Abstract:
A method of and composition for the prevention of solar radiation absorption-induced formation of carcinogenic skin lipid degradation products, particularly malonaldehyde, consisting of the application, prior to exposure of the skin to natural or artificial sources of solar radiation, of a composition comprising an ultraviolet screen--effective amount of an ultraviolet absorbing compound selected from the group consisting of a salicylate, a para-aminobenzoate, an alkyl ester of para-dialkylaminobenzoic acid, a benzophenone, a cinnamate, a napthoate, an acid-esterified gallate and mixtures thereof; at least one non-hindered, non-acid esterified, oil soluble, phenolic substituent-bearing latent oxidation inhibitor compound, such as the tocopherols, alcoholic esters of gallic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and mixtures thereof, the total concentration of said inhibitor present constituting a pro-oxidant-effective amount sufficient to demonstrate pro-oxidant properties, said inhibitor concentration further being insufficient to constitute an ultraviolet screen-effective amount demonstrating ultraviolet screening properties; and an inert carrier vehicle for said compounds comprising an oil soluble component, the vehicle being non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. Utilization of an oil soluble ultraviolet absorbing compound obviates the necessity for a separate oil soluble component-containing carrier vehicle.