The recipient of a PhD in pharmacy from Oregon State University, Ashok Pinnamaraju guides Williamson Road Pharmacy in Virginia as owner and head pharmacist. To better serve his customers, Ashok Pinnamaraju provides guidance for both prescription and over-the-counter products.
Each summer millions of Americans hit the beach or the backyard to take advantage of the sunshine. However, sun exposure can cause a number of health complications, from cosmetic issues such as wrinkles and age spots to life-threatening diseases such as skin cancer. In recent years, public health initiatives have stressed the importance of wearing sunscreen during outdoor activities, but studies have shown that many people do not understand how to choose the correct product for their needs.
As such, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) recommends that pharmacists become familiar with different types of sunscreen and be prepared to provide guidance to customers. Pharmacists should be especially fluent with the current labeling schemes on sunscreen products, which can be confusing for customers. These labels, which are required by the FDA, should indicate the level of the skin protection factor (SPF) and whether the product is waterproof.
For most people, a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is the best choice. However, experts point out that each person is different, and these requirements can vary depending on the customer’s age and specific health concerns.
