All
About Sunscreen
Why You Need It. How it Works for You.
The big picture: Sunscreen is an important part of a complete
sun protection strategy. But sunscreen alone isn’t enough to
keep you safe in the sun.
When used as directed, sunscreen is proven to:
Decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin
precancers. Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce
your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by
about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.
Help prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun,
including wrinkles, sagging and age spots.
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Who should use sunscreen?
What type of sunscreen should I use?
When should I apply sunscreen?
Where should I apply sunscreen?
How much sunscreen should I use?
Why should I use sunscreen?
KNOW THE 5 W ’S (& H) O F SUNSCR EEN
WHO: Everyone under the sun
WHAT: Broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher; SPF 30 or higher for a day
outdoors
WHEN: Every day; 30 minutes prior to going outdoors. Reapply every
two hours
WHERE: All exposed skin
HOW: One ounce (shot glass full) to entire body for each application
WHY: Reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer!
Who should use sunscreen?
The short answer is everyone! Men, women and children over 6 months of
age should use sunscreen every day. This includes people who tan easily
and those who don’t — remember, your skin is damaged by sun exposure
over your lifetime, whether or not you burn.
Babies under the age of 6 months are the only exceptions; their skin is
highly sensitive. Stay out of the sun; shade structures and sun-protective
clothing are the best ways to safeguard infants.
What type of sunscreen should you
use?
With so many choices, how do you pick a sunscreen that’s right for you?
The Skin Cancer Foundation believes that the best sunscreen is the one
you are most likely to use, so long as it provides safe and effective
protection, and is broad spectrum with an SPF 15 or higher. Learn about
your options to make an informed choice that best suits your needs. The
happier you are with your sunscreen, the more consistently you’ll use it.
Sunscreen ingredients
Sunscreen includes active ingredients that help prevent the sun’s UV
radiation from reaching your skin. Here’s how the two types of sunscreen
work for you:
Physical (mineral) sunscreen ingredients (including the minerals
titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) block and scatter the rays (like a shield)
before they penetrate your skin.
Chemical sunscreen ingredients (like avobenzone and octisalate) absorb
UV rays (like a sponge) before they can damage your skin.
Are sunscreens safe?
While physical sunscreens may be less likely to cause skin
irritation than chemical sunscreens, both types have been
tested as safe and effective. In fact, many sun protection
products available today combine both types of ingredients.
All active ingredients in sunscreen are chemically derived. Some people
may think of physical sunscreens as more “natural,” or even “organic,” but
they’re actually inorganic mineral compounds. The sunscreens many
people call “chemical” are actually “UV organic filters.”
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number tells you
how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin if
you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with the
amount of time without sunscreen. So, if you use an SPF 30
product properly, it would take you 30 times longer to burn
than if you used no sunscreen.
What level of SPF do I need? If you’re inside most of the day with just
short intervals in the sun, you can use a sunscreen or cosmetic product
with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially
when and where the sun is strongest, you need an SPF 30 or higher, waterresistant sunscreen. More about SPF.
No matter the SPF, reapplication every two hours is key. Sunscreen must
also be reapplied immediately after swimming or sweating.
Broad-spectrum protection
In the past, most sunscreens only included information on product labels
about protection against UVB — the rays that cause sunburn, and not
UVA — the rays that cause tanning and premature aging. Now that UVA
dangers are well known, broad-spectrum sunscreen provides clear
information on product labels about protection against both UVB and
UVA.
Choosing a sunscreen: What to look for
Broad spectrum: Protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF 15: Ideal for every day, occasional exposure, like walking
your dog, or driving to work. Look for our Daily Use Seal of
Recommendation
SPF 30 or higher: Necessary for extended outdoor activities,
including
distance running, hiking, swimming and outdoor sports.
SPF 30 is a must if you work outdoors. Look for our Active Seal of
Recommendation.
Water resistant and very water resistant: For swimming or intense
exercise. No sunscreen is waterproof; they all eventually wash off.
Sunscreens labeled water resistant are tested to be effective for up to 40
minutes of swimming, while very water resistant sunscreens stay effective
for up to 80 minutes in the water.
When should I apply sunscreen?
Every day! The best practice is to apply 30 minutes before venturing
outside to allow the sunscreen to bind to your skin. Reapply every two
hours of exposure and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches
the earth. Going unprotected on an overcast day can lead to skin damage.
