Controversies in Sunscreens: A Practical Approach

At least one in five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and the annual incidence of skin cancer in the US approaches, which is higher than breast, lung, prostate and colon cancer combined.1 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known environmental carcinogen and sun exposure is the most critical modifiable skin cancer risk factor.2 Randomized controlled trials support the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen to reduce skin cancer development.2 Current recommendations from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) include applying water-resistant sunscreen (Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher) with both UVA (320-400 nm) and UVB (290-320 nm) protection.