Achieving UVA Protection and Awaiting Regulation Updates at the Sunscreen Symposium

By: Katie Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: September 25, 2009

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Yun Shao, PhD, of Kobo Products continued the session with non-nano inorganic UV filters, noting recent concerns over the safety of nanomaterials. Ultrafine titanium dioxide, according to Shao, scatters more visible light and is transparent, whereas non-nano titanium dioxide is opaque. He concluded that an official test method for nanoparticles has yet to be defined.

An improved in vitro measurement for sunscreens was then reviewed by Stanfield, who noted that a molded PMMA plate is perhaps the most critical part of the test, although other important aspects include the application and UV irradiation source.

Karen E. Burke, MD, PhD, concluded the morning session with the presenation, “Sunscreens May Not Be Enough.” She stressed the importance of vitamins in maintaining and protecting skin. According to Burke, UV depletes vitamin C and E from the skin. However, daily oral administration can decrease the incidence of sunburn and provide antiaging benefits.

After a break for lunch, attendees milled about the poster session to view the latest sun care research before retiring to rest up for the third day.

Sunscreens also were not enough for Howard Epstein, PhD, (EMD), who opened the third day’s sessions with an introduction to antioxidants that can benefit sunscreen formulations, including tiliroside and isoquercetin.