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).
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).
