Howard Epstein
EMD Performance Products, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Abstract

The efficacy of sunscreen products is determined by an SPF and numerous UVA protection ratings that vary globally. Lacking are studies that correlate UV protection and the potential impact on an individual’s immunological system and skin surface lipids.  A more complete understanding of these factors will ultimately lead to development of highly-effective personalized sun care products

INTRODUCTION

The Skin Cancer Foundation (1) reports that each year in the U.S. over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people. There are higher numbers of new skin cancer cases than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. Between 40 to 50 percent of Americans who reach age 65 will have either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma at least once. The World Health Organization (WHO) (2) reports that globally the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer is growing during the past decades, and currently there are approximately 2 to 3 million nonmelanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers diagnosed.  

ENVIRONMENT, LIFESTYLE

Decreasing ozone levels are resulting in a diminished ability of the earth’s atmosphere to filter solar radiation reaching the surface. It is estimated that a 10 per cent decrease in ozone levels will result in an additional 300.000 nonmelanoma and 4,500 melanoma skin cancer cases (2).  Recreational exposure and the cumulative exposures and repeated sun burns over time are additional factors. < ...