Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the USA and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is the major environmental risk factor for skin cancer development. Currently available sunscreens utilize UVR filters that, while absorbing UVR energy, have been shown to induce ROS, resulting in oxidative DNA damage after UVR exposure. Organic sunscreen actives have also been shown to penetrate into the skin, raising direct toxicity, as well as irritant and photoallergic concerns. Further systemic absorption may result in additional health risks such as endocrine disruption. Novel sunscreens that more safely prevent both direct and indirect DNA damage are needed.~The study team have produced a bioadhesive nanoparticle (BNP) sunscreen designed to keep organic UVR filters from penetrating into the skin and have incorporated non-toxic natural products into this sunscreen to further safely boost UVR absorbing capacity and reduce oxidative, indirect DNA damage. This study will test the capacity of this sunscreen to prevent direct and indirect cellular and DNA damage in human skin exposed to UVR.
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of a novel sunscreen formulation by assessing the extent of ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced direct and indirect cellular and DNA damage to human skin, in the presence vs absence of the sunscreen, in a population of healthy adults with fair skin (Fitzpatrick Scale type I, II or III).