Systemic Photoprotection: New Insights and Novel Approaches

A special issue of Dermato (ISSN 2673-6179).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 1795

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Guest Editor
Dermatology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences (DiSS), Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Via Solaroli, 28100 Novara, Italy
Interests: non-melanoma skin cancer; nicotinamide; oxidative stress; molecular biology

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Guest Editor
Dermatology Unit, Department of Health Sciences (DiSS), School of Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
Interests: melanoma; non-melanoma skin cancer; photoaging; cutaneous lymphomas
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Guest Editor
Department of Health Science, University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Novara, Italy
Interests: non-melanoma skin cancer; field cancerization; organ transplant recipients; melanoma
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a key contributor to skin damage, driving many of the visible signs of aging and a large proportion of skin cancers. While topical sunscreens remain fundamental to protecting the skin, there is growing recognition that systemic interventions—such as dietary supplements and pharmacological agents—can complement topical protection and provide whole-body defense against UV injury. Over the past decade, the concept of “photoprotection from within” has gained substantial traction, with a majority of dermatologists acknowledging the potential of oral photoprotectors in skin cancer prevention. This heightened interest underscores the expanding clinical and research focus on systemic photoprotection.

This Special Issue, “Systemic Photoprotection: New Insights and Novel Approaches”, brings together dermatologists, pharmacologists, and cosmetic scientists to address the latest scientific and clinical advancements in systemic photoprotection. Our objective is to illustrate how strategies extending beyond topical sunscreens—including dietary and pharmacological interventions—can bolster skin health, reduce the impact of photoaging, and aid in the management of photodermatoses.

We welcome original research articles, case series, and review papers that contribute to a deeper understanding of this rapidly evolving field. By showcasing high-caliber studies and innovative perspectives, this Special Issue aims to foster multidisciplinary collaboration and guide future research on preventing and mitigating UV-induced skin damage through systemic avenues.

Dr. Lara Camillo
Prof. Dr. Paola Savoia
Dr. Elisa Zavattaro
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • systemic photoprotection
  • UV-induced skin damage
  • skin cancer prevention
  • photoaging
  • dietary supplements
  • oral photoprotectors
  • nutricosmetics
  • antioxidants

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 2591 KB  
Article
NAD-Mediated Protection by Nicotinamide Against UVB-Induced Oxidative Damage in HaCaT Cells
by Lara Camillo, Elisa Zavattaro and Paola Savoia
Dermato 2026, 6(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/dermato6010007 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 85
Abstract
Background/Objectives. Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a key etiological factor for skin cancer, inducing oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis. Nicotinamide (NAM), a NAD+ precursor, has shown photoprotective properties, although the mechanisms underlying this effect have not been fully elucidated. This study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives. Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a key etiological factor for skin cancer, inducing oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis. Nicotinamide (NAM), a NAD+ precursor, has shown photoprotective properties, although the mechanisms underlying this effect have not been fully elucidated. This study sought to elucidate the role of NAM in counteracting UVB-induced oxidative damage in HaCaT cells and to assess the contribution of NAD+ metabolism to these effects. Methods. HaCaT were exposed to low-dose UVB irradiation (40 mJ/cm2) and treated with NAM (25 μM), alone or in combination with the NAMPT inhibitor FK866 (1 nM) for 4 and 24 h. Oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were evaluated by DCFDA assay, TBARS assay and comet assay, respectively. Cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis were assessed using Ki67 immunofluorescence, flow cytometry analysis and Annexin V/PI staining. Transcriptional activity for oxidative stress- and apoptosis-related markers was analyzed by RT-qPCR. Results. NAM significantly reduced UVB-induced ROS production at both 4 and 24 h post-irradiation in an NAD+-dependent manner, as demonstrated by the reversal of its effects following NAMPT inhibition. NAM also decreased oxidative DNA damage accompanied by reduced OGG1 expression, a marker of oxidative stress. Moreover, NAM restored HaCaT proliferation and reduced early apoptosis, particularly at 24 h post-UVB exposure. These protective effects were mediated by NAD+. Conclusions. Our results show that NAM confers robust protection to HaCaT cells from UVB-induced oxidative stress and cellular damage, largely mediated by NAD+-dependent pathways, supporting its potential role as a systemic photoprotective agent in skin cancer prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systemic Photoprotection: New Insights and Novel Approaches)
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18 pages, 2202 KB  
Article
Modulation of Piceatannol Skin Diffusion by Spilanthol and UV Filters: Insights from the Strat-M™ Model
by Gisláine C. da Silva, Rodney A. F. Rodrigues and Carla B. G. Bottoli
Dermato 2025, 5(4), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/dermato5040019 - 7 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1177
Abstract
Background: currently, there is a growing trend toward multifunctional cosmetics, which combine several active ingredients in a single product to enhance efficacy and user convenience. As ingredients may influence one another, it is important to study the behavior of mixing multiple compounds in [...] Read more.
Background: currently, there is a growing trend toward multifunctional cosmetics, which combine several active ingredients in a single product to enhance efficacy and user convenience. As ingredients may influence one another, it is important to study the behavior of mixing multiple compounds in complex formulations, especially regarding their interaction with the skin. Piceatannol, for instance, is a naturally occurring stilbene recognized for its in vitro potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities, making it a promising candidate for dermocosmetic use in suncare. But despite its beneficial biological activities, its cutaneous permeation remains poorly understood, particularly when delivered from complex formulations containing multiple ingredients. Objectives: in this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro skin diffusion profile of piceatannol from a passion fruit seed extract (Pext) incorporated into a topical base (Bem) or an organic sunscreen emulsion (Oem), with or without a spilanthol-rich Acmella oleracea extract (Jext) used as a natural permeation enhancer. Methods: due to ethical and variability issues with human and animal skins, the Strat-M™ synthetic membrane was chosen as a standardized model for the in vitro skin permeation assays. Piceatannol localization within membrane layers was examined by confocal Raman microscopy (CRM), while compound identification in donor and receptor compartments was performed via UHPLC-DAD. Results: piceatannol from Bem was detected up to 140 µm from the Strat-M™ surface and exceeded 180 µm in depth when Jext and organic sunscreens were included in the formulation. Notably, formulations containing Jext and those based on Oem promoted enhanced accumulation in both the stratum corneum and deeper skin layers, suggesting an improved delivery potential in lipid-rich vehicles. Conclusions: even though some instability issues were observed, piceatannol penetration into Strat-M™ from the proposed formulations was confirmed, and the results provide a foundation for further research on its topical delivery, supporting the rational development of formulations capable of harnessing its demonstrated biological properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systemic Photoprotection: New Insights and Novel Approaches)
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