Sunscreen greatly reduces the risk of skin cancer and is recommended as a critical component of sun protection. There is limited literature on patient preferences for sunscreen characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients in an urban city and rural area in the United States. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was consistently the most important factor for patients when selecting sunscreen. However, numerous preferences for sunscreen characteristics vary between the 2 regions, including dermatologist recommendation, texture, ingredients, cost, broad-spectrum, and brand. Gaps in patient knowledge of sunscreen recommendations may be present and further educational programs may be necessary. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):e171-e172. doi:10.36849/JDD.8449.

In this study, UHPLC-HRMS analysis of the defatted methanol extract obtained from Inula salicina L. led to the identification of 58 compounds-hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids and their glycosides, acylquinic and caffeoylhexaric acids, and flavonoids and their glycosides. In addition, a new natural compound, N-(8-methylnepetin)-3-hydroxypiperidin-2-one was isolated and its structure was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy. The presence of a flavoalkaloid in genus Inula is described now for the first time. Chlorogenic acid was the main compound followed by 3,5-, 1,5- and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids. The methanol extract was studied for its antioxidant potential by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays and sun protective properties. In addition, a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the tested extract in inhibiting biofilm formation by Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Results from crystal violet tests revealed a notable decrease in biofilm mass due to the extract. The anti-biofilm efficacy was confirmed through the observation of the biofilm viability by live/dead staining. The obtained results showed that this plant extract could be used in the development of cosmetic products with antibacterial and sun protection properties.

A sunscreen product is allowed to be marketed if a protection is provided against ultraviolets (UV) including UVA rays and UVB rays expressed by the sun protection factor (SPF). UVB is radiation that is in the region of the ultraviolet spectrum which extends from about 290 to 320 nm in wavelength and that is primarily responsible for sunburn, ageing of the skin, and the development of skin cancer. Thus, since April 2009, the Bureau Interprofessionnel d\'Etudes Analytiques (BIPEA) set up a proficiency testing scheme (PTS) for the determination of SPF in vivo of sunscreen products according to ISO 24444 standard [Cosmetics - Sun protection test methods - in vivo determination of the sun protection factor (SPF)] to evaluate the analytical performances of laboratories on these analyses. This PTS gathers twenty-six laboratories around the world with one trial a year. For each test, the statistical treatment of the data is performed according to ISO 13528 standard [Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison]. The assigned and tolerance values are calculated from the participants\' data and the performances of the laboratories are evaluated individually and collectively according to ISO 17043 standard [Conformity assessment - General requirements for proficiency testing]. This paper presents the design of the PT program, its development, and an attentive analysis of laboratories results, which highlight the global performances obtained by laboratories on this type of analysis. The evaluation of the results shows, in fact, a relatively constant dispersion of data since the implementation of the PT program (variability between 10% and 50%).
Un produit solaire peut être commercialisé s’il offre une protection contre les ultraviolets (UV), y compris les rayons UVA et UVB, exprimée par le facteur de protection solaire (FPS). Les UVB sont des rayonnements qui se situent dans la région du spectre ultraviolet dont la longueur d’onde s’étend d’environ 290 à 320 nm et qui sont principalement responsables des coups de soleil, du vieillissement de la peau et du développement du cancer de la peau. Ainsi, depuis avril 2009, le Bureau Interprofessionnel d’Etudes Analytiques (BIPEA) a mis en place un système d’essais d’aptitude pour la détermination du FPS in vivo des produits de protection solaire selon la norme ISO 24444 [Cosmétiques — Méthodes d’essai de protection solaire — Détermination in vivo du facteur de protection solaire (FPS)] afin d’évaluer les performances analytiques des laboratoires sur ces analyses. Ce programme d’essais d’aptitude regroupe vingt‐six laboratoires dans le monde à raison d’un essai par an. Pour chaque essai, le traitement statistique des données est effectué selon la norme ISO 13528 [Méthodes statistiques utilisées dans les essais d’aptitude par comparaison interlaboratoires]. Les valeurs assignées et les valeurs de tolérance sont calculées à partir des données des participants et les performances des laboratoires sont évaluées individuellement et collectivement conformément à la norme ISO 17043 [Évaluation de la conformité — Exigences générales concernant la compétence des organisateurs d’essais d’aptitude]. Cet article présente la conception du programme d’essais d’aptitude, son développement, et une analyse attentive des résultats des laboratoires, qui mettent en évidence les performances globales obtenues par les laboratoires sur ce type d’analyse. L’évaluation des résultats montre en effet une dispersion des données relativement constante depuis la mise en place du programme (variabilité entre 10% et 50%).

