Henry Lim, MD, is the senior vice president of academic programs at Henry Ford Health. He previously served as chair of the department of dermatology.

Henry Lim, MD

How Inclusive Messaging Could Improve Skin Cancer Prevention

 explored the importance of comprehensive photoprotection and culturally relevant public health messaging in reducing skin cancer risk among patients with skin of color. The discussion also highlighted emerging research areas that may help address persistent gaps in prevention and awareness.

Hosted by Rebecca Vasquez, MD, associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the episode featured Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey; Henry Lim, MD, former chair of dermatology at Henry Ford Health; and Jane Yoo, MD, assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The conversation centered on the idea that sunscreen should be viewed as only one component of a broader photoprotection strategy. Lim emphasized that clinicians should continue encouraging patients to spend time outdoors because of the physical and psychological benefits associated with outdoor activity. However, he argued that sun safety must be approached as a “total package” rather than relying exclusively on sunscreen use.

According to Lim, effective photoprotection includes seeking shade when possible, wearing photoprotective clothing, utilizing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin. He also stressed the importance of educating both clinicians and patients about visible light protection, particularly for individuals with darker skin tones who may be more susceptible to pigmentation disorders. Lim noted that tinted sunscreens currently represent one of the best available options for visible light protection in the United States.

The discussion then shifted toward public education and outreach. Downie argued that skin cancer prevention campaigns have historically failed to adequately represent diverse populations, contributing to the misconception that skin cancer primarily affects lighter-skinned individuals. She called for greater inclusion of skin of color models in educational materials, public service campaigns, and patient-facing resources.

Downie pointed to the death of Bob Marley from acral lentiginous melanoma as a frequently cited example in discussions of skin cancer among Black patients. However, she emphasized that public health messaging should not focus exclusively on uncommon presentations. Instead, she advocated for educating patients about both atypical and more common forms of skin cancer that can occur across all skin tones. Downie also stressed that awareness campaigns should illustrate the real-world consequences of delayed diagnosis, noting that greater visibility and representation remain critical to improving outcomes.

Referencing advocacy efforts discussed earlier in the episode, Lim highlighted continued public education as a major priority moving forward. He also outlined several research areas that may improve photoprotection in the future, including the development of newer ultraviolet filters capable of providing enhanced protection against longer-wave UVA radiation, which plays an important role in hyperpigmentation and photoaging.

Beyond sunscreen filters, Lim expressed optimism about emerging research into “biologic photoprotection.” These approaches include antioxidants and other ingredients designed to suppress UV-induced skin changes rather than simply blocking ultraviolet radiation. He noted that while only a limited number of such agents are currently supported by strong evidence, ongoing research into topical and oral photoprotective compounds may eventually expand the options available for skin cancer prevention and skin health, particularly among patients with skin of color.

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Editor’s note: This episode was summarized with the help of AI tools.

Disclosures: Lim reported research funding to his institution from Incyte, L'Oréal, Pfizer, and PCORI; consulting relationships with ISDIN, Beiersdorf, Ferndale, L'Oréal, Eli Lilly, Zerigo Health, Skinosive, Kenvue, Cantabria Labs, and NAOS; and speaking engagements for La Roche-Posay, Cantabria Labs, Pierre Fabre, NAOS, Uriage, Pfizer, and ISDIN. Downie reported consulting, research, and/or speaking relationships with Johnson & Johnson, Allergan, SkinMedica, Merz, Pfizer, Galderma, Lifes2Good, Perigee Medical, Nutrafol, Valeant, Intendis (Bayer), BTL, Restorsea, Procter & Gamble, Theraplex, ThermiRF, Revance, Neothetics, Evidera, Alphaeon, Ranbaxy, Fibrocell, BioPharmX, and Exeltis, and is a shareholder in RegimenMD. Yoo reported serving as a consultant for Amorepacific US Inc. Vasquez reported no relevant disclosures.

Chao LX, Sheu SL, Kundu RV, et al. Identifying gaps in consumer knowledge about sunscreen. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Dec;77(6):1172-1173.e2. 

