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. 2013 Jan;6(1):16-26.

Sunscreening agents: a review

M S Latha  1 , Jacintha Martis, V Shobha, Rutuja Sham Shinde, Sudhakar Bangera, Binny Krishnankutty, Shantala Bellary, Sunoj Varughese, Prabhakar Rao, B R Naveen Kumar
Affiliations

Sunscreening agents: a review

M S Latha et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

The increasing incidence of skin cancers and photodamaging effects caused by ultraviolet radiation has increased the use of sunscreening agents, which have shown beneficial effects in reducing the symptoms and reoccurrence of these problems. Many sunscreen compounds are in use, but their safety and efficacy are still in question. Efficacy is measured through indices, such as sun protection factor, persistent pigment darkening protection factor, and COLIPA guidelines. The United States Food and Drug Administration and European Union have incorporated changes in their guidelines to help consumers select products based on their sun protection factor and protection against ultraviolet radiation, whereas the Indian regulatory agency has not yet issued any special guidance on sunscreening agents, as they are classified under cosmetics. In this article, the authors discuss the pharmacological actions of sunscreening agents as well as the available formulations, their benefits, possible health hazards, safety, challenges, and proper application technique. New technologies and scope for the development of sunscreening agents are also discussed as well as the role of the physician in patient education about the use of these agents.

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Conflict of interest statement

DISCLOSURE: Dr. Latha, Ms. Sham Shinde, Dr. Bellary, and Mr. Rao are employed by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. and are stakeholders in Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. Dr. Krishnankutty, Dr. Kumar, and Mr. Varughese were former employees of Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. and are presently not stakeholders in Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. Dr. Martis, Dr. Bangera, and Dr. Shobha report no relevant conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Classification of sunscreening agents
Figure 2
Figure 2
SPF profile of a product with SPF 30
Figure 3
Figure 3
UV protection profile of a product with SPF 30. Profiles before (initial) and after (final) irradiation dose of SPF × MED (1 Minimal Erythema Dose passes through sunscreen onto skin).
Figure 3
Figure 3
UV protection profile of a product with SPF 30. Profiles before (initial) and after (final) irradiation dose of SPF × MED (1 Minimal Erythema Dose passes through sunscreen onto skin).
Figure 3
Figure 3
UV protection profile of a product with SPF 30. Profiles before (initial) and after (final) irradiation dose of SPF × MED (1 Minimal Erythema Dose passes through sunscreen onto skin).
Figure 4
Figure 4
SPF profile of a product with SPF 50
Figure 5
Figure 5
UV protection profile of a product with SPF 50
Figure 6
Figure 6
Optimal UV protection across the full UV spectrum of various UV filters
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