Background: Of the many effects induced by UV radiation on the skin, erythema is one of the most well-known features, which is a cutaneous inflammatory reaction correlated with acute photodamage. The utilization of sunscreen may reduce this process.
Aims: To evaluate the utilization of a sunscreen SPF50 with high antioxidant capacity during 15 days by young men without photoprotection habits.
Methods: For this, we evaluated erythema, skin hydration properties, and dermis echogenicity using skin imaging techniques. Forty male participants (aged between 18 and 28 years old), 36 without previous photoprotection habits, were recruited, and the erythema was evaluated using a visual score and skin colorimeter. Macroscopic images (VivaCam®) were also obtained. Dermis echogenicity was evaluated using high-frequency ultrasonography. All the participants received a sunscreen SPF 50 to use for 15 days.
Results: The visual score presented a strong correlation (r = 0.8657) with the colorimeter results. Visually and using the biophysical methodologies was possible to observe the reduction of the visual erythema. The dermis echogenicity also improved, probably correlated with the acute inflammation reduction. No alterations were observed in the skin hydration and skin barrier parameters.
Conclusions: The utilization of complementary and correlated different skin biophysical and imaging techniques in this study allows a better comprehension regarding the skin early photoaging process due the direct sun exposure. The utilization with a SPF 50 sunscreen with high antioxidant potential allows for a reduction in the erythema after 15 days of usage, a quick result, however, did not improved the skin barrier or SC hydration.
Keywords: claim substantiation; photoaging; skin barrier; skin physiology; sunscreen.
© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.