Vasquez R, Lim H, Yoo J, Downie J. Skin of Color Savvy: The Sunscreen Gap—Cancer Prevention in Skin of Color. HCPLive. May 26, 2026. Accessed June 8, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/skin-of-color-savvy-sunscreen-gap-cancer-prevention-skin-color

Videos

This segment of the latest Skin of Color Savvy episode highlights clinician viewpoints surrounding sun protection and skin cancer.

How Dermatologists Can Tailor Sunscreen Counseling for Skin of Color

 explored how dermatologists can improve sunscreen adherence among patients with skin of color by tailoring counseling strategies and addressing longstanding formulation challenges that have historically limited sunscreen use in diverse populations.

Hosted by Rebecca Vasquez, MD, associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the discussion featured insights from Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey, Henry Lim, MD, of Henry Ford Health, and Jane Yoo, MD, assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The conversation began with Vasquez asking how clinicians can move beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach to sunscreen counseling when caring for patients with skin of color. Downie emphasized the importance of framing sun protection in ways that resonate with patients’ priorities, particularly concerns about cosmetic appearance and skin quality.

Rather than focusing exclusively on skin cancer prevention, Downie described appealing to patients’ desire for an even skin tone, healthy aging, and overall skin appearance. She explained that many patients are motivated by concerns about hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, all of which can be exacerbated by cumulative sun exposure. By connecting sunscreen use to visible aesthetic benefits, Downie said clinicians may be more successful in encouraging consistent daily use and reapplication.

She noted that many patients arrive in her office seeking the “glow up” they have seen promoted on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. However, Downie argued that no skincare regimen can achieve desired results without consistent sunscreen use. In her view, sunscreen remains the foundation upon which other skincare interventions are built, particularly for patients concerned about discoloration and uneven pigmentation.

The discussion then shifted to sunscreen formulation and adherence. Yoo argued that one of the most solvable barriers to sunscreen use among patients with darker skin tones has historically been product acceptability. For years, she noted, dermatologists recommended sunscreens that frequently left a chalky white or gray residue on deeper skin tones, creating a negative user experience that discouraged long-term compliance.

According to Yoo, newer sunscreen technologies are helping address that problem. She highlighted the growing availability of tinted mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides, which blend more effectively across a wider range of skin tones while also providing protection against visible light. That additional protection may be particularly important for patients with skin of color, given the role visible light can play in driving hyperpigmentation disorders.

Yoo also discussed broader policy and regulatory issues affecting sunscreen innovation in the United States. She noted that many advanced UV filters already available in regions such as Europe and Asia remain unavailable to American consumers because of regulatory hurdles. However, she expressed optimism about the potential approval of next-generation filters that could improve both sunscreen performance and patient adherence, helping to close what she described as both a formulation gap and an adherence gap in photoprotection.

Editor’s note: This segment was summarized with the help of AI tools.

Vasquez R, Lim H, Yoo J, Downie J. Skin of Color Savvy: The Sunscreen Gap—Cancer Prevention in Skin of Color. HCPLive. May 26, 2026. Accessed May 31, 2026. 

This segment of the Skin of Color Savvy podcast highlights how dermatologists can improve sunscreen adherence among individuals with skin of color.

Why is the 'Sunscreen Gap' Significant in Dermatology?

 highlighted persistent disparities in skin cancer prevention, awareness, and diagnosis among patients with skin of color, with experts emphasizing the need for improved education, more inclusive public health messaging, and broader understanding of how skin cancers present in darker skin tones.

Hosted by Rebecca Vasquez, MD, associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the discussion featured Henry Lim, MD, former chair of dermatology at Henry Ford Health; Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey; and Jane Yoo, MD, assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The conversation centered on what Lim described as the “sunscreen gap,” which he framed as both a technological and educational challenge. Lim explained that current sunscreen formulations in the United States still lack optimal filters for long-wave UVA radiation, which contributes not only to skin cancer and photoaging but also pigmentation disorders that disproportionately affect patients with darker skin tones. At the same time, Lim emphasized that misconceptions surrounding natural melanin protection remain widespread, leading many patients with skin of color to underestimate their need for sunscreen and other forms of photoprotection.

