title: [Ultraviolet absorption of prescription sunblocks in Mexico].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Dermatología, Hospital Central "Ignacio Morones Prieto", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis, Potosí, México.
authors.forename: Juan Pablo
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Castanedo-Cázares
authors.forename: Bertha
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Torres-Alvarez
authors.forename: Cuauhtémoc
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Araujo-Andrade
authors.forename: Mari Paz
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Castanedo-Tardan
authors.forename: Benjamín
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Moncada
mesh_terms: D008800:Mexico; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents