Review provides excellent update on sunscreens
December 17, 2015
Review Highlights
This review summarises recent research on the status of sunscreen as an adjunctive sun protection measure in the prevention of skin cancer and photoaging. Topics covered are:
- Sunscreen efficacy: prevention of skin cancer and photoaging
- Sunscreen use: adherence and application method
- Sunscreen use: vitamin D
- Expert comment and recommendations from two Dr Louise Reiche (New Zealand) and Professor Adele Green (Australia).
Commentary excerpts:
Dr Reiche:
- The ability of the skin to repair sun damage, once protected, is impressive; it is never too late to start.
- As more studies are showing minimal but regular outdoor exposure generates sufficient vitamin D (for all skin types), routine (rather than discretionary) application of sunscreen would benefit the entire population.
- Novel technology educating and reminding consumers of optimal use is promising to correct inadequate application issues.
Professor Green:
- Sunscreen use is a key component of comprehensive sun protection and thus skin cancer prevention because it is highly cost-effective compared to other cancer prevention strategies, and harmful side-effects are few.
- Regular sunscreen application can slow photoaging, and this message can be used to enhance the appeal of long-term prevention behaviours, especially in young people.
- Prevention is better than cure and nowhere is this more evident than for sun-induced skin aging and cancers.
You can download this update here: http://www.researchreview.co.nz/nz/Clinical-Area/G...
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See also: Proportion of skin cancers prevented by regular sunscreen use
http://melnet.org.nz/news/2015/proportion-of-skin-cancers-prevented-by-regular-sunscreen-us