Marcelo de Paula Corrêa – Institute of Natural Resources of the Federal University of Itajubá

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet solar radiation (UV-R) is responsible for several eye disorders like cataracts and pterygium, as well as skin disorders, among which sunburn, premature ageing and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). On the other hand, exposure to this type of radiation can offer benefits. Vitamin D synthesis and prevention of illnesses such as osteoporosis, diabetes type 1, some types of cancer and autoimmune diseases are also related to UV-R exposure.

In face of the antagonistic effects provided by sun exposure, one of the main controversies is related to the time required for the beneficial effects to occur without health damage. That is, for synthesis of a significant amount of vitamin D without damage to the skin and eyes. What usually happens in Brazil and in South America is that recommendations are based on UV-R studies and readings taken in the northern hemisphere, mainly in the USA and Europe. However, most of Brazilian territory is located in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Southern hemisphere of the planet, where solar radiation availability is quite elevated and ozone concentrations are naturally smaller. In addition, most Brazilians lives in or near coastal areas where relative humidity and air temperature are high for most of the year.

Besides the UV-R effects, recent studies have addressed the link between atmospheric pollution and skin disorders. Ozone, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and particulate matter exposure are related to the skin’s premature ageing caused by the degradation of the collagen and elastin and the oxidative stress. Episodes of urticaria, eczema and contact dermatitis are also related to exposure to these pollutants. In this regard, it is important to point out that 85% of the Brazilian inhabitants live in polluted urban areas.

In this seminar, I will explain our recent research on UV-R and photoprotection carried out in Brazil and Europe. The results corroborate the importance of new approaches to mitigate UV-R related human health disorders in countries where solar radiation levels are high all year round.

Marcelo de Paula Corrêa will host a presentation on ‘Why do we need a different photo-protection in Brazil and Latin America?’ on Wednesday 19th September, 15:00-15:30, at the Marketing Trends Theatre at in-cosmetics Latin America