Cited by 307Skin Protection and Agingmelanin and skin pigmentationNonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 133 of the 134 references it cites were found in a registry or an index, and 1 are not checked yet; 9 of the 153 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

Photoprotection: a Review of the Current and Future Technologies

Open access

Abstract

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is associated with a variety of harmful effects ranging from photoaging to skin cancer. UVB (290 to 320 nm) directly damages the cellular DNA leading to the formation of the 6-4 cyclobutane pyrimidine dimmers, and UVA (320 to 400 nm) indirectly damages the DNA via the production of oxygen radical species. In this review, we focused on the technological and scientific aspects of photoprotection using sunglasses and clothing while attempting to dispel some of the misconceptions. In addition to the basic knowledge relating to sunscreens, we reviewed the current guidelines for testing and labeling UVA protection around the world, controversies associated with nanoparticles, and future sunscreens actives waiting for the Food and Drug Administration approval. Lastly, we reviewed alternative agents, such as antioxidants, that can be used to supplement and augment photoprotection provided by sunscreens.

Verified 2026-10-28 · 1 reference not checked yet

Overview

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2009.01289.x

Cites

133 of 134 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

91 No full text of the sources · 19 Own interpretation · 12 Sources not found · 10 Not checked yet · 7 Partly supported · 1 Supported so far · 1 Not supported · 1 No basis given · accuracy not yet measured

Verify all 10 references — free account
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 19
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 33
47 of 47
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    UVB (290 to 320 nm) directly damages cellular DNA, leading to the formation of 6-4 cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers.

    “UVB (290 to 320 nm) directly damages the cellular DNA leading to the formation of the 6-4 cyclobutane pyrimidine dimmers”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    UVA (320 to 400 nm) indirectly damages DNA via the production of oxygen radical species.

    “UVA (320 to 400 nm) indirectly damages the DNA via the production of oxygen radical species.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    UVB (290 to 320 nm) is the major wavelength that causes sunburn.

    “UVB (290 to 320 nm) is the major wavelength that causes sunburn”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    UVA (320 to 400 nm) penetrates deeper into the skin layer than UVB.

    “By contrast, UVA (320 to 400 nm) penetrates deeper into the skin layer”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    UV radiation plays a major role in the acceleration of photoaging.

    “UV radiation also plays a major role in the acceleration of the photoaging.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Chronic UV exposure is linked to the development of actinic keratosis, squamous cell cancer, and basal cell cancer.

    “Chronic UV exposure has been linked to the development of actinic keratosis, squamous cell cancer, and basal cell cancer”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Intermittent and intense UV exposure is associated with the development of melanoma.

    “whereas intermittent and intense UV exposure is associated with the development of melanoma”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Clothing and hats offer balanced and uniform protection for both UVA and UVB.

    “First, clothing and hats offer a balanced and uniformed protection for both UVA and UVB.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Most sunscreens available in the United States preferentially deliver more UVB protection.

    “By contrast, most of sunscreens available in the United States preferentially deliver more UVB protection.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Sunscreen users need to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outdoors and reapply it every 2 hours.

    “a user needs to apply sunscreens 30 minutes prior to going outdoors and reapply them every 2 hours”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Sunscreen application requirements are often ignored or forgotten.

    “requirements that are often ignored or forgotten.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The degree of protection offered by sunscreens depends on application of the correct amount of the product.

    “Furthermore, the degree of protection offered by sunscreens depends on application of the correct amount of the product.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Clothing and hats are devoid of complications such as contact or photoallergic dermatitis.

    “and they are devoid of any complications such as contact or photoallergic dermatitis.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Most regulatory agencies around the world have adopted UPF as a measurement standard for UV protection by garment.

    “To accurately and quantitatively measure UV protection by garment, most regulatory agencies around the world have adopted the UV protection factor (UPF) as a measurement standard.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Polyester retains heat, and it is not a comfortable material.

