Clinicians Emphasize Year-Round SPF 30+ Sunscreen Use for Skin Cancer Prevention
Healthcare professionals are stressing the importance of consistent, year-round use of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen for skin cancer prevention. This recommendation extends beyond summer months, as UVA exposure is continuous through clouds and glass, and reflected radiation can increase UV dosage in winter. Clinicians advise integrating sunscreen into daily morning routines, similar to brushing teeth, and selecting affordable, cosmetically acceptable products to improve patient adherence. For individuals with skin of color, tinted mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides are suggested, as they offer additional protection against visible light, which can contribute to hyperpigmentation, including melasma. The focus is on reducing ongoing UV exposure and protecting skin throughout a lifetime, moving away from guilt-tripping patients about past sun exposure.
