It may be the most common form of sun protection, but do Americans understand sunscreen well enough to use it correctly? That is the burning question, according to dermatologists, who speculate that most people fail to adequately protect themselves from daily sun exposure and are therefore at higher risk of developing skin damage, wrinkles and skin cancer.

Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology’s (Academy) Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month news conference, dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., a clinical associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., addressed the basics of sunscreen and good sun protection habits.

“The most important thing to know about sunscreen is that, regardless of skin type and ethnicity, everyone needs to use it,” advised Dr. Draelos. “If a person is going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 for basic protection year-round.”

Sunscreens are designed to aid the body’s natural defense mechanisms in protecting against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. They work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin.

Sunscreen comes in many forms including creams, gels, lotions and wax sticks. While the type of sunscreen an individual chooses is a matter of personal preference, the product should be water resistant, so it cannot be easily removed by sweating or swimming. Sunscreens should be used on a regular basis, including cloudy days since 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays pass through the clouds. They can be applied under makeup, however many cosmetic products available today contain sunscreens for daily use because sun protection is the principal means of preventing premature aging and skin cancer.

Dr. Draelos advised looking for sunscreen ingredients which are broad-spectrum (providing UVA and UVB protection), including benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone (Parsol 1789).

All sunscreens are labeled with SPF numbers. Higher SPF sunscreens offer greater protection from sunburn, which is caused mostly by UVB rays. The sunscreen SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. For example, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 would allow that person to multiply that initial burning time by 15, which means it would take 15 times longer to burn, or 150 minutes.

Many people fail to realize that because some UV light gets through sunscreens, they should not be used as a way of prolonging sun exposure – only to avoid sunburn. It also is important to know that SPF protection does not actually increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, while an SPF 15 indicates 93 percent absorption, an SPF 30 absorbs 97 percent of the sun’s burning rays.

The SPF number on sunscreens only reflects the product’s screening ability for UVB rays. At present, there is no FDA approved rating system that identifies UVA protection.

“Since an SPF measurement is the most protection a person can receive under the best possible conditions, many times sunscreens do not perform up to labeled SPF ratings,” commented Dr. Draelos. “This is due to a variety of factors, including the effects of wind, humidity, perspiration and facial movement, as well as uneven product application. Many people also wait too long to reapply.”

Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors, and reapplied every two hours. One ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Lips can get sunburned too, so it is important to apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

“Sunscreen technology is constantly evolving,” stated Dr. Draelos. “New technology has the potential to reduce movement of sunscreen on the skin after application and enhance its ability to deflect the sun’s rays. However, sunscreens are only one part of a comprehensive sun protection regimen and should be used in conjunction with other protective methods.”
In addition to wearing sunscreen, the Academy recommends that everyone follow these sun protection guidelines:

• Avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest;

• Seek shade whenever possible;

• Wear protective clothing and accessories, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses;

• Follow the “Shadow Rule” – if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s damaging rays are at their strongest and you are likely to sunburn; and

• Avoid tanning beds.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

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