Where should I apply sunscreen?
Experts recommend applying sunscreen to your entire body before you
dress for the day. That way your skin will be protected if your clothing
shifts or you remove layers. At the very least, you should use sunscreen on
every part of your body that is exposed to the sun, including those easy-tomiss spots: the tops of your ears, back of your neck, your scalp (on the part
line), tops of your feet and behind your knees.
How much sunscreen should I use?
To get the full broad-spectrum protection out of your sunscreen, apply one
ounce — about a shot glass full — to your entire body. Most people apply
less than half of that amount, translating into reduced protection. Learn
more.
With reapplication, a family of four should use one four-ounce bottle of
sunscreen per person during a long day outdoors.
Why should I use sunscreen?
Sunscreen reduces your overall UV exposure and lowers your risk of skin
cancer and sun damage.
We have all heard how important it is to wear sunscreen for skin protection, but do
you know the specific reasons why? Our skin works to protect us from harmful
ultraviolet radiation, which is why we should use sunscreen to protect us from
damaging UV rays. Even on cloudy days, our skin is susceptible to the sun’s rays
which can lead to skin cancer, discoloration, and wrinkles over time.
The biggest change you can make in your daily routine to help protect your skin is
applying sunscreen each morning and again throughout the day. It’s also crucial that
you contact your local Board-Certified Dermatologist if you notice any changes in
your skin or new spots. Below, we outline the importance of daily sunscreen use and
how you can protect your skin.
Reduce the Risk of Sunburn
All dermatological professionals will emphasize the importance of skin protection and
preventing sunburns. You can become sunburned from spending extended periods
of time outside with no sunscreen, and also from using tanning beds or booths. If
you continuously get sunburns, it can lead to damage that can cause skin cancer,
premature wrinkling, and many other skin issues. If you develop a severe sunburn
with blisters, reach out to your local dermatologist for help as they can assess your
burn and suggest products to help with the pain and minimize scarring. IF caught
early enough, oral or topical steroids can prevent some of the damage associated
with sunburns.
Prevent the Signs of Aging
Repeated sun exposure with little to no protection can cause damage to your elastin,
collagen and skin cells. Over time, this can lead to premature signs of aging
including discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, and a leathery appearance. Premature
aging, called photoaging, is common in those who spend time in the sun without
sunscreen – especially in their 20s and 30s. Thankfully, these skin issues are
preventable with daily sunscreen use.
Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer
Using sunscreen each day, even when it is cloudy, is one of the best ways to prevent
skin cancer. Statistics show that by age 70, one in five Americans will develop skin
cancer. You can lower your risk of developing this disease using a minimum of SPF
30 multiple times each day. For even more protection, you can use a higher-level
SPF. If you are spending prolonged time outdoors or will be in the water, you should
reapply your sunscreen every two hours.
Prevent Skin Discoloration
It can be difficult to live with areas of skin discoloration, especially when they appear
later in life. These areas of discoloration are often called “sun spots” or “liver spots”
and are usually tan to brown in color. They often develop on the face, head, hands,
and arms, and can affect both men and women. Applying sunscreen periodically
throughout your day can help prevent these spots from appearing on your skin.
Reduce Inflammation
When our skin is exposed to UV rays it can cause painful redness and inflammation.
This can be especially challenging for individuals with skin issues like psoriasis or
rosacea. Wearing sunscreen each day helps to prevent inflammation from harmful
rays. If you are prone to redness and have sensitive skin, look for a sunscreen with
gentle ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. You should also avoid
spray-on sunscreens as these can contain harsh formulas, including alcohol that can
dry out the skin. If you have questions regarding your skin issues or need help
selecting a product, reach out to your local board-certified dermatologist for
assistance.
Tips for Picking a Sunscreen
Choosing a sunscreen product can be overwhelming with all of the different options
available. One of the most important things to look for when choosing products is
the level of SPF, keeping in mind an SPF of 30 or higher will ensure that your skin is
fully protected, even on cloudy days. Remember to always reapply sunscreen after
swimming or using a towel, and always choose a product with “broad spectrum”
coverage. If you need help, reach out to our board-certified dermatologists at
Mahoney Dermatology Specialists today!
unny days are perfect for getting active outdoors, but the sun’s rays can badly
damage your skin, especially since you’re exposed to them in more ways than
you’d expect each day.
