Proposal for a new UVA protection factor: use of an in vitro model of immediate pigment darkening.

In order to define a new method for measuring UVA photoprotection, we built an in vitro immediate pigment darkening model (IPD). IPD is a photochemical reversible reaction induced by UVA on the skin. Our model consists of aqueous solutions of melanocytic compounds (dihydroxyphenylalanine/pheomelanins). Irradiation of these solutions with UVA induces an increase in their absorbance. Oxygen deprivation inhibits the solution darkening and light turn-off induces a decrease in the absorbance as observed in vivo. A UVA photoprotection parameter (PUVA) was defined using the ability of a sunscreen to inhibit the model reaction. A calibration of the reaction inhibition is realised using neutral beam attenuators. PUVA is defined as the percentage absorbance of a beam attenuator which would have the same inhibitory effect as the sunscreen tested. A correlation between PUVA and Diffey-Robson parameter is presented. The method developed here could be use as a indicative tool before human experiments.