A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology looked at how often people wear SPF. In a study looking at 4000 adults in the U.S., rates of “regular sunscreen use” (always/most of the time when outside on a warm sunny day for ≥1 hour) were determined.
And, the results sadly showed that few adults regularly used sunscreen. Women did better than men (not surprising). For women, SPF use rates for the face were 42 percent while exposed skin was 34 percent, and both the face and other exposed skin 30 percent. For men, the numbers came in much lower. Eighteen percent for the face, 20 percent for other exposed areas, and 14 percent for face and exposed areas. Nearly 40 percent of users were unsure if their sunscreen provided broad-spectrum protection.
And, this study did not look at daily use or repeat applications.
So, what is the take-home message from this? We all need to do a better job of getting our SPF on daily. And, women, we need to help the men in our lives do a better job too. Using an SPF daily every morning helps to prevent skin cancer and aging…. So let’s get on it!
