UV-visible light sunscreen

UV-visible light sunscreen is an investigational topical photoprotective formulation developed by researchers at the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP) for the treatment of melasma. Unlike conventional sunscreens that primarily block ultraviolet (UV) radiation (290–400 nm), this formulation incorporates iron oxide as a pigment to extend protection into the visible light spectrum (400–800 nm). Visible light has been shown to induce long-lasting hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin types, by stimulating melanogenesis. In a 12-week double-blind randomized clinical trial, the UV-visible light sunscreen was evaluated as an adjunct to 4% hydroquinone therapy. The study demonstrated that the addition of visible light protection significantly enhanced the depigmenting efficacy of hydroquinone, leading to greater reductions in Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores compared to standard UV-only sunscreens.

Other names

UV-VL sunscreeniron oxide-containing sunscreenbroad spectrum UV-visible light sunscreen