A Mayo Clinic dermatologist offers advice to help you understand the ingredients of sunscreens, the types of creams, as well as other subjects, and explains whether sunscreens are harmful or not, and whether you should worry about using the best ones
What is the best way to refresh knowledge about sunscreens?
Think broadly about what you're going to do to protect yourself from the sun. For example: Do not go out in the sun when the sun is at its peak (between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon). During this period, the ultraviolet rays of the sun that damage the skin are very effective.
Does using sunscreen incite excessive sun exposure and increase the risk of skin cancer?
Many experts consider this claim to be unfounded. Studies have not proven a link between using sunscreen and an increased risk of skin cancer. On the other hand, research shows that using sunscreen can reduce the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Are broad-spectrum sunscreens more protective?
There are two types of UV rays that damage your skin: UVA and UVB. Broad spectrum sunscreens are produced to protect you from both of these harmful rays. UVA rays cause wrinkles, skin spots (blemishes) and cause premature aging of your skin. UVB rays tan/burn your skin. Too much exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer. The best sunscreens should provide protection against all UV rays.
What should the sun protection factor (SPF) of the best sunscreen be?
Theoretically, the best sunscreens have the highest SPF number. When fully applied, SPF 30 sunscreen provides more protection than SPF 15 sunscreen. But factor 30 is not twice as protective as factor 15. Sunscreens with a factor of greater than 50 lead to only a small increase in UVB protection.
Keep in mind that sunscreen is often not applied properly and does not form a thick enough layer. Also, the cream dissipates when you swim or sweat. As a result, even the best sunscreen can be less effective than the SPF number on the bottle. Instead of looking at the protection factor of the sunscreen, choose broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect you from UVA and UVB rays.
Do I have to know the ingredients of the sunscreen?
Sunscreens contain filters that absorb or reflect UV rays. There are two basic types of sunscreens: organic and inorganic. Organic ones absorb UV rays and convert it to a small amount of heat. This active ingredient is the most commonly used group in sunscreens. Organic creams contain ingredients such as avobenzone, cinoxate, ecamsule, menthyl anthranilate, octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, oxybenzone or sulisobenzone.
Inorganic creams: These reflect and scatter UV radiation. Inorganic sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Many broad-spectrum sunscreens use both of these ingredients to block UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreens may also contain vitamins. Vitamin E protects you against UV-induced DNA damage. Vitamin C helps protect your skin from sunburn.
Insect repellent: It is recommended to re-apply sunscreens containing protection against insects at least every 6 hours. Apply sunscreen without insect repellent 2 hours after using this type of sunscreen, do the same after swimming and sweating.
Some sunscreens may contain retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A or retinol). These antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause aging).
Are some brands of sunscreen better than others?
The brand of the product is less important than how you use the product. In general, choose sunscreens that are waterproof, broad-spectrum, and have a sun protection factor of at least 15. Also, pay attention to the expiry date of the sunscreen, and make sure you follow the instructions on the label.
Should I use spray sunscreen or lotion sunscreen?
The type of sunscreen you use is up to you. Certain types of sunscreens work better on certain parts of the body. If you have dry skin, you should choose a cream specifically for your face. Parents prefer spray ones, since they are easier to apply to their children. When you use spray sunscreen, you should make sure that you use a generous amount to form a layer on the skin.
Should you wear sunscreen even if you use cosmetics that contain sunscreen?
It depends on how long you stay in the sun. If you are using a moisturizer, foundation or lip balm containing sunscreen and you are outside, you should renew your make-up every 2 hours or use sunscreen separately. If you're not going to be spending a lot of time outside, haven't washed your face or sweated a lot during the day, you can apply moisturizer with sunscreen once in the morning.
Things to remember when using sunscreen:
- Apply a generous amount of sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.
- Apply sunscreen to any skin surface that will be exposed to the sun, including your face, ears, hands, arms and lips. If you have little or no hair, apply cream on your head or wear a hat.
- Re-apply sunscreen every two hours. Remember to re-apply immediately after swimming or sweating a lot.
