Dear Editor:
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting 20% of Americans during their lifetime (Citation1). Excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of skin cancer, and regular use of sunscreen may reduce this risk, but only 15% of men and 30% of women report regular sunscreen use (Citation1,Citation2). Existing tools to increase sun protection include educational interventions, electronic reminders, and better access to sunscreen (Citation3).
Facial analysis technologies that characterize the skin’s appearance may also improve adherence to routine sunscreen use. AI Skincare (Perfect Corporation) is an online application for an iPad or iPhone that takes a frontal facial photograph and provides scores for spots, texture, dark circles, redness, pores, wrinkles, oiliness, moisture, eye bags, and acne. Lower scores indicate less desirable skin characteristics. We assessed pre- and post-procedure scores in patients receiving cosmetic procedures at an academic dermatology practice. After the initial facial analysis assessment, scores and their interpretation were reviewed with patients.
Anecdotally, when patients returned for their final study visit, several patients cited improved adherence to sun-protective practices. For example, following the initial facial analysis session and subsequent patient education, patients reported increased adherence to daily sunscreen use, sunscreen reapplication, and sun avoidance. Facial imaging may make the damaging effects of the sun salient and more impactful on patients’ behavior, consistent with the finding that skin cancer and photoaging education can increase sunscreen use (Citation2,Citation4,Citation5). Our patients were receiving cosmetic procedures and may be more motivated by concerns for photoaging than the general dermatology population, potentially limiting the generality of our findings. Nevertheless, incorporating low-cost, objective facial analysis into routine dermatology practice may be an interactive and efficient method for teaching patients about the detrimental impact of the sun on their skin and encouraging better sun protection.
IRB approval status
This study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Wake Forest University School of Medicine. IRB00085220.
Patient consent
Consent for the publication of de-identifiable material was obtained by the authors.
Disclosure statement
Feldman has received research, speaking and/or consulting support from Eli Lilly and Company, GaxoSmithKline/Stiefel, AbbVie, Janssen, Alovtech, vTv Therapeutics, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Samsung, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Amgen, Dermavant, Arcutis, Novartis, Novan, UCB, Helsinn, Sun Pharma, Almirall, Galderma, Leo Pharma, Mylan, Celgene, Ortho Dermatology, Menlo, Merck & Co, Qurient, Forte, Arena, Biocon, Accordant, Argenx, Sanofi, Regeneron, the National Biological Corporation, Caremark, Teladoc, BMS, Ono, Micreos, Eurofins, Informa, UpToDate and the National Psoriasis Foundation. He is founder and part owner of Causa Research and holds stock in Sensal Health. Kontzias, Zaino, and Pixley have no conflicts to disclose.
Data availability statement
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
Additional information
Funding
References
- Skin Cancer. American academy of dermatology [updated April 22, 2022]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer#:∼:text=Incidence%20rates,cancer%20in%20the%20United%20States.&text=Current%20estimates%20are%20that%20one,skin%20cancer%20in%20their%20lifetime.&text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20approximately,with%20skin%20cancer%20every%20day
- Holman DM, Berkowitz Z, Guy GP, Jr, et al. Patterns of sunscreen use on the face and other exposed skin among US adults. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;73(1):1–2. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.02.1112.
- Allen N, Damian DL. Interventions to increase sunscreen use in adults: a review of the literature. Health Educ Behav. 2022;49(3):415–423. doi: 10.1177/10901981211046534.
- Cao H, Brehm M, Hynan L, et al. Wrinkles, brown spots, and cancer: relationship between appearance- and health-based knowledge and sunscreen use. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(2):558–562. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12712.
- Zaino ML, Purvis C, Balogh EA, et al. A survey assessing counseling strategies to increase sunscreen use. J Cutan Med Surg. 2023;27(1):60–61. doi: 10.1177/12034754221130032.