Sun rays contain elements that can cause cancer – experts have given various suggestions to prevent this from happening. One of them is wearing sunscreen.
Wearing sunscreen is considered one of the best things we can do for our health.
Scientists say that if the skin is exposed to the sun for a long time, the chance of skin cancer called melanoma is more than 80 percent.
And, statistics show that percentage is increasing every year.
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The number of new cases of skin cancer is estimated to increase by 1.5 million per year, and by 2040, that number is expected to increase by 50 percent.
Public health agencies have repeatedly warned about these dangers from sunlight.
But there is a lot of confusion about how to apply sunscreen and when to apply it.
Why should we protect our skin from the sun?
When we stay in the sun for long periods of time, ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the DNA, proteins and other molecules in the cells inside our skin, said Richard Gallo, a professor at the University of California.
Moderate exposure to sunlight helps skin cells produce vitamin D. But if the skin is ‘exposed’ to sunlight for a long time, the body tries to protect it by producing melanin and darkening the skin, says Gallo.
“If you stay in the sun for too long, the skin can’t protect itself and it burns,” he said.
This damages the DNA in our cells, which can lead to premature signs of aging and an increased risk of skin cancer, Gallo said.
“Sunscreens with a low SPF provide less protection against the effects of the sun’s rays,” says Gallo.
What is SPF, how much is needed?
SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”, the number on the sunscreen indicates how much it protects against UV radiation from the sun.
The higher the SPF, the more the skin is protected from the sun’s radiation.
How much UV radiation we are exposed to changes throughout the day, the brighter the sun the more solar energy we are exposed to.
Sunlight is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
What is the best way to apply sunscreen?
A 2018 study found that sunscreen protects against UV damage immediately after application, but takes about 10 minutes to stabilize.
However, experts recommend applying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun so the skin has time to absorb it. Since many people use less sunscreen, some studies have shown that it is wise to apply twice.
Scientists recommend reapplying sunscreen after sweating, rinsing with water, or wiping with a cloth.
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How much sun does the body need?
Professor Richard Blackburn of the University of Leeds says it is equally important not to mix sunscreen with other skin care products such as moisturisers.
Since sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide, they can be less effective when mixed with other cream ingredients.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use sunscreen, Blackburn said.
“The important message is to use sunscreen daily from April to September,” he said.
Does sunscreen even expire?
Experts say that sunscreen becomes less effective over time. But they say it should usually work for three years from the date of purchase.
Most include a deadline. If not, it is recommended to check the color of the cream and how thin or thick it is.
Sunscreens should be kept away from hot environments or direct sunlight.
Does sunscreen interfere with vitamin D production?
Vitamin D plays an important role in the absorption of calcium, which helps in strengthening bones, and in developing immunity.
Concerns have been raised that sunscreen may also prevent the body from absorbing vitamin D.
But a review of studies concluded that, on balance, sunscreen does reduce the risk more than vitamin D.
Does sunscreen contain toxins?
Another concern with sunscreen is that the ingredients in it are harmful when absorbed by our bodies.
What the evidence suggests is that UK, EU, US approved sunscreens are safe and effective and have more benefits than harms in protecting people from UV radiation.
One thing to worry about with sunscreen is if you’re allergic to any particular sunscreen ingredients, Gallo says, which can cause red spots on the skin.
“The talk about toxins is exaggerated, and don’t confuse it with the toxic effects of the sun’s radiation,” Gallo said.
“Sunscreen is safe when used as directed and is a great way to prevent skin cancer.”
How much sunscreen should an adult wear?
According to the FDA, 2 mg/cm2 (0.16in2) of sunscreen should be applied to the skin for testing. This means that if you apply less than that, it will not protect the skin as much as it should.
The average person needs about 6 teaspoons of sunscreen on their face and body.
However, studies show that people use far less sunscreen than they should. So their skin is less protected than they think.
How much sunscreen should a child wear?
Young children’s skin is more sensitive to UV radiation. So protecting them from the sun is especially important. Babies under 6 months of age should not be given sunscreen. The baby should not be exposed to direct sunlight but should be kept in the shade by wearing loose clothes.
It is recommended to use two teaspoons of sunscreen for a two-year-old, three teaspoons for a five-year-old, four teaspoons for a nine-year-old, and five teaspoons for a 13-year-old. Above that, scientists recommend applying sunscreen every two hours.
What kind of sunscreen should I use?
It’s important to wear a sunscreen with a high SPF and “broad spectrum” on the label that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
A high protection sunscreen contains PA**** which means it provides 16 times more protection than normal wear. Less ** means less skin protection.
Another way to find out the level of UVA protection is to look at the SPF. A sunscreen with SPF50 that has a UVA rating of 5 provides more protection than one with an SPF30 rating.
Blackburn recommends wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a five-star rating, and covering skin with clothing.
Skin cancer charities recommend wearing sunscreen every day wherever the body is exposed to the sun and covering the skin with clothing when outdoors. Apart from that, they say that it is necessary to limit your time in the sun even if you wear sunscreen.
What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?
Sunscreen acts as a chemical barrier between your skin and the sun. Instead of blocking the UV rays from the sun, the skin absorbs them instead of allowing the rays to enter the skin. Sunblock creates a physical barrier between the skin and the sun that prevents UV rays from penetrating the skin.
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