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Health Tip:
Sunscreen Use, Misconceptions and Recommendations
 The topic of sunscreen use is ripe with controversy and misconceptions. Some authorities advocate against their use, believing that too little sun exposure will reduce the body's vitamin D levels with the increased risk of osteoporosis and certain cancers (breast, colon, and prostate).
The American Academy of Dermatology, on the other hand, strongly recommends sun avoidance practices including use of sunscreens to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Here are a few of the common misconceptions regarding sunscreens and their use in
preventing sunburn:
Misconception #1--The SPF is an indication of sunscreen protection
across the entire ultraviolet light spectrum. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet
light---UVB, which causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer skin, and UVA, which
can cause wrinkles and skin cancer. Most people know that SPF stands for sun protection
factor. What is less well known is that this is a measure of how well the sunscreen
deflects UVB rays only. While the FDA is proposing a rating system for sunscreen
to indicate the level of UVA protection, currently there is no protection factor
for UVA radiation on any product labels.
Misconception #2--The higher the SPF, the
better. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) displayed on the sunscreen label ranges
from 2 to as high as 50 (or higher). This refers to the product's ability to screen
or block out the sun's harmful rays. Theoretically, a sunscreen with SPF 15 will
allow you to be in the sun 15 times longer than you could without sunscreen before
become sunburned. Protection from sunburn, however, does not increase proportionally
with an increased SPF number. A SPF of 2 will absorb 50% of ultraviolet radiation,
an SPF of 15 absorbs 93% and an SPF of 34 absorbs 97%.
Misconception #3--Waterproof
sunscreens stay on even when swimming.
There is no such thing as "waterproof" sunscreen.
Sunscreens can be labeled as being "water resistant" or "waterproof" if they maintain
their SPF rating after 40 or 80 minutes of water exposure, respectively. Most sunscreens
will not maintain their SPF rating after swimming or sweating heavily for much more
than an hour.
Misconception #4--Sunscreens are so concentrated that a thin coating
is all that's necessary. Most people do not use adequate amounts of sunscreen. Studies
have shown that people apply only about one-quarter to two-thirds the amount required
to reach the labeled SPF rating.
Misconception #5--Vitamin A added to sunscreen
is important for skin health.
It's true that Vitamin A added to sunscreen will help
hydrate skin and prevent skin degradation. Data from an FDA cancer study, however,
showed that Vitamin A may also speed the growth of skin tumors. The combination
of Vitamin A and sunlight is considered to be photocarcinogenic. In many sunscreens,
this added Vitamin A is in a synthetic form called retinyl palmitate.
Recommendations
for effective sunscreen use. The ideal sunscreen would completely block all
 UV rays,
remain effective on the skin for several hours, and not cause skin irritation. Unfortunately,
the ideal sunscreen does not yet exist. Here are some tips for the more effective
use of the sunscreens that are currently available.
- To maximize protection, use
a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. UVA
protection in U.S. sunscreens maxes out at about 15, so higher SPF products will
not fully protect your skin from this spectrum of UV radiation.
- Look for sunscreen
that says that it provides "broad spectrum" protection. This means that it has some
UVA as well as UVB blocking properties. Avobenzone is an ingredient of many broad
spectrum sunscreens that blocks UVA. In the future, a rating scale for UVA protection
may appear on the label.
- Perhaps more important than the SPF rating is appropriate
application and reapplication of sunscreen. Be sure to apply sunscreen at least
20 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. The FDA recommends applying one ounce
(the amount in shot glass) evenly to all exposed skin. "Water resistant" and "water
proof" sunscreens need to be reapplied every 1 to 2 hours when swimming or sweating
heavily.
- If you are extremely UV-sensitive, get a sunscreen with a relatively
high SPF rating. For all intents and purposes, a sunscreen rated 50+ is as high
as anyone needs.
- For maximum protection against UV rays, use a sunblock rather
than sunscreen. These contain physical agents, such as titanium dioxide or zinc
oxide that absorb UV rays.
- One of the best ways to protect your skin from cancer
and premature aging is by limiting sun exposure and wearing protective clothing.
Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM, the time that UV radiation is at its
highest. Remember, also that UVA radiation is not significantly lower during morning
hours or on overcast days.
If you have questions regarding sunscreen and exposure
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