Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering

@article{Cole2016MetalOS,
  title={Metal oxide sunscreens protect skin by absorption, not by reflection or scattering},
  author={Curtis Cole and Thomas Shyr and H Ou-Yang},
  journal={Photodermatology},
  year={2016},
  volume={32}
}
The inorganic metal oxide sunscreens titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have been considered to protect against sunburning ultraviolet radiation by physically reflecting/scattering the incident photons and thus protecting the skin. Earlier publications suggested, however, that the primary action of UV protection by these sunscreen agents is through absorption and not by reflection. The purpose of this work was to quantitate the contributions of each of these modes of action to the protection… 
View on Wiley
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
47 Citations
Background Citations
7

47 Citations

Citation Type

Citation Type

A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
TLDR
Based on current evidence, ZnO and TiO2‐containing sunscreens are safe alternatives and the public should be counseled to seek shade, use photoprotective clothing including hats and glasses in addition toSunscreens on sun‐exposed skin.
Modern sun protection.
Sun Protection: Current Management Strategies Addressing UV Exposure.
Comparing Free Radicals in Sunscreen-Treated Pig Skin by Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Melanoma, a type of cancer that develops in melanocytes, is usually caused by direct exposure of skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation resulting in cellular damage. In this study, a procedure to…
Sunscreens: An Update
TLDR
The benefits of sunscreen, different ultraviolet filters, sunscreen regulations and controversies, the importance of broad-spectrum protection, issues of photostability and formulation, and patient education and compliance are discussed.
Sunscreen-Based Skin Protection Against Solar Insult: Molecular Mechanisms and Opportunities
Solar ultraviolet (UV) photons are established environmental carcinogens. Sunscreens are important solar photoprotectants and cancer chemopreventive molecular agents. The importance of efficient skin…
Zinc oxide-induced changes to sunscreen ingredient efficacy and toxicity under UV irradiation
TLDR
This study suggests that caution must be taken when formulating sunscreens containing both zinc oxide and small-molecule UV-filters to avoid unintended consequences during use.
Photoprotection With Mineral-Based Sunscreens.
TLDR
Mineral sunscreens are an attractive, efficacious option for consumers who prefer alternative choices in sun protection and safety concerns, including the controversy surrounding the use of nanoparticles are reviewed.
Slip versus Slop: A Head-to-Head Comparison of UV-Protective Clothing to Sunscreen
TLDR
The data suggest that clothing should be considered the cornerstone of UV protection, and the combination of SPF or UPF with % UVA-blocking may provide more suitable measures for broad-spectrum protection.
Sustainable Sunscreens: A Challenge Between Performance, Animal Testing Ban, and Human and Environmental Safety
The light and warmth of the sun are among the key parameters for the development of many higher life forms on Earth. As light intensity changes within seasons, organisms including mankind have…
...
1
2
3
4
5
...

References

SHOWING 1-7 OF 7 REFERENCES
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness.
TLDR
Caution should still be exercised when new sunscreens are developed and research that includes sunscreen NP stabilization, chronic exposures, and reduction of NPs' free-radical production should receive full attention.
UV absorption and scattering properties of inorganic‐based sunscreens
TLDR
The concepts that underlie the calculations of scattering and absorption of light by small particles are introduced and theoretical results are shown to be in reasonable agreement with experimental results for alkyl benzoate dispersions of three different types of TiO2 particle.
Micronization as a tool in the development of innovative UV filters
The increasing demand for reliable broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection has led to the development of various new sunscreen actives. The traditional classification divides sunscreen actives into…
Fiber Optic Spectrophotometer for Noninvasive Transmission and Diffuse Reflection Studies
Abstract We describe the construction of a simple but versatile single-beam spectrophotometer that uses no sample holder at all; one arm of a bifurcated fiber optic bundle illuminates the specimen,…
UCTS FOR OVER-THE-COUNTER HUMAN USE
  • Biology
  • 2016
(a) An over-the-counter analgesicantipyretic drug product in a form suitable for oral administration is generally recognized as safe and effective and is not misbranded if it meets each of the…
The absorption properties of "physical" sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens
  • J Soc Cosmet Chem
  • 1990