Sunscreens should be used when you are exposed to UV (ultraviolet) radiation; they are safe and effective and protect you from skin damage, as well as lowering the risk of developing skin cancer, including deadly melanoma, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen is an important component in our daily strategy to protect our skin from the sun.
Experts say that unprotected exposure to sunlight is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. The Academy predicts that over 3.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2012. If current rates continue, 20% of people in the USA will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives.
Over the last 30 years, the melanoma rates in the USA have risen considerably. Melanoma is linked to 75% of all skin cancer deaths.
Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology, said:
“Scientific evidence supports the benefits of sunscreen usage to minimize short- and long-term damage to the skin from UV radiation and outweighs any unproven claims of toxicity or human health hazard.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, dermatologists continue to recommend generously applying a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen – that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) – with an SPF 30 or higher, in conjunction with other sun-safe practices such as limiting sun exposure, seeking shade, and wearing sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.”
A suntan does not protect the skin, in fact, a suntan is a sign of damaged skin
Good sunscreens contain at least one active drug ingredient that scatters, reflects or absorbs UV light – these active ingredients are regulated as OTC (over-the-counter) medications by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration).
Although some recent media reports have expressed doubts regarding the health aspects of some sunscreen ingredients, such as retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone, the Academy stresses that the FDA “has several safety and effectiveness regulations in place that govern the manufacture and marketing of all sunscreen products, including safety data on its ingredients.”
Oxybenzone, molecular formula C14H12O3, is an FDA-approved compound that provides broad-spectrum protection from UV radiation. This effective active ingredient has been on the market in the USA since 1978.
Dr. Siegel said:
“Available peer-reviewed scientific literature and regulatory assessments from national and international bodies do not support a link between oxybenzone in sunscreen and hormonal alterations, or other significant health issues in humans. The FDA has approved oxybenzone in sunscreen for use on children older than six months, and dermatologists continue to encourage protecting children by playing in the shade, wearing protective clothing and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen.”
Retinyl palmitate, also known as vitamin A palmitate, is the ester of retinol (vitamin A) and palmitic acid, its molecular formula is C36H60O2. It has cosmetic purposes in sunscreen and works as an antioxidant to enhance product performance – it protects against the ageing effects of sun exposure, as well as improving the product’s esthetic qualities.
Dr. Sigel says that there is no published evidence linking Retinyl palmitate with skin cancer risk. He adds that oral retinoids are used by organ transplant recipients to prevent skin cancers; they are also used with high risk patients for the same purpose. Topical and oral retinoids are commonly prescribed for several skin conditions, such as psoriasis and acne.
Some stronger prescription forms of vitamin A have been linked to problems. However “There is no evidence to suggest that use of sunscreen with retinyl palmitate poses comparable risks.”
When titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are converted into nanoparticles, they do not leave a white residue on the skin after application; they seem to vanish on the skin, while at the same time not losing their ability to block UVB and UVA light.
Dr. Siegel said:
“While widespread use of nanotechnology in medicine is currently under evaluation, one of the main benefits of nanoparticles in sunscreens is that the small molecules can provide more protection and more even coverage on the skin’s surface than larger particles.
Considerable research on the use of nanoparticles on healthy, undamaged skin has shown that the stratum corneum – the outermost layer of the skin – is an effective barrier to preventing the entry of nanoparticles into the deeper layers of the skin. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have a long history of safe use in sunscreens and offer good options for broad-spectrum UV protection.”
Some people say you might not get enough vitamin D if you block the skin from sun exposure too much. Sunlight enhances the synthesis of vitamin D by the skin. Vitamin D is vital for healthy bones and a good immune system. The American Academy of Dermatology says people should get their vitamin D through healthy eating, by consuming plenty of fish, dairy products, fortified drinks and cereals.
Dr. Siegel said:
“Unprotected UV exposure to the sun or indoor tanning devices is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Since sun exposure is responsible for vitamin D production in the skin, wearing sunscreen can decrease the skin’s production of vitamin D, but alternative and safer options are available to obtain your vitamin D.
Individuals who properly and consistently wear sunscreen or use other UV protective measures, and are concerned about their vitamin D, should discuss obtaining sufficient vitamin D from foods and/or vitamin supplements with their doctor.”
In June 2011, the FDA introduced new legislation in which sunscreen makers have to define clearly how their products were tested before being allowed to make a broad-spectrum protection claim. Dr. Siegel said that such regulations will be useful when they come into force.
The following tips can help protect you from the sun:
- Avoid getting sunburnt – if you have five or more sunburns, your risk of developing skin cancer doubles.
- Avoid using tanning beds – the number of skin cancer cases, including melanomas, increased significantly in Iceland when tanning salons were introduced into the country. Iceland is a country where people have relatively very little sunlight exposure.
- Avoid tanning – sunbathing may make you look nice, but it also ages the skin and increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
- Clothing – wear long-sleeved shirts, pants (instead of shorts), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses when out in the sun.
- Stay in the shade – the sun’s damaging rays are at their peak from 10am to 4pm. During these times, stay in the shade.
- Be careful with reflections – the sun’s UV rays reflect off snow, water and sand.
- Be aware of the UV index – it provides useful data when you plan to be outside and want to avoid too much UV exposure.
- Avoid tanning oils – as they do not protect from UV light, they can, in fact, increase your risk of becoming sunburnt.
- A suntan does not protect the skin – skin damage still occurs, even if you have a suntan. It is a myth to think that building up a base tan will protect you from sunburn. A tan is a sign of damaged skin.
Written by Christian Nordqvist