197: Photoprotection Flashcards
What are the different types of UV radiation and their characteristics?
UVB: 290 nm - 320 nm, accounts for 5% - 10% of UV light, high energy, induces erythema.
UVA2: 320 nm - 340 nm, longer wavelength, less energy than UVB.
UVA1: 340 nm - 400 nm, low energy, penetrates clouds and glass, induces ROS, may cause pigmentation, present all the time.
What factors influence UV radiation exposure?
UV radiation is strongest between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
UV decreases by 3% for every degree of latitude increase.
UV increases by 4% for every 300 meters of altitude.
Snow, sand, and metal can reflect up to 90% of UV.
UV is reduced by 50% to approximately 95% under shade.
What is the significance of SPF in sunscreen?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the ratio of the minimal erythema dose (MED) of sunscreen-protected skin to that of unprotected skin.
SPF15 blocks 93.3% of UVB, while SPF30 blocks 96.7%.
The actual in-use SPF is often lower than the labeled SPF due to insufficient application (typically 0.5 to 0.8 mg/cm² used instead of the recommended 2 mg/cm²).
How does the ozone layer affect UV radiation exposure?
The ozone (O3) layer absorbs all UVC, most UVB, and barely any UVA.
When the sun is highest, UV penetration is shorter, leading to more UV reaching the earth’s surface.
What are the historical developments in sunscreen ingredients?
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) was the first UVB filter.
Benzophenone was the first UVA filter.
What is the effective SPF when applying SPF30 sunscreen at 0.5 mg/cm²?
The effective SPF would be significantly lower, approximately SPF3, when applied at 0.5 mg/cm² instead of the recommended 2 mg/cm².
How does altitude affect UV exposure?
UV exposure increases by 4% for every 300 meters of altitude above the horizon.
How much UVB does SPF15 sunscreen block, and how much is absorbed into the skin?
SPF15 blocks 93.3% of UVB, and 6.7% is absorbed into the skin.
How much UVB does SPF30 sunscreen block, and how much is absorbed into the skin?
SPF30 blocks 96.7% of UVB, and 3.3% is absorbed into the skin.
How does the cumulative UV damage compare between SPF15 and SPF30?
The added protection from SPF30 halves the cumulative UV damage compared to SPF15, even though both prevent sunburn.
How does SPF15 sunscreen affect the amount of radiation required to cause erythema?
The amount of radiation required to cause erythema increases by 15 times after the use of SPF15 sunscreen.
What MED would a 30-minute exposure with SPF15 sunscreen result in?
A 30-minute exposure with SPF15 sunscreen would result in only 20% of an MED.
How does SPF15 compare to SPF30 in blocking UVB?
SPF15 blocks 93.3% of UVB, while SPF30 blocks 96.7% of UVB.
What is the effective SPF if SPF30 is applied unevenly?
The effective SPF would be approximately SPF3 if only half the recommended amount is applied.
How does chronic exposure to SPF15 compare to SPF30?
With chronic exposure, SPF30 provides significantly better protection, halving the cumulative UV damage compared to SPF15.
How much UVB is absorbed into the skin when using SPF15 sunscreen?
6.7% of UVB is absorbed into the skin when using SPF15 sunscreen.
How much UVB is absorbed into the skin when using SPF30 sunscreen?
3.3% of UVB is absorbed into the skin when using SPF30 sunscreen.
What is the purpose of the PPD in sunscreen products?
PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) measures the dose of UVA required to induce a reaction on sunscreen-protected skin compared to unprotected skin, expressed as the UVA protection factor.
What is the critical wavelength in sunscreen testing?
The critical wavelength is the wavelength at which the area under the absorbance curve represents 90% of the total area under the curve in the UV region. It is important for labeling a sunscreen as ‘broad spectrum’ and indicates effective UVA protection.
What are the two categories of UV filters used in sunscreens?
UV filters are divided into two categories: organic filters (which include UVB and UVA filters) and inorganic filters (such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).
What are the characteristics of inorganic filters in sunscreens?
Inorganic filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are photostable, do not react with organic filters, are not allergenic, and can protect against all wavelengths of UV when larger than 200 nm. They may also be comedogenic if applied too often.
What is the significance of photostability in UV filters?
Photostability is crucial as it determines how well a UV filter maintains its effectiveness during UV exposure. Photostable agents can absorb photons and minimize the degradation of photounstable filters, enhancing the overall efficacy of the sunscreen.
What are the most common causes of UV filter photoallergy?
The most common causes of UV filter photoallergy are octocrylene, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), and avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane).
What is the critical wavelength requirement for a sunscreen to be labeled as ‘broad spectrum’ in the United States?
The critical wavelength must be at least 370 nm for a sunscreen to be labeled as ‘broad spectrum’ in the United States.