Behaviorally segmented audiences for managing sunscreen chemical pollution risk in protected coastal natural resource areas.

This audience segmentation of visitors at coastal parks in Hawaii and North Carolina addresses an emergent natural resource management concern and risk to aquatic ecosystems: sunscreen chemical pollution. Four audiences were identified that correspond to different behavioral profiles: sunscreen protection tourists, multimodal sun protection tourists, in-state frequent park visitors, and frequent beachgoers who skip sunscreen. The second-largest audience, sunscreen protection tourists, represents 29% of visitors at Cape Lookout National Seashore and 25% at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. This group ranks of most concern for chemical pollution because they use sunscreen, but not typically mineral formulations or other methods such as protective clothing, and they have lower levels of sunscreen chemical issue awareness. The identification of similar audience segments across regions with differing cultural characteristics and sunscreen regulation status suggests the robustness of the model and its indicator variables, with implications for both environmental protection and public health. Further, coastal visitors' interest in enacting pro-environmental sun protection behaviors during their next park or beach visit indicates the potential for natural resource managers to holistically address risks in both domains through targeted interventions with audiences of most concern.

Photoprotection for all: Current gaps and opportunities.

The effects of solar radiation on human skin differ based on the skin phototype, presence or absence of photodermatoses, biologic capacity to repair DNA damage, wavelength, intensity of sun exposure, geographic latitude, and other factors, underscoring the need for a more tailored approach to photoprotection. To date, the focus of photoprotection guidelines has been to prevent sunburn and DNA damage induced by UV radiation, both UVB and UVA; however, several recent studies have shown that visible light also generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that can contribute to skin damage and pigmentation on the skin, particularly in people with skin of color. Therefore, individuals with dark skin, while naturally better protected against UVB radiation by virtue of the high eumelanin content in melanocytes, may need additional protection from visible light-induced skin damage. The current options for photoprotection products need to expand, and potential strategies against visible light include the addition of iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and biologically relevant antioxidants to sunscreen formulations as well as supplementation with orally active antioxidants.

Possible treatment for UVB-induced skin injury: Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective role of metformin in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND: Excessive inflammation and cell death induced by ultraviolet (UV) cause skin photodamage. Metformin possesses anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. However, whether metformin inhibits inflammation and cell death in UVB-induced acute skin damage is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of metformin in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, its potential mechanism has been explored. METHODS: Transcriptome sequencing and multiplex cytokines analysis were used to evaluate the validity of in vitro UVB-induced acute damage keratinocyte model and anti-inflammatory effects of metformin. We also determined the expression and nuclear translocation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPß), an important transcriptional factor of Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß). Cell viability and cell death of keratinocytes were evaluated upon UVB irradiation in the presence or absence of metformin. 0.6% metformin cream was applied on UVB-irradiated mice to explore its pharmacological effects in vivo. RESULTS: Transcriptional landscape of 50 mJ/cm2 UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells is typical of UVB-induced acute damage keratinocyte model in vitro. Metformin alleviated transcription and secretion of IL-1ß, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2, expression and nuclear translocation of C/EBPß in this model. Metformin also protected keratinocytes from cell death caused by UVB-induced cellular secretions, which contributed to its cytoprotective effects. Topical administration of 0.6% metformin cream alleviated UVB-induced skin damage in mice. CONCLUSION: We proved the protective roles of metformin in UVB-challenged keratinocytes and UVB-irradiated mice, which indicated the potential value of metformin in topical therapy against skin photodamage.

Natural components in sunscreens: Topical formulations with sun protection factor (SPF).

Artificial sunscreens are already gaining traction in order to protect the skin from sunburns, photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. However, the efficacy and safety of most artificial sunscreen constituents are hindered by their photostability, toxicity and damage to marine ecosystems. Natural selection and evolution have ensured that plants and animals have developed effective protective mechanisms against the deleterious side effects of oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation (UV). Hence, natural antioxidants such as sun blockers are drawing considerable attention. The exact mechanism by which natural components act as sunscreen molecules has not been clearly established. However, conjugated π system is reported to play an important role in protecting the vital genetic material within the organism. Compared to artificial sunscreens, natural sunscreens with strong UV absorptive capacities are largely limited by low specific extinction value and by their inability to spread in large-scale sunscreen cosmetic applications. Previous studies have documented that natural components exert their photoprotective effects (such as improved skin elasticity and hydration, skin texture, and wrinkles) through their antioxidant effects, and through the regulation of UV-induced skin inflammation, barrier impairment and aging. This review focuses on natural antioxidant topical formulations with sun protection factor (SPF). Lignin, melanin, silymarin and other ingredients have been added to high sun protection nature sunscreens without any physical or chemical UV filters. This paper also provides a reference for adopting novel technical measures (extracting high content components, changing the type of solution, optimizing formulation, applying Nano technology, et al) to design and prepare nature sunscreen formulations equated with commercial sunscreen formulations. Another strategy is to add natural antioxidants from plants, animals, microorganisms and marine organisms as special enhancer or modifier ingredients to reinforce SPF values. Although the photoprotective effects of natural components have been established, their deleterious side effects have not been elucidated.

