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ABSTRACT: Over 1 million accounts of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Sunscreen has been the major combatant of skin cancer by protection against ultraviolet radiation (UV). Sunscreen formulations have adapted and improved to become protective over a broader spectrum of light and maintain greater photostability. Sunscreens are comprised of organic and inorganic nanoparticles which act as chemical and physical UV protectors, respectively. Sunscreen components are limited by their spectrum of protection, photostability or often a combination of both. Recent studies using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), new organic molecules, inorganics and antioxidants attempt to optimize UV protection. In this review, we examine traditional and emerging sunscreen components and highlight novel ideas in UV protection which may provide pathways for future studies. Introduction Skin Cancer As of 2007, there are more than 1 million new diagnoses of sun-related skin cancer. It is caused by exposure to the sun and develops on the areas of the body such as the face, ear, neck, lips, and the backs of the hands [1]. Skin cancer can be classified as non-melanoma and melanoma cancer. Non-melanoma cancer is primarily caused by exposure to harmful ultraviolet-A (UVA), 400-320nm, and ultraviolet-B (UVB), 320-290nm, wavelengths of sunlight. UV radiation creates cancerous tissue known as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by directly damaging the DNA of the localized tissue [1, 2]. Melanoma cancer is the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, which are responsible for skin pigmentation. Melanoma cancer is far more dangerous than non-melanoma cancer because of the ability of the melanoma to metastasize more quickly. While non-melanoma's account for the majority of
Analytical Chemistry 01/2011; · 5.86 Impact Factor
