Sunscreening Agents

The dangers of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays stand in contrast to the cultural connotations of a suntan: health, vitality, and youth. Sunscreen agents have emerged from this paradox to balance cosmetic interests and safety concerns. The aging effects of sun exposure support the case against tanning from an aesthetic perspective, while documentation of changes in the ozone layer create an urgency for applying sunscreen all year long to prevent skin cancer. Indeed, the use of sunscreening agents has increased significantly over the past 25 years, and physicians are more involved in patient education about their use. However, the proper use of sunscreening agents is considered low; the majority of Americans are only occasional users, while nearly a third do not use sunscreen at all. ...