INTRODUCTION
The Impact of Photodamage
Photodamage and photoaging are complex, ongoing processes resulting from cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV), visible (VL), and infrared (IR) radiation emitted by the sun. Repeated solar radiation leads to accumulated skin damage.1 This process can lead to skin cancers including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Photoaging clinically manifests as cutaneous rhytids, atrophy, laxity, dyspigmentation, telangiectasias, roughness, and mottled appearance of the skin.2
UV light causes direct DNA damage. It can be separated into UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation. Recent research has further elucidated the role of UV, VL, and IR in photodamage. These forms of radiation increase reactive oxygen species, collagen degrading enzymes, and other inflammatory cytokines causing skin damage.3 Increased melanin content found in skin of color has photoprotective effects against UV radiation. However, radiation from across the spectrum still results in damage to darker skin. Persons of color may be more sensitive to certain wavelengths, such as those in the visible light range, contributing to dyspigmentation, melasma, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.4,5 Sun protection is important for skin of color patients to prevent these clinical manifestations in addition to preventing malignancy and photoaging.
UV light causes direct DNA damage. It can be separated into UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation. Recent research has further elucidated the role of UV, VL, and IR in photodamage. These forms of radiation increase reactive oxygen species, collagen degrading enzymes, and other inflammatory cytokines causing skin damage.3 Increased melanin content found in skin of color has photoprotective effects against UV radiation. However, radiation from across the spectrum still results in damage to darker skin. Persons of color may be more sensitive to certain wavelengths, such as those in the visible light range, contributing to dyspigmentation, melasma, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.4,5 Sun protection is important for skin of color patients to prevent these clinical manifestations in addition to preventing malignancy and photoaging.
The Role of Sunscreens
The market for global sunscreen creams was 8.5 billion USD in 2019 and is forecasted to grow to over 10.7 billion USD by 2024.6 Despite the importance of photoprotection, persons of color are less likely to use sunscreen than Caucasians.7 This may be due to knowledge gaps about the need for sun protection, lack of cosmetically elegant products, or experience of milder symptoms such as sunburn.
Sunscreens are categorized as organic or inorganic. Organic sunscreens contain carbon-based chemicals that filter or absorb UV radiation and prevent it from reaching the skin.8 Inorganic sunscreens, also known as mineral or physical sunscreens, contain minerals and metal oxides such as ZnO and TiO2 that absorb, reflect, or scatter UV radiation to create a barrier that blocks it from the skin.8,9 Sun protection factor (SPF), a measure of the amount of UV radiation needed to induce erythema/
Sunscreens are categorized as organic or inorganic. Organic sunscreens contain carbon-based chemicals that filter or absorb UV radiation and prevent it from reaching the skin.8 Inorganic sunscreens, also known as mineral or physical sunscreens, contain minerals and metal oxides such as ZnO and TiO2 that absorb, reflect, or scatter UV radiation to create a barrier that blocks it from the skin.8,9 Sun protection factor (SPF), a measure of the amount of UV radiation needed to induce erythema/
