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Don't stay in the dark about sunscreen
Nice day, huh? The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the UV (ultraviolet) rays are wreaking havoc upon your skin. It's no secret: the sun's UV rays can do serious damage to your skin and the thinning ozone layer is giving those damaging rays easier access than they've ever had before. The harsh reality is that skin cancer -- once just an enemy of the elderly -- is hitting harder and younger all the time. Half of the people diagnosed with skin cancer today are under age 55, and about one-third are under age 45. So learn how to protect yourself and wear sunscreen every day.
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The ABCs of UVA, UVB, and SPF
- Even though UVA rays make up 99% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth, you can blame UVB rays when you get a sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin, however, where the damage can be just as bad. UVB rays have wavelengths between 290 and 320 nm, while those between 320 and 400 nm are classified as UVA rays. Both can cause cancer.
- The peak levels of UVB occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Peak UVA times are from morning to late afternoon.
- Using a sunscreen with a particular SPF decreases your risk of burning. The SPF, or sun protection factor, indicates the length of time you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, a person who would normally burn after 10 minutes without protection from the sun should be able to withstand 80 minutes in the sun if they use a sunscreen with an SPF of 8. They would have 150 protected minutes if they used a product with an SPF of 15.
- A minimum SPF of 15 is recommended, and when SPFs are above 30, the increase in UVB protection is negligible. Unfortunately, SPF only measures protection against UVB rays. Make sure you're using a broad spectrum sunscreen that shields against UVA and UVB rays.
- The destruction of the ozone layer, which helps block ultraviolet radiation, is wreaking havoc on our skin. A 1% depletion has been linked with a 3% to 6% increase in skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Be Sun-Smart: Protect Yourself
- Regardless of skin color, if you're going to be exposed to the sun, you will need some form of sun protection.
- A full 80% of sun exposure is accidental. You think your exposure is minimal enough, but you're walking to your car, picking up the mail, going out to lunch-- crossing paths with the sun all the time.
- Gray skies are no excuse. It's important to wear sunscreen every day, even if it's cloudy. UVA rays go right through the clouds. They also penetrate the glass on your car windows.
- People on the beach often think they're fully protected under their umbrella. Wrong. Sand, water, and concrete reflect UV rays that hit them anyway. In fact, snow is extremely reflective as well, so even skiers need to take care and protect their faces with sunscreen.
- Let bygones be bygones. It's never too late to start protecting yourself from further skin damage, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and inhibit further wrinkling.
- A tan is no protection against skin cancer and burning. At best, a tan provides an SPF of 3. If you really want to protect yourself, thick clothing (thin fabrics let UV light right through) and sunscreen are the way to go.
- Don't forget the top of your head and any other areas which burn easily (nose, ears, tops of feet). If you have thinning or balding hair, protect your scalp with an easy to apply spray-on sunscreen.
A Day at the Beach
- Waterproof sunscreen offers the same SPF protection on the label for up to 80 minutes in the water.
- Water-resistant sunscreen offers the same SPF protection on the label for up to 40 minutes in the water.
- Whatever type of sunscreen you use, it's a good idea to reapply it after sweating a lot, swimming, or drying yourself with a towel.
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Sunscreens
Sunscreens help prevent sunburn and skin cancer by absorbing UV radiation. Find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that absorbs UVA as well as UVB. Some people are sensitive to the a few ingredients in sunscreens. If this is the case, sample products made of different ingredients, but do not stop using sunscreen altogether.
Sunblocks
Sunblocks also help protect you from sunburn and skin cancer by absorbing UV radiation. Unlike sunscreens, sunblocks can reflect UV radiation from the UVB to UVA range. They are opaque, so they leave a visible film on your skin.
| Sunscreens | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Avobenzone | ? | The only sunscreen that absorbs significant amounts of UVA. It provides safe and effective protection against sunburn, photosensitivity, and skin cancer from UVA rays. It also blocks out UVB rays when used in combination with padimate O. | | Cinoxate | ? | Safe and effective in preventing sunburns from UVB rays (290 to 320 nm). It can also facilitate good tans. However, it is not recommended for people allergic to cinnamon products as it may cause allergic skin rashes. | | Diethanolamine p-methoxy-cinnamate | ? | Safely and effectively protects the skin from UVB rays (especially those of a wavelength of 290 nm). It does not cause allergies or irritations and washes off easily. However, it's not recommended for people allergic to cinnamon products. | | Dioxybenzone | ? | Safely and effectively prevents sunburn when used in combination with padimate A. | | Homosalate | ? | Protects the skin from sunburn by absorbing UVB. | | Menthyl anthranilate | ? | Less effective in preventing sunburn than aminobenzoate, but it's less likely to cause irritations. | | Octyl methoxycinnamate | ? | Safe and effective in preventing sunburns. | | Octyl salicylate | ? | Helps prevent sunburn by absorbing UVB. | | Oxybenzone | ? | Derived from isopropanol, it prevents sunburn safely and effectively and doesn't wash off in water easily. Studies have shown that photosensitivity to this ingredient is increasing. | | Padimate O | ? | Effectively prevents sunburn from UVB rays when combined with avobenzone. It is one of the most water-resistant sunscreens, although it may cause mild skin irritations. | | Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) | ? | Safe and effective in preventing sunburns. However, it can stain clothing and cause adverse skin irritations such as allergic eczema. Some forms are less irritating than others. | | Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid | ? | Helps prevent sunburn by absorbing UVB. | | Sulisorbenzone | ? | Safe but less effective than aminobenzoic acid in preventing sunburn from UVB rays. It absorbs UVA rays over 360 nm and washes away in water. | | Trolamine salicylate | ? | A safe and effective chemical that helps prevent sunburn by absorbing UVB. | | Sunblocks | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Zinc oxide | ? | Safely and effectively blocks UVA and UVB rays and prevents sunburns, although it may leave a whitish film on skin. | | Titanium dioxide | ? | Safely and effectively prevents sunburns from UVA and UVB rays, although it may leave a whitish film on skin. |
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Appropriate Uses
Waterproof sunscreen
Offers the same SPF protection on the label for up to 80 minutes in the water.
