Introduction: In order to protect against visible light, pigmented sunscreens have been developed by combining organic non-particulate sunscreens and opaque pigments. No reliable method has yet been proposed to measure the protection offered by these pigments.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of white and colored sunscreens in the protection against visible light. Methods: Twenty sunscreens marketed in Brazil were evaluated (13 colored and 7 white). Colorimetric measurements were used to classify the brightness and translucency of the roducts, which were applied to polymethylmethacrylate sheets. Spectrophotometric measurements were taken to evaluate the product''''''''s absorbance within the visible light spectrum between 400 and 450 nm, using the Absorptive Efficacy in the visible light range as a parameter.
Results: Colored products presented a higher Evis than white products. Statistical analysis demonstrated that there is strong correlation between absorptive effectiveness and the product''''''''s brightness and translucency. No correlation was verified between absorptive effectiveness and the products'''''''' sun protection factor.
Conclusions: Absorptive efficacy in the visible light range was a useful parameter in the assessment of sunscreens'''''''' effectiveness in protecting against visible light. Pigmented products provide more effective photoprotection within that band.

Keywords: SUNSCREENING AGENTS, PHOTOBIOLOGY, SUNLIGHT

Introduction: Cosmiatric procedures are common in dermatology and products with moisturizing action are recommended in the post-procedure period in order to accelerate reepithelialization. Objective: To evaluate a formulation containing a skin barrier reparative complex, applied in the period after chemical exfoliation, used to reduce discomfort and improve skin hydration. Methods: Comparative, randomized clinical study with 52 volunteer patients. The patients were divided into two groups and had all undergone exfoliation with 5% retinoic acid. Clinical assessment and biophysical technique measurements were performed during visits 1 (D0) to 6 (D7), using the test product in combination with sunscreen (Group I) or sunscreen only (Group II). Results: The group treated (Group I) showed better improvement of desquamation and dryness at all visits, with a statistical significance (p<0.05) for a reduction in desquamation in D4 and in D7. In the assessment of hydration, the treated group (Group I) achieved better results than the control (Group II), with statistical significance in D2, D3, and D4 (p<0.05). Conclusions: The use of the studied formulation was proven effective in improving symptoms and hydrating skin after cutaneous chemical exfoliation.

Keywords: CHEMEXFOLIATION; SKIN; COSMETICS.

Introduction: Solar radiation can produce erythema and pigmentation in the skin, interfering with pigmentary dermatoses such as melasma. Photoprotection is essential in the treatment or prevention of hyperpigmentation. The use of Polypodium leucotomos extract was effective in reducing the damage resulting from solar radiation, through antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Polypodium leucotomos extract in reducing the erythema and pigmentation following exposure to solar radiation. Methods: Twenty volunteers were exposed to UVB and UVA radiation emitted by a solar simulator. The reading of the minimum pigmentary and erythema doses were performed after two and 24 hours of exposure, respectively. After seven, 14 and 28 days use of Polypodium leucotomos extract (1,000 mg daily), the minimum pigmentary erythema doses were re-assessed. Results: There was an increase in mean values for the minimum pigmentary and erythema doses in all visits, with a statistical significance of (p <0.05) after 28 days for the minimum pigmentary dose and after 14 and 28 days for the minimum erythema dose. Conclusions: The continued use of a compound containing Polypodium leucotomos extract was effective in increasing individual resistance to pigmentation and erythema resulting from UV radiation, meaning it can contribute to the treatment of skin pigmentation disorders such as melasma.

Keywords: CHEMEXFOLIATION; ANTIOXIDANTS; COSMETICS; EFFICACY; SHIKIMIC ACID.