Pitfalls in Sunscreen Application

Sunscreen technology has advanced in recent years with the introduction of products that are free of para-aminobenzoic acid, noncomedogenic, waterproof, chemical free, and gel based. For sunscreens to be effective, they must be applied in adequate amounts to reach the specified sun protection factor.¹Recent observations noted that while the frequency and amount of sunscreen may be adequate, the application technique may be inadequate.^2,3Our purpose is to identify any skin sites to educate both the dermatologist and the general public to correct deficiencies. <h3>Subjects and Methods.</h3> A group of 50 healthy volunteers (26 women and 24 men), 17 to 31 years of age, were entered into the study. All individuals had applied sunscreen in the past. The frequency of sunscreen application among the enrolled participants varied from a few times a year to daily. None of the participants had photosensitizing diseases or known sensitivities to the materials