Sunscreen Demystified
Since last weekend was the unofficial start of summer, the season of sunscreen ads and SPF warnings is officially upon us. While the ads may be opportunistic, the warnings are backed by some sobering statistics. Every year, there are more than 63,000 new cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, resulting in nearly 9,000 deaths. Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with 5 MILLION people treated each year.
But here’s the good news: Because skin cancer is chiefly a lifestyle disease, it is also highly preventable. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and about 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Here is everything you need to know, along with some myths that need to be busted:
Understanding UV Rays
UV rays are emitted by the sun and can cause damage to your skin. There are two primary forms of UV rays: UVB and UVA.
UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper, contributing to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. To protect yourself thoroughly, look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF: What it Really Means
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it indicates a sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVB rays, or those that cause sunburn. SPF 30 is the minimum recommendation by experts because it blocks around 97% of UVB rays. Sunscreens with higher SPF do block slightly more UVB rays (SPF 50 blocks around 98% of UVB rays and SPF 100 blocks around 99% of UVB rays). Higher SPF values do provide a safety margin in case of inadequate application; however, no sunscreen can provide 100% protection. And the SPF number has nothing to do with how long you can stay in the sun without reapplying.
The Biggest Mistake Everyone Makes
Most people do not use enough sunscreen. Sunscreen should not be applied like body lotion. It needs to be slathered. An average person needs an ounce, or one shot-glass full, of sunscreen for adequate protection. Less will not do the job. The shot-glass rule applies for reapplication as well!
There are Two Main Types of Sunscreen
Chemical SunscreensChemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. They contain organic (carbon-based) compounds, such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, that create a chemical reaction on the skin to neutralize and minimize the damaging effects of UV radiation.
Pros: Lighter texture and higher SPF values, allowing for stronger protection against UVB rays.
Cons: Individuals with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Chemical sunscreens also need time to absorb and become effective, and most recommend application around 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.
Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects and scatters UV rays. They contain mineral ingredients like zinc oxide (remember the white noses in old beach films?) and titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin and act as a shield against both UVA and UVB rays.
Pros: Broad-spectrum protection as physical sunscreens provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays and generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause skin irritation.
Cons: Some physical sunscreens may leave a white cast on the skin, which can be more noticeable on darker skin tones. However, newer formulations often use micronized or nano-sized particles to reduce this effect. Physical sunscreens also tend to have a thicker texture, which can feel heavier on the skin compared to chemical sunscreens.
Reapplication: The Key to Consistent Protection Here’s a crucial reminder: sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done deal. Its effectiveness diminishes over time, especially when exposed to water, sweat, or prolonged sun exposure (pay no attention to the words, “water resistant”). Reapplication is necessary to maintain optimal protection. It is recommended that sunscreen be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Don’t forget those easily forgotten areas like the tops of your ears, back of your neck, and feet!
6 Myths about Sunscreen – Busted
It’s important to dispel common myths and provide accurate information you can rely on to make informed decisions about sun protection. Myth 1: ”I don’t need sunscreen on a cloudy day.”
Accurate Information: Clouds do not block UV rays completely. UV rays can penetrate through clouds, leading to sunburn and skin damage. It is important to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin. Also, despite the fact that sunscreen isn’t well-promoted during the winter months, it absolutely should be used year-round, regardless of the season or location.
Accurate Information: Clouds do not block UV rays completely. UV rays can penetrate through clouds, leading to sunburn and skin damage. It is important to wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days, to protect your skin. Also, despite the fact that sunscreen isn’t well-promoted during the winter months, it absolutely should be used year-round, regardless of the season or location.
Myth 2: ”I don’t need sunscreen if I have darker skin.”
Accurate Information: While darker skin tones have more natural protection against UV rays compared to lighter skin tones, everyone, regardless of their skin tone, is susceptible to sun damage. Sunscreen is still essential for people with darker skin to protect against skin cancer, premature aging, and other harmful effects of UV exposure.
Accurate Information: While darker skin tones have more natural protection against UV rays compared to lighter skin tones, everyone, regardless of their skin tone, is susceptible to sun damage. Sunscreen is still essential for people with darker skin to protect against skin cancer, premature aging, and other harmful effects of UV exposure.
Myth 3: ”Applying a high SPF sunscreen allows me to stay in the sun longer.”
Accurate Information: Sunscreen with a high SPF does provide better protection against UVB rays, but it does not mean you can stay in the sun for an extended period without reapplying. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, regardless of its SPF, and after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Accurate Information: Sunscreen with a high SPF does provide better protection against UVB rays, but it does not mean you can stay in the sun for an extended period without reapplying. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, regardless of its SPF, and after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Myth 4: ”Sunscreen prevents vitamin D production.”
Accurate Information: While sunscreen can reduce the skin’s production of vitamin D, it does not completely block it. Most people can still obtain sufficient vitamin D through regular sun exposure on areas of the body not covered by sunscreen or through dietary sources. If you have concerns about vitamin D levels, talk to your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Accurate Information: While sunscreen can reduce the skin’s production of vitamin D, it does not completely block it. Most people can still obtain sufficient vitamin D through regular sun exposure on areas of the body not covered by sunscreen or through dietary sources. If you have concerns about vitamin D levels, talk to your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Myth 5: ”Sunscreen is only necessary at the beach or during summer.”
Accurate Information: UV rays are present even on cloudy days, during winter, and in indoor environments near windows. Protecting your skin with sunscreen every day helps prevent long-term sun damage and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Accurate Information: UV rays are present even on cloudy days, during winter, and in indoor environments near windows. Protecting your skin with sunscreen every day helps prevent long-term sun damage and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Myth 6: ”Waterproof or sweatproof sunscreens never need to be reapplied.”
Accurate Information: No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof. While some sunscreens may be labeled as water-resistant, they still require reapplication after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying, otherwise you are not protected.
Accurate Information: No sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof. While some sunscreens may be labeled as water-resistant, they still require reapplication after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying, otherwise you are not protected.
The Bottom Line:
While sunshine and fresh air are two of the best free medicines, spending time in the sun requires some preparation. Improve your sun-protection game by:
- Choosing the strongest sunscreen that has a consistency you will reapply often
- Applying at least one shot-glass full of sunscreen (one ounce)
- Reapplying every two hours, even if you are just sitting
One more thing, if you’re out between 10a and 2p, wear a hat or take some shade breaks. Your skin will thank you later!
