Abstract
The use of sunscreens is an important and essential component of photoprotection. Since their introduction during the first half of the last century, sunscreens have benefited enormously from major technological advances such as the development of novel UV filters; as a result, their efficacy in preventing UV-induced erythema is unequivocal. More recently, however, new challenges have appeared, which have prompted a robust discussion about the safety of sunscreens. These include topics directly related to photoprotection of human skin such as improved/alternative methods for standardization of assessment of the efficacy of sunscreens, but also many others such as photoprotection beyond UV, concerns about human toxicity and ecological safety, the potential of oral photoprotective measures, consequences of innovative galenic formulations. On a first glance, some of these might raise questions and doubts among dermatologists, physicians and the general public about the use sunscreens as a means of photoprotection. This situation has prompted us to critically review such challenges, but also opportunities, based on existing scientific evidence. We conclude by providing our vision about how such challenges can be met best in the future in an attempt to create the ideal sunscreen, which should provide adequate and balanced protection and be easy and safe to use. Received: 26 August 2019; Accepted: 17 October 2019
Conflicts of interest
Jean Krutmann served as a consultant to Amway, Allergan/Skinmedica, Beiersdorf, bitop, Blue Lagoon, Estee Lauder, Evonik, Galderma, Henkel, Horphag, ISDIN, Kiessling, Lancaster-Coty, LaRoche-Posay, L’Oreal, Lycored, Mary Kay, Procter & Gamble, Repairogen, RepliCel, Skinceuticals, Stada, Symrise, Unilever, Vichy and Walgreen-Boots-Alliance and IUF obtains funding from Amway, Allergan/Skinmedica, Beiersdorf, bitop, Blue Lagoon, Estee Lauder, Evonik, Galderma, Henkel, Horphag, ISDIN, Kiessling, Lancaster-Coty, LaRoche-Posay, L’Oreal, Lycored, Mary Kay, Procter & Gamble, Repairogen, RepliCel, Skinceuticals, Stada, Symrise, Unilever, Vichy and Walgreen-Boots-Alliance. Thierry Passeron received research grants and/or honoraria from Bioderma, Beiersdorf, Galderma, L’OREAL, ISISpharma, ISDIN, Pierre Fabre, SVR and Symrise. Yolanda Gilaberte served as a consultant to Isdin, Leo Pharma, Almirall, Sun Pharma, Abbvie, Galderma, Novartis and Roche Posay; provided Lecture to Isdin, Leo Pharma, Almirall, Roche, Abbvie, Galderma, Biofrontera, Mylan, IFC and Novartis; provided research to Galderma, Pfizer, Novartis and Almirall. Corinne Granger, Mridvika Narda and Carles Trullas are employed by ISDIN Spain. Giovanni Leone served as a consultant to Isdin, Incyte Corporation, Laboratoires Genevrier; provided lecture to Isdin, Laboratoires Genevrier and Clinuvel AG; served as investigator to Clinuvel AG, Laboratoires Genevrier and Incyte Corporation. Sergio Schalka serves as a consultant to ISDIN, FQMMelora, Libbs, Mantecorp Skincare and Bioderma; served as speaker for FQM-Melora, Mantecorp Skincare, Bioderma and Meiskin; served as investigator to Ache, Galderma, FQM-Melora, Mantecorp Skincare, ISDIN, Boticario, Johnson and Johnson. Philippe Masson served as consultant to Isdin and Essity; served as investigator for Natura, Yves Rocher and Guinot Marie Cohr. Henry W. Lim served as Investigator to Estee Lauder, Ferndale, Unigen, Incyte; served as consultant to Pierre Fabre and ISDIN; served as speaker, educational session for Pierre Fabre and Eli Lilly.
