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. 2015 Jul;73(1):83-92.e1.
doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.02.1112. Epub 2015 May 19.

Patterns of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin among US adults

Dawn M Holman  1 , Zahava Berkowitz  2 , Gery P Guy Jr  2 , Nikki A Hawkins  2 , Mona Saraiya  2 , Meg Watson  2
Affiliations

Patterns of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin among US adults

Dawn M Holman et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Sunscreen is a common form of sun protection, but little is known about patterns of use.

Objective: We sought to assess patterns of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin among US adults.

Methods: Using cross-sectional data from the 2013 Summer ConsumerStyles survey (N = 4033), we calculated descriptive statistics and adjusted risk ratios to identify characteristics associated with regular sunscreen use (always/most of the time when outside on a warm sunny day for ≥1 hour).

Results: Few adults regularly used sunscreen on the face (men: 18.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.8-20.6; women: 42.6%, 95% CI 39.5-46.7), other exposed skin (men: 19.9%, 95% CI 17.5-22.6; women: 34.4%, 95% CI 31.5-37.5), or both the face and other exposed skin (men: 14.3%, 95% CI 12.3-16.6; women: 29.9%, 95% CI 27.2-32.8). Regular use was associated with sun-sensitive skin, an annual household income ≥$60,000, and meeting aerobic activity guidelines (Ps < .05). Nearly 40% of users were unsure if their sunscreen provided broad-spectrum protection.

Limitations: Reliance on self-report and lack of information on sunscreen reapplication or other sun-safety practices are limitations.

Conclusion: Sunscreen use is low, especially among certain demographic groups. These findings can inform sun-safety interventions and the interpretation of surveillance data on sunscreen use.

Keywords: broad spectrum; skin cancer prevention; sun protection; sun protection factor; sun safety; sunscreen.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Unadjusted frequency of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin by gender among US adults when outside on a warm, sunny day for more than one hour.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Knowledge of the characteristics (sun protection factor and broad spectrum protection) of the sunscreen used on the face and other exposed skin by gender among US adults.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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