Photoprotection for people with skin of colour: needs and strategies

New trends on personalized sunscreens

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Nowadays, there are emerging trends in customized and personalized photoprotection, focusing on the innovative approaches to enhance sun protection efficacy tailored to individual needs.

METHODS

We conducted an electronic search of the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Skin Register, and TESEO. Specific search terms related to personalized photoprotection and the variables of age, genetic predisposition, skin phototype, photodermatosis, and physiological conditions such as pregnancy, as well as lifestyle habits were used.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

The article highlights the challenges and opportunities in adopting personalized photoprotection strategies, aiming to promote skin health and prevent the harmful effects of UV radiation in the era of precision medicine.

Evaluating the factors influencing sun protection factors (SPF): Pooling data from multiple studies involving two reference ISO 24444:2019 sunscreen products (P2 and P8)

BACKGROUND

Standardized methods for sun protection factor (SPF) testing are still beset with endpoint and method-driven issues, and can be influenced by multiple factors. The purpose of this analysis is to explore the factors influencing the results of sun protection factor (SPF) testing in human subjects according to the ISO 24444:2019 standard. Intrinsic factors, such as baseline skin color, age and gender, the minimal erythemal dose on an unprotected area (MEDu), as well as environmental factors such as season/weather influences, are considered for analysis.

METHODS

Datasets generated for two reference products (P2 and P8) during the conduct of 50 such studies using the ISO standard 24444:2019 for the testing of SPF products, from a single testing center located in Bucharest, Romania between April 2021 and December 2022, were retrieved and compiled. Overall, the data for 334 subjects was available, with 276 observations for the reference P8, and 171 for P2.

RESULTS

No effects due to gender or age were detected. Seasonal changes, the individual typology angle (ITA°) and MEDu were found to have an influence on the outcome of the SPF values.

CONCLUSIONS

This study adds new original data about the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on SPF variations pertaining to ISO reference sunscreen P8 (SPF 50+). The findings suggest that some factors will inevitably impact the results between two SPF experiments for the same product and SPF testing laboratory. The interconnections between the sources of this variation are discussed. The findings of this research help to identify and characterize factors that contribute to SPF testing variability.

Knowledge and the behavioral patterns of photoprotection among Koreans with skin disease

BACKGROUND

Photoprotection is crucial in preventing the development and progression of various skin diseases. However, patients with skin disease have limited awareness of photoprotection. We evaluated the knowledge and behavioral patterns of photoprotection among Koreans with skin diseases.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 general hospitals across South Korea. The study population consisted of patients aged 19 years or older who visited dermatologic clinics for their skin diseases. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect patient demographics, knowledge of photoprotection, and photoprotective habits.

RESULTS

In this study, 1173 patients with skin cancer, hyperpigmentary disorders, hypopigmentary disorders, or other skin diseases participated. Females scored significantly higher in knowledge of photoprotection compared to males (mean score 8.4 vs. 7.8; p < .001), and younger patients (<50 years) scored higher than older patients (mean score 8.7 vs. 7.5; p < .001). Males also reported longer sun exposure times and lower usage of photoprotective measures (both p < .001). Patients with skin cancer had the lowest mean knowledge score (7.1 ± 2.6) and were less likely to use photoprotective measures compared to other groups (p < .001). In contrast, patients with hyperpigmentation actively avoided sun exposure compared with other groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of photoprotection among Korean patients with skin diseases varied depending on the gender, age, and type of skin disease. Their photoprotective behaviors were inadequate, especially among males and those with skin cancer. These findings emphasize the importance of educating and tailoring photoprotection strategies for patients with skin diseases.

Reinforcing Photoprotection for Skin of Color: A Narrative Review

Skin of color (SOC) is characterized by increased tendency for tanning and decreased likelihood of sunburns due to the attenuation of sunlight by epidermal melanin. Although this contributes to the decreased incidence of skin cancer among SOC populations, individuals with SOC remain susceptible to various health consequences associated with sun exposure, including non-melanoma skin cancer, photoaging, pigmentary disorders, and photodermatoses - many of which not only present differently, but also disproportionately affect SOC. Prior epidemiological studies have found lower prevalence of sun protection behaviors among individuals with SOC, particularly in sunscreen use, signifying an unmet area for improvement in the prevention of sun-induced dermatologic conditions in these populations. The objective of this narrative review was to summarize the biology and health consequences of sun exposure in SOC, as well as cognitive and behavioral factors that affect the practice of photoprotection behaviors in SOC populations. We also review prior interventions that have been used to enhance photoprotection knowledge and behaviors among individuals with SOC, either in racially and ethnically diverse communities or within specific SOC populations.