The comparison of sun protection factor values with different light sources.
Sun protection factors (SPFs) were evaluated with three light sources (sunlight, a xenon arc solar simulator, and fluorescent lamps) in indoor and outdoor studies. Two types of light, UV-A+B and UV+Visible, were obtained from the solar simulator. The untanned backs of twenty-four healthy male volunteers were used as test sites. A broad spectrum sunscreen containing SPF 6, according to the manufacturer, was used. The sunscreen tested was applied at 2 mg/cm2. The actual SPF values were 4.8 with sunlight, 6.0 with UV-A+B, 4.9 with UV+Visible, and 11.8 with fluorescent lamps. There were no significant differences between the SPF values with sunlight and those with the solar simulator; the SPF value for fluorescent lamps was significantly higher. The SPF with UV-A+B of the solar simulator was similar to that with sunlight; the use of this light served to reduce pain on tested subjects. Therefore, UV-A+B from the solar simulator seems to be the most appropriate artificial light source for evaluating sunscreens.
Noda
T
T
Department of Dermatology, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan.
Kawada
A
A
Hiruma
M
M
Ishibashi
A
A
Arai
S
S
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D013473:Sunscreening Agents