Sunscreen with photolyase, antioxidants safely protects skin, repairs signs of photoaging

Sunscreen that contained zinc, photolyase, antioxidants and peptides effectively repaired some clinical signs of photoaging and was safe with daily use, according to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

“Histopathologically, photoaged skin shows a decreased collagen content, decreased elastin and disintegration of elastin fibers and a reduced density of cutaneous microvasculature, among other microscopic changes,” Jessica A. Kern, BS, of the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, and colleagues wrote.

To assess the efficacy and safety of a tinted sunscreen containing 10.7% zinc oxide along with photolyase, antioxidants and peptides, the researchers conducted an open-label 12-week study that included 20 patients.

During the study, the average weekly sun exposure was 7.36 hours with no recorded sunburns. An analysis based on Investigator Skin Quality Assessments with Griffith’s Modified 10-Point Scale, skin tone significantly changed from baseline at week 12 (4.37 vs. 3.19; P = .035) along with radiance (4.32 vs. 3.06; P = .018) compared with baseline.

Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale also showed that 63% of patients improved at week 6 and 81% showed improvement at week 12.

At week 12, all patients reported that the product was easy to apply, convenient to use and protective against sun damage. They also reported that there was no “sticky sensation.” At the same follow-up timepoint, 88% reported they found the product provided a natural finish and hydrated their skin.

“Patient-reported outcomes are of particular importance when evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of sun-protective products,” Kern and colleagues wrote. “Importantly, subjects found the sunscreen efficacious at improving their overall facial aesthetics and radiance, easy to apply and convenient to incorporate into their daily skincare regimen.”