Sunscreen: How to Use It Properly and Why You Need It

Contents:

• Why Use Sunscreen?
• Definition of Ultraviolet Radiation
• What is a Tan?
• How Sunscreen Works
• Tips for Choosing an Effective Sunscreen
• Common Misconceptions About Sunscreen Use
• Factors That Determine Sensitivity to Ultraviolet Radiation
• Alternative Skin Care Methods to Protect Your Skin
• Optimal Duration of Sun Exposure to Prevent burns

In this article, you will learn about the following:

• Using sunscreen plays an important role in protecting our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can not only cause burns but also contribute to premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Apply sunscreen not only on hot days but also on cloudy days, as harmful rays can penetrate clouds. In addition, regular use of sunscreen helps keep the skin hydrated and prevent it from drying out. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin or those who often spend time outdoors. Sun protection is an important self-care step worth incorporating into your daily routine.
• Ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation beyond the visible spectrum, with wavelengths shorter than blue light. This radiation is divided into several categories based on wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Each of these types has its own characteristics and effects on the body.

  The danger of ultraviolet radiation lies in its ability to cause cellular damage. Long-term exposure to UVA can lead to premature aging of the skin and an increased risk of cancer. UVB, in turn, is the main culprit of sunburn and also increases the likelihood of skin growths. Although UVC is the most dangerous, it generally does not reach the Earth's surface thanks to the ozone layer, which filters it.

  Furthermore, ultraviolet radiation can negatively affect the eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts and other diseases. Therefore, it is important to protect your skin and eyes from its effects, especially on sunny days.

• What is a tan?
• Sunscreen works by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface that prevents ultraviolet (UV) rays from penetrating. These rays can cause burns, premature aging of the skin, and increase the risk of cancer. There are two main types of UV radiation: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn. An effective sunscreen should provide protection from both types of radiation.

  When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to pay attention to several key factors. First, consider the level of protection, designated as SPF (Sun Protection Factor). The higher the SPF value, the greater the protection from UVB rays. It is recommended to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for everyday use.

  Secondly, pay attention to the presence of additional active ingredients in the product, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide physical protection. It's also worth considering the cream's texture and formula – light, non-greasy formulas are suitable for oily skin, while more moisturizing products are better for dry skin.

  Finally, don't forget about the expiration date and storage conditions of sunscreen, as its effectiveness can be reduced if used incorrectly. Regularly reapplying the cream every two hours, especially after swimming or vigorous physical activity, is also an important step to maintaining protection.

• What mistakes can we make when trying to protect ourselves from ultraviolet radiation?
• Several factors influence the skin's susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation. First and foremost, this is skin type, which is determined by the content of melanin, the pigment responsible for color. People with fair skin are more susceptible to sunburn because they have less protective pigment. Age also plays a role: with age, the skin becomes thinner and less able to regenerate, which increases the risk of damage. Genetic predisposition can contribute to differences in sensitivity, and the presence of chronic diseases or the use of certain medications can increase sensitivity to UV radiation. Finally, environmental conditions such as altitude and pollution levels can also influence the degree of UV exposure to the skin. What additional ways are there to protect my skin? The amount of time one can spend in the sun without risk of sunburn depends on several factors, including skin type, sunlight intensity, time of year, and geographic location. Typically, for people with fair skin, the safe period may be as little as 10-30 minutes, while for those with darker skin, this period may be longer. It's also important to consider sunscreen and its SPF, as it can significantly increase the amount of time one can spend in the sun without harm. It is recommended to monitor the sensations of your body and at the first sign of redness or discomfort, look for shade.

A specialist in the field of dermatovenereology and cosmetology, a doctor practicing at L’Art clinic.

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Why should you use sunscreen?

The sun is an important source of positive energy and promotes the synthesis of vitamin D in our body. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends spending 5 to 15 minutes in the sun two or three times a week. In addition, artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation are used in phototherapy, which is used to treat diseases such as rickets, psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and lupus.

