Sunscreen use: an overview

Even to well-educated health care providers, sunscreen information continues to be confusing in regard to adequate level of sun protection factor (SPF), appropriate age of users, and whether sunscreen agents truly do prevent skin cancers. The intent of this article is to present some of the current information and controversies related to sunscreen use. It is strongly recommended that nurses teach sunscreen use and sun avoidance strategies at every health care opportunity. The message must be delivered that there is no such thing as a "healthy tan."