Sunscreens and sunprotection with Dr. Brian Diffey

Brian Diffey, BSc, AKC, PhD, DSc is Emeritus Professor of Photobiology in Dermatological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine at the University of Newcastle, UK.

During his career in the NHS, he established an internationally-respected research program in skin photobiology, particularly in the measurement of personal sun exposure; its effects in normal and diseased human skin; and ways to minimize excessive exposure, especially through the use of topical sunscreens.

He has advised a number of bodies on sun exposure and skin health including the World Health Organization, Department of Health, and the Cancer Research UK SunSmart program, as well as patient support groups concerned with sun-related diseases such as melanoma, vitiligo and xeroderma pigmentosum.

He invented both the UVA Star Rating for sunscreens in conjunction with Boots in the UK, and the Critical Wavelength adopted by the Food & Drug Administration in the USA as the sole measure of broad spectrum protection.

In 1999 he was awarded the Medal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists for his contributions to suncare, and in 2011 was honoured at the International Sun Protection Conference for significant innovation in the field of photoprotection.

He is an honorary member of the British Association of Dermatologists, the Swedish Society for Dermatology and Venereology, and the European Society for Photodermatology.

Research:

Human safety review of "nano" titanium dioxide and zinc oxide

Current Highlights About the Safety of Inorganic Nanomaterials in Healthcare

Review of environmental effects of oxybenzone and other sunscreen active ingredients

FDA Trials Find Sunscreen Ingredients in Blood, but Risk Is Uncertain

Update About the Effects of the Sunscreen Ingredients Oxybenzone and Octinoxate on Humans and the Environment

Hawaii and Other Jurisdictions Ban Oxybenzone or Octinoxate Sunscreens Based on the Confirmed Adverse Environmental Effects of Sunscreen Ingredients on Aquatic Environments

Non-sunscreen photoprotection: antioxidants add value to a sunscreen

Optimal sunscreen use, during a sun holiday with a very high ultraviolet index, allows vitamin D synthesis without sunburn

The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review

Sunscreen recall: What the finding of a cancer-causing chemical means for you

Current principles of sunscreen use in children

Environmental Working Group’s guide to sunscreen

Darya's favorite all around sunscreen for outdoor activities: iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50+  (this stuff is magic)

Darya's favorite daily face sunscreen: Josh Rosebrook's Nutrient Day Cream

Darya's favorite backup sunscreen for face and body: Rhonda Allison Daytime Defense SPF 30