Do different ethnic groups need different sun protection?
BACKGROUND
In the present study, the transmission of sunlight trough the human skin barrier into the living tissue was investigated in the spectral region between 280 and 700 nm.


METHODS
The experiments were performed with a fiber-based spectrometer on sliced skin obtained from volunteers with different skin types. One fiber was positioned directly on the skin surface and the second one underneath the skin samples. The distribution of the sunlight under the epidermis was determined.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found in the absorption properties of the different skin types, which were mainly determined by the variations in melanin concentration and distribution. It was found that sunscreens for specific ethnic groups need different combinations of UV filters, if a balanced relation between ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) protection is to be obtained. On the other hand, it could be demonstrated that the human skin is also well protected against visible and near-infrared light by melanin.


CONCLUSIONS
The higher the skin type category, the better the protection in the visible part of the spectrum of the sun. This stimulates the hot discussion at the present time, as to whether sunscreens should also contain protection compounds in the visible and near-infrared parts of the spectrum.
Antoniou
Christina
C
Department of Dermatology and Photobiology, Sygros Hospital, University of Athens, Kessariani, Greece.
Lademann
Juergen
J
Schanzer
Sabine
S
Richter
Heike
H
Sterry
Wolfram
W
Zastrow
Leonhard
L
Koch
Stefan
S
D000328:Adult; D005006:Ethnicity; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011835:Radiation Protection; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013472:Sunlight; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D008543:Melanins