ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The role of visible light (VL) in the process of skin pigmentation by solar radiation has been demonstrated. Sunscreens with the presence of pigments, particularly iron oxide (IO), have a greater protective effect against VL and are, therefore, highly recommended for prevention and treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders. This study aimed to evaluate 33 sunscreen formulations, and through spectrophotometric measurements, proposes new methods to evaluate the VL protection factor and the pigmentation protection factor. METHODS: 33 sunscreen formulations marketed in Brazil were evaluated, including 17 products containing pigments and 16 products with no pigments. Spectrophotometric measurements were taken to determine solar VL protection factor and the pigmentation protection factor, based on the absorption curve of the product, the pigmentation action spectrum and sun spectrum. RESULTS: Sunscreen with pigments presented a higher solar VL protection factor and pigmentation protection factor compared to products without pigment. The statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between the solar VL protection factor and the integral of the absorption curve in the VL range and the transmittance reduction (%) in the same range. The correlation between the VL protection factor and the pigmentation protection factor was also demonstrated. CONCLUSION: The VL protection factor and the pigmentation protection factor showed to be adequate metrics to estimate the effectiveness of sunscreens in the prevention of the pigmentary effect of solar VL and the pigmentary effect of the complete spectrum of immediate pigmentation.
ABSTRACT
Introdução: O uso de produtos nutracêuticos no tratamento do eflúvio telógeno crônico de causa inespecífica, associado ou não a sinais e sintomas de fragilidade da lâmina ungueal, tem sido proposto na literatura. A suplementação de nutrientes e oligoelementos essenciais ao metabolismo do folículo parece ser o mecanismo relacionado a esse efeito. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de nutracêutico contendo, entre outros elementos, vitaminas A, C, E, complexo B, ácido fólico, ferro, niacina, biotina, zinco e pantetonato de cálcio, no tratamento do eflúvio telógeno associado à síndrome das unhas fracas. Métodos: Estudo clínico, prospectivo, aberto e unicêntrico, com avaliação de 62 voluntárias. Medidas de avaliação clínica, por fototricograma digital e por imagem, foram realizadas na visita inicial, 45 e 90 dias após o uso do produto estudado. Resultados: Ao final do estudo, observou-se redução estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05) de 31,56% do número de fios telógenos, acompanhado de melhora significativa nos parâmetros clínicos relacionados aos cabelos e às unhas. A avaliação instrumental por análise de imagens demonstrou redução de 36,63% da descamação das unhas, que, embora não estatisticamente significativa, demonstrou benefícios no resultado absoluto. Conclusões: O uso de produto nutracêutico demonstrou eficácia no tratamento do eflúvio telógeno associado à síndrome das unhas frágeis.
Introduction: The use of nutraceutical products in the treatment of chronic telogen effluvium of non- -specific cause associated or not with signs and symptoms of nail plate frailty has been proposed in the literature. Supplementation of nutrients and trace elements that are crucial to follicle's metabolism seems to be linked to this effect. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical containing vitamins A, C, E and B complex, folic acid, iron, niacin, biotin, zinc and calcium pantetonate, among others, in the treatment of telogen effluvium associated with the brittle nails syndrome. Methods: A clinical, prospective, open and monocentric study was carried out with the evaluation of 62 volunteers. Clinical evaluation measurements based on digital phototrichogram and imaging were performed at the baseline, and at 45 and 90 days after the use of the studied product. Results: At the end of the study, a statistically significant (p <0.05) reduction of 31.56% in the number of telogen strands could be observed, coupled with a significant improvement in clinical parameters related to hair and nails. The instrumental evaluation based on image analysis showed a 36.63% reduction in nail desquamation, which, although not statistically significant, has shown benefits in the absolute outcome. Conclusions: The use of nutraceuticals was proven effective in the treatment of telogen effluvium associated with the brittle nails syndrome.
