Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2]
Knowing individual skin type and using the right sunscreen accordingly
Skin type by the Fitzpatrick Scale
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Skin color
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Skin tone or other common descriptors
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Sun exposure effects
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Recommended sunscreen SPF
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I
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30+
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II
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III
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- Light‐intermediate (Dark European)
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- Sometimes burns
- Sometimes tans
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15+
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IV
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V
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VI
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Different sunscreen recommendations and recommendations' grading according to Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) GRADE System
Sunscreen property
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Recommendation
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Grade of Recommendations
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SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
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- An ideal sunscreen should have the following properties:
- Broad-spectrum
- Both UVA & UVB filters
- Atleast SPF 30
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Water resistance
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- Sunscreen providing water-resistance for 40-80 minutes must be worn in following conditions:
- Water immersion
- Excessive sweating
- Contact with sand
- Physical contact causing increased skin friction
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Organic vs inorganic sunscreens
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- Whether the components of sunscreen are organic or inorganic, recommended sunscreen must be broad spectrum with both UVA & UVB filters
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Lip protection
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- Whole lip should be generously covered by high-SPF (>/= 30) and reapplication of lip sunscreen
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Sunscreen application
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- Sunscreen is recommended to be applied according to following guidelines:
- Should be applied liberally (approximately 45 ml) to all the exposed areas
- Strong reapplication within a period of 8 hours is mandatory only after activities that may remove the sunscreen layer such as sweating, swimming, or friction
- Should be applied before any sun exposure and at least 20 minutes before the water activities
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Patient education on sunscreen
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- Patients should be educated about the meaning of SPF and its effectivesness
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Sunscreen safety
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- Sunscreens have a favorable risk-benefit profile, hence, are considered to be safe overall
- There is still a risk of following few complications due to sunscreen application in some people:
- Photoallergy (most common, but quite rare)
- Reproductive toxicity
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Sunscreen benefits
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- Prevents photoaging
- Prevents melanoma and non–melanoma skin cancer
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Sunscreen vehicle
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- Highest SPF and water resistance properties of sunscreen can be obtained by using a water-in-oil emulsion formulation for sunscreens
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Expiry date
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- Avoid using sunscreens past the manufacturer-specified expiry date/recommended period after opening
- Sunscreens should be stored at normal room temperature in order to ensure their proper stability
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References