Sunscreens: An Update

Abstract

In total, 11 (1.4%) individuals in the sunscreen intervention group and 22 (2.7%) in the control group developed melanoma. [...]melanoma risk was reduced by 50% in the sunscreen intervention group at the end of the study period. [...]the Sunscreen Innovation Act was signed into law in 2014 with this specific objective, but no new UV filters have yet been approved [18]. Because the US sunscreen manufacturers do not have access to these new UV filters, there is concern that US sunscreen may not offer broad-spectrum UV protection comparable to those in other parts of the world. [...]a predominantly UVB-only sunscreen could provide the user a false sense of security of photoprotection as the user would be less likely to develop symptomatic sunburn while concomitantly increasing UVA exposure. [...]it is important that sunscreens have spectral homeostasis, meaning they provide uniform protection across the UVA and UVB spectrum so that UV rays from sunlight are attenuated uniformly [11]. [...]an open discussion with patients regarding the known benefits versus the theoretical risks of sunscreen may help to address their concerns or misconceptions.