004 Validation of in vivo and in vitro methods to measure UVA protectiveness of sunscreen

Abstract

Standard methods for measuring the sunburning protection of sunscreens (SPF) are globally established. In vivo methods of determining UVA protectiveness of sunscreens have been reduced to either a Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) or Protection Factor A (PFA-either persistent pigment darkening or erythema endpoints) test protocols. Both of these techniques require human exposure to UVA radiation that can be time consuming and do not benefit the human subject. Validated methodologies that would minimize the UVA exposure, or could be performed in vitro would simplify the determination of UVA protectiveness and assist product optimization. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy of sunscreens on human skin was utilized to evaluate a series of seven model sunscreen systems that were previously evaluated in vivo by both PPD and PFA testing. Correlation of the values found with this technique correlated highly with the in vivo test results, with 1:1 correspondence of protection values. Separately, an in vitro test model was assessed on these same model sunscreens. Sunscreen was applied to roughened surface quartz plates, and the absorbance of the sunscreens was measured before and after UV exposure. The absorbance was mathematically forced to fit the in vivo SPF value and the UVA protectiveness was calculated using both erythema and pigment darkening action spectra. The in vitro predictions of UVA was highly correlated with the in vivo PPD and PFA values. It was determined that preirradiation of the sunscreen samples is needed to accurately predict the protection provided by sunscreens that are not photostable. Both of these techniques provide new ways to accurately predict sunscreen UVA protectiveness.