Proper Use of Sunscreen Important to Prevent Skin Cancer

"Trust me, I'm a doctor!" (Dr. Noorali Bharwani)
"Trust me, I'm a doctor!" (Dr. Noorali Bharwani)

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in North America. The benefits of sunscreen outweigh the inconvenience of using it.

First step in the prevention against skin cancer is to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. whatever the season. These are prime hours for exposure to skin-damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, even on overcast days.

Second step is to wear protective clothing. This includes pants, shirts with long sleeves, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

Third step is to use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply regularly, says a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic.

There are two types of UV light that can harm your skin – UVA and UVB. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from both.

UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles. UVB rays can burn your skin. Too much exposure to UVA or UVB rays can cause skin cancer. The best sunscreen offers protection from all UV light.

SPF stands for sun protection factor, a measure of how well sunscreen protects against UVB rays. UVA protection isn’t rated. Manufacturers calculate SPF based on how long it takes to sunburn skin that’s been treated with the sunscreen as compared to skin with no sunscreen.

When applied correctly, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will provide slightly more protection from UVB rays than does a sunscreen with an SPF of 15. But the SPF 30 product isn’t twice as protective as the SPF 15 product. Sunscreens with SPFs greater than 50 provide only a small increase in UV protection.

Often sunscreen is not applied thoroughly or thickly enough, and it can be washed off during swimming or sweating. As a result, even the best sunscreen might be less effective than the SPF number suggests.

Rather than looking at a sunscreen’s SPF, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. A water-resistant sunscreen means the SPF is maintained for up to 40 minutes while swimming or sweating. Very water resistant means the SPF is maintained for 80 minutes.

Is one sunscreen better than others?

Experts at Consumer Report (May 2017) tested 62 lotions, sprays, sticks, and lip balms. Out of these, 23 tested at less than half their labeled SPF number. That doesn’t mean the products aren’t protective, but you may not be getting the degree of protection you think you are.

To compare the full list of sunscreens you will have to go to the Consumer Report. Here are the top five brands mentioned in the Report:

  1. Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50 (Walmart)
  2. Pure Sun Defense Lotion SPF 50
  3. Equate Ultra Protection Lotion SPF 50 (Walmart)
  4. Trader Joes Spray SPF 50+
  5. Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 (Walmart)

If you cannot find one of the above sunscreens, then choose a chemical sunscreen with an SPF of 40 or higher that will give you a better chance of getting at least SPF 30.

How to use the sunscreen?

  1. Shake it well.
  2. Apply 15 to 30 minutes before going out.
  3. Use at least a teaspoon on each body part.
  4. Reapply every two hours.
  5. Use spray sunscreens carefully so you don’t inhale it, they can also be flammable. Avoid using sprays on children.

Be safe and enjoy the summer.

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Disclaimer: Dr. Noorali Bharwani and Noorali Bharwani Professional Corporation do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information found at this site or the sites listed here and do not otherwise endorse the information contained in them. Dr. Noorali Bharwani and Noorali Bharwani Professional Corporation assume no responsibility or liability for damages arising from any error or omission or from the use of any information or advice contained in this site or sites listed here. The information provided here is for general knowledge. For individual health problems seek the advice of your doctor.