Sun Protective Clothing and Sun Avoidance: The Most Critical Components of Photoprotection in Patients With Melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet radiation is the main modifiable risk factor for melanoma which can be reduced by avoiding excess sun exposure. OBJECTIVE: We sought to explore (1) sun protective practices, (2) effectiveness of these sun protective practices, and (3) vitamin D supplementation in patients with melanoma. METHODS: Using the National Health Interview Survey, the authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis to investigate sun protective behaviors and sunburns among adults with melanoma compared with those without skin cancer. We calculated adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and p-values using logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients with melanoma reported increased use of sun avoidance, shade, sunscreen, long sleeves, and hats, but had similar sunburn rates compared with those without skin cancer. Only sun avoidance and long sleeves were associated with decreased odds of sunburn. Patients with melanoma also reported decreased vitamin D supplementation. CONCLUSION: Although it is reassuring that patients with melanoma practice sun protective behaviors, this does not always translate into reduced sunburns. Physicians should emphasize the importance of photoprotection, especially sun avoidance and sun protective clothing, to reduce future melanoma risk.

Safe, mild ultraviolet-B exposure: An essential human requirement for vitamin D and other vital bodily parameter adequacy: A review.

The enigma of skin sunburning, skin ageing and skin cancer and essential vitamin D production both resulting from solar ultraviolet-B (280-315 nm) (UVB) exposure has long puzzled photobiologists. Advice to patients by non-photobiological clinicians is now often to sunbathe to acquire vitamin D adequacy. However, modern work shows only mild UVB exposure is needed to maintain satisfactory levels, which have been demonstrated as very similar in summer and winter from about 25° to 70° north. Even very careful high protection factor 15 sunscreen use does not prevent adequate production, although it is slightly reduced, such that obsessive use of very protective screens of 50 + might. Dark skin pigmentation too usually at most minimally impairs production. However, confinement indoors and widespread clothing cover can, but oral supplementation overcomes any such deficiency. Thus, vitamin D adequacy needs just mild regular UVB skin exposure well under sunburning levels, unlikely to cause significant skin damage. This suggests mild UVB exposure may also be needed for other bodily requirements, which is indeed so. Thus, it also prevents the development of contact dermatitis and polymorphic light eruption through suppressing adaptive immunity. It also prevents the occurrence of multiple skin infections resulting from this suppression through stimulating innate immunity and cutaneous bacterial defensin production. Finally, blood pressure is reduced through low-dose UVB-induced production of the vasodilator nitric oxide (though UVA, 315-400 nm, is more efficient). Thus, mild UVB exposure is important for several aspects of internal health, whereas high-dose exposure is extremely detrimental to cutaneous health.

Sun-protection habits and knowledge of patients with vitiligo.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a common chronic depigmentation disease. Patients are generally advised to protect themselves from the sun. METHODS: One hundred fifty-three patients diagnosed with vitiligo and 106 healthy volunteers with no additional dermatological disease were included in the study. We evaluated the sun-protection habits of patients with vitiligo and controls, and also assessed their knowledge and attitudes toward sun exposure. RESULTS: Rates of sunscreen use, high-factor sunscreen use, and remaining in the shade were significantly higher among patients (p = 0.004, p = 0.028, p = 0.040). We found significantly higher rates of modifying vacation habits, high sun-protection factors (SPF) sunscreen use, and preferring to remain in the shade among patients using phototherapy (p = 0.016, p = 0.019, p = 0.028). We showed higher rates of modification of vacation habits, wearing sunglasses, and remaining in the shade among patients with longer disease durations (p = 0.026, p = 0.001, and p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: We determined higher rates of sunscreen use, high-SPF sunscreen use, and tendencies to remain in the shade in vitiligo patients compared to the general population. We also determined that disease duration and treatment with phototherapy alters sun-protection habits, but the presence of generalized disease and lesions in visible areas such as the face does not alter patients' habits.

