Sunscreens: a review of health benefits, regulations, and controversies

Silvia E Mancebo; Judy Y Hu; Steven Q Wang

doi:10.1016/j.det.2014.03.011

Sunscreens: a review of health benefits, regulations, and controversies

Dermatol Clin. 2014 Jul;32(3):427-38, x. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2014.03.011.

Authors

Silvia E Mancebo¹, Judy Y Hu², Steven Q Wang³

Affiliations

¹ Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 160 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022, USA.
² Global Health Research LLC, Chatham, NJ, USA.
³ Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 160 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022, USA. Electronic address: wangs@mskcc.org.

PMID: 24891063
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2014.03.011

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation plays a major role in the development of nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers. Photoprotection by sunscreens has been shown to prevent the development of actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and photoaging. However, these benefits are only derived if the users apply sunscreen appropriately and practice other sun protection measures. This review discusses the health benefits provided by sunscreen use, updates the latest regulatory landscape on sunscreen, and addresses the controversies and limitations associated with sunscreen use.

Keywords: Photoprotection; Skin cancer prevention; Sunscreen controversies; Sunscreen regulations.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Health Status*
Humans
Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
Sunscreening Agents / therapeutic use*
Treatment Outcome
Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects*

Substances

Sunscreening Agents