JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Photography using an ultraviolet (UV) transmitting filter allows UV light to pass and can be used to illuminate UV blocking lotions such as sunscreens. Sunscreens are rated with a sun protection factor (SPF) for their ability to protect the skin from sunlight or UV radiation.

Objective:

To compare currently available UV photography cameras and assess whether these devices can be used as visualization tools for adequate coverage of sun protection lotions.

Methods:

This study was conducted in three parts; the first phase tested three different UV cameras; the second phase explored if UV photography could work on a range of sun protecting products, and the third phase developed a UV webcam which was field tested in a beach setting. In phase 1, volunteers were recruited, and researchers applied three sun protection products (ranging from SPF 15 to 50+) to the participants’ face and arms. UV photography was undertaken using three UV cameras and the subsequent images were compared. In phase 2, volunteers were recruited and asked to apply their own SPF products to their face in their usual manner. UV photographs were collected in the morning and afternoon with qualitative interviews conducted to assess their level of satisfaction with the UV image. In phase 3, a small portable UV webcam was designed with a plug and play approach to enable the viewing of UV images on a larger screen. The developed webcam was deployed at a public beach setting for use by the public for 7 days.

Results:

The three UV camera systems tested during phase 1 all identified the application of a range of SPF 15-50+ sun protection lotions. The sensitivity of the UV camera devices was shown to be adequate with SPF containing products applied at concentrations of 2 mg/cm2 and 1.0 mg/cm2 clearly visible, while 0.4 mg/cm2 applications had lower levels of coverage. Participants in phase 2 reported high satisfaction with the UV photography images with 83% of participants (n=29/35) likely to use UV photography in the future to help guide the application of sun protection products. During phase 3 the UV webcam’s electrical components remained operational and the camera was used 233 times by the public during field testing.

Conclusions:

This study found UV photography could identify areas missed by sun protection lotions and participants were engaged with the personalized feedback. The UV webcam developed during this study functioned at a beach setting and could provide a platform to improve sun protection amongst beach goers or outdoor venues in the future. Clinical Trial: Australian and New Zealand clinical trials register (ACTRN12619000975190; ACTRN12619000145101)