When you’re not protected with sunscreen, even a limited exposure to the
sun’s radiation can cause damage to your skin. That golden tan is actually the
earliest sign of sun damage, as the skin’s outer layers darken to block out the
sun. Sunscreen protection is crucial to prevent further, irreversible damage to
your skin.
Maybe it’s a cloudy day, and you’re planning to drive to work and spend the
entire day indoors. Do you still need sunscreen? The short answer is
undoubtedly yes!
Harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays penetrate through clouds, and can even reach
you through car and building windows. While the damage is milder than that
of direct sunlight, it still speeds up the skin’s aging process.
As one of the easiest, most affordable ways to prevent premature aging and
conditions like skin cancer, here’s why sunscreen should be an essential part
of your everyday routine:
How sun exposure damages your skin
The skin has a natural defence mechanism, but it’s insufficient to protect
against excessive sun exposure, such as when you’re grabbing lunch out in the
blazing mid-day sun.
Sun exposure harms your skin in two major ways: UVA (ultraviolet A) rays
speed up aging, while UVB (ultraviolet B) rays burn your skin. Without
protection, this can result in long-term damage like wrinkles, sagging skin, age
spots, roughness, brown pigmentation, and darkening.
More serious health complications include hypersensitivity reactions to
sunlight and skin cancer.
How sunscreen helps protect your skin
By acting as a barrier to sunlight, sunscreen is effective in protecting the skin
from the sun’s damaging UV radiation.
There are 2 main categories of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Physical
sunscreens often contain active minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide,
which work to reflect and scatter light. This allows it to act as a physical
barrier that stops ultraviolet radiation from penetrating your skin.
Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens work by absorbing ultraviolet radiation, and
ensuring that sunlight only reaches as far as the skin’s topmost layers.
What SPF and PA level do I need?
You may have seen these labels on your sunscreen, but what do they really
mean?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) tells you about the degree of UVB protection,
while PA (protection grade of UVA rays) indicates the level of UVA protection.
Simply put, sunscreens with higher SPF ratings provide more protection from
UVB rays for longer durations of time. While there’s no sunscreen that can
completely block out all sun rays, an SPF of at least 30 can block up to 97% of
UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks up to 98%. If you spend a lot of time in the sun,
that 1% can make a great difference for your skin in the long-run!
As for UVA rays, more + signs after PA mean a higher level of protection. It’s
recommended to use a sunscreen with PA level of at least +++ to prevent
premature ageing and skin cancer.
Is tanning lotion the same as sunscreen?
It’s a common error that most of us make, but suntan lotions are not
sunscreen!
Suntan lotions are made to speed up the tanning process, rather than protect
the skin. You can still get a tan while using sunscreen, but through a slower
(and much safer) process.
Fun fact: sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or less are often also considered
suntan lotions.
How do I choose the right sunscreen for my skin?
It’s important to get a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you from
both UVA and UVB rays. Beyond that, choosing whether to get a physical or
chemical sunscreen boils down to your skin preference.
As physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin but don’t deeply penetrate,
they’re most suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens
are also great for those who are always time-pressed – since they don’t need
to be absorbed, you can apply them just before heading out. For children, the
use of physical sunscreens are recommended. In general, physical sunscreens
provide better protection than chemical sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens are often more cosmetically acceptable as they do not
leave a thick white sticky layer as compared to physical sunscreens. Thus,
they may be a more popular choice for most people. As chemical sunscreens
are absorbed into the skin, it’s important to find one that does not irritate
your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, look out for sunscreens which are fragrance-free
and carry hypo-allergenic labels.
As for SPF, experts recommend a daily sunscreen of at least 30+ for adequate
protection, especially if your skin tone is fairer.
How do I properly apply sunscreen?
A general rule is to apply sunscreen about 15 – 20 minutes before heading out.
This is most crucial for chemical sunscreens, which need time to be absorbed
into your skin before they can work.
Applying sunscreen takes no longer than 5 minutes. Ensure that your skin is
dry before applying it generously over all exposed areas of your body.
For the face and neck, you should expect to apply an amount at least the size
of a 50-cent coin. Don’t forget the ears, back of the hands, and top of the feet!
Sunscreen should always be re-applied regularly. Protect your skin by reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, or every hour if you’re swimming or
perspiring a lot.
Consult a dermatologist should you notice anything unusual on your skin, or
experience any irritation or rashes with use of sunscreen or any skin
products.