The Effectiveness of Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen in Combination with Skin Defensil Plus® as an Anti-inflammatory Agent against Ultraviolet Radiation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause tanning and sunburn in the short-term; nevertheless, continued exposure to UV on unprotected skin will promote premature aging and gene mutation that leads to malignancy. Photoaging caused by sun  exposure can happen through inflammation and reactive oxygen species pathway. Defensil plus® consists of natural plant ingredients that have an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity to protect the skin from UV exposure. Sunscreen with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties will reduce the unwanted effect of UV radiation, such as tanning and sunburn. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the combination of titanium dioxide (TiO2) sunscreen with defensil plus® against UV radiation. METHODS: This was an experimental research design with pre- and post-test design approaches. Twenty subjects consisting of ten males and ten females with an average age of 23 years old, participated in this study. We conducted an experimental study with two groups. Group A was the TiO2+ defensil plus® group; Group B was the TiO2 group. The skin protection effect was compared by examining the erythema and melanin indexes using Mexameter® on day 0, post-radiation days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7. Data Analysis using an independent t-test if the data distribution is expected, while the Mann–Whitney test is used if it does not meet the normality assumption. Data were considered significant with p < 0.05. RESULTS: Melanin index decreased significantly from day 1 to 7 in the group that was given TiO2 + defensil plus® compared to the group that was only given TiO2 (p = 0.003). The erythema index gradually decreased and significantly different in the group given TiO2 application (p = 0.036). + defensi plus® compared to the group given TiO2 after 3rd  day of application (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Application of sunscreen with TiO2 + defensil plus® is effective in response to UV radiation, as demonstrated by lower erythema and melanin indexes than those treated with TiO2 sunscreen alone, thus could protect the skin from UV radiation. Many studies showed that green and black tea (polyphenols) ameliorate adverse skin reactions following UV exposure.