BACKGROUND: All skin tones need to be protected from the damaging effects of solar radiation. Although mineral sunscreens offer protection, they can have a thick, greasy feel and leave a white cast, particularly on darker skin tones. Tints offset white cast and provide visible light protection; however, patients may prefer a sheer option. Therefore, a multifunctional, sheer, 100% mineral sunscreen moisturizer (MSM) with broad-spectrum SPF 50 was developed to have positive aesthetics and deliver anti-aging and skin health benefits to all skin tones.  Methods: An IRB-approved, 12-week, open-label clinical study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of the MSM. Thirty-nine (39) females aged 35 to 60 years with moderate-severe overall facial photodamage and representing all Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) were recruited. Participants applied the MSM to the face and neck in the morning and reapplied per US Food and Drug Administration requirements. Efficacy and tolerability grading, photography, ultrasound imaging, corneometer measurements, and questionnaires were completed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12.  Results: Statistically significant progressive improvements were demonstrated from baseline to week 12. At week 12, 23.4% and 26.5% mean improvements in overall photodamage were seen for FST I-III and FST IV-VI, respectively. Favorable tolerability was shown for both the face and neck. Photography corroborated clinical grading, and ultrasound imaging indicated a trend in skin density improvement. The MSM was well-perceived.  Conclusion: The MSM is an efficacious and well-tolerated product for patients of all skin tones who desire a sheer, 100% mineral sunscreen moisturizer with anti-aging and skin health benefits. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):538-544.  doi:10.36849/JDD.8082.

BACKGROUND: Visual casts and discoloration are common barriers to sunscreen use in melanin-rich populations. However, photoprotective measures are essential for individuals with all skin types, including darker skin.
METHODS: Single-center, 7-day, open-label study of healthy adult females with Fitzpatrick Skin Types (FST) IV to VI and sensitive skin treated with once-daily daily facial moisturizer sun protection factor 35 (DFM SPF35). Subjects completed a cosmetic acceptability questionnaire at days 1 and 7. Photography using VISIA CR was performed at day 7. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study.
RESULTS: Thirty-two (32) subjects participated; 31.3% had FST IV, 53.1% V, and 15.6% VI skin. DFM SPF35 was viewed as cosmetically elegant. At day 1, 96.7% of subjects agreed product was easy to apply; 90.0% reported soft skin after product use; 86.7% said it had a lightweight, non-greasy feel and hydrated the skin. At day 7, 93.7% reported no visible white residue on their skin and said the product applied easily/absorbed well. The majority (90.6%) would continue using and would recommend the product; and 87.5% reported the product blended seamlessly into their skin, which agreed with clinical photography. Responses were consistent among subjects with normal, oily, or combination skin. No adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: DFM SPF35 blended well into the skin and was perceived favorably among subjects with SOC after 1 and 7 days of use. Subjects felt it had good cosmetic acceptability without unacceptable white residues or a greasy feeling. Dermatologists need to be versed in products that can be used on a variety of skin types.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):515-518.  doi:10.36849/JDD.8223.

Background and objective Exposure to sunlight\'s ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses various health risks, including sunburn, skin damage, and heightened skin cancer risk. Sunblock usage has surged due to widespread advertising campaigns. Individuals spending time outdoors should employ protective measures like wearing hats, applying sunblock with a high sun protection factor (SPF), covering exposed skin, and seeking shade to mitigate UV exposure\'s harmful effects. This study\'s objective is to assess participants\' experiences and satisfaction with SPF 100 sunscreen in actual use conditions. Methodology This study employed a prospective, single-center design involving 100 participants aged 18 to 70 years. Eligible individuals had Fitzpatrick skin types I-III and were engaged in outdoor activities, excluding those with certain medical conditions or medication use. Each participant received sunscreen tubes (Solero SPF 100, Helix Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Karachi, Pakistan), and clinical evaluations were conducted on the day before and after and day 22 visits, with sunblock application and UV-induced erythema assessments performed. Results Our study enrolled participants with a mean age of 25.6 ± 7.1 years, ranging from 15 to 55 years, with females comprising 84% (84) of the sample. Results revealed widespread satisfaction and acceptance of SPF 100 sunscreen, without any reported adverse reactions. A significant majority expressed their willingness to purchase and recommend the sunscreen to others. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare providers expressed satisfaction with prescribing this sunscreen.  Conclusions In conclusion, SPF 100 sunscreen demonstrated excellent tolerability and acceptability among participants, suggesting its potential utility in both personal sun protection routines and clinical settings.

