Efficacy of topical vitamin C derivative (VC-PMG) and topical vitamin E in prevention and treatment of UVA suntan skin.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is known to cause many adverse side effects by inducing the tissue to produce reactive oxygen species. By inhibiting these mediators, administration ofantioxidants might be the strategy to reduce UVA-induced skin reaction such as tissue damage and inflammation. However the present study showed that administration of topical 10% vitamin C derivative (VC-PMG) and topical 5% vitamin E has no effect in terms ofprevention or treatment of UVA suntan skin in 20 volunteers. Prior to 30 Joules UVA exposures, they were asked to apply both agents twice daily for 3 days. Then, the melanin index was measured immediately after irradiation by using the Maxemeter which was insignificant at the 95% level of confidence compared with the placebo. After continuing the cream application for 12 weeks, there were also no bleaching effects observed after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks compared to the placebo.