The sun’s UV rays contribute to approximately 90 percent of melanoma occurrences and 65 percent of other skin cancers. UV radiation is also the cause of as much as 90 percent of premature skin aging. Considering these staggering statistics it’s easy to see why buying a reliable sunscreen is an important investment for your health. But due to the wide variety of products on the market, each advertising its own strengths, choosing a sunscreen can be difficult.
So Many Choices
There is a wealth of sunscreen products on the shelves, so how do you go about selecting the right one.
Sunscreens can basically be separated into two groups – those added to products you use on a daily basis and those you use when you are going to be in the sun for a long period of time. The regular use products products are typically moisturizers, foundations, eye creams, and lip balms, which offer protection for brief periods in the sun. These products should be at least SPF 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Products that are for the beach or sports are designed to offer greater skin protection more suitable for those who spend extended time outdoors. These sunscreens should be SPF 30 with broad spectrum, water resistant protection.
Quality sunscreen products are laboratory tested and come with some assurances if used properly. It is up to you to apply it frequently and liberally to get maximum benefit. Laboratories test for:
- SPF value so product can be properly labeled
- Confirmation of the SPF rating by testers
- Evidence that the product does not cause skin damage
- Proof that any claims are accurate
The Need for Clearer Labeling
Although sunscreens are required by the FDA to have a numerical SPF rating, many dermatologists have complained that the rating system is misleading. SPF only measures protection against UVB rays; it does not address UVA rays, which can cause skin cancer and photoaging.
The FDA has taken steps to solve this problem. Under forthcoming FDA guidelines, sunscreens that don’t protect against UVA rays can’t claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and must include a warning on their label explicitly stating that the product does not prevent skin cancer.1
Although many health professionals believe this is an improvement, some dermatologists do not think the FDA went far enough. For instance, in Dermatology Times, James DeVito, M.D., says that “the FDA ruling … does not make clear to consumers that SPF only addresses UVB protection.”2 The SPF system’s shortcomings can give people a false sense of security because most people only look for a sunscreen’s SPF value, not broad spectrum protection.
Obviously, more progress needs to be made in clarifying sunscreen ratings. However, sunscreens do protect your skin from ultraviolet rays and do prevent sunburns. They should be regularly used to lower your risk of skin cancer.
AAD’s Discontinued Seal
The American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) decided to stop putting its own seal of recognition on sun protection products.3 In 2007 the AAD began issuing its seal of approval on sunscreens that passed a series of independent tests conducted by an authorized team of scientists and dermatologists. But the Academy issued a statement saying that, in light of the improved FDA regulations, there was no longer a need for the seal. By the end of 2011 no sunscreens will carry the AAD’s imprimatur.
Protect Yourself
Having an effective sunscreen is not the only defense against skin cancer. But along with adequate time in the shade and protective clothing, sunscreen is an essential component for protecting your skin. When you shop for a sunscreen, it’s important to:
- Read the label closely
- Evaluate all ingredients to make sure there is no ingredient you may be allergic to (like a botanical or fragrance)
- Choose the correct SPF which should be 15 or higher
- Select a water and sweat resistant product if you will be active outdoors
There are sunscreens that include other ingredients too like skin softening lotion and scents. You have a big choice, but the bottom line is this: wear your sunscreen if you want to lower your risk of developing skin cancer.
References
1 FDA Sheds Light on Sunscreens. (2011, June 14). Retrieved from U.S. Food and Drug Administration: www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm258416.htm
2 Jesitus, J. (2011). Shedding new light. Dermatology Times, 22-25.
3 American Academy of Dermatology to phase out AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION program. (2009, December 3). Retrieved from American Academy of Dermatology: www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/american-academy-of-dermatology-to-phase-out-aad-seal-of-recognition-program
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