UV-Induced Lipid Peroxidation as a Biomarker of Photodamage in the Stratum Corneum of Black Skin Assayed by the HPLC–TBARS–EVSC Protocol

Brazil is characterized by high levels of solar exposure, which may compromise skin health due to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), particularly among individuals with darker skin tones who often underuse photoprotective measures. Although darker skin has been hypothesized to exhibit greater resistance to UVR, robust evidence remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of the stratum corneum (SC) of Black individuals to UV-induced lipid peroxidation using the HPLC–TBARS–EVSC protocol. SC samples were collected from the forearms of nine participants by tape stripping and subsequently exposed to an artificial UV radiation source. Lipid peroxidation was quantified through the detection of the malondialdehyde-thiobarbituric acid (MDA-TBA2) adduct using high-performance liquid chromatography. Following UV exposure, a statistically significant increase in lipid peroxidation was observed, corresponding to an approximate 297% elevation in MDA-TBA2 levels (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the SC of Black skin is susceptible to UV-induced oxidative damage under the tested conditions. The results support the use of phototype-independent biochemical markers to assess photodamage and reinforce the need for effective photoprotection strategies in individuals with darker skin tones.