Sunscreen facts that could save your life
Apr 28, 2016, 11:28 AM | Updated: May 2, 2016, 11:14 am
We live in the Valley of the Sun, so no matter how hard we try, it’s hard to escape the summer heat. And while most people flock to the Valley to avoid cloudy days, the sun’s UV rays cause 60-90 percent of melanomas (the most dangerous type of skin cancer.) It is estimated that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. So it’s important to be aware of any signs of skin cancer, regardless of skin type or color. The earlier you can catch it, the better off you are.
Prevention and early detection can be your best defense when it comes to the harmful effects of the sun. Knowing how to choose the right sunscreen can put you on the right track to better protection and possibly save your life.
But one trip to the sunscreen aisle can leave anyone confused. Waterproof, sweatproof, UVA, UVB, SPF 15, 50 or 100…how do you know what will provide the best protection for your skin?
Actually, there’s much about sunscreen many people don’t know and don’t understand. And if you aren’t doing sunscreen right, you literally risk your life every time you expose your skin to the harsh Arizona sunshine.
Here are tips and information from an experienced local dermatology practice that can help you understand how to make sure your sunscreen is providing the protection you need.
UV rays are double trouble
The sun produces two types of ultraviolet rays that harm your skin. Ultraviolet A rays don’t cause sunburn, but they can cause wrinkles and skin cancer. In fact, 90 percent of skin changes associated with aging are caused by exposure to UVA rays. Traditional sunscreen works primarily against Ultraviolet B rays that cause sunburn and are also harmful to your skin.
Understand SPF
SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and the rating refers only to the blockage of UVB rays. The SPF factor rates how effective the sunscreen is in preventing sunburn. If you’d normally burn in 10 minutes, SPF 15 multiplies that by a factor of 15, meaning you could go 150 minutes before burning, explains WebMD. The numbers can be a little confusing. For example, SPF 30 isn’t twice as strong as SPF 15. Sunscreen with an SPF 15 rating filters out 93 percent of UVB, while SPF 30 sunscreen filters out 97 percent. Most dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher.
You need double protection
There is no sunscreen rating for UVA rays. Instead, you must read the label and check for specific ingredients to find an effective product. The key elements are ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. The last two ingredients are the most common and usually the least expensive options. You should always use a sunscreen that blocks both kinds of UV rays.
How it works
Sunscreens can be made of inorganic particles, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, or organic components, like herbal extracts or compounds like oxybenzone, explains livescience.com. “The particles in sunscreens provide physical protection against UV rays by blocking or reflecting sunlight. Organic components absorb UV rays and release their energy as heat, providing chemical protection.” In older, less sophisticated products, the inorganic particles used to appear as a heavy white paste. Nanotechnology now allows these particles to be much smaller and nearly invisible.
Sunscreen keeps you looking young
There is scientific proof that sunscreen does more than prevent skin cancer. A groundbreaking study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found using SPF 15 sunscreen prevented wrinkles, brown spots, sagging and other signs of skin aging. The study tracked people under 55 for 4.5 years and participants applied sunscreen daily.
Most people don’t use enough
As a general rule, people apply less the half the amount of sunscreen they should, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The organization recommends using an ounce of sunscreen — enough to fill a shot glass — in order to adequately cover your exposed skin. Reapply every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating heavily.
It can save your life
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and it kills more than 10,000 people annually, according to the American Cancer Society. Many of those deaths could be prevented because melanoma has a high cure rate with early detection and treatment. And many cases could be prevented with proper use of sunscreen.
Questionable convenience
Many people like the convenience and ease of using spray-on sunscreens, but some question their effectiveness. There are indications the mist delivered by some brands might not provide enough coverage. The issue with spray sunscreen is not how much you are applying, as with lotion. Instead, the problem is for how long you are applying the formula. The average user applies only 1/4 of the amount they needed, zipping over entire areas of their bodies in a mere 1-2 seconds. If you apply a spray sunscreen for– 4-6 seconds –You still only get one-half the protection you need to achieve the level of protection indicated by the SPF rating on the bottle. When possible, opt for traditional lotion sunscreens instead. Apply it generously and often.
If you still have questions about sunscreen or if you have skin problems like abnormal moles or other blemishes, you should consult your dermatologist. An ounce of sunscreen prevention can protect your skin from the damage of sun exposure and possibly even save your life.
Dr. English was voted locally as Best Dermatologist in Arizona Foothills magazine in 2011. He has won 5 placements in the Top Docs Phoenix Magazine, and has also appeared in multiple national publications, such as Good Housekeeping and Prevention Magazine. Dr. English is the Official Licensed Dermatologist for the Arizona Diamondbacks since 1999. He is privileged to be the referring Dermatologist of the Arizona State University Health Services, treating ASU students and their dermatological needs.