Living in a sunny high-altitude climate makes sunblock important to us. I discussed sunblock recently with a dermatologist and thought I’d share our discussion.
- There are 2 different kinds of ultraviolet rays – UVA and UVB. UVB rays cause sunburn. UVA rays do not cause sunburn… they penetrate deeper into the skin and damage collagen and elastin resulting in signs of premature aging, called “photoaging”. The only sunblocks that protect against both UVB and UVA rays are those that are “broad spectrum”. So make sure your sunscreen says “broad spectrum”.
- While a sunburn from UVB rays shows up the same day you were in the sun, it can take up to 10 years for the damage from UVA rays to appear on your skin in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, age spots, broken capillaries and uneven skin tone.
- It is thought that UVB rays are what cause the two non-melanoma skin cancers called basal cell carcinoma and sqaumous cell carcinoma. It is thought that both UVA and UVB rays cause malignant melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. (1)
- Wearing clothing can have the effect of anywhere from SPF 2 to SPF 30 depending on the color and weight of the clothing.
- Clothing that states it has “UPF” built in really works.
- There is a product recommended by the American Cancer Society called Sunguard that you can add to your wash that adds SPF 30 to any clothing. It lasts about 20 washes and only costs about $6.
- Look for sunblocks with high percentages (more than 5%) of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which actually provide a barrier to the sun.
- Sunblocks can be used on babies as young as 6 months (some Dr.’s say 3 months depending on the brand). Just make sure it specifically states that it is hypoallergenic, Paba-free and formulated for babies.
- Wearing sunblock consistently through childhood can reduce your chances of getting skin cancer by 75%.
- Anyone including the fairest children of all only need SPF 30 (nothing higher is ever necessary).
- You must reapply sunblock every 2 hours to maintain its effect – even if the label says waterproof, water-resistent, lasts all day, etc.
- The dermatologist’s recommended brands of sunscreen for children include: Aveeno Baby (although this stings my eyes), Vanicream SPF 30 or 60 (very thick – make sure you get the Vanicream sunblock, not just plain Vanicream lotion!!!), California Baby (really expensive), Blue Lizzard (what we use – love it!).
- The dermatologist’s recommended brands of sunscreen for adults include: Vanicream Sport (a little thicker than the others), Neutrogena Helioplex (what I use, goes on white at first), Aveeno (stings my eyes though), Olay Complete Defense (goes on sheer, which is nice).
- After the age of 30 it is recommended that you go to the doctor once a year to have your skin checked for any signs of skin cancer.
After all this negativity, here are some beneficial effects of ultraviolet rays!
- UV rays are necessary for our body to produce vitamin D, a substance that helps strengthen bones and safeguards against diseases such as Rickets.
- Some scientists have shown that Vitamin D lowers the risk of getting some kinds of internal cancer, like colon cancer.
- UV light is also used as a therapy for psoriasis, a condition in which the skin sheds its cells too quickly, resulting in itchy, scaly patches on various parts of the body. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, the growth of the skin cells is slowed, relieving the symptoms.
- UV rays are also used in various commercial functions, such as disinfecting fish tanks and sterilizing medical equipment.
- Animal life makes their own use of these wavelengths too-certain animals can actually see ultraviolet light, and use it to their advantage. Bees use the reflection of UV off of flower petals to guide their pollen collecting.
(1) NSF Polar Programs UV Monitoring Network – Effects of Radiation on You