    “However, polyester retains heat, and it is not a comfortable material.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Gaps or holes between individual fibers permit direct access for UV transmission.

    “Gaps or holes between individual fibers permit direct access for UV transmission”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    UV radiation passing through the fiber (especially cotton) is normally more important than gaps or holes for UV transmission.

    “but the UV radiation passing through the fiber (especially cotton) is normally more important.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Sunglasses can protect the eye from UV damage.

    “Sunglasses can protect the eye from UV damage.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Most ocular damages from UV radiation result from scattered and reflected light from the periphery.

    “Most ocular damages from UV radiation result from scattered and reflected light from the periphery.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In extreme conditions, indirect UV rays bounce off the ground, snow, water, and sand.

    “In extreme conditions, indirect UV rays bounce off the ground, snow, water, and sand.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Most sunglasses are designed for fashion purposes, and only the anterior and superior sides of the eyes are protected.

    “However, most sunglasses are designed for fashion purposes, and only the anterior and superior sides of the eyes are protected.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Most ocular damages occur during the morning and late afternoon when incident rays are parallel to the pupil axis.

    “In fact, most ocular damages occur during the morning and late afternoon when the incident rays are parallel to the pupil axis.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    During peak hours, the brow ridge and eyelid shield the eye from UV rays.

    “During the peak hour, the brow ridge and eyelid shield the eye from the UV rays.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Squinting and pupillary constriction reduce UV transmission to the eye.

    “In addition, the squinting mechanism minimizes area of exposure on the ocular surface, and pupil contracts to reduce UV transmission.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    During off-peak hours, UV rays bypass the defense of the brow ridge and eyelid.

    “In contrast, during the off-peak hours, the UV incident angle is low and the UV rays bypass the defense of the brow ridge and eyelid.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    During off-peak hours, squinting and pupillary constriction are not initiated because light intensity is weaker.

    “In addition, the squinting and pupillary constriction mechanisms are not initiated because the light intensity is weaker.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Seeking shade and wearing protective clothing provide more protection than sunscreens.

    “even though seeking shade and wearing protective clothing provide more protection.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Epidemiologic studies on sunscreen use and melanoma risk are mixed, with some showing preventive benefit and others showing increased risk.

    “Epidemiologic studies are mixed with some showing preventive benefit, whereas others showing an increased risk for developing melanoma.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    UV exposure accelerates tell-tale signs of aging.

    “Many tell-tale signs of aging, such as the formation of wrinkles, appearance of pigmentations, dilation of blood vessels, and loss of collagen, are accelerated by UV exposure.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Many first line treatments of photodermatoses involve the use of sunscreens.

    “In addition, many first line treatments of photodermatoses involve the use of sunscreens.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Laundry chemicals such as Tinosorb FD serve as UV absorbers and chemically bind to individual fibers of clothing with each subsequent wash.

    “Similarly to the optical brighteners, there are laundry chemicals (e.g., Tinosorb FD) that serve as UV absorbers, which chemically bind to the individual fibers of clothing with each subsequent wash.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Optical brighteners are conjugated products that absorb UV energy and release it as fluorescence in the visible wavelength range.

    “Optical brighteners are conjugated products that absorb UV energy and release the energy in the form of fluorescence in the visible wavelength range.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In the United States, only two inorganic filters, TiO2 and ZnO, are approved by the FDA.

    “Currently, in the United States, there are only two inorganic filters, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), approved by the FDA.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    TiO2 and ZnO are photostable, yielding predictable photoprotection after UV exposure.

    “Both actives are photostable, yielding sunscreen products with predictable degrees of photoprotection after UV exposure.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Some organic actives, such as avobenzone, are photolabile and may lose 50% of photoprotective property after 1 hour of UV exposure if not stabilized properly.

    “By contrast, some organic actives, such as avobenzone, are photolabile and may lose 50% of photoprotective property after 1 hour of UV exposure if not stabilized properly.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    TiO2 and ZnO have low allergenic potential and low rates of sensitization.

