Study Cites Surge in Google Searches for Skin of Color Sunscreens

Relative search volume for the phrase “sunscreen for dark skin” increased by nearly 400% from 2006 to 2020. Lead study author Nada Elbuluk, MD, discusses the findings with DermWire.

Growing numbers of people are searching for sunscreen for dark skin and sunscreen for black skin on Google, a new study shows.

The estimated annual relative search volume (RSV) for "sunscreen for dark skin" ranged from 0 to 28, with the peak being reached in 2020. RSV quantifies the absolute number of searches compared to the total number of searches over a given time on a scale of 0-100.

Since 2006, the annual RSV has nearly quadrupled reflecting an almost 400% increase in Google searches on the topic of sunscreen for dark skin. Of note, the yearly times of peak interest were primarily seen in the months leading up to the summer and the summer months.

In 2006, there was a sharp peak in interest to 50 RSV in January, after which RSV remained between 0 and 30 each month for many years. In the summer of 2016,  there was a rise in searches on the topic of sunscreen for dark skin, and this trend continued to rise each year following this resurgence. Searches were highest in Maryland, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, and California.

Lead study author Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, the founder and director of the USC Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, chatted with DermWire about the results and their implications.

DermWire: Were you surprised by the findings?

Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc: “I was surprised by how dramatic the increase was and how recently this occurred, but I also had been starting to see this trend in my practice so it was helpful to see the correlation in trend.”

DermWire: Why do you think interest has surged?

Dr. Elbuluk: “More education and information related to sunscreens is being shared on various outlets including the internet, social media, and print magazines which is allowing people to have many more ways of increasing their health literacy outside of the clinical setting. “

 DermWire: What advice would you give dermatologists about recommending or offering such sunscreens? 

Dr. Elbuluk: “I think it’s important to talk about sunscreen with all our patients and which sunscreen is most appropriate for them given their skin conditions, skin type, and skin concerns. It's also important to educate people on how to properly use sunscreen. “

DermWire: What ingredients or characteristics are important when choosing a sunscreen for darker skin?

Dr. Elbuluk: “Patients with darker skin want sunscreens that will blend in with their skin and not leave an opaque cast. It’s important to discuss formulations that can work well with each person's skin color, skin type, and medical conditions. Those with certain pigmentary disorders may benefit from sunscreens with broader protection.  “