title: A new sunscreen application technique to protect more efficiently from ultraviolet radiation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  UV radiation protection is an important health issue. Sophisticated sunscreen formulations have been developed to improve compliance. However, sunscreen is still inadequately applied, leaving large body areas without effective protection.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to validate a newly developed sunscreen application technique for adults and children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-eight volunteers were recruited to participate in a monocenter, intraindividual, sequential, comparative study. The covering potential of their currently used sunscreen application technique and of a newly developed systematized application technique (Dose, Apply, Spread) were compared. Evaluation criteria included the amount of product applied, the homogeneity of sunscreen application as measured by the Wood's lamp, and the volunteers' appreciation of the new technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-eight volunteers participated in the study: 20 women, 19 men, and 19 children. Respecting the new application technique resulted in a statistically significant (P < 0.05) more evenly spread sunscreen on the different parts of the body and an increase in the amount of product applied. Furthermore, the body surface area covered was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the new technique was well perceived and accepted by the volunteers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed new application technique ensures that more sunscreen will be used and that it will be applied more evenly. Educational work could help improve the efficient use of sunscreens, therefore providing better UV protection.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jeanmougin
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bouloc
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Schmutz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents
keywords: sun damage; sun protection; sunscreen