Photoaging under recreational sunbeds

The Damaging Effects of Long UVA (UVA1) Rays: A Major Challenge to Preserve Skin Health and Integrity

Within solar ultraviolet (UV) light, the longest UVA1 wavelengths, with significant and relatively constant levels all year round and large penetration properties, produce effects in all cutaneous layers. Their effects, mediated by numerous endogenous chromophores, primarily involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The resulting oxidative stress is the major mode of action of UVA1, responsible for lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, DNA lesions and subsequent intracellular signaling cascades. These molecular changes lead to mutations, apoptosis, dermis remodeling, inflammatory reactions and abnormal immune responses. The altered biological functions contribute to clinical consequences such as hyperpigmentation, inflammation, photoimmunosuppression, sun allergies, photoaging and photocancers. Such harmful impacts have also been reported after the use of UVA1 phototherapy or tanning beds. Furthermore, other external aggressors, such as pollutants and visible light (Vis), were shown to induce independent, cumulative and synergistic effects with UVA1 rays. In this review, we synthetize the biological and clinical effects of UVA1 and the complementary effects of UVA1 with pollutants or Vis. The identified deleterious biological impact of UVA1 contributing to clinical consequences, combined with the predominance of UVA1 rays in solar UV radiation, constitute a solid rational for the need for a broad photoprotection, including UVA1 up to 400 nm.

Artificial tanning devices (Sunbeds): where do we stand?

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted by indoor tanning devices (sunbeds) has well-documented negative effects on human health, but no clear benefit beyond cosmetic outcomes. Sunbed use is responsible for a significant proportion of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, especially in patients exposed to this practice in early life, premature skin ageing, immunosuppression, skin burns, and eye damage. Artificial tanning is now seen as a public health issue. In this review we discuss the potential additive effect of indoor tanning, misleading facts regarding sunbed benefit, safety concerns and negative effects on human health, indoor tanning legislation and current position of several international organisations, and the impact of some policies adopted in order to mitigate the effects of this dangerous practice.

Mapping, in vivo, the uniformity of two skin properties alongside the human face by a 3D virtual approach

OBJECTIVE

To determine the homogeneity in the distribution of two cutaneous functions (hydration and elasticity) along the entire human face.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The half faces (right or left, randomly chosen) of two groups of Caucasian women were measured on 24 different small sites (elasticity) and 41 others (hydration), by instruments of small-sized probes (Cutometer^® and Corneometer^® , respectively). Hydration of the face was recorded at different times (up to 24 h), post application of a highly hydrating product. The recorded values (left and right half faces) were further gathered and digitally positioned on a virtual feminine face and their intensity was illustrated through a colored white (lower values)-blue (higher values) scale.

RESULTS

The reconstitution of the mapping of the two measured parameters (from the left and right sides of different subjects), shows a perfect symmetry vis à vis the nose axis. However, both parameters present slightly variable but significant values along the human face. Sites from the temple are less elastic than chin or forehead. The upper and lower parts of the forehead show slight disparities in their elasticity values. Cheeks are significantly less prone at retaining their imparted hydration status (lost 2 h after application of a hydrating product) as compared to sub-ocular regions or chin that retain their hydration up to 24 h. Attempts to establish a mutual relationship between the two skin properties unsurprisingly failed.

CONCLUSION

The two studied skin properties show a slight but highly symmetric disparity along the entire human face.

The colour of the human skin: fruitful science, unsuitable wordings

A review of the various facets of the colour of human skin is proposed. It aims first at illustrating the paradoxical association of the remarkable recent scientific advances that characterize changes in the skin colour, with some totally inappropriate or outdated phrasings used in its communication. As a second objective, it aims at proposing an alternative to these wordings. The latter would combine six shade types, defined by Individual Type Angle (ITA) values, a coloured reference chart and associated colour adjectives, highly corresponding to the six Phototypes previously defined by Fitzpatrick. Such alternative would overcome most references to both ethnic- and ethical-related issues.

Quitting the "Cancer Tube": a qualitative examination of the process of indoor tanning cessation

This study examined health belief model (HBM) relevant constructs in the context of indoor tanning cessation. Telephone interviews were conducted between December 2011 and April 2012 with participants drawn from the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS) population, specifically, former tanning bed users (N = 14, all females; mean age, 25.65 years) who reported frequent use in 2007, but had quit by 2010. Participants identified important motivations for quitting including health and financial reasons and the central role of family and friends in providing encouragement for indoor tanning cessation. However, participants also noted substantial barriers to maintaining indoor tanning quitting (e.g., social pressures to look good, tanning salon incentives). Participants' experience of withdrawal highlighted psychological factors more often than physical factors; some were open to resuming use in the future. The findings will be useful in intervention development to encourage cessation, the strengthening of policies to regulate the indoor tanning industry, as well as public health messaging to raise awareness of this prevalent, easily accessible cancer risk behavior.

The skin ivory spot. A possible indicator for skinfield photo-carcinogenesis in recreational sunbed addicts

Introduction: For a decade or so, artificial sources of restricted light wavelengths, particularly sunbeds, have progressively gained popularity among adolescents and young adults. Warnings were raised focusing on the risk of accelerated photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. The ULEV (ultraviolet light-enhanced visualization) method is a convenient noninvasive way identifying subtle pigmentary changes presenting as a mottled subclinical melanoderma (MSM). Of note, rare spotty amelanotic macules presenting as skin ivory spots (SIS) was reported on any part of the body. Subjects and method: This work is the first attempt at evaluating the changes in the MSM and SIS spots developed on the skin of 33 phototype III young women designated as avid users involved in frequent exposures to sunshine and sunbeds for lifestyle purposes for a duration of at least 120 months. Results: MSM was markedly heterogeneous and was distinctly obvious in the majority of adepts of frequent natural and artificial photoexposures. SIS was particularly developed in subjects presenting with severe MSM patterns. Discussion: MSM and SIS are more severe in subjects frequently exposed to sunbeds and sun exposures. These signs possibly represent a risk marker for field photocarcinogenesis.