Expert Consensus on Photoprotection Practices: A Delphi Study

This study is a Delphi-based expert consensus project aimed at developing evidence-informed recommendations for photoprotection practices across various populations, including general, at-risk, and special groups (e.g., children, pregnant women, patients with photodermatoses). Despite extensive evidence on the importance of sun protection, there is variability in clinical advice regarding sunscreen selection, application frequency, SPF requirements, adjunctive protective measures, and patient counseling.

Study Overview

• Status: Enrolling by invitation
• Conditions: Sun Exposure; Sunscreen Agents; Sun Damaged Skin; Photoprotection; Sunscreen

Detailed Description

This study is a non-interventional, methodological Delphi consensus project designed to develop standardized recommendations for photoprotection practices. Photoprotection encompasses strategies to minimize ultraviolet (UV)-related skin damage, including sunscreen use, clothing, behavioral measures, and patient education. Despite broad awareness campaigns, inconsistencies exist regarding SPF selection, application methods, timing, reapplication frequency, and the use of additional protective measures.

A steering committee of dermatologists and photoprotection experts will conduct a literature review and draft initial statements addressing key domains:

Sunscreen use: SPF level, spectrum coverage (UVA/UVB), formulation (chemical vs. physical), water resistance.

Application guidelines: Amount, timing before sun exposure, reapplication frequency, body coverage.

Adjunctive measures: Protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, shade-seeking behavior.

Special populations: Children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, patients with photosensitive dermatoses.

Behavioral counseling: Education strategies, adherence promotion, and misconceptions.

Integration with skin care and aesthetic practices.

A panel of experts in dermatology, photobiology, and related fields will participate in multiple Delphi rounds. Panelists will rate agreement with each statement using a Likert scale. Anonymized feedback will be provided after each round, and statements not reaching a predefined consensus threshold (e.g., ≥70-80%) will be revised and re-evaluated in subsequent rounds.

The final output will consist of consensus-based recommendations reflecting practical, safe, and evidence-informed photoprotection practices. Areas of disagreement or uncertainty will also be highlighted, identifying research gaps and priorities for future studies.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 15

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Egypt
  • Cairo, Egypt
    • Venus Research Center

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population will consist of a purposive sample of experts in dermatology, photobiology, and related fields who are actively involved in photoprotection research, clinical practice, or public health initiatives. Panelists should have experience advising patients or populations on sun protection, sunscreen use, and UV-related skin care.

Panel Size and Rationale:

Target enrollment: 20-35 experts

Sufficient to capture diverse perspectives while remaining manageable for multiple Delphi rounds.

Minimum for analysis: 15 panelists, ensuring representativeness in case of attrition

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Board-certified dermatologists, photobiologists, or clinicians/researchers with ≥5 years of relevant experience.

Regular involvement in advising on photoprotection, skin cancer prevention, or UV-related dermatology.

Engagement in research, guideline development, teaching, or professional society activities related to dermatology, photobiology, or public health.

Willingness and availability to participate in all Delphi rounds.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-dermatology or non-photobiology specialists without relevant experience.

Less than 5 years of relevant clinical or research experience.

Limited or no experience with photoprotection counseling or research.

Significant undisclosed conflict of interest related to sunscreen or photoprotection products.

Inability or unwillingness to participate in all Delphi rounds.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

Expert Panel; The study population will consist of a purposive sample of dermatologists, photobiologists, and other experts actively involved in photoprotection research, clinical practice, or public health initiatives. Panelists should have experience advising patients or the public on sunscreen use, UV protection strategies, or photodermatoses. Panel Size and Rationale: Target enrollment: 20-35 experts Large enough to capture diverse perspectives while remaining feasible for iterative Delphi rounds. Minimum for analysis: 15 panelists to ensure adequate representativeness in case of attrition.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Primary Outcome	Level of expert consensus on statements regarding photoprotection practices, measured as the proportion of panelists reaching the predefined agreement threshold (e.g., ≥70-80%) per statement across Delphi rounds.	6-12 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Secondary Outcomes	Consensus on sunscreen use: SPF level, broad-spectrum coverage, formulation, and water resistance. Consensus on application guidelines: amount, timing before sun exposure, reapplication frequency, body coverage. Consensus on adjunctive measures: protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, shade-seeking behavior. Consensus on special populations: children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, photosensitive patients. Consensus on behavioral counseling and education strategies for adherence. Identification of areas of uncertainty requiring further research or regional adaptation.	6-12 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Venus Research Center

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): January 25, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: December 8, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 8, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): December 22, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): December 22, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: December 8, 2025
• Last Verified: December 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: sunscreen; consensus; Photopretection; delphi method; Expert panel
• Other Study ID Numbers: Photoprotection-VRC

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: Delphi studies do not collect patient data, medical records, biological samples, or identifiable clinical information. Experts only give opinions, not "IPD." Their responses are anonymized, and sharing identifiable expert-level responses is not required and often discouraged

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No