An Added Benefit of Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Ultraviolet Protection

The widespread use of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic presents a new avenue for protecting the lower half of the face from the harms of sun exposure. The increased social acceptability of masks, which may persist post-pandemic, has the potential to impact prevention of photosensitive disorders, photoaging, and skin cancer. The authors sought to review clinically relevant information on the ultraviolet (UV) shielding properties of masks. This synthesis of current research will help physicians counsel patients on optimal mask choices, from both dermatological and public health viewpoints. The variables impacting the UV protection of masks were reviewed, including fabric type, construction, porosity, and color. Other factors related to wear and use such as moisture, stretch, laundering, and sanitization are discussed in the context of the pandemic. Black, tightly woven, triple-layered polyester cloth masks were determined to be optimal for UV protection. The most protective choice against both SARS-CoV-2 and UV radiation is a medical mask worn underneath the aforementioned cloth mask. In order to preserve the filtration capacity of the fabric, masks should be changed once they have become moist. Washing cotton masks before first use in laundry detergents containing brightening agents increases their UV protection. Overall, cloth masks for the public that are safest against SARS-CoV-2 are generally also the most protective against UV damage. People should be encouraged to procure a high-quality mask to simultaneously help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and shield against sun exposure. Further investigation is needed on the UV-protective properties of medical masks.

Preliminary Study of the Potential Photoprotective Effect of Organogel-Based Lipstick Formulations: Texture Analysis, Rheological, Thermal and Sensory Properties

With the increase in occupation-specific risks of lip cancer associated with solar radiation, there is a need for developing photoprotective lipsticks to protect skin against harmful effects of UV radiation. Considering the unique chemical and physical properties of low-molecular-weight organogelators (LMOGs), the present study intended to assess the UV protective properties of LMOGs-based lipstick formulations. In this study, dibenzylidene-D-sorbitol (DBS) and 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA) were used to formulate lipsticks : L1 (1% DBS), L2 (10% 12-HSA), L3 (1.5% DBS) and L4 (control, no LMOGs). The lipstick formulations were tested for in vitro sun protection factors (SPF), UVA protection factor (UVA-PF), thermal, mechanical and texture analyses. Lipsticks with LMOGs exhibited higher UVA-PF and SPF, and more particularly 12-HSA-based lipstick. Results showed also the viscoelastic and heat-resistant properties of LMOGs and their effect of increasing pay-off values. In general, texture analysis indicating that 12-HSA-based lipstick was significantly harder to bend compared to control, while other formulations became softer and easier to bend throughout the stability study. Finally, sensorial and instrumental analyses permitted to classify lipsticks into two groups. This work suggests the potential use of LMOGs as a structuring agent for lipsticks paving the way towards more photoprotective and sustainable-derived alternatives.

UV-protective Properties of Topical of Astaxanthin Half side Controlled Pilot Study

