[Ultraviolet absorption of prescription sunblocks in Mexico].
BACKGROUND
An appropriate sunscreen should provide high and broad ultraviolet protection both for the B and A range. The objective was quantify the ultraviolet absorption spectrum in sunscreens available for medical prescription, and analyze its relationship with the labeled Sun Protection Factor (SPF).


METHODS
Thirty-nine sunscreens were analyzed in vitro using ultraviolet spectroscopy following exposure to simulated solar irradiation.


RESULTS
Fifty-six percent of sunscreens absorbed 90% or more of ultraviolet radiation. Seventy-five percent (n = 34) absorbed more than 95% of ultraviolet B radiation, and 46% (n = 18) more than 90% of ultraviolet A. There was no significant association between ultraviolet absorption and SPF.


CONCLUSIONS
We were unable to estimate ultraviolet absorption only by its SPF. Protection differed considerably among products with similar SPF. Our study highlights regulation deficiencies in marketing practices of these products.
Castanedo-Cázares
Juan Pablo
JP
Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Central "Ignacio Morones Prieto", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis, Potosí, México.
Torres-Alvarez
Bertha
B
Araujo-Andrade
Cuauhtémoc
C
Castanedo-Tardan
Mari Paz
MP
Moncada
Benjamín
B
D008800:Mexico; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D013473:Sunscreening Agents