Nonprescription Products Can Safeguard Against Skin Damage From Excessive Sun Exposure

Although the summer months are a favorite time of year for many due to the warm weather and sunshine, it is vital to routinely implement protective skin care measures throughout the year, even in winter months, to shield the skin from the damage caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation. Research has established that excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause various degrees of sunburn and photosensitivity, contributing to premature aging, cataracts, skin hyperpigmentation (commonly known as sunspots), and photoaging (commonly known as wrinkles).^1,2

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The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) says an estimated 80% of skin aging results from excessive exposure without proper photoprotection.³ An abundance of research has also confirmed that chronic, excessive, and unprotected exposure to UV rays is strongly correlated with increasing an individual’s risk of carcinoma of the skin.^1,2 The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that sunlight encompasses 2 types of damaging rays: UV-A and UV-B. In addition to skin cancer, UV-A rays can also contribute to premature skin aging, causing wrinkles and age spots, whereas excessive exposure to UV-B rays is the principal cause of sunburn.⁴

The most recent statistics from the AAD indicate that skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US, and more than 9500 individuals are diagnosed daily.¹ The AAD also notes that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, and melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.⁵ In 2024, the AAD estimates that more than 200,340 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed and contribute to an estimated 8290 deaths.⁵ According to the SCF, an estimated 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with excessive sun exposure without proper protection.³

Generational Knowledge Gaps

Findings from an AAD survey of 1054 Generation Z (Gen Z) adults aged 18 to 25 years revealed that this age group has growing rates of tanning and sunburn.6 Results revealed that 52% of Gen Z adults were unfamiliar with 1 or more sunburn risks, and 1 in 4 Gen Z respondents already had some degree of skin damage from UV exposure.⁶ Other survey results revealed that more than 1 in 4 Americans (27%) use sunscreen only when nagged by other people, and among Gen Z respondents, the percentage increased to 37%.⁶ With regard to tanning, 28% of Gen Z survey respondents stated that obtaining a tan was more vital to them than preventing skin cancer, with 70% reporting tanned or darker skin in 2023.⁶

Another 2024 survey from the AAD revealed that 1 in 3 Americans (36%) got a sunburn in 2023, which was a substantial rise from the previous year.⁷ Despite being aware of measures to protect the skin, many do not implement effective measures as directed.⁷ Other survey findings revealed that less than 34% of Americans actually use sunscreen outdoors, only 1 in 3 individuals correctly reapply it every 2 hours, and more than 27% who use sunscreen never reapply it outdoors.⁷

Sunscreens and Skin Protectants

Sunscreens are available in various formulations for adult and pediatric populations, including lotions, creams, gels, ointments, and sprays.^2,4,8 The AAD notes that sunscreens can be classified as chemical, physical, and hybrid.^4,8 Physical sunscreens, also referred to as mineral sunscreens, are generally opaque and reflect and scatter UV rays. They contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both.^2,4,8 Generally, dermatologists recommend physicaln sunscreens, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.^2,4,8 Chemical sunscreens absorb and block the transmission of UV rays to the epidermis and do not contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.^4,8 Hybrid sunscreens contain 1 or more active ingredients found in both chemical and physical sunscreens.^4,8

For effective protection against UV rays, the AAD recommends selecting a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher, broad-spectrum protection (meaning it protects from both UV-A and UV-B), and water resistance. In addition to the routine use of sunscreen on areas of skin not covered by hats or clothing when outdoors, especially during peak times of UV radiation, individuals can incorporate the measures outlined in the Table^2,4,8 into their routine.

The Role of the Pharmacist

With their drug expertise, pharmacists can identify medications from various pharmacological classes (eg, certain chemotherapy agents, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-infectives, antipsychotics, diuretics, statins, estrogens, sulfonamides, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and a host of other medicines) and medical conditions (eg, psoriasis, rosacea, and lupus) that may augment an individual’s risk for photosensitivity and make recommendations tailored to patient needs.² Pharmacists can be instrumental in counseling patients about measures to prevent and reduce the incidence of UV damage, proper use of sunscreen, dermatologist-recommended sun protection measures, and when to contact their primary health care provider. When counseling patients, especially those at greater risk for photosensitivity, it is essential to emphasize the significance of routine sun protection measures to maintain healthy skin and prevent long-term skin damage.

References

1. Skin cancer. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Updated April 22, 2022. Accessed May 22, 2024. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer

2. Crosby KM. Prevention of sun-induced skin disorders. In Krinsky DL, Ferreri SP, Hemstreet BA, Hume AL, Rollins CJ, Tietze KJ, eds. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: An Interactive Approach to Self-Care. 20th ed. American Pharmacists Association; 2021. https://pharmacylibrary.com/doi/book/10.21019/9781582123172

3. Skin cancer facts & statistics. Skin Cancer Foundation. Updated February 2024. Accessed May 22, 2024. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/

4. Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Updated April 15, 2024. Accessed May 22, 2024. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen

5. May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Updated April 23, 2024. Accessed May 22, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/awareness-campaigns/skin-cancer-awareness-month

6. American Academy of Dermatology survey shows Gen Z adults at risk for skin cancer due to increasing rates of tanning and burning. News release. American Academy of Dermatology. May 14, 2024. Accessed May 22, 2024. https://www.newswise.com/articles/american-academyof-dermatology-survey-shows-gen-z-adults-at-risk-for-skin-cancerdue-to-increasing-rates-of-tanning-and-burning

7. American Academy of Dermatology: how to treat a sunburn. News release. American Academy of Dermatology. May 21, 2024. Accessed May 22, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-academy-of-dermatology-how-to-treat-a-sunburn-302151610.html

8. How to decode sunscreen labels. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Updated April 25, 2024. Accessed May 22, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothingsunscreen/understand-sunscreen-labels ):1-5.