COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SUNSCREEN EFFICACY AND MISCONCEPTIONS IN HYPERPIGMENTATION PREVENTION

Abstract

Sunscreens are important tool to protect skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen includes organic and inorganic filters. Inorganic filters are designed to physically reflect UV photons. Organic sunscreen filters are chemicals which absorb UV radiation and have ability to absorb in the skin. It is observed that pigmentation and skin cancer is the global public health problem. Sunscreen should be applied 20min before sun exposure and reapplied after second hour, and repeated after bathing and swimming and is recommended by WHO (World Health Organization).Myths that exist includes benefits of higher SPF sunscreen, use of sunscreen on pigmented skin type people, effect of sunscreen on vitamin D production, sunscreen is not always necessary, it causes health problems like toxicity, different allergies, tanning beds provide a protective base tan, makeup is enough to protect the face, it works better then covering up, you cannot tan while wearing sunscreen, all sunscreen is the same, one application of sunscreen lasts whole day, etc. I will conduct this study to determine all the misconceptions and their impact on hyperpigmentation. Previous studies had discussed one or two misconceptions only but this study will include all the misconceptions and strengthening regulatory guidelines, improving product labeling, and enhancing consumer education which is essential for optimizing sunscreen efficacy and supporting dermatological recommendations and helps in resolving hyper pigmentation issues. This cross-sectional study duration is 3 months. Total of 138 respondents will be considered and all of them belongs to RYK and both are graduates and postgraduates. Data will be gathered online using online google survey written in simple English. The recommended sample size is 138 using Rao soft sample size calculator.