Electromagnetic sunscreen model: design of experiments on particle specifications

Appl Opt. 2015 Oct 1;54(28):8369-74. doi: 10.1364/AO.54.008369.

Abstract

We report a numerical study on sunscreen design and optimization. Thanks to the combined use of electromagnetic modeling and design of experiments, we are able to screen the most relevant parameters of mineral filters and to optimize sunscreens. Several electromagnetic modeling methods are used depending on the type of particles, density of particles, etc. Both the sun protection factor (SPF) and the UVB/UVA ratio are considered. We show that the design of experiments' model should include interactions between materials and other parameters. We conclude that the material of the particles is a key parameter for the SPF and the UVB/UVA ratio. Among the materials considered, none is optimal for both. The SPF is also highly dependent on the size of the particles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Electromagnetic Phenomena
  • Equipment Design
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Particle Size
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / chemistry
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Skin
  • Sunburn / prevention & control*
  • Sunlight
  • Sunscreening Agents*
  • Titanium / chemistry
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Zinc Oxide / chemistry

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Sunscreening Agents
  • titanium dioxide
  • ferric oxide
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate
  • Titanium
  • Zinc Oxide