Published Paper Details:

The promotion of sunscreen products as a means to mitigate skin damage from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is widely supported by healthcare professionals. However, there is a pressing need to thoroughly understand both the efficacy and safety of these products. The current method for evaluating sunscreen efficacy, the sun protection factor (SPF), primarily measures protection against UVB rays (290-320 nm). This assessment does not fully account for protection against long-wavelength UVA1 (340-400 nm) rays. Furthermore, there is no universally accepted method for evaluating UVA efficacy, which is critical as consumers increasingly demand broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection.UVB radiation causes significant damage to keratinocytes by inducing DNA damage that can lead to malignant transformation. The body's defense mechanisms include the immediate death of severely damaged cells and the blockage of cell-cycle progression in less affected cells, allowing for DNA repair through nucleotide excision repair (NER). Successfully repaired cells survive, while irreparably damaged keratinocytes undergo apoptosis, forming "sunburn cells."Sunscreens are designed to protect the skin from excessive UVR exposure. They are often recommended for their ability to prevent UV-induced sunburns and reduce the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. However, current sunscreen labeling may overstate the protective benefits, potentially misleading consumers into feeling safer to extend their sun exposure.This approach emphasizes practical usage over mere reliance on product labeling, ensuring more effective sun protection and reducing the risk of UVR-related skin damage.