- Remember sand, water, snow and concrete reflect sunlight. Use sunscreen even if it's cloudy, as UV rays can pass through clouds.
- After your baby is 6 months old, you can use sunscreen. Keep younger children in the shade as much as possible.
- Use sunscreen throughout the year, not only in summer.
“ANKARA (A.A) - According to experts, due to snowflakes reflecting 50-90 percent of the sun's rays, the amount of UV increases exponentially. Sunburn can also be seen in areas such as under the chin, upper lip and neck due to reflection, normally these areas are protected from direct light. In the following years, it may be revealed that the person may be predisposed to skin cancer.
Dermatologist Prof. Dr. Rana Anadolu stated to the reporter of A.A. that protecting the skin from the sun is not pertinent for the summer months only, but for all seasons.
Anadolu stated that the sun's rays can have adverse effects on the skin and companies that produce or import sunscreen products offer less products to the market due to the decrease in demand and consumption in autumn and winter months.
Anadolu expressed that there is a high level of awareness regarding necessity for sun protection in the developed countries, the USA and Europe in the winter months, especially in the snow. She continued with the warning "Even if it isn’t a clear day, there is overcast and weather is cloudy, 90 percent of the Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun reach the earth. Clouds or cloudy weather does not prevent sun damage”.
-ATTENTION TO SUNLIGHT IN SNOW-
Emphasizing that the amount of UV increases exponentially due to the fact that snowflakes reflect 50-90 percent of the sun's rays, Anadolu said, "Sunburn can occur in areas such as under the chin, upper lip and neck, due to reflection, which are normally protected from direct light."
Anadolu stated that the natural UV protective atmosphere layer is thinner at high altitudes in the regions preferred for winter tourism. Therefore, more harmful rays are received and added:
“For every 1000 meters above sea level, the amount of UV increases by about 15 percent.
The air is cleaner at high altitudes where winter sports are performed. Since the atmospheric particles that cause air pollution are much less, less amount of filtration occurs, and UV reaches the earth being filtered less.
Due to the cold environment, the skin does not feel the heat and doesn’t overheat, which are warning signals of UV damage. Therefore, in cold and windy weather, the duration of UV exposure may be prolonged without realizing.''
-''SUBILITY TO SKIN CANCER CAN OCCUR''-
According to the information given by Anadolu, when staying outdoors in the snow without the use of sunscreen in the winter, serious damage can occur to the skin, more severe and insidious sunburns may occur primarily on the open parts of the skin, just like in the summer sun, but in a much shorter time.
In the following days after the sunburn, dryness of the skin, flaking and peeling occur. In the following weeks, fine wrinkles, which are the first signs of premature skin aging become evident, especially on the face and back of the hands, or an increase is seen in the existing ones. In the following years, a person may be predisposed to skin cancer.
The eyes are also greatly affected by the harmful effects of UV rays. If UV protective sunglasses are not used, eye problems such as UV Keratitis, called snow blindness, can occur.
-HOW TO PROTECT FROM THE SUN IN WINTER AND SNOW? -
In winter, at high altitudes, especially when it snows, sunscreen must be applied to the exposed skin. It is important that the protection factor (SPF) of the sunscreen to be used is at least 30 and above.
It is emphasized that broad-spectrum and high protection factor 50 and above protection - which are considered as total blocks - should be preferred especially in snow and mountains.
It is recommended to use sunglasses or snow goggles in snowy weather.
It is recommended to wear special concealer accessories that will protect the ears and exposed areas of the face.
- IT IS DANGEROUS BETWEEN 10.00 - 15.00 HOURS-
The winter sun; friend or foe?
Physical sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Many broad-spectrum sunscreens use both ingredients to block UVA and UVB rays.
Keep in mind that sunscreen is often not applied properly and does not form a layer that is thick enough. Also, the cream disappears when you swim or sweat. As a result, even the best sunscreen can be less effective than the SPF number on the bottle, opt for broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect you from UVA and UVB rays, rather than taking in to consideration the sunscreen's protection factor.