title: Patterns of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin among US adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sunscreen is a common form of sun protection, but little is known about patterns of use.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to assess patterns of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin among US adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using cross-sectional data from the 2013 Summer ConsumerStyles survey (N = 4033), we calculated descriptive statistics and adjusted risk ratios to identify characteristics associated with regular sunscreen use (always/most of the time when outside on a warm sunny day for ≥1 hour).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Few adults regularly used sunscreen on the face (men: 18.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.8-20.6; women: 42.6%, 95% CI 39.5-46.7), other exposed skin (men: 19.9%, 95% CI 17.5-22.6; women: 34.4%, 95% CI 31.5-37.5), or both the face and other exposed skin (men: 14.3%, 95% CI 12.3-16.6; women: 29.9%, 95% CI 27.2-32.8). Regular use was associated with sun-sensitive skin, an annual household income ≥$60,000, and meeting aerobic activity guidelines (Ps < .05). Nearly 40% of users were unsure if their sunscreen provided broad-spectrum protection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reliance on self-report and lack of information on sunscreen reapplication or other sun-safety practices are limitations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sunscreen use is low, especially among certain demographic groups. These findings can inform sun-safety interventions and the interpretation of surveillance data on sunscreen use.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia. Electronic address: dholman@cdc.gov.
authors.forename: Dawn M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Holman
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Zahava
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Berkowitz
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Gery P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Guy
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Nikki A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saraiya
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Meg
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012648:Self Care; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents
keywords: broad spectrum; skin cancer prevention; sun protection; sun protection factor; sun safety; sunscreen