A mathematical model for ultraviolet optics in skin.

A new approach to calculating the transmission and reflection of ultraviolet radiation from skin is described. The method is based upon a numerical solution of the equation governing radiation transport in matter. By comparing the calculations with experimental measurements of the optical properties of human skin described elsewhere, it has been possible to derive absorption and scattering coefficients for stratum corneum. The model has been used to investigate the photoprotective function of the thickness and melanin content of stratum corneum, and yields results which concur with experimental studies on the ultraviolet optics of stratum corneum carried out by other workers.