UV-A fluorescence of sunscreens and possible energy transfer to skin components

摘要

Photophysical studies of UV-B sunscreens showed a measurable UV-A emission from padimate O (2-ethylhexyl-4-(dimethylamino)benzoate). Since recent studies associate UV-A to skin cancer induction pathways, as well as skin aging, we studied the effect of padimate O emission when applied to skin. After application of padimate O to skin the emission spectrum of skin showed a large increase in the intensity of 470 nm peak. The 470 nm emission in skin arises from a skin component, possibly collagen, which absorbs at about 360 nm, where padimate O emits. The excitation spectra of skin with padimate O measured at an emission wavelength of 468 nm show a peak at 310 nm with a broad shoulder at about 350 nm to 370 nm, which increased in intensity with time. However, the excitation spectrum of skin with octyl salicylate (another UV-B emitting sunscreen) did not show such a shoulder or increase in intensity. Thus, we attribute the presence of a shoulder in the excitation spectrum of skin and the increase in its intensity as evidence for energy transfer from padimate O to collagen. The transfer mechanism is not clear.