Comparison of Characteristics Influencing Patient Selection of Sunscreen Between Urban and Rural Regions in the United States

August 2024 | Volume 23 | Issue 8 | Copyright © August 2024


Published online July 17, 2024

doi:10.36849/JDD.8449

Joshua Burshtein MDa, Danny Zakria MD MBAa, Milaan Shah MDa, Alexa Israeli DOb, Chase Merritt BBAb, Dawn Merritt DOb, Darrell Rigel MD MSc

aDepartment of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NYbDermatology, Oakview Dermatology, Athens, GAcDepartment of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY

Abstract
Sunscreen greatly reduces the risk of skin cancer and is recommended as a critical component of sun protection. There is limited literature on patient preferences for sunscreen characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients in an urban city and rural area in the United States. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was consistently the most important factor for patients when selecting sunscreen. However, numerous preferences for sunscreen characteristics vary between the 2 regions, including dermatologist recommendation, texture, ingredients, cost, broad-spectrum, and brand. Gaps in patient knowledge of sunscreen recommendations may be present and further educational programs may be necessary. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):e171-e172. doi:10.36849/JDD.8449

INTRODUCTION

Sunscreen greatly reduces the risk of skin cancer and is recommended as a critical component of sun protection by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).1,2 One study found that dermatologists most commonly used several recommendation criteria for sunscreen, including Sun Protection Factor (SPF) level (96%), board spectrum protection (98%), cosmetic feel (85%), and photostability (68%).3 

While there is a diverse selection of sunscreen types and formulations available, a recent survey study in an urban metropolitan city found that patients valued SPF levels significantly more than any other sunscreen characteristic.4 In addition, this study reported that other preferred characteristics were ease of application and dermatologist recommendation, while features such as cost, brand, visible light protection, and others were selected less frequently.4 The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in factors that influence patient selection of sunscreen in urban compared with rural regions in the United States (US).
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