    “Both TiO2 and ZnO have low allergenic potential and low rates of sensitization.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The public's reluctance to embrace inorganic sunscreens is largely caused by the large particle size and high refractive indices of TiO2 and ZnO, which result in unsatisfactory whitening appearance.

    “The reluctance is largely caused by the large particle size and high refractive indices of both TiO2 (refractive index = 2.6) and ZnO (refractive index = 1.9), which result in unsatisfactory whitening appearance.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Large particles and poor dispersion create a gritty sensation when sunscreens dry, and the opaque nature and occlusive qualities of these products are comedogenic.

    “Aside from the cosmetic shortcomings, large particles and poor dispersion also create a gritty sensation when the sunscreens dry.Lastly, the opaque nature and occlusive qualities of these products are comedogenic.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Nanomaterials exhibit new optical, mechanical and electrical properties vastly different from conventional-sized counterparts, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes when they interact with biological tissues.

    “Partially because of the massive increase in surface area-to-volume ratio, nanomaterials exhibit new optical, mechanical and electrical properties that are vastly different from their conventional-sized counterparts.These new properties can also lead to unpredictable outcomes when they interact with biological tissues.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Nano-sized ZnO and TiO2 provide superior UV protection while further eliminating unsightly white residues.

    “In the case of sunscreen, nano-sized ZnO and TiO2 provide superior UV protection while further eliminating the unsightly white residues.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Titanium dioxide particles with size in the 20-30 nm range provide optimal UV absorption/scattering properties, whereas zinc oxide particles with size from 60 to 120 nm offer the most favorable UV protection.

    “Titanium dioxide particles with size in the 20-to 30-nm range provide the optimal UV absorption/ scattering properties, whereas zinc oxide particles with size from 60 to 120 nm offer the most favorable UV protection.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Nanoparticles often form larger aggregates and conglomerates once incorporated in the final sunscreen formulation.

    “Nanoparticles often form larger aggregates and conglomerates once incorporated in the final sunscreen formulation.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Most studies on nanoparticle penetration are focused on healthy skin with intact stratum corneum.

    “Lastly, it is worth mentioning that most studies are focused on healthy skin with intact stratum corneum.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    TiO2 and ZnO have low intrinsic toxicity profile.

    “TiO2 and ZnO have low intrinsic toxicity profile.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Both TiO2 and ZnO have been on the market for many decades, and both have low or no incidence of adverse skin or systemic effects.

    “Both compounds have been on the market for many decades, and both have low or no incidence of adverse skin or systemic effects.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Zn is an essential nutrient with known health benefits, and Ti has been used in many food additives.

    “Furthermore, Zn is considered as an essential nutrient with known health benefits, and Ti has been used in many food additives.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Currently, there is no regulation in the United States regarding testing and labeling standards for sunscreens with nano-TiO2 and ZnO.

    “Currently, there is no regulation in the United States regarding the testing and labeling standards for sunscreens with nano-TiO2 and ZnO.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Organic chemicals absorb UV radiation through their conjugated aromatic ring structures.

    “In contrast to inorganic sunscreen agents, organic chemicals absorb UV radiation through their conjugated aromatic ring structures.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    PABA's peak absorption wavelength is 283 nm.

    “The peak absorption wavelength is 283 nm.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    PABA is not soluble and binds tightly to keratinocytes via hydrogen bond.

    “The agent is not soluble and binds tightly to the keratinocytes via hydrogen bond.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In some diseases, such as psoriasis, hyperkeratosis leads to reduced penetration.

    “In some diseases, such as psoriasis, hyperkeratosis leads to reduced penetration.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The penetration of molecules through the stratum corneum depends on factors such as concentration and molecule size.

    “From research in the field of transdermal drug delivery, it is known that the penetration of molecules through the stratum corneum depends on a number of factors, such as the concentration and molecule size.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Small compounds with a molecular weight between 163 and 357 Da (molecular size between 0.8 and 1.6 nm) can penetrate the skin barrier with ease.

