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Dermatologists' views on recommending sunscreen differ on photostabilty
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While most surveyed dermatologists recommend sunscreen use, less than half considered photostability a criterion when recommending a sunscreen, according to study results published in JAMA Dermatology.
Researchers conducted a survey of 165 dermatologists attending a national education conference on April 9 on their perceptions on safety and efficacy of sunscreen. Answers were provided through a live interactive response system, with group results not revealed until completion of the survey.
There were 156 dermatologists (94.5%) who completed enough survey questions to be included in the analyses. The dermatologists had a positive view of sunscreen, with 97% agreeing that regular use of sunscreen lowers skin cancer risk, 100% reporting sunscreen reduces subsequent photoaging, and 99% recommending sunscreen to family and friends.
Sunscreens approved by the FDA currently available in the United States were considered safe by 96% of the respondents.
The dermatologists reported recommending broad-spectrum protection with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, with 97% saying they were comfortable recommending sunscreens with an SPF of 50 or higher, and 83.3% believing that high-SPF sunscreens provided an additional margin of safety.
Multiple criteria for recommending sunscreens included SPF level (99%), broad-spectrum protection (96%), cosmetic elegance and/or feel (71%) and photostability (42%).
“Dermatologists themselves often report using sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more, possibly because they also believe it provides and additional margin of safety,” the researchers wrote. “However, only 42% of dermatologists consider photostability a criterion when recommending sunscreen. Given the importance of photostability as a sunscreen characteristic, this finding may represent a knowledge gap and corresponding educational opportunity for both physicians and patients.” – by Bruce Thiel
Disclosure: Farberg reports servi9ng as a consultant for Johnson & Johnson. Please see the full study for other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.
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