“People can and should enjoy the outdoors, but without getting a sun burn or a suntan.”
Representational image of sunblock.
Sunblocks helps to protect the skin from the sun by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering its UV rays but it does have its limitations leading to something called the sunscreen paradox.
Now, two new studies are highlighting its dangers.
First, researchers put together 23 focus groups in order to determine the factors that contribute to the different rates of skin cancer, called melanoma, in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.
They found that residents of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, two Canadian provinces with high rates of melanoma, were more likely to use sun protection, to be knowledgeable on the health-related dangers of sun exposure, and to adhere to the UV index. Despite this, they also were subjected to increased levels of sun exposure leading to more skin cancer diagnoses.
The researchers attributed this to the warmer weather in these regions and citizens’ propensity for outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, a second investigation of the UK Biobank revealed that sunscreen use was unexpectedly linked to a more than twofold increase in the chance of acquiring skin cancer in the small nation.
“These combined findings suggest a sunscreen paradox, whereby individuals with higher levels of sun exposure also tend to use more but not an adequate quantity of sunscreen or other sun-protection measures, providing a false sense of security,” said Dr. Ivan Litvinov, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Chair of the Dermatology Division at McGill University who was involved in both studies.
“Sunscreen is important, but it is also the least effective way to protect your skin when compared to sun protective clothing, rash guards, and sun avoidance. People can and should enjoy the outdoors, but without getting a sun burn or a suntan.”
Excessive exposure to the sun can cause tanning and sunburn, which are indicators of skin damage. The body’s reaction to shield skin cells from UV rays is tanning while sunburn is an indication of serious skin damage. Frequent sunburns raise the chance of developing melanoma, particularly in infancy and adolescence.
In fact, a person’s cumulative exposure is directly linked to the risk of melanoma. This makes UV radiation protection for the skin essential for preventing melanoma, especially in early life.
Selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers defence against both UVA and UVB rays is crucial. Sunburn is caused by UVB radiation, whereas UVA radiation can cause long-term skin damage.
The amount of UVB protection that sunscreen creams provide is indicated by their Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating. More protection is indicated by a higher SPF. It is generally advised to use SPF 30 or greater for sufficient protection.
Furthermore, reapplying sunscreen is recommended, particularly after swimming, perspiring, or towel-drying. Applying it 15 to 30 minutes before going outside is also strongly encouraged as sunblock can degrade.
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Loukia Papadopoulos <p>Loukia Papadopoulos is a journalist, writer, and editor with previous experience with the United Nations Momentum for Change, Leo Burnett and Al Arabiya English. She holds a D.E.C. in Pure and Applied Sciences from Marianopolis College, a B.A. in Communications and an M.Sc. in Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies from Concordia University.</p>
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