Quantity of sunscreen used by European students
Abstract
Background The ability of sunscreen products to delay sun-induced skin erythema is indicated by the sun protection factor (SPF), which is measured using an internationally agreed sunscreen thickness of 2 mg cm(-2). Objectives To determine the thickness of sunscreen used under practical conditions. Methods In two double-blind randomized trials performed in five different places in Europe in 1997 and 1998, 148 18--24-year-old students received either an SPF 10 or an SPF 30 sunscreen to be used during their summer holidays. Results Complete, detailed data on quantities of sunscreen used and skin areas on to which sunscreen was applied were available for 124 students. The median thickness of sunscreen applied was 0.39 mg cm(-2). We found no variation in sunscreen thickness according to sex, skin phototype, study place or SPF. Conclusions Our results indicate that most consumers do not benefit from the SPF indicated on sunscreen bottles, and do not support the idea that thickness of sunscreen applied would be greater if these products were cheaper. We suggest that information on ability of a sunscreen product to prevent sunburn should be adapted in order to reflect actual usage patterns.
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Sun protection factor is measured at 2 mg per cm2, yet in actual use, sunscreen application is only 0.4-0.5 mg per cm2.
“Sun protection factor is measured at 2 mg per cm 2 , yet in actual use, sunscreen application is only 0.4-0.5 mg per cm 2 (Wulf et al, 1997;Autier et al, 2001).”
From Ferulic Acid Stabilizes a Solution of Vitamins C and E and Doubles its Photoprotection of Skin (2005) · cites this paper as Autier et al, 2001
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- Authors
- Autier, P., Boniol, M., Severi, G., Dore, J.-F., & For The European Organization For Research And Treatment Of Cancer Melanoma Co-Operative Group
- Affiliations
- European Institute of Oncology (IT)
- Inserm (FR)
- Corresponding author
- Severi, G.
- Venue
- British Journal of Dermatology
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 2001-02
- Volume
- 144
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 288-291
- ISSN
- 0007-0963 (ISSN-L)
- 1365-2133
- OpenAlex
- W2093022537
- Cited by
- 150
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 12
- FWCI
- 5.59
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- British Journal of Dermatology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- European Commission
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › melanin and skin pigmentation
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatology and Skin Diseases
- Keywords
- sunscreen, sun protection factor, sunburn prevention, erythema, students, Fitzpatrick skin type, sun protection
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Double-Blind Method, Drug Administration Schedule, Drug Labeling, Erythema, Female, Humans, Male, Sex Factors, Sunburn, Sunscreening Agents
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