By Allison Sit
A new American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) survey shows American adults may not fully understand the benefits of sunscreen. The survey of 1,000 adults found nearly one in four do not know sunscreen helps prevent early aging. More than two in five respondents are unaware of sunscreen’s full benefits, including its ability to prevent skin cancer, dark spots and premature aging.
“Many people realize that sun exposure contributes to skin aging, yet there is a significant gap in understanding how to prevent it,” said Elizabeth Houshmand, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas. “Sunscreen is one of the most effective tools we have to slow premature aging, and unfortunately this survey shows that many Americans either don’t use it regularly or don’t realize its full benefits.”
Unfortunately, many adults are already noticing signs of sun damage. Four in ten adults surveyed report wrinkles or dark spots they believe are from sun exposure. Of these, 68 percent are bothered by the changes to their skin.
ASA Announces Research Achievement Awards
The American Skin Association presented research achievement awards to dermatologists at May’s Society of Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting.
- David A. Norris, MD, received the Founders Award for his work in cutaneous immunology and cell biology, and melanoma research. Dr. Norris, who is recently retired, was on the faculty at the University of Colorado for more than 50 years.
- Lynn Cornelius, MD, received the Research Achievement Award in Public Policy and Education. Dr. Cornelius is the Winfred A. & Emma R. Showman Professor and Chief of Dermatology at Washington University School of Medicine.
- Patrick M. Brunner, MD, MSc, received the Research Achievement Award in Skin Cancer and Melanoma. Dr. Brunner is associate professor of dermatology and director of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Alexa B. Kimball, MD, MPH, received the Research Achievement Award in Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Dr. Kimball is CEO and president of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
MasterClass Launches Skin Health Series
The streaming learning platform MasterClass is launching Skin Health, an educational video series featuring three board-certified dermatologists and a cosmetic chemist. Dr. Shereene Idriss, Dr. Michelle Henry, Dr. April Armstrong and Ron Robinson share the fundamentals of skin care in 20 short episodes. They provide advice on a myriad of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, aging skin, chapped lips and hyperpigmentation. The series is now available to MasterClass subscribers.
