"Even brief UV exposure causes cellular damage and stress in unprotected skin"
"Harmful changes occur even when there is no visible sunburn or redness."
We know sunscreen protects our skin from burns. But what about the invisible damage — at the cellular level?
A study in JAMA Dermatology explored that question by examining what happens to moles when only half of them are covered in sunscreen and then exposed to UV radiation.
Each mole was half protected and then exposed to simulated sunlight.
- The Study Design
Researchers selected 26 patients with benign moles. On each mole:
- One half was covered with sunscreen
- The other half was left unprotected
- Both halves were then exposed to solar-simulated UV light
The moles were analyzed on microscopic examination.
- What They Found
The unprotected halves had:
-
- More visible redness and pigment
- More atypical melanocytes
- Stronger cellular stress
Even brief sun exposure without sunscreen can lead to microscopic cellular damage.
- Why This Matters
We often judge sun protection by whether we get a sunburn — but this study shows that cellular changes can occur even without visible redness.
Skin remembers UV damage, even when you don’t feel it.
- UVELLA’s Science-Driven Approach
At UVELLA, we believe in preventing the damage you can’t see. That’s why we design sunscreens with:
- Broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB)
- High SPF for deep defense
- Antioxidants to neutralize cellular stress
Scientific Reference
- Massone C., Wolf P., Gringschl S., et al. (2013). Effects of a chemical sunscreen on UV-induced changes of different histological features in melanocytic nevi. JAMA Dermatology, 149(7), 874–875.
Reviewed by:
Jungyoon Ohn, MD, PhD
Board-Certified Dermatologist