Background: Due to the increase of solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) incidence over the last few decades, the use of sunscreen\r\nhas been widely adopted for skin protection. However, considering the high efficiency of sunlight-induced DNA lesions, it is\r\ncritical to improve upon the current approaches that are used to evaluate protection factors. An alternative approach to\r\nevaluate the photoprotection provided by sunscreens against daily UV radiation-induced DNA damage is provided by the\r\nsystematic use of a DNA dosimeter.\r\nMethodology/Principal Findings: The Sun Protection Factor for DNA (DNA-SPF) is calculated by using specific DNA repair\r\nenzymes, and it is defined as the capacity for inhibiting the generation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and oxidised\r\nDNA bases compared with unprotected control samples. Five different commercial brands of sunscreen were initially\r\nevaluated, and further studies extended the analysis to include 17 other products representing various formulations and\r\nSun Protection Factors (SPF). Overall, all of the commercial brands of SPF 30 sunscreens provided sufficient protection\r\nagainst simulated sunlight genotoxicity. In addition, this DNA biosensor was useful for rapidly screening the biological\r\nprotection properties of the various sunscreen formulations.\r\nConclusions/Significance: The application of the DNA dosimeter is demonstrated as an alternative, complementary, and\r\nreliable method for the quantification of sunscreen photoprotection at the level of DNA damage.
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