Downie reinforced that message, stressing that “anybody with skin needs to wear sunscreen,” regardless of ethnicity or skin tone. She explained that even deeply pigmented skin provides only limited intrinsic SPF protection and argued that patients frequently misunderstand how vulnerable they remain to skin cancer. Downie cited disparities in melanoma outcomes among Black patients, noting that although incidence rates are lower, mortality rates remain substantially worse. She attributed part of that disparity to delayed diagnoses and reduced awareness, particularly because melanomas in Black and Asian patients often appear in less expected areas such as the palms, soles, nail beds, genital areas, and oral mucosa.

Yoo described delayed diagnosis as one of the most urgent issues facing dermatology care for patients with skin of color. She highlighted the dramatic gap in 5-year melanoma survival rates between Black and White patients and pointed to several overlapping contributors, including limited patient awareness, inadequate clinician education, reduced access to dermatologic care, and the atypical presentation of acral melanomas. Yoo emphasized that many melanomas in patients with skin of color develop on acral sites that patients and even some clinicians may overlook during examinations.

The experts also stressed the importance of clinician vigilance. Yoo urged providers to perform comprehensive skin examinations that include the palms, soles, nail folds, and spaces between fingers and toes. She additionally warned clinicians not to dismiss changing nail pigmentation or longitudinal melanonychia without further evaluation, particularly in Black and Asian patients. Referencing the death of Bob Marley from acral lentiginous melanoma decades ago, Yoo argued that many of the same diagnostic gaps still persist today despite growing awareness efforts.

Throughout the discussion, the panel underscored that while skin cancer risks may differ across skin tones, the need for sunscreen use, education, and regular dermatologic evaluation applies universally.

Vasquez R, Lim H, Yoo J, Downie J. Skin of Color Savvy: The Sunscreen Gap—Cancer Prevention in Skin of Color. HCPLive. May 26, 2026. Accessed May 27, 2026. 

This segment of the latest Skin of Color Savvy podcast highlighted persistent disparities in skin cancer prevention, awareness, and diagnosis.

Skin of Color Savvy: The Art and Science of Treating Patients of Color

The latest episode of the Skin of Color Savvy podcast focused on “the sunscreen gap” in skin cancer prevention among patients with skin of color, with experts emphasizing the persistent misconceptions, delayed diagnoses, and systemic barriers contributing to poorer outcomes despite lower overall incidence rates of skin cancer in darker-skinned populations.  Hosted by Rebecca Vasquez, MD, associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the discussion featured Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey; Henry Lim, MD, former chair of dermatology at Henry Ford Health; and Jane Yoo, MD, assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.  The conversation opened with Lim defining the “sunscreen gap” as both a technological and educational problem. On the formulation side, Lim highlighted limitations in currently available ultraviolet filters in the United States, particularly for long-wave UVA protection, which plays a significant role in pigmentation disorders and photoaging among patients with darker skin tones. Equally important, he said, is the widespread misconception that patients with skin of color do not require sunscreen or sun protection because of their natural melanin.  Downie strongly challenged that belief, emphasizing that “anybody with skin needs to wear sunscreen.” She explained that even darker skin tones provide only limited intrinsic SPF protection and pointed to disparities in melanoma survival rates among Black patients compared with White patients. According to Downie, these misconceptions contribute to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes, particularly because skin cancers in Black and Asian populations may appear in less commonly examined locations such as the palms, soles, nails, genital areas, and oral mucosa.  Yoo expanded on the issue of delayed diagnosis, describing melanoma disparities in skin of color as one of the largest racial gaps seen in cancer outcomes. She noted that many patients with darker skin are diagnosed at later stages, often because both patients and clinicians underestimate skin cancer risk. Yoo stressed the importance of comprehensive skin examinations, including careful assessment of acral areas and nail pigmentation, particularly because acral lentiginous melanoma may not always present with classic pigmentation. She also pointed to continuing educational gaps among non-dermatology providers, who may incorrectly reassure patients that nail streaking or pigmented lesions are benign.  The panel also discussed how sunscreen adherence is heavily influenced by cosmetic acceptability. Yoo described how older sunscreen formulations often left noticeable white or gray residue on darker skin tones, discouraging regular use. She highlighted newer tinted mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides as an important advancement, particularly because they also provide protection against visible light, a known contributor to hyperpigmentation disorders. Yoo additionally discussed ongoing advocacy efforts to expand access to newer-generation UV filters already available internationally.  Beyond sunscreen itself, Lim emphasized that photoprotection should be viewed as a “total package” that includes shade-seeking, wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and photoprotective clothing. He also discussed emerging research into biologic photoprotection, including antioxidants and oral agents that may help suppress UV-induced skin damage.  Downie focused heavily on the importance of culturally relevant public health messaging, arguing that campaigns should better reflect diverse patient populations. She encouraged the use of skin of color models and more inclusive educational materials to improve awareness and help patients recognize that skin cancer can affect all skin tones.  Throughout the discussion, Vasquez underscored the importance of representation, clinician education, and patient-centered messaging in closing persistent gaps in skin cancer prevention and awareness for patients with skin of color.

