Para Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
PABA or para aminobenzoic acid is a non-protein acid that is naturally present in the environment. The most common use of PABA is as a chemical ingredient in sunscreen. It is able to absorb UV light, specifically UVB from 260-320 nm.1,2 PABA has to be applied topically in order to exert its sun protective effects. Essentially is made of a sing-ringed benzene structure that is excited by UV rays, and has the electrons bounce around to absorbed and block UVB energy, via the conversion of light to heat. According to natural standard using PABA is likely safe when used in low concentrations. There is GRADE C evidence with respect to the use of PABA as a sunscreen agent. This implies that there is unclear or conflicting evidence.1 Furthermore, PABA has been associated with allergic reactions that cause significant contact dermatitis.2 Studies have shown that PABA is one of the leading photosensitizers.3 Furthermore, PABA interacts with sulfonamide containing drugs like sulfonamide antibiotics and dapsone. It also has moderate interaction with corticosteroids.1 These factors have led to a movement towards PABA-free sunscreen formulations.
In summary, PABA indeed has sun protective properties that made it a popular sunscreen agent in the past. It can absorb UVB rays which make it an efficient sunscreen agent. However, its use has declined due to allergic reactions like contact dermatitis and major or moderate interactions with other drugs.
References
1. PABA, Natural Standard Professional Monograph, Copyright ©2014 (www.naturalstandard.com)
2. Thompson P. Patient Self-Care. 2nd ed. Chapter 64: Prevention and Treatment of Sun-Induced Skin Damage. Canadian Pharmacists Association 2011
3. Dromgoole, Sydney H., and Howard I. Maibach. “Sunscreening Agent Intolerance: Contact and Photocontact Sensitization and Contact Urticaria”. Journal of American Academy of Dermatology 22.6(1990): 1068-078.
PABA or para aminobenzoic acid is a non-protein acid that is naturally present in the environment. The most common use of PABA is as a chemical ingredient in sunscreen. It is able to absorb UV light, specifically UVB from 260-320 nm.1,2 PABA has to be applied topically in order to exert its sun protective effects. Essentially is made of a sing-ringed benzene structure that is excited by UV rays, and has the electrons bounce around to absorbed and block UVB energy, via the conversion of light to heat. According to natural standard using PABA is likely safe when used in low concentrations. There is GRADE C evidence with respect to the use of PABA as a sunscreen agent. This implies that there is unclear or conflicting evidence.1 Furthermore, PABA has been associated with allergic reactions that cause significant contact dermatitis.2 Studies have shown that PABA is one of the leading photosensitizers.3 Furthermore, PABA interacts with sulfonamide containing drugs like sulfonamide antibiotics and dapsone. It also has moderate interaction with corticosteroids.1 These factors have led to a movement towards PABA-free sunscreen formulations.
In summary, PABA indeed has sun protective properties that made it a popular sunscreen agent in the past. It can absorb UVB rays which make it an efficient sunscreen agent. However, its use has declined due to allergic reactions like contact dermatitis and major or moderate interactions with other drugs.
References
1. PABA, Natural Standard Professional Monograph, Copyright ©2014 (www.naturalstandard.com)
2. Thompson P. Patient Self-Care. 2nd ed. Chapter 64: Prevention and Treatment of Sun-Induced Skin Damage. Canadian Pharmacists Association 2011
3. Dromgoole, Sydney H., and Howard I. Maibach. “Sunscreening Agent Intolerance: Contact and Photocontact Sensitization and Contact Urticaria”. Journal of American Academy of Dermatology 22.6(1990): 1068-078.