Introduction
Sunscreen is a common sight at the beach but what exactly does it do for us? Is it entirely safe, and how frequently should it be applied? These questions often arise when considering the role of sunscreen in our skincare routines. Beyond merely shielding us from the sun's rays, sunscreen plays a pivotal role in preventing various skin-related issues. Understanding its mechanisms, safety considerations, and application frequency is key to making informed choices about our sun protection habits.
Importance of sunscreen
Sunscreen is a combination of ingredients to help stop UV rays from damaging your skin. There are two types of commercial sunscreen. Most people believe that sunscreen should be used only on sunny days, however on cloudy days our skin is still susceptible to the sun’s rays. This may cause unwanted discoloration, wrinkles, and skin cancer over time.
Aging
Continuous exposure to the sun without protection can cause damage to the collagen in your skin, elastin, and skin cells. This is what keeps your skin tight. Over time this will cause premature signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, and leather appearance. This can be prevented if precautions are taken, such as wearing sunscreen.
Skin discoloration can occur. Such as sunspots or liver spots, which are usually tan in color. It can be seen on the face, head, hands, and arms.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can occur if there is no protection from the sun UV. This means applying a minimum of SPF 30 continuously every day. If you are spending longer time outdoors or in the water, use a higher-level SPF and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Types of sunscreens
Sunscreen is a combination of ingredients to help stop UV rays from damaging your skin. There are two types of commercial sunscreen.
Physical Blockers
They contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. They create a barrier on the surface of your skin and reflect UV rays from your skin.
Chemical Absorbers
Chemical sunscreen forms a protective layer that absorbs UV radiation before it hits your skin.
With both sunscreen types easily available for purchase, which one is better? Both physical and chemical sunscreen have their pros and cons. Chemical sunscreen is typically clearer and easier to apply compared to physical sunscreen. However, they are more likely to cause irritation and allergic reactions. Physical sunscreen is less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, however, it's hard to apply, as it's white and gloppy.
For children, there is children sunscreen. There is no difference between adults and children, however, it tends to be mineral based causing less irritation for kids.
What is SPF
When purchasing sunscreen, many will label it with the acronym SPF. SPF stands for sun protection factor, which measures protection from the sun’s UVB rays. Experts recommend using sunscreen that is 30 and 50 SPF. If you purchase SPF 30 it blocks 97% of rays while SPF 50 blocks 98% of rays.
Ways to limit sun exposure
Sunscreen shouldn’t be the only preoccupation you should take when going outside.
Wear sunglasses on your eyes when going outside. Sunglasses will protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation (UV). It can have harmful effects on the eyelid, cornea, lens, and retina.
Dress in sun-protective clothes, which is a light but tightly woven fabric that blocks UV rays.
Wear a hat with a wide brim that shades the face and neck when going outside.
Sunscreen in nature
While humans have evolved to be mostly hairless, it leaves a lot of our skin exposed to the sun. Compared to other animals such as dogs, which are covered in fur. However, animals with very little hair have come up with their sunscreen to protect themselves. For example, hippopotamus, and pigs coat themselves in mud to act as sunscreen. While elephants give themselves dust baths.
Sunscreens Impact on the environment
While sunscreen is beneficial for you in protecting your skin from harmful rays, it can have a negative impact on the environment, especially the oceans. Around 14,000 tons of sunscreen are thought to wash into the oceans each year according to National Geographic
When you go for a swim in the water with your sunscreen, oxybenzone, a chemical that can seep into the water which can affect coral. This effects the corals reproduction and growth cycles, which cause coral bleaching. When purchasing sunscreen make sure to check for reef-safe sunscreen. Haereticus Environmental Laboratory (HEL) publishes a list of sunscreens that are safe for the environment.
Afterwards
In conclusion, sunscreen serves as a vital shield against the sun's harmful effects, aiding in the prevention of premature aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer. However, selecting the appropriate sunscreen is crucial, considering factors such as SPF and environmental impact. By choosing reef-safe options and supporting sustainable practices, we can prioritize both skin protection and environmental conservation. So, when venturing outdoors, it's essential to apply sunscreen responsibly, ensuring safety for ourselves and the planet.
Sources
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board