Sunscreen Science

Sunscreen:  Truly dangerous misinformation in the comments under reminders from HSE and cancer charities to wear sunscreen. The #fearmongering and #misinformation continues to have potential to do real and longterm harm here. A

Bottom line: There is no good reason to skip the sunscreen – from cancer to Vitamin D myths.

So, let’s unpack this one again: #skincancer, choosing a #sunscreen…and what about those chemicals?

Skin cancer is real and it is among the most common cancers in Ireland. #factsmatter . #Melanoma often occurs in young and middle aged adults and the number of melanoma cases and deaths have been increasing over the last 20 years.

The first time we took on your sunscreen quetions, we got expert input from the amazing Ms. Fitzgerald, Consultant Plastic Surgeon: . Her comment to me at the time “one blistering sunburn as child doubles risk of melanoma. Shocking.” Yes, shocking. This should remind us all that sun protection is ultimately about your child’s health, not just comfort or cosmetic. So, more from Ms. Fitzgerald:
“My advice is to use a minimum of SPF 30, with a four or five-star rating. To make sure that you continue using the product, it is important that you select one that you can afford, that you like the texture of, and which you find pleasant to wear on your skin. It is extremely difficult to continue using a product that gives you spots, makes you appear greasy, or that feels strange on your skin.When you find your ideal product, make sure that you apply an adequate quantity – for most sunscreens this is a shot glass full to cover the entire body, and a teaspoonful for the face. For most people, this sounds like a very high volume, and is not what they are used to applying. If you use less, however, you will not get the full protection from the product. Remember that higher factor sunscreens do not last any longer than lower factor ones, and all sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, to maintain its effect. Apply 20 minutes before going out into the sun, and use a waterproof formulation if you were think you are going to be sweating profusely, or exposed to water.”

Other things to think about for choosing sunscreen?
SPF higher than 50 probably doesn’t give any additional protection. The sun’s damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, water, or concrete; so be careful of these areas.Most of the sun’s rays can still come through the clouds on an overcast day.

So, back to where we started: What about those “chemicals”? There is a lot of false information and fear mongering. Much of this is generated a “click-bait” (We’ve talked about this before! Implying a common household item will harm/kill you is common click-bait!)
Facts: If you are concerned, just avoid sunscreens with “oxybenzone”. This is a chemical that has NOT been shown to cause cancer, but has been shown to be absorbed systemically and has potential to do damage to coral reefs. The evidence is still out on whether it poses harm to humans.

Best Option: Choose a “mineral” sunscreen that will say on the label that it free of oxybenzone and other related chemicals that are under review. Can’t find it locally? Order online. Zinc oxide based sunscreen as a safe and very effective option for sunscreen, and can also be used as extra protection on the nose, cheeks, top of the ears and on the shoulders. NEVER use a homemade sunscreen. NEVER.

Specific Tips for Children:
The first, and best, line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is covering up your child. Keep your child in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Shirts or wet suits (for beach) with UV rating are great ways to cover up your child. Also find your child a wide-brimmed hat that can shade the cheeks, chin, ears and back of the neck. Worth the battle to teach your child to keep it on. Not always easy.

Apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 or greater to areas of your child’s skin. If you are concerned about allergy, you can choose a sensitive or baby preparation. If very concerned, test the sunscreen on an area of your child’s back for an allergic reaction first. If no redness in over several hours, apply away. Apply carefully around the eyes, avoiding eyelids!
Be sure to apply enough sunscreen.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
If your child gets sunburn that results in blistering, pain or fever, ring your GP/out-of-hours GP or bring to ED.

Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade. Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use brimmed hats. The safety of sunscreen has not been tested in infants younger than six months, so sunscreens are not usually recommended for this age group. However, if sun exposure absolutely cannot be avoided, you may apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to small areas in young infants (eg, face, back of hands) when adequate clothing and shade are not available. Sensitive skin or “baby” formulas are recommended.

What about that bottle of sunscreen in the back of the cabinet from last season? Check the bottle for the expiration date. Chemical sunscreens may become less effective over time, and leaving them in high temperatures such as in the car or on the beach may speed this up. Throw away sunscreen when it has passed the expiration date on the bottle. What if you can’t see an expiration date? Throw it away after three years. If you can’t remember? Probably best to get a new bottle.

Fact check: Skipping sunscreen or using an inadequate SPF is NOT a way to “boost” Vitamin D. Get information you can trust:
#factsnotfear: Irish Skin Sun Smart and Vitamin D and the Sun