However, it should be noted that excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation poses a serious threat to health. It can cause sunburn, contribute to premature aging of the skin, and even lead to the development of skin cancer. To protect against this harmful radiation, it is recommended to use products with SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which effectively help minimize the risks.

Definition of Ultraviolet Radiation

There are three categories of ultraviolet radiation.

Thus, two main types of ultraviolet rays reach the Earth's surface - these are rays with a medium spectrum (UVA) and shortwave range (UVB). Cancer Research UK, a foundation that supports cancer research, warns that UVA and UVB rays pose the greatest risk to human health because they can penetrate deeply into the skin and cause DNA damage.

• UVB rays penetrate only to the surface of the skin, which damages the epidermis and can cause sunburn.
• UVA rays penetrate into the dermis, affecting the deep layers of the skin, which leads to photoaging.

What is a tan?

A tan is the body's natural response to solar radiation. When exposed to sunlight, the pigment melanin accumulates in the deep layers of the epidermis. This pigment not only gives the skin its color but also serves as protection, absorbing ultraviolet radiation before it can harm skin cells, according to the Cancer Council of New South Wales.

Even slight darkening of the skin indicates that it has been exposed to ultraviolet radiation. However, regular and prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of developing melanoma, one of the most serious forms of cancer.

According to information provided by a group of UN researchers, in addition to melanoma, ultraviolet radiation also contributes to the development of keratinocyte cancer. This definition covers such common types of skin cancer as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

According to the World Health Organization, in 2020, approximately 1.5 million people worldwide were diagnosed with skin cancer. Of these, 120,000 people died from diseases related to sun exposure.

How Sunscreen Works

Sunscreens can be classified into two categories based on their mechanism of action:

• Physical factors. These SPFs are commonly referred to as mineral SPFs. They block the sun's rays from the skin and are considered the most effective. They contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in their formulas.
• Chemical components can convert the sun's rays into heat. However, as EWG Verified, an organization responsible for certifying sunscreens, emphasizes, caution should be exercised with them. It's important to note that substances such as avobenzone and mexoryl, contained in these creams, can have negative health effects.

Recommendations for choosing an effective sunscreen

SPF products are available in a variety of forms, including thick creams, cushions, powders, and spray-on veils. To choose the right protection, it is recommended to consult a cosmetologist who will take into account your skin type. However, it is worth remembering that even with consultation with a professional, there is a chance that the first product you choose will not be ideal.

On the packaging of sunscreen, you can see the SPF designation, which can be 20, 50 or 100. Heather, MD, PhD Brannon explains that these numbers indicate the degree of protection the skin provides from the sun's rays, allowing it to withstand more radiation without the risk of damage or burning. For example, an SPF of 30 means that only 1/30 of the total sun's radiation reaches the skin. Therefore, the higher the SPF number, the more reliable the protection the cream provides.

It is important to keep in mind that the effectiveness of any sunscreen does not exceed two hours. In this context, SPF 100, although providing higher protection compared to SPF 50, is more of a marketing ploy than real protection, since most sunscreens are not water-repellent. If you sweat or swim, you should reapply the cream.

Common misconceptions about using sunscreen

• Failure to rinse off sunscreen properly can lead to clogged pores and cause inflammatory reactions on the skin. Therefore, it is extremely important to use a two-step cleansing routine, as is done when applying makeup. First, wash your face with a hydrophilic oil, and then additionally cleanse your face with a gel or foam cleanser.
• Sunscreen should not be used only in the summer months. SPF protection is necessary all year round. It is important to pay attention to the UV radiation level: if it is three or more in winter, then you need to use UV protection.
• Do not reapply the product. The World Health Organization recommends reapplying it every two hours, since filters lose their effectiveness under exposure to UV radiation. A higher level of protection leads to a more rapid depletion of the cream's effectiveness.
• Limiting yourself to using only a cream with UV protection is not advisable. Barrier protection methods, such as sunglasses, light cotton clothing, and a cap, are also necessary. It is especially important to invest in quality sunglasses, as ultraviolet radiation can lead to a variety of eye diseases.

