LiveLongAgeWell

Last week I presented some of the issues surrounding sunscreens and today I’ll give some practical hints. Unfortunately, there is still no sunscreen available that is even close to perfect; they all have potential issues regarding how well they block both UVA and UVB, how long they are effective, and how safe they are (particularly regarding absorption into the bloodstream). Still, protecting yourself from excessive sunlight is critical, not only to help protect from the number one cancer of all—skin cancer—but to avoid early aging. Consider this quote from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s excellent pdf fact-sheet “The Burning Facts”:

Up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed
to aging are caused by sun exposure.

11 Hints…What You Can Do

1. If you are very concerned about the potential toxicity of sunscreens, consult this summary from the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit consumer “watchdog” organization that has issued a list of what they consider recommended and relatively safe products. One problem is that you probably won’t find many of their recommended ones at your local drugstore, but you can probably find most online.

2.If you are not so concerned about theoretical chemical risks, you can consult this short list of American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) “recognized” products (while not as cautious as the EWG list, the AAD is still quite a careful group). One brand from their list I particularly like is Aveeno, which you will be able to find locally. Aveeno makes high-quality products that are not terribly expensive.

3. The last several years has seen release of several products that have longer-lasting, stablilized UVA protection (as well as the more standard UVB protection), and Mexoxyl and Helioplex are two components to look for. Helioplex seems to be the superior product, and of those brands with Helioplex, I like the Neutrogena brand, particularly Neutrogena Ulta-Sheer SPF 70 with Helioplex. It’s what I use. Some researchers have claimed that since these chemicals are partially absorbed into the bloodstream, that they might have an estrogen, hormonal-type effect internally. Talk to your physician if you are concerned about possible hormonal effects,  and you may not want to use one that is absorbed, on children.

4. If you want a sunscreen that is not absorbed, find a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide product (and see EWG report above), though these often leave the skin with an unattractive white cast.

5. It is probably best to avoid spray and powder sunscreens that have (ultra-small) nano-particles which might be inhaled.

6. Besides using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product, buy at least a SPF 30, and use enough of it! Shockingly, you need to use a “shot-glass” amount, about 1 oz. (1/3 of a typical 3 oz. tube) for your entire body, if you want to get the advertised SPF factor. Bottom line: use more than you think you should.

7. Apply 30 minutes before going in the sun to allow it to absorb.

8. Sunscreens lose potency over time. Look at the expiration date when you buy or use, and throw away any product at 3 years.

9. Reapply after going in the water, after significant sweating, and about every 2 or 3 hours. Even “waterproof” sunscreens come off after 40 minutes in the water, so if you are a water person, look for “very waterproof” which should give double water protection.

10. Don’t forget to apply to areas commonly forgotten such as: the entire surface of the ear (I can’t count how many ear skin cancers I excised and re-constructed when I was in California), any bald spots, the tops of your feet….and use a lip-sunscreen too (lip cancer is common)!

11. Avoid the sun during peak times, 10 am to 3 pm, wear a hat and don’t forget quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from cataracts! (a subject for a future post…)

Next: self-tanning products.