Skin of Color Sun Protection: Reddit Analysis Reveals Perceptions, Preferences, Unmet Needs, and Knowledge Gaps

Background: Patients are increasingly seeking medical advice, recommendations, and general information through online forums and social media. In June 2021 Reddit reported 430 million active monthly users globally and is the most popular mobile social app in the United States. Skincare is a popular forum topic and a space for patients to source information regarding photoprotection. Skin of color patients have specific needs regarding sun protection that remain underserved. Objective: To uncover perceptions, preferences, unmet needs, and knowledge gaps regarding sun protection for skin of color patients. Methods: The authors analyzed posts from August 1, 2019, through August 1, 2022, related to sun protection in skin of color. Search terms were based on National Institutes of Health (NIH) racial and ethnic categories. A total of 208 posts were analyzed and sorted into categories and subcategories to elucidate common themes. Results: The three most common categories of posts included seeking recommendations (57.7%), seeking/providing general information (25.5%), and product reviews (13.5%). The remaining 3.3% of posts were categorized as miscellaneous. Limitations: Reddit users may not adequately reflect the general population and their perceptions, preferences, and knowledge. Conclusions: Analysis of Reddit posts regarding photoprotection in skin of color yields valuable insights into the perceptions, preferences, unmet needs, and knowledge gaps regarding sun protection for this group of patients. Physicians can use this information to better educate patients and improve photoprotection adherence. This information is also valuable for pharmaceutical and sun protection industries that can use these insights to fill unmet sunscreen needs for patients of color.