Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids for Skin Photoprotection

Excessive human exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) continues to be a major public health concern, with skin cancer rates increasing year on year. The major protective measure is the use of synthetic UVR filters formulated into sunscreens, but there is growing concern that these chemicals cause damage to delicate marine ecosystems. One alternative is the use of biocompatible mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA), which occur naturally and are found predominantly in a wide range of marine species. Their role within nature is mainly thought to be photoprotective. This is a consequence of their optical properties but there is increasing evidence that they are also antioxidants at a chemical level, as well by activation of endogenous cell antioxidant defence mechanisms. However, their potential for human photoprotection is largely understudied. This review explores the role of MAA in nature and considers the literature available on the use of MAA within human models for photoprotection.