Sun-Kissed and Safe: Protecting Your Skin from the Sun

Summer means bikinis, short shorts, and lots of sunshine. I LOVE the sun! What’s not to love? I can finally wear my cute outfits without worrying about a coat, get a much-needed dose of vitamin D, and best of all, NO SNOW! But the same sun that chases away the winter blues and gives you a gorgeous tan can also be dangerous if you’re not careful.

Like all celestial bodies, the sun emits electromagnetic radiation. Our proximity to the sun and the type of radiation it emits means that ultraviolet (UV) rays interact with our bodies in significant ways. I won’t geek out too much, but bear with me because understanding this is crucial.

The sun emits three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Thankfully, our ozone layer blocks UVC rays, the most damaging type. However, UVA and UVB rays still reach us and harm our skin in different ways. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths, reaching only the outer layer of the skin and causing sunburns. UVA rays, with their longer wavelengths, penetrate deeper, breaking down collagen, peptides, and melanocytes. Although this can give you a nice tan it also leads to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

How does light cause so much damage? Light consists of tiny particles called photons, which can penetrate our skin and reach the DNA in our cells. DNA acts as the cell’s instruction manual. When UV light damages DNA, it alters how the cell functions, leading to various problems. The cell might stop producing collagen, resulting in loose, wrinkled skin; overproduce melanin, causing tans or hyperpigmentation; or mutate uncontrollably, potentially leading to cancer.

While these pesky little rays may seem like just a nuisance when you’re stuck rubbing aloe vera on your skin after a day at the pool, the reality can be much graver. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. ONE IN FIVE! If you have four friends, statistics suggest one of you might face skin cancer in your lifetime. And the sun doesn’t discriminate; people of color are also at risk. In fact, skin cancer is often deadlier for people of color because it’s usually diagnosed at later stages when it’s harder to treat. Early-stage skin cancer is highly treatable, but as it progresses, treatment becomes more challenging, and the survival rate drops.

Cancer is frightening, and many types are beyond our control. But skin cancer is different. Despite being the most common cancer in the U.S., it’s also preventable! This isn’t a myth or an overpriced miracle cure—this is about using sunscreen, a scientifically proven method to protect your skin.

Sunscreen (SPF) works in two ways. Chemical sunscreens absorb UVB and UVA rays, breaking them down before they can harm your cells. Mineral-based sunscreens (sunblocks) reflect the rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin. For SPF to be effective, it must be used correctly. Here are my five tips to ensure your SPF is effective in preventing cancer and premature aging:

1. Use an SPF of 30 or higher. If you use retinol, get regular dermaplane treatments, or chemical peels, bump it up to SPF 50+.

2. Apply two full finger lengths of sunscreen to your face. If your foundation contains SPF, you need to use a lot more foundation to get adequate coverage.

3. Recent studies show sunscreen stays on the skin for up to 8 hours. You don’t need to reapply unless you’re sweating a lot or swimming.

4. Avoid spray-on sunscreens or any SPF you can’t measure accurately. The amount you apply is crucial!

5. Add an antioxidant serum or cleanser to your skincare routine. It’s not a replacement for SPF but offers additional protection, and your skin will thank you!

So this summer, prioritize your skin’s health to ensure you’ll enjoy many more summers to come.

References:

Sander M, Sander M, Burbidge T, Beecker J. The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. CMAJ. 2020 Dec 14;192(50):E1802-E1808. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.201085. PMID: 33318091; PMCID: PMC7759112.

“Skin Cancer.” American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer. Accessed 4 July 2024. 

Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/ultraviolet-uv-radiation#1. Accessed 4 July 2024. 

Waters, Lynnea, et al. “How UV Light Damages DNA: A Quick and Easy Guide.” Bitesize Bio, 3 July 2024, bitesizebio.com/36762/how-uv-light-damages-dna/#:~:text=Both%20long%20and%20short%20wavelength,induce%20mutations%20after%20faulty%20repair.