 podcast focused on “the sunscreen gap” in skin cancer prevention among patients with skin of color, with experts emphasizing the persistent misconceptions, delayed diagnoses, and systemic barriers contributing to poorer outcomes despite lower overall incidence rates of skin cancer in darker-skinned populations.

Hosted by Rebecca Vasquez, MD, associate professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the discussion featured Jeanine Downie, MD, founder of image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey; Henry Lim, MD, former chair of dermatology at Henry Ford Health; and Jane Yoo, MD, assistant clinical professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The conversation opened with Lim defining the “sunscreen gap” as both a technological and educational problem. On the formulation side, Lim highlighted limitations in currently available ultraviolet filters in the United States, particularly for long-wave UVA protection, which plays a significant role in pigmentation disorders and photoaging among patients with darker skin tones. Equally important, he said, is the widespread misconception that patients with skin of color do not require sunscreen or sun protection because of their natural melanin.

Downie strongly challenged that belief, emphasizing that “anybody with skin needs to wear sunscreen.” She explained that even darker skin tones provide only limited intrinsic SPF protection and pointed to disparities in melanoma survival rates among Black patients compared with White patients. According to Downie, these misconceptions contribute to delayed diagnoses and worse outcomes, particularly because skin cancers in Black and Asian populations may appear in less commonly examined locations such as the palms, soles, nails, genital areas, and oral mucosa.

Yoo expanded on the issue of delayed diagnosis, describing melanoma disparities in skin of color as one of the largest racial gaps seen in cancer outcomes. She noted that many patients with darker skin are diagnosed at later stages, often because both patients and clinicians underestimate skin cancer risk. Yoo stressed the importance of comprehensive skin examinations, including careful assessment of acral areas and nail pigmentation, particularly because acral lentiginous melanoma may not always present with classic pigmentation. She also pointed to continuing educational gaps among non-dermatology providers, who may incorrectly reassure patients that nail streaking or pigmented lesions are benign.

The panel also discussed how sunscreen adherence is heavily influenced by cosmetic acceptability. Yoo described how older sunscreen formulations often left noticeable white or gray residue on darker skin tones, discouraging regular use. She highlighted newer tinted mineral sunscreens containing iron oxides as an important advancement, particularly because they also provide protection against visible light, a known contributor to hyperpigmentation disorders. Yoo additionally discussed ongoing advocacy efforts to expand access to newer-generation UV filters already available internationally.

Beyond sunscreen itself, Lim emphasized that photoprotection should be viewed as a “total package” that includes shade-seeking, wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and photoprotective clothing. He also discussed emerging research into biologic photoprotection, including antioxidants and oral agents that may help suppress UV-induced skin damage.

Downie focused heavily on the importance of culturally relevant public health messaging, arguing that campaigns should better reflect diverse patient populations. She encouraged the use of skin of color models and more inclusive educational materials to improve awareness and help patients recognize that skin cancer can affect all skin tones.

Throughout the discussion, Vasquez underscored the importance of representation, clinician education, and patient-centered messaging in closing persistent gaps in skin cancer prevention and awareness for patients with skin of color.

Podcasts

This episode highlights the importance of closing persistent gaps in skin cancer prevention and awareness for patients with skin of color.

Henry Lim, MD

Articles