Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, so it’s important to protect yourself when you’re outside and limit damage to your skin from sunburns. One way to protect yourself is to apply good sunscreen every two hours you spend outside, using about one ounce to cover your body with each application.
However, the Environmental Working Group states that up to 73 percent of sunscreens either aren’t as effective as they claim or contain ingredients for which there are some potential safety concerns. Here’s how to identify a safe, effective sunscreen.
Look for a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of UV rays: the UVB rays that cause sunburns and skin cancer and the UVA rays that cause premature aging and skin cancer. Other types of sunscreen help limit the risk of sunburn but don’t fully protect against skin cancer.
Opt for a Sunscreen With at Least 30 SPF
This sun protection factor means that, if properly applied, the sunscreen should protect you for 30 times longer than if you wore no sunscreen. You still need to reapply every two hours to be safe, however. Reapplying regularly helps make up for sunscreen not being applied perfectly, not working as well as it should, or getting washed off by water or sweat.
Understand That No Sunscreen Is Waterproof
Sunscreens are water-resistant, not waterproof, regardless of what is on the label. Companies formulate these sunscreens to provide protection while you are in the water for up to 40 or 80 minutes, depending on the sunscreen. The label should state how long the sunscreen is effective in the water or when a person is sweating.
Understand the Pros and Cons of Mineral-Based Sunscreens
The safest type of active ingredient is a mineral, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The Environmental Working Group recommends mineral-based sunscreens, although Consumer Reports notes that mineral-based sunscreens may not be as consistently effective. Shaking the container before use and applying the sunscreen liberally may help with inconsistent effectiveness.
Understand the Pros and Cons of Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens typically contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octocrylene. These sunscreens are easy to apply and don’t leave a residue, but new research shows that people absorb the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens through the skin. Whether our absorbing these chemicals is a safety concern is still being investigated. Oxybenzone can cause allergic reactions, harm marine ecosystems, and change hormone levels.
Check the Guides
Both Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group have posted guides after testing the safety and effectiveness of various sunscreens. While the organizations don’t agree in every case, these guides can help you avoid the most ineffective or unsafe options. Either type of sunscreen is still better than no sunscreen.
Reconsider Using Spray Sunscreens
While spray sunscreens may seem like an easy solution because you can apply them without touching the sunscreen, they aren’t the best option. If you don’t rub spray sunscreen in, coverage can be uneven, and most people don’t apply enough. Also, inhaling sunscreen may be risky, so sunscreen should go into one’s hands and then onto your or your children’s skin.
Consider Sensory and Ease-of-Use Issues
Some mineral sunscreens can be very thick and hard to spread or very greasy feeling, textures many people prefer to avoid. This issue is particularly of concern for parents trying to spread sunscreen on small children, who don’t like to stand still for long. Also, those sensitive to certain smells may have a more limited selection, as some sunscreens have strong scents.
Contact Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists for more information or to schedule a skin cancer screening. Get suspicious moles checked out, as skin cancer is easier to treat when caught early.
