Sun Shield: Protecting Beyond Ultraviolet Light
Susan Taylor, MD, FAAD, discusses the impact of the solar spectrum on skin health, focusing specifically on the impact of visible light and infrared radiation. She discusses the benefits and limitations of traditional sunscreen ingredients and addresses ways to specifically protect from visible light and infrared radiation. Additionally, she discusses the impact of free radical formation on skin health and how adding antioxidants to sunscreen might optimize skin protection. She also shares her perspective based on her clinical experience on how she talks to her patients about sun protection and how she chooses the right sunscreen for patients in her practice.
EP. 1: The Solar Spectrum and Impact on Skin Health
March 12th 2025An expert discusses how UV radiation makes up about 7% of the sun’s energy and penetrates the skin, causing aging, hyperpigmentation, and inflammation. Visible light and infrared radiation contribute to skin damage, with blue light being more harmful than red light due to its deeper penetration.
EP. 2: Sunscreen Ingredients for UV and Visible Light Protection
March 12th 2025An expert discusses how UV radiation causes DNA damage, accelerating skin aging and cancer risk. Visible light and infrared radiation induce oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Conventional sunscreens shield against UV radiation but offer limited visible light and infrared protection. Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) provide broad coverage, while chemical filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone) absorb UV radiation but lack efficacy against visible and infrared radiation.
EP. 3: Impact of Oxidative Stress on Skin Health and the Utility of Antioxidants
March 19th 2025An expert discusses how oxidative stress accelerates skin aging by damaging cells through free radicals, which form from UV exposure. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, niacinamide, and polyphenols counteract this damage. Combining antioxidants with sunscreen enhances protection, reducing free radical formation and optimizing skin health.
EP. 4: Personalized Photoprotection Based on Patient Factors
March 19th 2025An expert discusses how dermatologists guide patients in selecting sunscreens based on skin type (fair skin, skin of color, sensitive skin), coexisting conditions, and environmental exposure (blue light, heavy sun). They recommend sun protection factor (SPF) levels and key ingredients and address adherence barriers. Beyond sunscreen, protective clothing, antioxidants, and physical blockers help shield against visible light and infrared radiation.
EP. 5: Talking to Patients on Sunscreen Application and the Effects of Visible Light
March 26th 2025An expert discusses how an important part of personalized photoprotection is providing instructions to patients on how and when to apply and reapply sunscreen. It is advised that sunscreen be applied 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. It is critical for patients to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or 4 times a day, depending on the length of time the patient is outdoors.
