Sunscreen use varies among different racial groups despite its scientifically proven benefits. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study in the June issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology aims to understand the needs and challenges people with skin of color face when choosing and using sunscreen.
I interviewed author Jared Jagdeo, MD, MS, associate professor of dermatology and director of the Center for Photomedicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
What led you to want to investigate sunscreen practices and preferences in patients with skin of color?
Our interest in investigating sunscreen practices among skin of color (SOC) patients was driven by the observation of significant disparities in sunscreen use between patients with different skin tones. Research indicates that sunscreen use varies significantly by race, prompting us to seek to analyze the specific perceptions, motivations, knowledge levels and barriers regarding sunscreen among SOC populations. We believe these insights are crucial for improving culturally competent patient education and promoting effective sun protection practices across diverse populations.
You conducted an in-person, questionnaire-based survey. What were your key findings?
Our survey revealed key disparities in sunscreen usage between Non-Hispanic White (NHW) and SOC individuals. NHW participants were found to wear and reapply sunscreen more frequently. In contrast, SOC patients are highly willing to use sunscreen, but face several barriers including costs, difficulty in finding suitable products, and concerns about white cast. We also identified an educational gap between NHW and SOC patients. Specifically, SOC participants were less likely to understand the differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens, and were less likely to consult dermatologists for sun protection advice. Additionally, there was a significant interest among SOC participants in sunscreens from brands owned by people of color, highlighting a consumer demand for more inclusive products.
Did the results affirm or negate your hypothesis? Were any of the results surprising?
The findings confirmed our hypothesis that SOC individuals face unique challenges in accessing sunscreens, and that cultural and knowledge gaps contribute to lower sunscreen usage rates. Interestingly, the results revealed that SOC patients were more likely to be “very willing” and “moderately willing” to wear sunscreen every day compared to NHW patients. This suggests that the lower usage rates among SOC individuals are not due to a lack of willingness to use sunscreen, but are likely due to external factors, such as cost, white cast, limited education on sunscreen options and a lack of suitable products for their skin type.
What are some of the reasons why patients with skin of color use and reapply sunscreen less frequently than their non-Hispanic White counterparts?
SOC patients use and reapply sunscreen less frequently than their NHW counterparts due to several factors: a misconception that darker skin does not need sunscreen, costs, concerns about the white cast and ashy residue left by many products, and difficulty in finding suitable formulations. Additionally, SOC patients are less likely to consult dermatologists for information and tend to have less knowledge about sunscreen types.
Why is your data important for dermatology clinicians to consider?
This study provides key insights into the specific needs and challenges of SOC patients regarding sun protection. Understanding these nuances may help dermatology clinicians provide more tailored and effective care for their patients, potentially improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Additionally, our findings may inform and guide the sunscreen industry, leading to the development of sunscreens that better address the unique preferences of SOC patients. We believe more inclusive sunscreen formulations that address SOC patients’ concerns and preferences can potentially improve sunscreen usage within this demographic.
What should dermatology clinicians do differently in light of this study?
Using the information from this study, dermatology clinicians can better understand the cultural, economic and cosmetic factors that influence sunscreen usage among SOC patients. For example, it is crucial to recommend sunscreens that address common concerns like white cast and offer cost-effective alternatives. One potential solution is recommending tinted sunscreen, which may better blend in with darker skin tones. Tinted sunscreens also block visible light and have been found to be more effective at reducing hyperpigmentation and preventing melasma. Additionally, clinicians should emphasize patient education, including the need for sunscreen regardless of skin tone, the importance of reapplying throughout the day, and the importance of using sunscreen in all weather conditions, including cloudy or rainy days.
Do you plan to conduct any additional studies based on these results?
Yes, we believe that researching sunscreen usage among SOC patients is extremely important. Some of our potential future studies include examining differences between various demographic groups, such as SOC millennials or Baby Boomers. Additionally, we are interested in exploring the role of social media in influencing sunscreen usage decisions among SOC individuals, especially as we identified the internet and social media to be a primary sources of information for SOC patients. We also hope to investigate long-term sunscreen usage patterns in SOC patients to assess changes over time and the effectiveness of targeted educational interventions.
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