An in vitro Study on Skin Protection Across the UV Spectra
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Chemistry
Minor
Music
Institution
Kentucky State University
KY House District #
57
KY Senate District #
7
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Mr. John May; Ms. Megan Combs
Department
Natural Sciences
Abstract
Skin cancer is the number one cancer in the United States. Lack of awareness of how harmful UV radiation is could be the cause of the over two million cases reported since 2012. It appears that there is not a lot information on the active ingredients used in sunscreens. Some of the compounds have been linked to birth defects, hormone disruptions, and the bleaching of coral reefs. Samples of commonly used sunscreens (both sprays and creams), cosmetic foundation, essential oils, lotions, and three pure organic actives were tested at specific concentrations and ran through a UV spectrometer. The results have shown that there is little to no protection being provided in the UVA spectra (320-400 nm) which makes up over 95% of the radiation that we are exposed to daily. Although UVB rays (320-290 nm) are considered to be the main source of sunburn and cancer, it cannot be ignored that UVA rays can produce the same outcome, especially since it penetrates the skin deeper than UVB rays. By producing active ingredients that effectively block UVA light and the lower end of the visible spectra (such as blue light), broad spectrum protection can be achieved.
An in vitro Study on Skin Protection Across the UV Spectra
Skin cancer is the number one cancer in the United States. Lack of awareness of how harmful UV radiation is could be the cause of the over two million cases reported since 2012. It appears that there is not a lot information on the active ingredients used in sunscreens. Some of the compounds have been linked to birth defects, hormone disruptions, and the bleaching of coral reefs. Samples of commonly used sunscreens (both sprays and creams), cosmetic foundation, essential oils, lotions, and three pure organic actives were tested at specific concentrations and ran through a UV spectrometer. The results have shown that there is little to no protection being provided in the UVA spectra (320-400 nm) which makes up over 95% of the radiation that we are exposed to daily. Although UVB rays (320-290 nm) are considered to be the main source of sunburn and cancer, it cannot be ignored that UVA rays can produce the same outcome, especially since it penetrates the skin deeper than UVB rays. By producing active ingredients that effectively block UVA light and the lower end of the visible spectra (such as blue light), broad spectrum protection can be achieved.