Study summary · research use only
Current challenges in photoprotection
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review (species not specified) describes challenges in photoprotection, noting that ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation each produce biologic effects, with ultraviolet filters the most studied photoprotective measure against ultraviolet radiation. It reports that oxybenzone use has been minimized in many countries because of endocrinologic effects reported in animal studies, effects on coral reefs, and photocontact allergy potential. The abstract also describes new topical antioxidants and oral and subcutaneous agents, including Polypodium leucotomos extract, afamelanotide, and nicotinamide, as having photoprotective and antiphotocarcinogenic properties that the authors suggest could add protection against visible light and infrared radiation.
Abstract
Electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared ranges all produce biologic effects. Ultraviolet filters are the most well-studied photoprotective measure for the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation. Because of the reported endocrinologic effects of oxybenzone in animal studies, its effects on coral reefs, and its photocontact allergy potential, its use has been minimized in many countries worldwide. New developments in topical antioxidants and oral and subcutaneous agents (eg, Polypodium leucotomos extract, afamelanotide, nicotinamide) with photoprotective and antiphotocarcinogenic properties could potentially provide addition modalities for protection against the effects of visible light and infrared radiation.
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