Evaluation of the efficacy of a sunscreen containing ultra-long UVA1 and other UVR broad-spectrum filters on skin barrier protection and melanin content reduction in Chinese adults: A single-center study.

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: The protection for ultra-long UVA1 is lacked in the market, posing potential damage from ultra-long UVA1 irradiation. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a sunscreen containing multiple components, especially Mexoryl® 400 for improving skin barrier function and reducing melanin content. Methods: This single-center study included adults with sensitive and normal skin in China in November 2022. Participants received the test sunscreen for 4 weeks. Melanin and hemoglobin content, sebum secretion skin hydration, and trans-epidermal water loss were evaluated at T0d, T7d, and T28d. The self-assessment was done at T15min, T7d, and T28d. Results: Sixty participants were included, including 30 self-claimed sensitive skin in the sunscreen group. The sunscreen demonstrated significant improvements in skin parameters. Skin redness reduced by 9.84% at T28d, sebum content in the forehead area decreased by 22.70% at T28d, and skin stratum corneum hydration increased by 38.44% at T28d, p < 0.001 respectively. Most notably, skin melanin content significantly reduced by 13.49% after 4 weeks' usage (p < 0.001). No adverse reactions were reported in either group. Conclusions: The study sunscreen improved the skin condition by decreasing the melanin content, regulating skin barrier function, and achieving a balance of skin hydration and sebum secretion.