Sunscreen labels may still be confusing to majority of consumers

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

According to results of a small study published online ahead of print in JAMA Dermatology, researchers have found that sunscreen labels may still be confusing to the majority of consumers.

For the study, researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago surveyed 114 patients at a single dermatology clinic to evaluate their understanding of sunscreen labels and best practices for sun protection.

Results showed that 81.6% reported purchasing sunscreen in 2013. Of all participants, 75.4% said they purchased sunscreen in order to prevent sunburns and 65.8% bought it to prevent skin cancer.

Researchers found that only 43% understood the definition of SPF, 37.7% could correctly determine how well the sunscreen protected against skin cancer, and 22.8% could correctly identify how well the sunscreen protected against sunburns.

The findings suggest that sunscreen label terminology may still be confusing to the majority of consumers seeking to protect themselves from sunburns and skin cancer.