Sunscreen Protection

COURTESY PHOTO

Edited from Ask the Expert section of Skin Cancer Foundation, skincancer.org

It’s essential to protect the skin from both types of UV radiation.

UVB rays cause sunburn and play a key role in developing skin cancer.

UVA rays cause skin damage, leading to tanning and skin aging. The shortest wavelengths of UVA rays also contribute to sunburn.

Look for the words “broad spectrum” on a product’s label. This means it can protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

The SPF number tells you how long the sun’s UV radiation would take to redden your skin when using the product exactly as directed versus the amount of time without any sunscreen. So, with SPF 30, ideally, it would take 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.

An SPF of 30 allows about 3% of UVB rays to hit your skin, while an SPF of 50 allows about 2% of those rays through. That may seem slightly different until you realize the SPF 30 allows 50% more UV radiation onto your skin. Under ideal conditions, as in a laboratory, a sunscreen with higher SPF and broad-spectrum coverage offers more protection against sunburn, UVA damage and DNA damage than products with lower SPF values.

But in real life, products with very high SPFs often create a false sense of security. People who use them tend to stay out in the sun much longer, may skip reapplying, may not seek shade, wear a hat or cover up with clothing. That defeats the purpose.

For people with a history or high risk of skin cancer, genetic diseases or certain immune disorders, SPF 50 may not be enough.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. It’s important to apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. ¦

— Expert Source: Dr. Steve Q. Wang, medical director of dermatologic oncology and dermatologic surgery at the Hoag

Family Cancer Institute in Irvine, Calif.

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