Application of sunscreen--theory and reality
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Summary: We present research on sunscreen use with possible pitfalls and discuss theory vs. reality. A literature review in PubM ed was conducted using the terms ‘sunscreen application’, ‘sunscreen use’ and ‘sun protection factor’. The sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens are tested using a thickness of 2 mg/cm 2 , but investigations show that sunscreen under natural conditions is applied insufficiently with amounts about 0.39 to 1.0 mg/cm 2 , which decreases the protection factor considerably. It has been shown that early reapplication or use of very high SPF (70–100) may partly compensate for the discrepancy between the amounts of sunscreen applied during testing and in reality, and that sunscreen application can be improved by education of consumers. Missing areas and ultraviolet radiation exposure before sunscreen application are other pitfalls that reduce the protective effect of sunscreens considerably. Current sunscreen labelling overrates the protective effect of a given sunscreen when the reality of sunscreen use is taken into account. This may possibly mislead consumers to feel it is safe to extend sun exposure. Alternatively to educating people to use large amounts of sunscreen, we suggest a simple teaching strategy: (1) Apply before sun exposure and (2) Reapply once within 1 h.
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Environmental factors such as physical activity, swimming, sweating, clothing type, and contact with beach sand can influence the amount of sunscreen applied and, consequently, its effectiveness.
“Additionally, environmental factors such as physical activity, swimming, sweating, clothing type, and contact with beach sand can influence the amount of sunscreen applied and, consequently, its effectiveness [65].”
From A Comprehensive Review of the Role of UV Radiation in Photoaging Processes Between Different Types of Skin (2025) · cites this paper as [65]
SPF testing should be conducted with an application thickness of 2 mg/cm2, as applying less than this amount is linked to a reduction in the SPF.
“Research suggests that SPF testing should be conducted with an application thickness of 2 mg/cm², as applying less than this amount is linked to a reduction in the SPF.”
From A Comprehensive Review of the Role of UV Radiation in Photoaging Processes Between Different Types of Skin (2025) · cites this paper as [65]
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- Authors
- Petersen, B., & Wulf, H. C.
- Affiliations
- University of Copenhagen (DK)
- Corresponding author
- Petersen, Bibi
- Venue
- Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2014-01-06
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 2-3
- Pages
- 96-101
- ISSN
- 0905-4383 (ISSN-L)
- 1600-0781
- OpenAlex
- W1488557759
- Cited by
- 143
- References
- 57
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 3
- FWCI
- 0.94
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Photodermatology Photoimmunology & Photomedicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- 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 › Epidemiology › Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies
- Keywords
- sunscreen use, sun protection factor, sunscreen reapplication, UV exposure, consumer education, sun protection, skin cancer prevention
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Humans, Patient Education as Topic, Sunlight, Sunscreening Agents
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