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Background: Tinted sunscreens not only shield against UV rays but also provide protection against visible light, as opposed to traditional sunscreens. Universal tinted sunscreens are marketed to complement all skin tones. Objective: To assess color match and subject satisfaction for 7 universal tinted sunscreens across various price ranges in all Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPT). Methods: Products A‐G were applied at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/cm2 on the dorsal arms of 30 subjects spanning SPT I–VI. Photography, colorimetry, and subject and investigator surveys were utilized to determine color match. Results: Using colorimetry analysis at the recommended 2 mg/cm2 concentration, two of seven products were identified as suitable matches for SPT I–II, while six out of seven were determined to be a good match for SPT III–IV. However, only one product was found to be a good match for SPT V–VI at the recommended concentration according to colorimetry results. Conclusion: Universal tinted sunscreens do not provide an adequate color match for all skin phototypes, especially for individuals with very fair or very dark skin tones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The human skin microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem that plays an important role in skin health. The skin microbiome has been implicated in numerous diseases, and our knowledge surrounding it continues to evolve. A better understanding of the interactions between the environment and the skin microbiome will lead to improvements in skin health. Methods: This article reviews the published literature surrounding the impact of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and sunscreen on the skin microbiome. Results: Skin microbes are differentially impacted by UVR, and alterations in the microbiome can be detected following UVR exposure. These changes are related to direct bactericidal effects, alterations in the cutaneous metabolome, and changes in the cutaneous immune system. UV filters used in sunscreen have been shown to have bactericidal effects, and many compounds used in sunscreen emulsions can also negatively impact cutaneous microbes. Conclusion: A healthy microbiome has been shown to produce compounds that help protect the skin from UVR, and sunscreen has the potential to reduce the diversity of the skin microbiome. This indicates that designing sunscreen products that both provide protection against UVR and preserve the skin microbiome may offer additional benefits to skin health when compared with traditional sunscreen products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the challenges faced by individuals with darker skin phototypes (SPTs) in finding a suitable tinted sunscreen. While conventional non-tinted sunscreens do not protect against visible light and long-wavelength ultraviolet A1 radiation (VL + UVA1), tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides offer protection against these wavelengths and better match dark skin. However, many marketed tinted sunscreens are only available in one "universal" shade, making it difficult for individuals with skin of color (SOC) to find a matching shade. The study aims to establish an objective methodology for evaluating the degree of color match between a universal shade of tinted sunscreen and the skin of individuals with different SPTs. The findings suggest that universal shades of tinted sunscreen may not match individuals with darker SPTs well, especially when applied at the recommended density. The study highlights the need for manufacturers to produce tinted sunscreens in a range of skin colors to promote proper application and increase patient adherence to sunscreen. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The autologous noncultured melanocyte keratinocyte transplant procedure (MKTP) has emerged as a popular grafting technique with proven efficacy for achieving repigmentation. However, there remains no consensus regarding the optimal recipient-to-donor (RD) ratio required to achieve acceptable repigmentation. In this retrospective cohort study of 120 patients, we sought to examine whether expansion ratios impact the repigmentation success rates following MKTP. Results: A total of 69 patients (mean [SD] age was 32.4 [14.3] years, mean follow-up was 30.4 [22.5] months, 63.8% were male; 55% were dark-skinned individuals [Fitzpatrick IV–VI]) were included. The mean percent change in the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) was 80.2 (±23.7; RD of 7.3) in patients with focal/segmental vitiligo (SV), 58.3 (±33.0; RD of 8.2) in those with non-segmental vitiligo (NSV), and 51.8 (±33.6; RD of 3.7) in those with leukoderma and piebaldism. Focal/SV was positively associated with a higher percent change in VASI (parameter estimate: 22.6, p value <0.005). In the SV/focal group, non-white patients had a higher RD ratio compared to White individuals (8.2 ± 3.4 vs. 6.0 ± 3.1, respectively, p value = 0.035). Discussion: In our study, we found that patients with SV were significantly more likely to achieve higher repigmentation rates compared to those with NSV. Although repigmentation rates were higher in the low expansion ratio group than in the high expansion ratio group, we did not observe a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: MKTP is an effective therapy for restoring repigmentation in patients with stable vitiligo. Therapeutic response of vitiligo to MKTP appears to be influenced by the type of vitiligo, rather than a specific RD ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the challenges faced by individuals with darker skin tones when using tinted sunscreens. Tinted sunscreens are often recommended for patients with pigmentary disorders such as melasma, as they can reduce visible light transmission and provide protection against ultraviolet radiation. However, studies have shown that dark-skinned individuals may struggle with insufficient application of the product, cosmetic elegance, and cost. Many tinted sunscreens have limited shade options, which can make it difficult for individuals with darker skin tones to find a suitable match. The article suggests that further research is needed to develop cosmetically suitable and accessible methods of photoprotection for diverse populations. [Extracted from the article]

Vitiligo is characterized by the development of depigmented macules and patches. Autoimmunity has been established as a factor in disease pathogenesis, leading to utilization of immunosuppressive agents. Topical immunosuppressants are commonly used; however, this treatment modality is often cumbersome and inefficient, as many patients have active disease with extensive body surface area involvement. Prompt and aggressive treatment of vitiligo is important, as this may prevent progression and improve quality of life. To meet these challenges and improve patient outcomes, interest in systemic therapies has grown. Currently, oral therapies are rarely prescribed, likely due to concerns with systemic side effects and unclear efficacy. This article provides a brief overview on the use of systemic agents in treating vitiligo in order to provide additional therapeutic options to clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonetheless, these findings reveal inconsistencies between clinical evidence and social media content about the primary sources of blue light that can cause cutaneous effects and best practices for blue light photoprotection. Our aim was to characterize the content contained in popular social media platforms about the sources of blue light likely to have clinical effects and blue light photoprotection strategies recommended on these platforms by different types of content creators. Visible light (400-700 nm), especially blue light, can produce erythema in all skin phototypes and long-lasting changes in skin pigmentation in individuals with darker skin phototypes (SPT IV-VI) when they are exposed to intensities and wavelengths similar to those from natural sun exposure.[[1], [3], [5]] In addition to the sun, electronic screens also emit blue light; however, they emit these wavelengths at much lower intensities - approximately three orders of magnitude lower than the corresponding intensities in sunlight. [Extracted from the article]