— Written by Raghavi Nandhakumar
With summer around, everyone is keen to be out soaking up the rays. While the Canadian winter has starved us of sunlight, sun damage can happen easily and it is important to take care of your skin while you are out. Here are 5 things you need to know about the sun and your skin.
The Sun Doesn’t Discriminate
Sun damage can happen to all skin types and at all ages. While lighter skin tones are more prone to sun damage, skin types that are less likely to burn in the sun can still experience damage. It all depends on the amount and type of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Skin damage can have serious consequences, such as skin cancer, even in younger people. This is why it is important to make sunscreen a part of your daily routine throughout the year, even in the winter. Everyday activities such as gardening, walking and working outdoors expose us to UV radiation and this damage can add up over time.
It’s All Damage
Suntans and sunburns are both types of skin damage, just of different intensities. A common misconception is that base tans prevent sunburn - this is not true. Any type of exposure to UV light increases the risk of skin cancer, as well as eye and lip cancer. Tanning beds expose users to high levels of UV radiation and are linked to increased incidence of skin cancer and accelerated skin aging. Self tanner is safe to use but does not protect against sunburn; sunscreen is still required. Sun damage can happen on cloudy, cool and windy days as well. Sun safety is important in all types of weather and all year round, including the winter season.
Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens
Despite the two categories, all sunscreens contain chemicals - they just work to protect you in different ways. “Chemical” (organic) sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. “Physical” (inorganic) sunscreens sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays by reflecting and scattering them. Both are safe and you should pick one based on your personal preference. Physical sunscreens might be better tolerated if you have sensitive skin but they are usually thicker and may leave a white cast. Make sure to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and with both UVA and UVB protection. Depending on what activities you’re doing, you may wish to select one with water resistance.
Sunscreen Safety
Current scientific evidence indicates sunscreens are safe to use and that the benefits of applying sunscreen greatly outweigh any potential risks. Certain ingredients found in chemical sunscreens have been detected in incredibly minute amounts in the blood and this is being studied further. Absorption does not necessarily mean harm, however, and the overwhelming consensus amongst the dermatology and medical authorities worldwide is that sunscreens are safe to use. It is important to note that the amount of sunscreen applied in some of these studies greatly exceeds the amount that would be used in real life. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers and can be fatal. Regular use of sunscreens plays a significant role in preventing skin cancer and slowing down the process of skin aging.
Other Ways to Prevent Sun Damage
Here are some additional steps you can take to protect yourself from the sun:
Wear sun protective clothing with UV protection factor (UPF) labeling.
Opt for long pants and skirts and long-sleeved shirts.
Tightly woven fabrics and darker colors offer greater protection than loosely woven, white or wet clothing.
Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect the face, ears and neck and don’t forget to protect your eyes with sunglasses.
Avoid being in the sun between 11am and 3pm and when the UV index is 3 or higher.
Stay in the shade if possible.
Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin surfaces. This should be done 15 minutes before exposure to the sun and reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming, sweating and/or washing.
Interested in learning more about sun safety? Check out our Science of Sun Safety series with sun safety expert and dermatologist Dr. Danny Mansour.