A new guide helps consumers make smart choices for sun protection
Getting even one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles risk for developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, reports Karthik Krishnamurthy, DO, chief dermatologist at the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care, in New York. “A lot of people think melanoma is a cancer of older people, but it’s now the #1 form of cancer in people ages 25 to 29, showing how important it is to protect children against the sun.” Excessive exposure to the sun’s rays also raises risk for other forms of skin cancer and is also linked to photoaging, premature wrinkles, and brown spots on the skin.
What’s the best way to avoid these damaging effects? Along with covering up with protective clothing, such as a broad-brimmed hat and a long-sleeved shirt, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, and seeking shade when the sun is strongest—between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM—daily use of broad spectrum sunscreen is also crucial for sun protection, adds Dr. Krishnamurthy, who advises reapplying sunscreen every two to four hours during outdoor activities, or sooner if you’ve been sweating or swimming.
A new report from the Environment Working Group rates 292 brands and 1,700 sun protection products. Of the more than 600 beach and sport sunscreens that the EWG assessed (using a combination of industry, academic, and government data, plus a review of technical literature), 129 sunscreens received the group’s top ratings. To help you and your family enjoy healthy outdoor activities this summer, here’s a guide to choosing sunscreen.
*Look for SPF of 30 or above. SPF (sun protection factor) numbers range from 2 to 100 and is an estimate of the amount of time the sunscreen will protect your skin. If you usually start to burn after 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, sunscreen with a SPF of 30 gives you about 300 minutes of protection. While some consumers assume that a product with a SPF of 60 offers double the protection as one with 30, in reality, says Dr. Krishnamurthy, “A product with a SPF of 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB rays, while a sunscreen with a SPF of 60 blocks 98 percent.” No sunscreen provides total protection from the sun.
*Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, rays that penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, contributing to skin cancer risk and photoaging, and UVB, more superficial rays that trigger sunburn and also plays a role in skin cancer. Many consumers don’t realize that because SPF is based on how effective a sunscreen is at preventing sunburn, the SPF number is basically a measurement of UVB protection, says Dr. Krishnamurthy. “SPF tells you nothing about how much protection you’re getting from UVA.” Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of rays.
*Read the label. The UVA-blocking ingredients to look for are zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Almost all sunscreens are now “PABA-free,” indicating that they don’t contain PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), an ingredient that was popular in the past, but is rarely used these days because it can cause allergic reactions and discolor clothing.
*Opt for cream or lotion sunscreens—not sprays. EWG and Dr. Krishnamurthy advise against use of sunscreens formulated as sprays or powders, due to the risk that the product might be inhaled. Sprays also may not distribute sunscreen evenly, leaving some areas of the skin less well protected. If you do use this type of product, avoid spraying your face. Instead, spray your hands and then dab the lotion on your face. Be sure to rub the lotion into the skin.
The American Cancer Society recommends applying sunscreen early, regularly and often. Put on sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside, then reapply every two to four hours and after swimming or sweating. It’s also important to use about one ounce of sunscreen (about a handful) per application. Studies show that people typically use only 25 to 66 percent of the amount necessary to achieve the level of protection indicated by the product’s SPF rating.
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For more tips on the best ways to protect yourself from UV rays, visit the websites of the American Cancer Society and Environmental Protection Agency. For news about skin cancer, visit MedlinePlus. Also read our blog posts, “Indoor Tanning Linked to Skin Cancer Risk” and “Mole Mapping Aids Early Detection of Melanoma Skin Cancer.”
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