A new sunscreen application technique to protect more efficiently from ultraviolet radiation

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.

This study aims to validate a newly developed sunscreen application technique for adults and children.

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.

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.

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.