Development and characterization of photoprotective nanoemulsions containing Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart. ) lipophilic extract

Abstract Oil-in-water photoprotective nanoemulsions (NEs) were developed using Babassu (BBS) lipophilic extract, nonionic surfactants, and low concentrations of organic sunscreens by ultrasonic processing. BBS extract was chosen due to its suitable physicochemical properties (acidity index, peroxide index, refraction index, and relative density) and predominance of saturated fatty acids, identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which promote biological activities and high oxidative stability. NEs were characterized by mean droplet size, morphology, polydispersity index (PdI), pH, and organoleptic properties, and the physical stability of the NEs was evaluated for 120 days at room temperature. The sun protection factor (SPF) was determined, and the photostability and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed for NEs. All NEs remained stable for 120 days, with a droplet size <150 nm and a monomodal distribution profile. The pH values were compatible with the skin's pH. NE3 showed a spherical morphology, with a mean droplet size of 125.15 ± 0.16 nm and PdI of 0.145 ± 0.032. NE3 containing BBS extract and sunscreens presented an SPF of 35.5 ± 3.0, was photostable after 6 h of radiation and was non-cytotoxic to fibroblast cells. Thus, NE3 could be considered a promising formulation for developing synergic plant-extract sunscreen photoprotective products for the market

Cosmetic Versus Medicine: How Does Your Country Define Sunscreen?

Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States of America, and non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cause of Australian hospitalisations with cancer as the principle diagnosis, having a huge cost to the country's health care system. Primary and secondary skin cancer prevention is globally inadequate, with only 3 in 10 American adults using sun protection routinely. Evidence suggests that regular sunscreen use in Australians prevents both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, and American research has found that daily sunscreen use reduced the incidence of melanoma - the most skin cancer deaths - by half. Despite this, in many countries and regions around the world, a major ongoing divergence remains on the classification of sunscreen as either a cosmetic product or a form of medical therapy, which in turn affects the consumers' attitudes towards the use of sunscreen. This is also affected by the increasing use of the internet, which has made the purchasing of products internationally convenient and easy for consumers worldwide, including sunscreen products, which are frequently marketed online. There is variation between each country or region and their regulations of sunscreen affect the consequent labelling claims of sunscreen products. This affects the unsuspecting consumer's choices in purchasing sun protection, which may be misinformed. Australia, Canada, and the US are the only countries to classify sunscreen as a form of medical therapy. This paper explores the current classification of sunscreen products in countries and regions around the world and discusses the impact of these discrepancies and similarities on the attitudes of consumers towards sunscreen use. Finally, we make suggestions on changes that can be made to encourage sunscreen use and safe sunscreen purchasing. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(8):899-904.

Determinación de la influencia de la altitud en el índice de protección natural (IPN) de la piel y el factor de protección solar requerido (SPF) / Determination of the influence of altitude on the contents of natural protection (IPN) skin and sun protection factor required (SPF)

Se evalúa la influencia de la altitud sobre el Índice de Protección Natural (IPN) y el Factor de Protección Solar requerido (SPF) comparando niños de Mucuchies, Mérida, Venezuela (3100 m.s.n.m.) y Palmarito, Mérida, Venezuela (5 m.s.n.m.), utilizando el equipo Sun Protection Diagnostic SP 37®. Según el análisis de los resultados a través de estadísticas descriptivas, se evidencia que el IPN y el SPF son variables dependientes de la altitud de la localidad en que se encuentran los niños, ya que en las localidades más altas los rayos solares inciden de forma más directa que en las más bajas.

It is evaluated the effect of altitude on Natural Protection Index (IPN) and the required Sun Protection Factor (SPF) comparing children Mucuchies, Merida, Venezuela (3100 m) and Palmarito, Merida, Venezuela (5 m) using Sun Protection Diagnostic SP37® equipment. According to the analysis of results through descriptive statistics, it appears that the IPN and the SPF are variable dependent on the altitude of the locality in which children are, as in the most high solar rays more directly than in the lowest.