The beneficial role of functional food components in mitigating ultraviolet-induced skin damage.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can chemically alter biological molecules and is one of the major environmental health risks with potential to damage the structure and function of the skin. Numerous dietary supplements are known to optimize the skin's defenses against radiation exposure. Several studies in which the beneficial roles of functional food components, that can protect against UV-induced skin damage, have been demonstrated. Supplemental dietary sphingomyelin maintains covalently bound ω-hydroxy ceramides to avert skin barrier defects after UVB irradiation. The oral administration of collagen hydrolysates has been shown to limit decreases in skin elasticity via increases in the dermal hyaluronic acid content. Milk fermented with lactic acid bacteria has been shown to augment DNA repair mechanisms and improve skin immunity in the aftermath of UVB damage. Furthermore, long-term ingestion of fermented milk containing lactic acid bacteria, collagen hydrolysates and sphingomyelin increases the minimal erythema dose (MED) in human subjects with moderate sunburn or redness and tanned skin after exposure to UV solar radiation. Thus, products containing these functional food components are one means by which the adverse effects of UV radiation on the skin can be mitigated.

Comparison of UV protection properties of cotton fabrics treated with aqueous and methanolic extracts of Solanum nigrum and Amaranthus viridis plants.

Harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and protection against them have been long discussed. Numerous synthetic dyes, finishes, UV absorbers, and optical brightening agents are present in the market for decades for achieving UV protection through textiles. However, due to environmental impacts of these chemical agents, textile industry is looking for alternatives. In this regard, some natural dyes and plant extracts have shown promising results. However, use of colorless plant extracts as UV protective finishes is still rare. In this study, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of bleached cotton fabric has been improved by the application of plant extracts with minimal change in fabric's color. For this purpose, two medicinal plants, that is, Solanum nigrum and Amaranthus viridis were selected and bleached cotton fabric was treated with their methanolic and aqueous extracts. Fabrics treated with both extracts exhibited excellent UPF ratings.

The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Skin is a major safeguard tissue in humans. Because biological barrier function is deteriorated by several kinds of stresses including exposure to ultra-violet (UV) rays, the protection and treatment of skin conditions by dietary supplements are important. We therefore evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with an algal food-derived antioxidant, astaxanthin, on UV-induced skin deterioration. Twenty-three healthy Japanese participants were recruited to a 10-week double-blind placebo-controlled study. They were assigned to the astaxanthin group supplemented with a capsule containing 4 mg of astaxanthin or the placebo group. To assess the protective role of astaxanthin for UV-induced skin deterioration, we determined the minimal erythema dose (MED) and analyzed UV-induced changes of moisture and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) at baseline and after 9 weeks of supplementation. Subjective skin conditions were assessed by the visual analog scale. The astaxanthin group showed increased MED compared with placebo. In addition, the astaxanthin group had a reduced loss of skin moisture in the irradiated area compared with placebo. Subjective skin conditions for “improvement of rough skin” and “texture” in non-irradiated areas were significantly improved by astaxanthin. Astaxanthin seems protective against UV-induced skin deterioration and helps maintain healthy skin in healthy people.

Effects of Dietary Paprika Xanthophylls on Ultraviolet Light-Induced Skin Damage: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

Generation of singlet oxygen by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes acute inflammatory responses in the skin. Accumulation of singlet-oxygen-quenching antioxidants in the skin can suppress this photo-oxidative stress. This study evaluated the effect of dietary xanthophylls from red paprika fruit extract on UV-induced skin damage. A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled parallel group comparison study involving 46 healthy volunteers was performed. The minimal erythema dose (MED) of each individual was determined prior to the study. A capsule containing paprika xanthophylls (9 mg) or a placebo was administered daily for 5 weeks. The MED, minimal tanning dose (MTD), skin physiology parameters (skin color, hydration, and barrier function), and facial skin physiology parameters were evaluated at weeks 0, 2, and 4. The MED of the verum group at 2 and 4 weeks after administration was significantly higher than that of the placebo group. At 4 weeks, the suppression of UV-induced skin darkening by the verum diet was significantly greater than that of the placebo. There were no significant differences in facial skin parameters between the verum and placebo groups. Our results indicate the efficacy of dietary paprika xanthophylls in suppression of UV-induced skin damage.