Background: Astaxanthin, a product of green algae, a naturally occurring reddish pigment from the carotenoid group, is known as a potent antioxidant reducing free radicals. Objective: The aim of this pilot clinical study is to determine whether astaxanthin in topical formulation has antiinflammatory and uv-protective Properties through its antioxidant potency. Material and Methods: The UV-protective effect of Astaxanthin AstaCos® OL50 versus a placebo tested in a half side controlled setting on 21 healthy volunteers Fitzpatrick skin type 2 or 3. A light testing system was used for irradiation of volar aspects of both forearms, one with Astaxanthin formulation, the other with placebo. Twenty four hours later photodocumentation and colormetric measurement of erythema values in all treated areas was performed. Results: After equal uv-exposure, the erythema value after 24 hours on the astaxanthin side is on average 25% lower than on the placebo side. Astaxanthin suppresses visual erythema formation in over 71.42% of cases. Discussion: Uv-exposure causes inflammation, accelerated skin aging and non melanoma skin cancer. Topical Astaxanthin reducing the inflammatory effects of uv-irradiation could prevent later stages of photoaging and malignant skin disease. Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Astaxanthin, ein Produkt aus Grünalgen, ein natürlich vorkommendes rötliches Pigment aus der Gruppe der Carotinoide, ist als starkes Antioxidans bekannt, das freie Radikale reduziert. Zielsetzung: Das Ziel dieser klinischen Pilotstudie ist es, festzustellen, ob Astaxanthin in topischer Formulierung durch seine antioxidative Potenz uv-protektive Effekte hat. Material und Methoden: Die UV-schützende Wirkung von Astaxanthin AstaCos® OL50 im Vergleich zu einem Placebo wurde in einer halbseitigen kontrollierten Einstellung an 21 gesunden Probanden mit Fitzpatrick-Hauttyp 2 oder 3 getestet. Mit einem Lichttestsystem wurden die volaren Seiten beider Unterarme bestrahlt, einer mit der Astaxanthin-Formulierung, der andere mit Placebo. 24 Stunden später erfolgten Fotodokumentation, farbmetrische Messung der Erythemwerte in allen behandelten Bereichen. Ergebnisse: Nach gleicher uv-Belichtung ist der Erythemwert nach 24 Stunden auf der Astaxanthin-Seite im Durchschnitt 25% niedriger als auf der Placebo-Seite. Astaxanthin unterdrückt die visuelle Erythembildung in über 71,42% der Fälle. Diskussion: Uv-Exposition verursacht Entzündungen, beschleunigte Hautalterung und Nicht-Melanom-Hautkrebs. Die topische Anwendung von Astaxanthin, das die entzündlichen Effekte der UV-Bestrahlung reduziert, könnte spätere Stadien der Lichtalterung und bösartige Hauterkrankungen verhindern.

Use of Extended Cover Factor Theory in UV Protection of Woven Fabric

The paper presents an extension of existed cover factor theory more suitable for the evaluation of light penetration through a net woven fabrics structure. It also introduces a new simplified model of predicting the ultraviolet (UV) protective properties of woven fabrics assuming that the coefficient of reflection (KR), transmission (KT), and absorption (KA) of constitutive yarns are known. Since usually they are not, the procedure of preparation of simulation of proper woven fabric samples without interlacing and with known constructional parameters is also presented. The procedure finishes with a fast and cheap detection of missed coefficient for any type of yarns. There are differences between theoretical and measured results, which are not particularly significant in regard to the purpose and demands of investigation.

Evaluating the “Darkness” of Melanin Materials.

<p>We developed a mathematical process to quantify the apparent darkness of solutions containing melanin-like materials. The visible portion of their UV-Vis spectra is model using an exponential equation. Linear regression analysis provides the constants that define this exponential equation. Using these constants, the exponential equation is integrated between 400nm to 900nm to obtain the area-under-the-curve (AUC) of the visible portion of the UV-Vis spectra. This process was applied to data collected from various melanin-like materials discussed in earlier reports. By comparing the AUC values of different samples one can readily compare the “darkness” of melanins and evaluate the impact varying reaction conditions may have on this physical property. We revisited the results of earlier reports and discuss additional points related to the UV-protective properties attributed to melanins.</p>

Evaluating the “Darkness” of Melanin Materials.

<p>We developed a mathematical process to quantify the apparent darkness of solutions containing melanin-like materials. The visible portion of their UV-Vis spectra is model using an exponential equation. Linear regression analysis provides the constants that define this exponential equation. Using these constants, the exponential equation is integrated between 400nm to 900nm to obtain the area-under-the-curve (AUC) of the visible portion of the UV-Vis spectra. This process was applied to data collected from various melanin-like materials discussed in earlier reports. By comparing the AUC values of different samples one can readily compare the “darkness” of melanins and evaluate the impact varying reaction conditions may have on this physical property. We revisited the results of earlier reports and discuss additional points related to the UV-protective properties attributed to melanins.</p>