Influence of Visible Light on Cutaneous Hyperchromias: Clinical Efficacy of Broad Spectrum Sunscreens

Abstract

Introduction

Cutaneous hyperchromias are disorders of skin pigmentation involving increased melanin production and its irregular accumulation in skin cells. The use of sunscreens is fundamental for the control of hyperchromias by reducing the stimulation of pigmentation, since melanin synthesis is mainly stimulated by solar radiation. Many studies have demonstrated that visible light can induce significant skin damage. Considering the effects of visible light, effective photoprotection should not be limited only to UV protection but should also involve visible and infrared protection.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of UV-VIS sunscreens in protecting skin against damages caused by solar radiation and the influence of visible light on the appearance of cutaneous hyperchromias.

Methods

40 volunteers aged 18 to 39 years with skin hyperpigmentation participated in the study. In order to evaluate the efficacy of the formulations developed, the percentage of hyperpigmented area was evaluated using high resolution images - Visioface^® Quick (Courage-Khazaka, Germany) and the analysis of epidermal pigmentation was performed by RCM – Vivascope^® 1500 (Lucid, USA). Also, the melanin index was determined using the Mexameter^® M X16 colorimeter (Courage-Khazaka, Germany).

Results

The developed formulations were effective in the reduction of melanin index, epidermal pigmentation and percentage of hyperpigmented area.

Conclusion

Finally, this study discusses how the combination of UV filters and pigments can protect the skin from solar radiation and reduces skin hyperpigmentations.

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