Protective effects of an extract of the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus rubescens on UV-irradiated skin cells.

BACKGROUND: Skin ageing results from intrinsic but also extrinsic factors of which UV irradiation is a main cause. It is hence of interest to have means to protect skin from UV irradiation-induced damage. We selected an extract of the freshwater microalga Scenedesmus rubescens and assessed its potential to protect skin from photoageing caused by UV irradiation. METHODS: Skin cells in vitro and ex vivo were analysed for markers of UV irradiation-induced photodamage such as decreased viability, decreased collagen content, hyperpigmentation and sunburn cells. RESULTS: We found that a dry extract of the microalga Scenedesmus rubescens was able to suppress cellular signs of ageing induced by UV irradiation. It enhanced dermal fibroblast viability, rescued dermal collagen content, inhibited the formation of sunburn cells and inhibited tyrosinase activity. CONCLUSION: An extract of Scenedesmus rubescens showed broad activity against markers of UV irradiation-induced cutaneous ageing. It may therefore be used as a preventive or regenerative agent for anti-ageing strategies.

Topical application of Nexrutine inhibits ultraviolet B-induced cutaneous inflammatory responses in SKH-1 hairless mouse.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is the major contributor to skin inflammation which leads to the development of skin cancer. Hence, in this study, we studied the effect of Nexrutine (NX) on UVB-induced cutaneous inflammation and its mediators. METHODS: Ultraviolet absorption spectra of NX were measured by spectrophotometer. To conduct the photoprotective studies, SKH-1 hairless mice were topically treated with NX, 30 minutes before to the UVB (180 mJ/cm2 ) exposure. Twenty hours of post-UVB irradiation, mouse skin was used for edema measurements, H & E staining, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and estimation of plasma cytokines. In addition, expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were also determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Nexrutine displayed absorbance over the UVB spectrum. NX significantly decreased the UVB-induced epidermal edema, skin thickness, leukocyte infiltration, number of the sunburn, and TUNEL-positive cells. NX treatment also decreased the number of mast cells, MPO activity, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inflammation mediator protein in mouse skin. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidences that NX inhibits the UVB-induced cutaneous inflammatory responses in SKH-1 mouse skin.

Vitamin D Prevents Sunburn: Tips for the Summer?

In the article by Scott et al, a high dose of vitamin D attenuated the inflammatory response to UV radiation in a small group of normal volunteers. The best results were in those subjects who had the greatest increase in circulating 25hydroxyvitamin D. Using microarray analyses these subjects showed a reduction in the expression of inflammatory markers with an increase in markers of skin barrier repair.

Australian primary school communities' understandings of SunSmart: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Skin cancer represents a major health issue for Australia. Childhood sun exposure is an important risk factor and evidence suggests the use of sun protection measures by Australian school children could be improved. This study examines how the SunSmart Program, a school-based skin cancer prevention resource, can be supported to further increase sun protection behaviours to assist in lowering skin cancer incidence. METHODS: The Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework was adopted to select key stakeholders from a convenience sample of five school communities. Students, teaching staff and parents participated in semi-structured focus group and individual interviews. A thematic analysis was used to extract key themes from the data. RESULTS: Although these school communities were aware of sun protection practices and the risks associated with sun exposure, their understandings of the SunSmart Program were limited. Sun protection policy implementation was inconsistent and students were unlikely to engage in sun protection practices beyond the school setting. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: School communities require additional support and engagement to holistically enforce the principles of the SunSmart Program.

Safety assessment and toxicological profiling of a novel combinational sunprotective dermal formulation containing melatonin and pumpkin seed oil.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure has been known to cause irreparable damages to human skin. The daunting risk of UV radiation exposure faced by military personnel led to the development of a sunscreen formulation which has superior sun protection factor combined with the ability to counteract reactive oxygen species. The present work deals with the preclinical safety evaluation of the sunscreen formulation comprising of four US FDA approved UV filters; namely avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide along with melatonin and pumpkin seed oil, via OECD protocols of assessing acute oral and dermal toxicity; skin sensitizing; skin irritating; ocular irritating and genotoxic potential. Both oral and dermal LD50 values were found to be ˃2000 mg/kg body weight in adult Wistar albino rats using acute dermal and oral toxicity tests. The sunscreen formulation was found to be non-sensitizing to the skin of guinea pigs and non-irritating to both skin and eyes of rabbits. The sunscreen formulation was also found to be non-mutagenic which was affirmed by a battery of genotoxicity and muagenicity assays. The results obtained from this preclinical study indicated that the sunscreen formulation is non toxic and safe in animal models. This study along with additional preclinical evaluations may serve as a basis for considering the formulation as a potential candidate for further trials to establish its efficacy, tolerability and applicability.

