5 things to know about choosing sunscreen

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada, and the leading cause of skin cancer is from exposure to UV radiation. One of the best ways to reduce your risk is to be sun safe, including using sunscreen. 

When choosing a sunscreen, there are so many options that it can be a little overwhelming. Although many different brands of sunscreen are available, it is not the brand or the cost that determines an effective sunscreen. 

Here’s what you need to know when choosing a sunscreen to protect you and your family this summer”

1. Look for an SPF of 30 or higher and the words ​“Broad Spectrum.” 

The efficacy of sunscreens is based on what is known as the SPF, or the sun protection factor. If a sunscreen label indicates it is ​“BROAD SPECTRUM” you know that UVA coverage is included as well as UVB coverage. 

2. Watch for water resistance.

In addition, a sunscreen may comment on the level of water resistance water resistance (40) or water resistant (80), which means the number of minutes where it is thought to effectively remain on the skin with water exposure.

There are really two main groups of active ingredients in sunscreens that protect you: ​“chemical” sunscreens that act to absorb UV radiation and ​“physical” sunscreens that both absorb and scatter UV radiation. The ingredients in physical blocking sunscreens have been micronized and at times are added to gentle tints to allow for superior blending while giving you an easy to use and effective product.

The two main widely available ingredients in the physical sunscreen category in Canada include Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide provide broad-spectrum protection to both UVB and UVA. 

3. Choose what’s right for your skin.

The next important consideration in choosing your sunscreen is the vehicle (which is a fancy way of saying, how is it delivered onto your skin), such as lotions, creams, gels, sprays, sticks and lip balms. It is important to choose a vehicle that is right for you and to keep in mind that some vehicles, such as thick, heavy creams, can worsen already existing acne. 

If you decide to go for the spray, just remember that it is easy to have spotty coverage, so you may want to rub the spray in with your hand after application or apply a second layer. Don’t spray directly on . You can apply the spray into your palms and then rub it on. 

If sports are your thing, do look for sport-specific versions, as they tend to stay on more effectively.

4. Apply sunscreen generously and evenly before sun exposure. 

We know that in actual practice, people tend to use much less sunscreen than they apply in the lab studies, in fact 25 – 50% less. Which means that the amount of SPF actually on the skin is likely a lot lower than the number of SPF on the bottle. An SPF 30 might mean you only have an SPF 8. A shot glass size amount of sunscreen is required to cover an adult’s skin. This is equivalent to 2 tablespoons or 30ml. If used properly, it means that your sunscreen bottle won’t have a chance to expire. The chemical ingredients in sunscreens break down over time. Don’t use expired sunscreen. And if you have left your sunscreen where it can bake, like the trunk of your car on a hot day, the ingredients may no longer be effective. 

5. Reapply your sunscreen.

Make sure to reapply after swimming, after sweating or exercising or every two to two-and-a-half hours. Don’t forget your lower lip, ears, and scalp as these are common areas where we see and treat skin cancers.

In a addition to the top five, here are some additional reminders for staying safe in the sun:

• 60% of the day’s total UV will be in the 4 hour period around noon. So try not to spend time in the direct sun during these hours.

• 90% of UV light will still come through light cloud cover.

• UV light reflects off of water, sand, snow, and concrete.

• Staying in the shade will only reduce 50% of UV exposure as it blocks direct rays, but not reflected rays.

• UV light increases at altitudes.
  

What about mosquitos?

You can use sunscreen and bug spray together. Apply your sunscreen first, then bug spray.

Learn more:

• Be Sun Safe by CancerCare Manitoba

• Enjoy the sun safely by the Canadian Cancer Society