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The objective of our study was to assess the attitudes and behaviors in Japan regarding sun exposure and compare them to those in Europe and North America. The study population was a representative sample of individuals aged >18 years from Ipsos panels in Japan (N = 1000), North America (N = 1000), and Europe (N = 6000) using the quota method. Questionnaires covered habits, practices, and perceptions regarding sun exposure. Results revealed that the majority of people (80.1%) believed that the sun gives them energy, and 61.1% considered that being tanned made them look healthier. However, there was a significant difference between men and women regarding the appeal of tanned skin, with 54.95% of men versus 34.67% (p < 0.001) of women seeing a tan as an aesthetic asset. People aged <40 years were less likely to find a tan attractive (30.3%) compared to those aged ≥40 years (48.9%) (p < 0.001). Of those questioned, 45.70% of used sunscreen with a much higher use among women (70.10%) than men (18.74%) (p < 0.001). Almost 54% of people said they stayed in the shade to protect themselves from the sun with this behavior being more prevalent among women (67.05%) and fair‐skinned individuals (56.13%). Fear of the risks of sun exposure was more common among women, with 84.8% fearing premature skin aging, compared to 71.8% of men (p < 0.001). In Japan, 44.30% of those questioned said tanned skin was attractive (p < 0.001); for Europeans and North Americans the proportions were 81.1% and 77.6%, respectively. Only a quarter (25.80%) thought it essential to return from vacation with a tan. On the other hand, Europeans showed a strong recognition of the energy the sun brings (83.18%), and widely believed that tanned skin is attractive (82.32%) and healthy (73.15%). In North America, attitudes were similar to those in Europe regarding the attractiveness of tanned skin (77.65%) and the importance of returning tanned from vacation (48.15%). Compared to Europeans and North Americans, the Japanese seemed to be more cautious about sun‐induced hazards and considered lighter skin to be more attractive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology examines the effectiveness of sun safety campaigns in France over the past 30 years. The study found that despite the distribution of messages about sun safety, the number of melanomas and carcinomas in France has increased fivefold. The study surveyed 1000 members of the French population and found that while most respondents were aware of the skin problems caused by too much sun exposure, many still associated a tan with good health and attractiveness. The study suggests that prevention messages should be tailored to specific audiences and emphasizes the importance of dermatologists in educating patients about sun protection. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a survey conducted to assess parents' awareness and efforts to protect their children from overexposure to sunlight. The survey collected data from 17,001 adults worldwide and analyzed their sun-exposure habits, understanding of risks, and information on phototypes. The study found that there are no epidemiological data suggesting a decrease in excessive exposure of children to sunlight. The article provides detailed demographic information by geographical zone. A study found that a majority of parents regret not protecting themselves enough from sunlight and overexposing themselves. Women were more likely to express regret than men. When it came to protecting their children from the sun, parents with regrets were more likely to follow public healthcare recommendations compared to those without regrets. Compliance with preventive measures improved for wearing glasses and a cap, but not for wearing sunglasses. Parents without regrets had a slightly higher prevalence of improvement, possibly because they were less likely to comply with preventive measures. A worldwide survey conducted on the use of preventive measures against sun exposure in children found that parents who regretted their own excessive sun exposure during childhood were more likely to take preventive measures for their own children. However, the survey also revealed that preventive care measures increased awareness among parents who did not express regrets about their own sun exposure. The study emphasized the importance of educating parents about the risks of sun exposure and promoting sun protection behaviors for both skin and eyes to prevent UV-induced eye disorders, skin cancers, and premature aging. The study was funded by La Roche-Posay Laboratoire [Extracted from the article]

Background: Of all ultraviolet (UV) radiations reaching the earth, UVA1 rays have a higher potential of penetrating and producing clinically harmful consequences. While UV radiations up to 370 nm are well‐blocked by current sunscreens, a photoprotection gap remains for the UVA1 wavelengths between 370 and 400 nm. Objective: This study was to assess under outdoor summer conditions the impact on pigmentation and skin ageing signs of a protection against UVA1 using methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE) filter added to a reference SPF50 sunscreen, in comparison with the same sunscreen without the MCE filter. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized comparative intra‐individual study was conducted in 113 women in Brazil and China. Subjects had their face and two forearms exposed twice‐daily to a 1‐h outdoor sunlight exposure over 8 weeks. Before exposure, the SPF50 sunscreen containing 3% MCE was applied on one half‐face and one forearm and the same reference product without MCE on the other half‐face and forearm. Primary study endpoint was skin colour changes (chromametry). Other endpoints included expert panel grading of pigmentation and facial skin ageing, and naïve panel assessment of facial skin radiance and homogeneity. Results: After 8 weeks, the skin was darker on both forearms but the increase in sun‐induced pigmentation was smaller with the SPF50/MCE sunscreen. Expert panel evaluations showed no change in severity scores for pigmentation and a decreased severity scores for facial skin ageing in areas protected with the SPF50/MCE product: severity scores in areas protected with the SPF50 alone were either increased (pigmentation) or unchanged (skin ageing). Naïve panel evaluations of skin radiance and homogeneity showed statistically significant superiority of the SPF50/MCE product. Conclusion: Overall, this study demonstrates that a protection with the SPF50/MCE sunscreen significantly reduces pigmentation and ageing signs compared to the same SPF50 sunscreen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Data reflecting the impact of photoprotection on cutaneous aging are scarce and mostly limited to fair skin. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a photoprotective product in counteracting the photoaging process in different skin phototypes over 1 year compared against a classical routine. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and ninety Brazilian women aged 30–65 years, with skin phototype II–VI were equally randomized in two groups. Group 1 kept on their routine whereas Group 2 applied, twice daily, a photoprotective product (SPF 60, PPD = 24.1) replacing the one they routinely used. Volunteers reported the duration of their daily sun‐exposure. Standardized photographs taken at D0 and D365 were analysed by 15 dermatologists to assess eight wrinkles and pigmentation signs. Results: A global increase in severity was reported which was significant for Group 1. This increase was lower in Group 2 where only half the signs showed significant worsening. In Group 2 versus Group 1, the increase in forehead wrinkles, marionette lines, wrinkles created by ptosis and size of dark spot was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by 30%–50%. Conclusion: Daily application of a high photoprotective product significantly decreases the progression of skin aging signs after 1 year in skin phototypes II–VI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]