Closing the Gap in Photoprotection: Implications for Skin of Colour in Australia

Long wave UVA1 is a critical driver of hyperpigmentation and skin aging in skin of colour. In combination with visible light, it shares a synergistic relationship in amplifying oxidative damage and hyperpigmentation in skin of colour. Disorders of hyperpigmentation affect a large proportion of Australians and have significant psychosocial burden. Photoprotection remains the mainstay of treatment by reducing severity and recurrence. UVA1 photoprotection is critical; however, existing sunscreens in Australia approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration only provide limited protection, with no approved filters for UVA1 currently available. This review focusses on the critical role of UVA1, alongside other wavebands, in pigmentary disease and skin aging in skin of colour and the protective role of effective photoprotection. As the Australian population becomes increasingly ethnically diverse, it is vital that filters covering this critical waveband are incorporated into photoprotection to protect skin of colour.