Water-resistant sunscreen
Offers the same SPF protection on the label for up to 40 minutes in the water.
SPF 2 to 4
Provides minimal protection against sunburn, prolongs exposure time before sunburn occurs, helps prevent sunburn on limited exposure of untanned skin, and helps protect the skin against sunburn while permitting tanning.
SPF 4 to 8
Provides moderate protection against sunburn, prolongs exposure time before sunburn occurs, helps prevent sunburn on moderate exposure of untanned skin, and helps protect the skin against sunburn while permitting tanning.
SPF 8 to 12
Provides high protection against sunburn, prolongs exposure time before sunburn occurs, helps prevent sunburn on high exposure of untanned skin, and helps protect the skin against sunburn while permitting tanning. Also helps protect sun-sensitive skin and offers high protection against sunburn for blondes, redheads, and fair-skinned people.
SPF 12 to 20
Provides very high protection against sunburn, prolongs exposure time before sunburn occurs, helps prevent sunburn on very high exposure of untanned skin, and helps protect the skin against sunburn and limits tanning. Also helps protect sun-sensitive skin and offers very high protection against sunburn for blondes, redheads, and fair-skinned people.
SPF 20 to 30
Provides the most protection against sunburn, prolongs exposure time before sunburn occurs, helps prevent sunburn on maximum exposure of untanned skin and helps protect the skin against sunburn and prevents tanning. Also helps protect highly sun-sensitive skin and offers the most protection against sunburn for blondes, redheads, and fair-skinned persons.
Common Misconceptions
Sunscreen
Sunscreen hasn't been proven to prevent melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, only sunburn. Not all sunscreens offer the same amount of protection. Use the appropriate SPF level for your skin type and amount of sun exposure. Not all sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Be sure to read the label.
Use It Properly
- SPF (sun protection factor) 15 is usually sufficient for most people.
- If you spend a lot of time outdoors, are planning to go to the tropics or high altitudes, or have a history of skin cancer, an SPF of 30 is recommended.
Slather It On
- Shake well before use.
- Generously apply to all exposed areas of the body.
- Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Sunscreen should be applied and rubbed in thoroughly at least 30 minutes before you go outside to maximize protection from the sun.
- You need to reapply sunblock if you swim, sweat, or rub yourself dry with a towel.
- Staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or wearing a broad-rimmed hat and protective clothing can also minimize sun damage.
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You Still Have to Be Careful, Even With Sunscreen
- Some sunscreens can make your skin break out. Use the 24 hour spot check (test on a small area and wait 24 hours for any reaction).
- Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient in the product.
- If you don't use a high enough SPF, you may still burn. Try to use SPF 15 or higher.
- Sunscreens containing only UVB protectants won't help prevent wrinkles.
- Zinc oxide-type sunscreens can block pores and produce miliaria (prickly heat) and folliculitis (red bumps and rash).
- Do not use if you are taking thiazide diuretics, sulfonamide, lidocaine, or benzocaine. The aminobenzoic acid ingredient in sunscreen reacts with these drugs and increases sensitivity to sunlight.
- The following may cause contact dermatitis:
- Avobenzone
- Aminobenzoic acid
- Benzophenones
- Cinnamates
- The ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol in some sunscreens can dry the skin.
- Do not use on children under age 6 months.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. Food & Drug Administration.Federal Register 6/8/94; 5/12/93.
- 2. Covington, TR; RR Berardi, LL Young, SC Kendall, MJ Hickey.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington DC, 1996.
- 3. Siegel, ME.Safe In the Sun. Walker and Company, New York, 1995.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
- 1. Food & Drug Administration.Suntan Products and Sunscreens. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Cosmetics Fact Sheet. US FDA, 2/7/95.
- 2. Kurtzweil, P.Seven Steps to Safer Sunning. FDA Consumer. US FDA, June 1996.
- 3. Sweet, CA.Healthy Tan'--A Fast Fading Myth. FDA Consumer. US FDA, June 1989.
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