Sun Protection:  Separating The Myths From The Facts

WE LOVE THE SUN.  That is why it has become more important than ever to get the "4-1-1" on sunscreens and UV protection.  So, before you and your kids hit the pool, beach, mountains, or tanning salon, chew on these recently released facts about UV and your skin:

Fact:  Pediatric melanoma is on the rise -- increasing 3% per year.
Fact:  Between 1973-2003, cutaneous melanoma (malignancy of melanin producing cells in the skin) increased by 81%.
Fact:  Skin cancer is the 6th most common form of cancer in the U.S., and 65% of melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV from the sun.
Fact:  Blistering sunburns during childhood significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Now, if that isn't enough to get your attention, here are some common myths about UV and sun protection, and the truth that dispels them:

Myth:  Getting a base tan will prevent burning before going on a vacation.
Truth:  Any tan is a scar.  A tan is our skin's reaction to UV damage that has already occurred.  There is no such thing as a safe tan.

Myth:  Sun protection will lead to Vitamin D deficiency.
Truth:  Vitamin D is produced in the body when skin is exposed to UVB light.  However, only 10 minutes of daily sun exposure to the hands and feet -- during non-peak hours -- is sufficient to produce vitamin D in the body.  Additionally, vitamin D from food and dietary supplements offers the same benefits.

Myth:  All sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Truth:  SPF ratings currently only refer to protection from UVB rays -- those that cause surface burning of the skin.  UVA rays cause more harmful, long-term cellular damage deep below the surface of the skin -- which leads to premature aging, and a weakening of the immune system.  There is only one FDA-approved sunscreen ingredient that protects equally against both UVB and UVA -- zinc oxide.

Myth:  Sunscreens with a high SPF are better.
Truth:  SPF 15 provides 93% protection against UVB radiation.  You should be aware that an SPF 30 is NOT twice as protective as SPF 15.  SPF 30 only provides an additional 3% protection over SPF 15; additionally, an SPF 40 has only 1% more protection than SPF 30.  SPF 50 and above provides only marginal additional protection.  Increasing an SPF in a sunscreen product beyond SPF 15 requires increasing the amount of active sunscreen ingredients beyond what would be considered safe for children and all individuals with sensitive skin.

Note:  Layering sunscreen products will not increase protection beyond the higher rating of one product.  So, layering SPF 15 over SPF 15 will only yield SPF 15 protection, and so on.  Also, sunscreens must be reapplied every 90-120 minutes for uninterrupted protection.

Myth:  Indoor tanning is safe.
Truth:  The argument that UVA rays used in indoor tanning salons will not cause skin mutations and skin cancer is false, false, false!  In fact, UVA rays lead to deeper, more harmful, and long-term cellular damage, even though they do not leave a sunburn on the skin's surface.

Myth:  Sun damage occurs later in life as our skin ages.
Truth:  Research now suggests that up to 78% of sun damage happens before the age of 18 years old.  And that nearly 80% of sun damage is caused by "incidental exposure" which occurs while doing normal daily activity, like driving in cars, walking from class-to-class, sitting or standing under artificial lighting.

Teach your kids this morning routine:  wash their face, brush their teeth, apply sunscreen, and grab a hat before leaving the house.  

It is never too early -- or too late -- to protect the skin, and to protect it every single day.  By doing so, you are setting the stage for a lifetime of skin health.

 

Sources:

Sunscreen: The Burning Facts.  United States Environmental Protection Agency, Sept. 2006.

http://fda.gov, FDA Monograph of Sunscreen Ingredients.

Armstrong, B.K., and A.Kricker, How much melanoma is caused by sun exposure?, Melanoma Research, 1993: 3:395-401.

Taylor, C.R. et al, Photoaging/Photodamage and Photoprotection, J Am Acad Dermatol, 1990. 22: 1-15.

American Academy of Pediatrics, Ultraviolet Light: A Hazard to Children, Pediatrics, 1999: 104: 328-333.

http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2003/, based on November 2005 SEER data submission, posted to SEER Website, 2006.

Wopowitz D and Gilcrest, BA. The Vitamin D Questions: How much do you need and how should you get it? J. Am. Acad. Dermatol, Feb. 2006, p. 301-17