Grape marc is a by-product resulting from the winemaking industry that still contains beneficial compounds that can be valorized. Thus, we report here the possibility of using polyphenolic extracts of grape marc origin to obtain sun protection creams. The extractions were performed in ethanol and acetone solutions using pomace from different grape varieties (Merlot, Bläufrankisch, Fetească Neagră, Isabella) as a raw material. The obtained extracts were analyzed in order to determine the total phenolic content, the antioxidant activity, and the sun protection factor (SPF) via Mansur spectrophotometric assay. The best results were achieved using 70% ethanol in water as a solvent. The extracts with the highest potential photoprotective effects are from the Merlot variety (SPFspectrophotometric = 7.83 ± 0.76). The sunscreens were prepared using the 70% ethanolic extract of the Merlot variety evaporated to dryness, redissolved in either distilled water or ethanol. The SPF estimated in vitro via the COLIPA method showed values of 14.07 ± 1.50 and 11.46 ± 1.32 for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively, when working with a cream to polyphenolic extract a ratio of 1/1 (w/w). At the same time, the use of aqueous polyphenolic extracts ensures the better stability of creams compared with the ethanolic ones.

Sunscreen is an essential component of sun protection. The most important characteristics for patient selection of sunscreens have not been evaluated. A cross-sectional survey study was performed at an academic dermatology office. The sunscreen characteristic chosen most frequently was SPF (75.2%). Fewer patients selected broad-spectrum (20.7%) and water-resistance (22.7%). There remains a gap in patient knowledge regarding AAD recommendations for sunscreen characteristics and educational initiatives may be required. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(6):e154-e155.     doi:10.36849/JDD.8324e  .

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in situ the influence of sweat, oil, sunscreen, and disinfectant solution on the color stability, hardness, and roughness of elastomer for facial prostheses.
METHODS: Standardized and intrinsically pigmented specimens remained in contact with human skin from the same person for 30 days, considering exposures (n = 36 per group), absent of exposition (Control, C); sweat and oiliness contact (SO); sweat and oiliness associated with sunscreen (SOS); 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate immersion (CD0.12%); and all agents exposed (SOSCD). The main variables were color change (CIELab and National Standard Bureau system, NBS), Shore A hardness, and surface roughness, measured at baseline and 30 days. Qualitative analyses were performed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis tests (color) and two-way ANOVA (hardness and roughness) with Sidak post-test (α = 0.05).
RESULTS: CD0.12% (1.54 ± 0.49) and SOSCD (2.10 ± 1.03) had similar effects and caused the smallest color changes, considered mild and noticeable (NBS), respectively. SOS promoted the greatest color change (6.99 ± 1.43, NBS: large) and hardness (17.97 ± 0.56); SOS promoted intermediate roughness (3.48 ± 1.05) between SOSCD (2.25 ± 0.53), and two similar groups: C (4.46 ± 0.95), and CD0.12% (4.39 ± 1.26). The qualitative analysis showed an irregular, dense, dry, and whitish layer on the surface of the specimens exposed to sunscreen, which was reduced when in contact with 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate.
CONCLUSIONS: Endogenous and exogenous factors are capable of altering elastomer properties. The 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate minimized the changes caused by sweat, oil, and sunscreen.

OBJECTIVE: Outdoor workers are at increased risk for skin cancer and melanoma. This qualitative study aimed to explore outdoor workers\' perspectives and experiences of primary (i.e. sun protection) and secondary prevention, i.e. skin self-examination (SSE) of skin cancer.
METHODS: Purposive, snowball, and theoretical sampling was used to recruit outdoor workers in Kentucky and Indiana. Semi-structured interviews via telephone or videoconference of approximately 45 min were conducted with interviewer probes and questions about perceptions of cancer risk, prevention, and screening techniques conducted, perceived barriers and facilitators, and preferences for health dissemination venues. The recordings were transcribed verbatim and de-identified. Analysis involved constructivist grounded theory coding strategies. Using peer debriefing and consensus building around themes, the researcher established a codebook for all interviews to utilize within Dedoose software for systematizing and organizing data.
RESULTS: Eighteen interviews were conducted. Interviewees (N = 18) ranged in age from 35 to 78 yr, with 3 females. Outdoor industries included agriculture, maintenance, and grounds maintenance. Themes derived from the data showed the underlying factors and perceptions that influence outdoor workers to conduct primary and secondary cancer prevention activities. The level of alarm attributed to disease and the level of trust in information contribute to intentions to conduct activities. The intentions and trust toward healthcare institutions and providers drive the primary or secondary prevention behaviors. Cultural and contextual factors included masculinity and self-sufficiency, familial and occupational priorities, and community ties.
CONCLUSIONS: These data provide a basis for developing future communications and interventions to decrease skin cancer incidence in outdoor workers. They indicate that secondary prevention and building self-efficacy in conducting SSE should be emphasized in tandem or over primary skin cancer prevention methods in this population. Trusted local healthcare providers should primarily provide prevention information, and materials should utilize testimonials from the local community to best influence this population. Communications and training interventions are needed in this population to induce a proactive level of alarm about cancer and result in the performance of SSE.