Sunscreen cost inversely associated with sunscreen application amounts

Summary: Abstract Body: Sunscreen is a commonly used and accessible form of sun protection, but its cost can present a significant barrier, particularly for individuals requiring regular, year-round use. For these populations, the financial burden may hinder adherence to recommended sun protection practices. To evaluate the relationship between sunscreen cost and application habits, we conducted a study involving 88 participants who used 32 different sunscreen brands, with costs ranging from $0.60 to $36.40/oz and SPF values from 30 to 100. The recommended sunscreen amounts were 2.5 g for the face/neck and 3.0 g for the arm. After adjusting for site, we found that the percentage of the recommended amount applied was inversely associated with sunscreen cost (p=0.0016). On average, for every $1/oz increase in cost, the percentage of sunscreen applied decreased by approximately 1%. Participants applied relatively more sunscreen to the arm than to the face/neck. Further analysis revealed that age, gender, and SPF did not significantly influence the amount applied; only price and site of application were significant factors (p<0.05). These findings highlight the critical role of affordability in shaping sunscreen usage behaviors. When recommending sunscreen products, healthcare professionals should consider cost as a factor, as patients often rely on their expertise for guidance in skincare and sun protection. Our results suggest that incorporating cost-effective recommendations is optimal to support adherence to sun protection strategies and promote skin cancer prevention. Kristen A. Fernandez¹, Jeffrey Schneider², Dan Moore³, Arjun Johal², Benjamin V. Wu⁴, Maria L. Wei^{2, 4} 1. Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States. 2. University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States. 3. Calico Computing, Livermore, CA, United States. 4. Dermatology Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, United States. Clinical Research: Interventional Research