Sunscreens for non-dermatologists: what you should know when counseling patients.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a notorious environmental carcinogen. Acute and chronic UV radiation exposure increase the risk for skin cancer. Protecting oneself from both UVA and UVB radiation with broad-based sunscreen can prevent certain skin cancers, their precursors, and photoaging. Although sun protection factor only measures UVB protection, it is essential to consider protection from UVA radiation when deciding on a particular sunscreen product. Awareness of particular controversies associated with sunscreen, such as vitamin D deficiency and sunscreen toxicity, is necessary to adequately counsel patients with sunscreen concerns. Additionally, all physicians should be familiar with sunscreen composition, proper use, and benefits while encouraging patient compliance.