Predictors of Sunburn Risk Among Florida Residents.

CONTEXT: The incidence of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States, is increasing. Sunburn is a major modifiable risk factor for skin cancer, and its prevalence among the US population is high. OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of having had a red or painful sunburn in the past 12 months among people living in Florida. METHODS: Florida residents were recruited from public places and online. They were asked to complete an anonymous cross-sectional survey that assessed demographic information, dermatologic history, as well as knowledge, attitude, and behavior factors associated with sunburn. RESULTS: A total of 437 participants whose data were complete for all variables were included in the multivariate analysis. In multivariate logistic regression, younger age (18-29 years) was the most significant predictor of sunburn (OR, 15.26; 95% CI, 5.97-38.98; P<.001). Other significant predictors included identifying as nonwhite (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29-0.90; P<.02), having had a full-body skin examination by a physician (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.03-3.14; P<.04), reporting higher levels of skin sensitivity to the sun (OR, 4.63; 95% CI, 2.07-10.34; P<.001), having a less favorable attitude toward sun protection (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.94; P<.001), having high perceived vulnerability to skin cancer (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05-1.41; P<.009), and spending less than 1 hour outside between 10 am and 4 pm on weekends (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22-0.96; P<.04). The model was statistically significant at P<.001 and correctly classified 78% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Sunburn prevention programs that osteopathic physicians can readily implement in clinical practice are urgently needed, particularly for young adult patients. This study identified 7 predictors of sunburn in Florida residents. With additional research findings, promoting attitude change toward sun protection may be a viable strategy.

Protective effects of Polypodium leucotomos extract against UVB-induced damage in a model of reconstructed human epidermis.

BACKGROUND: Polypodium leucotomos (PL) exerts potent antioxidant, photo-protective, and immune-modulatory activities. A reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) (Episkin) is a suitable model for the evaluation of acute UV-induced cell damage. No data regarding the photo-protective action of PL in this model are available. PURPOSE: We evaluated the effects of PL on the prevention of UVB-induced cell damage assessing sunburn cells, CPD formation, p53, Ki-67, p21 expression, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) production. MATERIALS & METHODS: RHE was incubated in standard conditions. PL was topically applied at the concentration of 2 mg/cm2 , immediately before UVB exposition. UVB exposition (300 mJ/cm2 ) was performed using a dedicated UVB lamp. Irradiated samples without PL and non-irradiated samples were used as positive and negative controls. Expression of p53, p21, and Ki-67 was evaluated with immune-histochemical methods. CPD were measured using a monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: PL significantly reduced sunburned cells (-80%) in comparison with positive control. PL significantly prevented the increase in EGF production at tested times. PL significantly reduced the p53 (-80%), p21 (-84%), and Ki-67 (-48%) positive cells. Finally, PL prevented the formation of CPD (0% vs. 20% positive cells). CONCLUSION: In this model, PL has shown to prevent UVB cell damage, the upregulation of proliferating proteins, and fully blocking the formation of CPD.

Sun Exposure, Tanning Beds, and Herbs That Cure: An Examination of Skin Cancer on Pinterest.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting the U.S. POPULATION: Pinterest.com, a virtual bookmarking social media site, has the potential to disseminate skin cancer-related information among young women, the group with the fastest increase in skin cancer diagnosis. This article presents a quantitative content analysis of pins about skin cancer on Pinterest guided by agenda-setting theory and the health belief model. Overall, sun exposure and tanning beds were most frequently discussed as the causes of skin cancer, and alternative therapies such as herbal medicine were discussed more than traditional biomedical treatment or prevention. Highly repinned pins tend to include more information than regular pins. Different types of skin cancer (melanoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, and basal-cell carcinoma) received the same amount of coverage; however, pins about nonmelanoma skin cancer (such as squamous-cell carcinoma and basal-cell carcinoma) were often information-poor. They were less likely to include information on the causes, prevention, and the biomedical treatment of skin cancer and were less likely to include health belief constructs associated with the promotion of skin cancer prevention and treatment.