Applying sunscreen is considered one of the best things that can be done for health.
This comes as over 80% of melanoma skin cancer cases are due to sunburn. The numbers are also going up year by year.
Sunscreen Protection is Important
When humans are exposed to the sun, UV radiation leads to damage to proteins, DNA, and other molecules in the skin cells.
Moderate exposure to UV radiation from sunlight could help cell generation of vitamin D. However, as more skin gets exposed to the sun, the skin tries protecting itself through tanning and melanin production.
According to Richard Gallo, a medicine professor from the University of California, when exposure is excessively high, the skin will not be able to protect itself. Sunburn may then result.
This could result in cell DNA damage, which could lead to premature aging and increase one's skin cancer risk. UV radiation exposure is the prevalent cause of the most prevalent types of skin cancer.
According to Gallo, sunscreen with low SPF could slightly reduce UV radiation exposure. However, harmful effects could still occur in most cases. Even at minimal doses, sun radiation could still be a probable carcinogen.
SPF Levels
SPF, or sun protection factor, and its connected number in sunscreen products reveal the needed UV radiation for the sunscreen to become ineffective. Hence, higher SPF would indicate higher skin protection.
However, SPF levels only refer to skin protection against UVB rays. UVA protection amount gets specified through a different rating.
UV radiation exposure may alter throughout the day. As the sun's rays become stronger, solar energy exposure also increases. The rays of the sun are strongest at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Applying Sunscreen
According to a study, some UV protection may immediately kick in upon application of sunscreen, though it may take 10 minutes for stability to be achieved.
Nevertheless, experts advise applying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes prior to getting exposed to the sun. This would give the sunscreen time to get absorbed into the skin.
It is also advised to apply sunscreen twice, as studies show that individuals usually underapply sunscreen.
Specialists also recommend reapplying sunscreen after one sweat, immerses in water, or if the skin rubs against sand or clothing.
Richard Blackburn, a sustainable materials professor from the School of Design at the University of Leeds, also advises against mixing sunscreen with other skin care products. This is due to the fact that several sunscreens have metal nanoparticles, such as zinc oxide, that could become less effective when they react with other ingredients.
As time passes, sunscreen also becomes less effective. However, it should work up to three years after the purchase date.
As for sunscreen ingredients, the biggest concern is if one is allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in the sunscreen. Gallo explains that the myths about sunscreen toxins cannot compare to the grave effects that solar radiation itself could bring.
When used as instructed, sunscreens are safe. Using them is also much better compared to developing skin cancer.
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