5 Things to Know about Sunscreen

(1) You need it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Can I say it again. If you are concerned about skin cancer, skin ageing, and general health- you need to apply sunscreen with a minimal SPF 30, to your face and sun exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Do not forget those areas behind the ears and tips of the nose, where I commonly catch sneaky skin cancers in the office.

(2) Sunscreens are now considered inorganic (like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, often marketed as mineral sunscreens), or organic (further divided into UVA and UVB filters, containing ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone). (5)

There is more work needed to determine what health effect (if any) the UVA/UVB organic sunscreens have on us. What we know right now, is that a study has shown that there are detectable blood levels of sunscreens in our blood after only one day of application, higher levels than the FDA thought, which will prompt further research into chemical toxicity of sunscreen ingredients.

In the mean time, what we know is mostly based on mice, rat and to much less, mammals. We cannot jump to any conclusions until further research is available. There is excellent evidence to advise us that regular sunscreen use is the BEST way to reduce our risk of skin cancers.

You are concerned about the chemical components in the sunscreen and your health. I think it is so important to understand exactly what we put on, and into our bodies and the effect is has on our health and environment. But you need accurate, reproducible, reliable and up to date information first before you can make decisions.

(3) Sun protection for your eyes is one way to reduce the likelihood of getting cataracts. Bust out those gorgeous sunglasses and get to it. 😎 (6)

(4) Your sunscreen choice affects the environment 🌊🐠🌏 Oxybenzone (and octinoxate) have been to linked to coral bleaching, and will be banned in Hawaii as early as 2021 for sale and use.

✔ the best way to help the environment is to avoid the sun between 10:00- 2:00pm when it is at its peak

✔ wear covered clothing, with UPF, to minimize sunscreen requirements

✔ avoid the sun when possible

✔ wear a wide brim hat (my personal favourite is from Sunday Afternoon)

(5) Look for broad-spectrum coverage against UVA/UVB, with Canadian Dermatology sign of approval, meaning the sunscreen has been shown to be non-comedogenic (won\’t cause acne), broad spectrum SPF 30+, low perfume or non-perfumed, and low potential for irritation.

My Family Favourites:

Canadian Dermatology Association Sun Safety Everyday

Canadian Dermatology Association Sun Safety for Kids

References:

1. van der Pols JC, Williams GM, Pandeya N, et al. Prolonged prevention of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin by regular sunscreen use. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006;15(12):2546–2548. [PubMed: 17132769]

2. Matta MK, Zusterzeel R, Pilli NR, et al. Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA.2019;321(21):2082–2091. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.5586

3. Krause, M., Klit, A., Blomberg Jensen, M., Søeborg, T., Frederiksen, H., Schlumpf, M., Lichtensteiger, W., Skakkebaek, N.E. and Drzewiecki, K.T. (2012), Sunscreens: are they beneficial for health? An overview of endocrine disrupting properties of UV‐filters. International Journal of Andrology, 35: 424-436. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2605.2012.01280.x

4. Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, et al. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29(3):257–263. [PubMed: 21135266]

5. Chung J. Photoprotection. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS. eds. Fitzpatrick\’s Dermatology, 9e. McGraw-Hill; Accessed July 10, 2020. https://accessmedicine-mhmedical-com.proxy.lib.nosm.ca/content.aspx?bookid=2570&sectionid=210445087

6. Cataracts. The Candian Association of Optometrists. https://opto.ca/health-library/cataracts