Recognition and Usage of Sunscreen by Women in Yunnan Province, China

Purpose: In this study, we surveyed 1,325 women ranging in age from 10s to 40s and living in Yunnan province, China to examine their awareness regarding the harmfulness of ultraviolet (UV) rays, and their usage and preference of sunscreen.Methods: Questionnaires composed of a total of 22 questions were distributed using the online survey service Wenjuanxing. The data collected were analyzed through frequency analysis and crossover analysis using a statistics program.Results: Awareness that UV rays are harmful to the skin was present in 99.2% of the subjects. All age groups perceived the harmfulness of UV rays due to the same reasons, which were pigmentation, promotion of premature skin aging, and sunburn. Similarly, all age groups perceived that UV rays are harmful throughout the year.Conclusion: Awareness of the effects of UV rays helps Korean cosmetics companies to market and design sales strategies for sunscreen products in the southern region of China. This survey provided data specific to Yunnan regarding women's preferences, thereby facilitating comparative analysis with other regions in China.

New methods for assessing secondary performance attributes of sunscreens suitable for professional outdoor work

Background Outdoor workers (OW) are highly exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and thus at increased risk for developing skin cancer. An essential part of an overall strategy to reduce workplace UVR-exposure to OW’s skin is the usage of sunscreens. However, compliance with regular sunscreen usage seems to be low, as products are usually designed for recreational sun exposure and thus do not meet the requirements of physically active OW. To date, no standardized test procedures assess the suitability of sunscreens for professional use. The aim of this pilot study was to develop standardized methods of testing secondary performance attributes (PA) to represent real-life working conditions of outdoor work. Methods Ten sunscreen products, carefully selected after a detailed market survey of all relevant producers available on the German market, were evaluated regarding their suitability for professional outdoor work on 24 healthy volunteers in a newly designed test procedure. In addition to three standardized efficacy characteristics, i.e., sun protection factor, water-resistance, and UVA protection, we evaluated each PA involving parameters typically associated with outdoor workplaces. Results We developed standardized methods for objectifying the suitability of sunscreen products for professional outdoor work. The test procedures used are well feasible and appropriate for testing the PA because they represent practical working conditions in detail – although the degree of discriminability of single test methods varied. The claimed sun protection factor (SPF) of the products was confirmed; bio-stability of the SPF after physical activity was achieved in most cases. While most products hardly irritate the eyes and are quickly absorbed, the evaluation of the subjective skin feeling and non-slip grip is inconsistent. Conclusions In this pilot study, for the first time secondary PA are defined and examined. Although further objectification of the PA assessment as well as the establishment of minimum standards should be sought, the new methods could already complement the so far mandatory labels and in this way provide a significant impetus for the current scientific and political focus on the improvement of occupational health in highly UVR-exposed OW.

In Vitro Evaluation of Sun Protection Factor of Plant Extracts By Ultraviolet Spectroscopy Method

Abstract-Acute and chronic exposure to nonphysiological doses of ultraviolet radiation leads to variety of changes of skin ranging from sun-burn, erythema to skin cancer. For skin protection from deleterious effects of sunlight, sunscreen products are used in various forms having chemical and physical filters. However, synthetic sunscreen formulations are reported to cause adverse effects. Thus the present study was planned to evaluate the sun protection factor (SPF) of leaves extract of Murraya koenigii for their application as herbal sunscreens. The results suggested that the occurrence of active compounds responsible for ultraviolet absorption can be extracted for use in sunscreens preparations as better, cheaper and safe alternative to harmful chemical sunscreens. Keywords: UV radiations, SPF, Murraya koenigii

Toxic effects of UV filters from sunscreens on coral reefs revisited: regulatory aspects for “reef safe” products

Background Tropical coral reefs have been recognized for their significant ecological and economical value. However, increasing anthropogenic disturbances have led to progressively declining coral reef ecosystems on a global scale. More recently, several studies implicated UV filters used in sunscreen products to negatively affect corals and possibly contribute to regional trends in coral decline. Following a public debate, bans were implemented on several organic UV filters and sunscreen products in different locations including Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Palau. This included banning the widely used oxybenzone and octinoxate, while promoting the use of inorganic filters such as zinc oxide even although their toxicity towards aquatic organisms had been documented previously. The bans of organic UV filters were based on preliminary scientific studies that showed several weaknesses as there is to this point no standardized testing scheme for scleractinian corals. Despite the lack of sound scientific proof, the latter controversial bans have already resulted in the emergence of a new sunscreen market for products claimed to be ‘reef safe’ (or similar). Thus, a market analysis of ‘reef safe’ sunscreen products was conducted to assess relevant environmental safety aspects of approved UV filters, especially for coral reefs. Further, a scientifically sound decision-making process in a regulatory context is proposed. Results Our market analysis revealed that about 80% of surveyed sunscreens contained inorganic UV filters and that there is a variety of unregulated claims being used in the marketing of ‘reef safe’ products with ‘reef friendly’ being the most frequently used term. Predominantly, four organic UV filters are used in ‘reef safe’ sunscreens in the absence of the banned filters oxybenzone and octinoxate. Analysis of safe threshold concentrations for marine water retrieved from existing REACH registration dossiers could currently also safeguard corals. Conclusion There is a substantial discrepancy of treatments of organic versus inorganic UV filters in politics as well as in the ‘reef safe’ sunscreen market, which to this point is not scientifically justified. Thus, a risk-based approach with equal consideration of organic and inorganic UV filters is recommended for future regulatory measures as well as a clear definition and regulation of the ‘reef safe’ terminology.

Assessment of the Biological Response of the Scleractinian Coral Seriatopora Hystrix to Sunscreen Products

Every second, 0.8 litres of sunscreen enters ocean waters, which corresponds to the release of 25.000 tons per year. UV filters may present substantial threats to marine fauna and flora and have an impact similar to that of other contaminants. Coral reefs play a major role in marine biodiversity, and some publications suggest that they are threatened by the release of sunscreen into the environment, which should cause bleaching. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of sunscreen products on hard corals. Laboratory experiments in which Seriatopora hystrix coral fragments were exposed to 9 sunscreens at concentrations up to 100 mg/L for 96 hours were conducted, and the biological responses of the fragments were assessed. The examined parameters were coral bleaching and polyp retraction. The results obtained revealed that the 9 tested sunscreens had no effects on S. hystrix, with a recorded NOEC (No Observed Effect Concentration) of 100 mg/L for both tested parameters. This concentration is much higher than those of chemicals in the natural environment, which are on the order of µg/L or ng/L. Under the conditions in this experiment, the absence of toxic effects from the tested sunscreens allows us to argue the absence of potential danger on corals.