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Role of UV Light in Photodamage, Skin Aging, and Skin Cancer

Importance of Photoprotection

  • Review Article
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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Solar, and particularly UV, radiation causes molecular and cellular damage with resultant histopathologic and clinical degenerative changes, leading in turn to photosensitivity, photo-aging, and skin cancer. While our bodies have some natural UV defenses, additional protection from the sun is essential, including sun avoidance, physical protection, and sunscreen use. Sun avoidance includes limiting exposure during peak UV times (10am–4pm), avoiding UV-reflective surfaces such as sand, snow and water, and eliminating photosensitizing drugs. Physical protection includes wearing photoprotective clothing such as a broad-brimmed hat and long sleeves and use of UV-blocking films on windows. Sunscreen containing avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or encamsule should be used daily and frequently reapplied. To guard against the UVB spectrum, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are particularly recommended. Sunscreen is generally under-applied at only 25% of the recommended dose, seriously compromising photoprotection. Dosage guidelines recommend using more than half a teaspoon each on head and neck area and each arm, and more than a teaspoon each on anterior torso, posterior torso, and each leg (approximately 2 mg/cm2).

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Acknowledgments

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. The author has no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

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  1. University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines

    Evelyn R. Gonzaga

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  1. Evelyn R. Gonzaga
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Correspondence to Evelyn R. Gonzaga.

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Gonzaga, E.R. Role of UV Light in Photodamage, Skin Aging, and Skin Cancer. AM J Clin Dermatol 10 (Suppl 1), 19–24 (2009). https://doi.org/10.2165/0128071-200910001-00004

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/0128071-200910001-00004

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