    “Small compounds with a molecular weight between 163 and 357 Da (molecular size between 0.8 and 1.6 nm) can penetrate the skin barrier with ease.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In the United States, there is currently no testing or labeling guideline for UVA protection.

    “In the United States, currently there is no testing or labeling guideline.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    US sunscreen manufacturers have fewer actives, especially UVA filters, compared with Europe and Australia.

    “Compared with Europe and Australia, US sunscreen manufacturers have fewer numbers of actives, especially UVA filters.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The allowable concentration of avobenzone in the United States is 3%, compared with 5% in Europe.

    “In addition, the allowable concentration of avobenzone is 3% compared with 5% in Europe.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Avobenzone cannot be combined with inorganic filters.

    “Lastly, avobenzone cannot be combined with inorganic filters.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Current photoprotection strategies are not widely adopted by the general public, and even those who use sunscreens do not achieve complete protection, resulting in subclinical and clinical damage to the skin.

    “Current photoprotection strategies are not widely adopted by the general public, and even those who use sunscreens do not achieve complete protection, which results in subclinical and clinical damages to the skin.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The public and medical community do not regard topical antioxidants as part of photoprotection agents.

    “However, the public and medical community do not regard these actives as a part of photoprotection agents.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Physiological barriers limit adequate levels of antioxidants from diet and oral supplements to be delivered to the skin.

    “Although AOs can be supplemented through diet and oral supplements, physiological barriers limit adequate level to be delivered to the skin.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Many antioxidants are deeply colored, making them cosmetically unacceptable.

    “Many AOs are deeply colored, making them cosmetically unacceptable.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    OMC is the most potent UVB absorber widely used in the United States and worldwide.

    “OMC is the most potent UVB absorber widely used in the United States and worldwide.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Avobenzone is the most powerful organic filter in the United States that extends protection into long-range UVA I rays.

    “In the United States, this is the most powerful organic filter that extends protection into the long-range UVA I rays.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Octocrylene is regarded as the best photostabilizer for avobenzone available in the United States.

    “However, because it is regarded as the best photostabilizer for avobenzone available in the United States, octocrylene has become increasingly popular among the sunscreen manufacturers.”
64 of 64

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Citations

Cites

Show all 132 references

Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. Standards Australia International Ltd, 1996, Sun-protective clothing: evaluation and classification. Sidney, New South Wales., 439
  2. McKinlay, 1987, A reference action spectrum for ultraviolet induced erythema in human skin, CIE J, 6, 17
  3. Zhou, 1998, Effect of OBAs and repeated launderings on UVR transmission throgh fabrics, textile Chemist and Colorist, 30, 19
  4. Herzog, 2005, Sunscreen: regulations and commercial development, 291

Cited by

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Metadata

Authors
Wang, S. Q., Balagula, Y., & Osterwalder, U.
Affiliations
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (US)
Corresponding author
Wang, Steven Q.
Venue
Dermatologic Therapy
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2010-01
Volume
23
Issue
1
Pages
31-47
ISSN
  • 1396-0296 (ISSN-L)
  • 1529-8019
OpenAlex
W2143478109
Cited by
307
References
132
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 21 · 2021: 20 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 17 · 2017: 29 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 23 · 2014: 25 · 2013: 20 · 2012: 17
FWCI
3.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Dermatologic Therapy (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › melanin and skin pigmentation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies
Keywords
photoprotection, ultraviolet radiation, UV-B radiation, UVA, DNA damage, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, photoaging, skin cancer, sunglasses, protective clothing, sunscreen, sunscreen nanoparticles, sunscreen active ingredients, antioxidants
MeSH terms
Animals, Cataract, Clothing, Eye Protective Devices, Humans, Keratoconjunctivitis, Macular Degeneration, Pterygium, Radiation Protection, Retinitis, Skin, Sunscreening Agents, Ultraviolet Rays, United States, Mice, Nanoparticles

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