gabrielgontijo@terra. com.br In the USA, statistics show that 1 in 5 people in this country will develop skin cancer throughout life. About one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year, and the incidence of melanoma is growing faster than any other type of cancer.1-3 In Brazil, according to data obtained from skin cancer prevention campaigns of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), it is estimated that 76% of men and 62% of women expose themselves to sunlight without any protection. Simple behavioral measures contribute signifi cantly to reduce the risk of cutaneous neoplasias.1-4 Current recommendations for adequate sun protection are based on the following triad: use of appropriate clothing, broad spectrum sunscreens, sun exposure avoidance from 10 AM to 4 PM.1-2,4 OBJECTIVE Perform a systematic literature review on the principal measures of photoprotection, including the recent FDA guidelines and emphasizing primary prevention strategies to reduce risk of skin cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Search Strategy The search was conducted in MEDLINE database, using the following keywords: sunscreen, photoprotection, ultraviolet rays, sunlight, ultraviolet fi lters, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, vitamin D, and cosmetic stability, cross-linked with other words, such as history, methods, classifi cation, agents, effi cacy, statistics, and review. Searches were carried out in English from June 22nd to August 18th, 2009. Recebido em: 10/09/2009 Studies Selection Criteria Aprovado em: 03/11/2009 We selected 11 articles, 9 descriptive or review and 2 comparative, randomized, and Declaramos a inexistência de confl itos de interesse. blind trials. 186 Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology 2009;1(4):186-191 RESULTS Photoaging, immunosuppression and photocarcinogenesis Studies Main Features occur as delayed reaction.1,4-5 Of the selected studies, 2 comprised a comprehensive UVA radiation can activate endogenous photosensitizing review of photoprotection, including the FDA most recent agents (porphyrin, riboflavin and quinones), producing guidelines for the elaboration of labels of sunscreens associated oxygen free radicals (direct action on conjunctive tissue). It is with insect repellents. Most studies (6) demonstrated the not directly absorbed by biological targets, but drastically alters deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, and the cell function. It has stronger photosensitizing action to in 3 articles, were evaluated the prevalence of sunscreen use exogenous and systemic topical agents, and causes more tanning and behavioral measures among young adults and adolescents than erythema, requiring 1000 times more UVA than UVB plus the use of artificial tanning and lights. The relationship to produce erythema. It also has greater immunosuppressive between vitamin D synthesis and use of sunscreens has been effect than UVB. 4,6-8 UVA tanning is caused by melanin addressed in 3 articles. oxidation and can be divided into: 1) immediate pigment darkening (IPD), which occurs after seconds of exposure to Studies Main Results UVA and visible light, disappearing 2 hours after exposure; 2) 1. Physical Aspects persistent pigment darkening (PPD), which occurs between 2 Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and 24 hours after exposure.4,9 - Sun UVR is divided according to wavelength: - UVA 320-400 nm: UVA 1: 340-400 nm (long wave)/ 2. Photoprotective Agents UVA2: 320-340 nm (short wave) They are divided into: - UVB 290-320 nm - natural: occurring in nature, in the environment (ozone, - UVC 270-290 nm clouds, fog, pollutants), and include the skin itself; UVC radiation is completely filtered by the ozone layer - physical: clothes, hats, makeup, sunglasses, glasses; in stratosphere, not reaching the earth’s surface. UVB radiation - sunscreens; is composed of short waves, which have a lot of energy and - antioxidants. less penetration in the ground. Because the UVA waves are longer, they penetrate more in the earth’s surface and are Natural photoprotective agents (atmosphere and environment) less influenced by atmospheric conditions, reaching deeper The ozone layer allows passage of UVA and visible light, into the skin. The proportion of UVR reaching the earth is filters UVC and most UVB rays. Its thickness is not uniform, 20 UVA: 1 UVB.4 The amount of UVR reaching the earth being thicker toward the poles and thinner in the region near depends on several factors, including latitude, altitude, season, the equator — every degree of latitude increases 3% of UVR time of day (between 10 AM and 4 PM the sun’s rays are reaching the earth. It also varies according to altitude: the directed more perpendicular), presence of clouds, and the higher the greater the penetration of UVR — an increase ozone layer. 3-4 of each 300 meters increases UVR by 10%. It is estimated that a decrease of 1% in its thickness increases by 1% to 2% Effects of UVR on skin the mortality from melanoma.4,6 Clouds, pollutants, fog: by When UVR reaches the skin, some is reflected and some dispersion, they reduce UVR reaching the earth’s surface.4 is absorbed. UVR absorbed by the skin is responsible for the Reflective surfaces: radiation reflected by the terrestrial production of free radicals, reactive and toxic oxygen, with surface does not reach the skin. Most soils reflect about 10% consequent damage to DNA, occurrence of mutations and of UVR. Snow, ice, white sand, glass and metal reflect 85% of cancer (actinic keratoses, BCC, SCC, melanoma).4-6 It also UVB. Water is not a good photoprotective, since UVR can leads to immunosuppression and participate in pathogenesis penetrate up to 60 cm below water surface. Trees with dense of photodermatoses, lentigines, and photoaging.4 canopies and foliage are offer very high protection, including UVB radiation is the main responsible for skin damage, UVA protection.4 both acute and chronic.2,4-6 Acute reaction is characterized by redness, swelling, burning, and pigment darkening, Natural biological agents followed by later tanning, increased mitoses, both epidermis The skin reflects, diffuses, or absorbs UVR and visible and dermis thickening, and vitamin D synthesis. Erythema light through protein (tryptophan, tyrosine), or chromophores, induced by UVB starts after 4 AM, with peak between 8 which are molecules that absorb light energy. The main and mid-night, and subsides after mid-night. UVB tanning chromophore is melanin, a large opaque molecule that blocks is caused by increased melanin and occurs after 72 hours. and diffuses UVR, turning light energy into heat.4 Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology 187 Photoprotection 3. Physical Agents state, then back to the steady state, releasing energy as heat. Clothing is an excellent photoprotective measure, Upon returning to the steady state, it recovers the ability to especially for UVB. The ability of protection is measured in repeatedly absorb UVR (photostability). The efficiency of ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). The test is performed in chromophore absorption is directly related to its chemical vitro and measures the fabric reflectance to UVR through structure. The greater the number of conjugated double bonds spectrophotometer. In order to have good sun protection, the greater the protection.4.9 clothing must have a minimum of SPF 30.4 The following Photounstable filter: undergoes transformation or are some factors that influence UPF: weave (open or closed), degradation in its structure and quickly loses the ability to thread thickness, moisture, new clothes, and proximity to the absorb and protect.6 skin. There are already washing powder with additives that Photoreactive filter: is a filter that in the excited state absorb UVR and increase UPF (Tinosorb). Its mechanism of interacts with skin and environment, producing toxic reactions.4 action is based on the presence of ultraviolet chemical absorbers Protection against UVB is easier; UVB sunscreens are (stilbene disulfonic acid triazine backbone), which do not photostable and effective. The choice is more difficult for change the texture or color of the fabric. Clothes washed 5 UVA filters, which often have questionable efficacy and are times with this type of soap may have UPF increased by 400%.4 more unstable.4,7,9 Large-brim hats (> 7.5 cm) provide a SPF 7 for the nose, 3 for the malar regions, 5 for the neck, and 2 for the chin; UVB filters medium-brim hats (between 2.5 and 7.5 cm) offer SPF 3 for PABA – high UVB protection, stain clothes, induces the nose, 2 for the cheeks, 2 for the neck, and 0 for the chin; photoallergy, carcinogen (?), and is virtually out of the market.