HAMBURG, Germany—Beiersdorf’s R&D developed a method to measure the amount of UV protection on the skin, in addition to a visibility method. Through this method, researchers were able to show what amount of sunscreen must be worn in order to achieve optimal protection, and in turn, show most consumers use far too little.
Measuring Sunscreen Protection with Infrared
“UV rays can cause the development of skin inflammation, allergic reactions and tumors," said Simone Presto from Beiersdorf's medical affairs department. “Comprehensive sun protection is therefore necessary, but very few people use enough sunscreen. Beiersdorf’s R&D succeeded in making the applied amount of sunscreen, and therefore, also the intensity of UV protection visible with an infrared imaging spectrometer. In this way, it will be possible to convince people visually they need more protection from the sun and it should be more intensive in order to protect their skin optimally from the dangerous consequences of strong UV radiation."
Fourier Transformation Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy (FT-IR Imaging Spectroscopy) works with infrared light and offers the possibility of combining together and representing chemical and spatial information. Elke Grotheer from Beiersdorf's department of product analytics said: “The color scale of the pictures goes from green to yellow to red, in which green represents enough and red too little applied UVA and UVB filters. The results of our studies showed consumers only use between a quarter and a third of the required amount of sunscreen, and an amount of 2 mg/cm2 has the optimal effect on the skin. For an adult this means about seven to eight teaspoons for the whole body."
Using the Results for Consumer Education
First, measurements with various amounts of sunscreen on the underarms of test subjects were made. Three sunscreen products from Eucerin were tested. In a further test, the subjects wore the amount of sunscreen they would normally use. “In all three products tested the scale showed a nearly complete green color with 2 mg of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin," Prestos said. In the further tests, where subjects applied the amount they normally would, the results were a cause for concern. “The average amount of sunscreen was between 0.5 and 1 mg/sq. cm. and at that level, significantly lower than what is recommended for optimal skin protection." Grotheer added: “In order to convince consumers they need to use more sunscreen, we need visual and persuasive forms of information. With the FT IR Imaging Spectrometer we’re on the right path. We will be able to use pictures of the results for advising and explaining how much sunscreen is required to consumers."