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Visible light (VL) has been shown to increase tyrosinase activity and induce immediate erythema in light-skinned individuals and long-lasting pigmentation in dark-skinned individuals. Tinted sunscreens (TSs) formulated with iron oxides (IOs) and/or pigmentary titanium dioxide (PTD) provide functional and cosmetic benefits and are a safe, effective, and convenient way to protect against both UV and high-energy VL. We conducted an analysis of over-the-counter TSs with the objective of investigating the factors that influence consumer preference when choosing TS depending on underlying skin tone. Descriptive data for each product were collected from an online supplier that provides reviewer information. The top 10 most helpful reviews were analyzed and coded by a consensus qualitative coding scheme, which included positive and negative descriptors in 5 major categories. Most products provided only one color shade, and tone incompatibility was the most commonly cited negative feature, with the vast majority of these comments being from consumers of dark skin tones. Top recommended products corresponded with increased shade options, indicating the dearth of shade diversity in products to be a potential area of improvement in tinted sunscreen options.

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RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Low-level light/laser therapy (LLLT) can potentially stimulate hair growth in pattern hair loss (PHL), with many available home-use LLLT devices of different designs and technology on the market. However, not all devices are cleared by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with very few studies to support their efficacy. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of FDA-approved LLLT devices for PHL treatment. METHODS: We included articles related to FDA-approved home-use LLLT devices on PubMed and Medline, using the FDA 510(K) Premarket Notification database and the systematic search of articles up to January 2020. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for the changes of hair density treated by LLLT versus sham devices was analyzed. RESULTS: Only 32 home-use LLLT devices have been approved by the FDA as of January 2020. The meta-analysis comprised seven double-blinded, randomized, controlled trials. The overall quantitative analysis yielded a significant increase in hair density in those treated by LLLT versus sham groups (SMD: 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.993-1.639). The subgroup analysis demonstrated the increased hair growth in male and female subjects with both comb- and helmet-type devices. There were significant LLLT sources in the LDs alone (SMD: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.16-1.88) and the LDs combination (SMD: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.55-1.16) (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: LLLT is potentially effective for PHL treatment. Nonetheless, the long-term follow-up study in patients with severe PHL with combined standard treatment and comparison between LLLT devices and energy sources is recommended.