• Photokeratitis is an inflammatory process that affects the cornea, which is the transparent membrane of the eye.
• Photoconjunctivitis is an inflammatory process affecting the mucous membrane located on the inside of the eyelids, known as the conjunctiva.
• Pterygium is an overgrowth of conjunctival tissue that extends onto the cornea.
• Climatic droplet keratopathy is a condition in which the cornea is damaged.
• Cataracts are cloudings of the lens of the eye. According to the World Health Organization, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation may be the cause of up to 10% of cataract cases.

Factors that determine sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation

The rate of tan formation and the intensity of its color are largely determined by the skin phototype, which is a natural characteristic that allows the dermis to protect itself from the effects of ultraviolet radiation.

There are six skin phototypes, ranging from very light to very dark. Lighter skin tones, as well as light hair and eyes, have less protection from the effects of sun radiation.

It is important to remember that people with skin phototypes I and II require more careful protection from the sun than those with phototypes in the range from IV to VI.

Representatives of the first groups are most common in Russia and Europe. At the same time, types IV, V and VI are more common among the population of the Mediterranean, Africa and Latin America.

Alternative skin care methods for its protection

SPF is not a universal solution. If your loved ones have had or have had skin cancer, it is important to consult a dermatologist at least once a year.

It is necessary to carefully monitor changes in the color and shape of moles. Pay special attention to any fluctuations in the shade, contour or size of skin formations. If you notice such changes, do not delay a visit to the doctor. In cases where there are many moles, the specialist will create a map of them and record the changes at each examination.

Optimal duration of sun exposure to prevent burns

As a person's skin phototype increases, the ability to stay in the sun for a long time without the risk of sunburn increases.

• first - within 5-7 minutes;
• second - 10 minutes;
• third - 20 minutes;
• fourth - half an hour;
• fifth - 40 minutes;
• sixth - 50 minutes.

We are talking exclusively about the possibility of burning. However, sunscreens are necessary not only to prevent burns, but also to protect the skin from oxidative stress. This stress occurs when, under the influence of various factors, including ultraviolet rays, the amount of reactive oxygen species in the skin exceeds the capacity of the protective mechanisms. As a result of this process, skin aging accelerates and the likelihood of malignant tumors increases, which emphasizes the importance of protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

The methods of protection from solar radiation, familiar to many from childhood, have lost their relevance. Previously, it was believed that on sunny days it was sufficient to stay in the shade or sunbathe only before 10:00 and after 17:00. However, studies have shown that ultraviolet radiation is harmful to the skin, making it impossible to get a safe tan.

The need for sun protection on a given day can be estimated by the ultraviolet index. This information is easily obtained through any weather forecast application. If the index is three or more, it is recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF protection factor.

Sources

• Neale R. E., Lucas R. M., Byrne S. N., et al. The effect of solar radiation on human health. Photochem Photobiol Sci 22. 1011–1047 (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00375-8
• Fabio Artosi, Gaetana Costanza, Monia Di Prete, Virginia Garafalo, Flavia Lozzi, Amy Dica, Terenzio Cosio, Laura Diluvio, Ruslana Gaeta Shumak, Sara Lambiase, Cosimo Di Raimondo, Serena Campa, Prisco Piscitelli, Alessandro Miani, Luca Bianchi, Elena Campione. Epidemiological and clinical analysis of exposure-related factors in non-melanoma skin cancer: a retrospective cohort study. Environmental Research, Volume 247, April 15, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118117.
• Sonia Santander Balestin and María José Luesa Bartolome. Health hazards of different chemical components in sunscreen filters: A review. Appl. Sci. 2023. 13(2). 712. DOI: 10.3390/app13020712
• T. L. de Jager, A. E. Cockrell, S. S. Du Plessis. Generation of reactive oxygen species by ultraviolet light. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2017; 996:15-23. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-56017-5_2