The Pros and Cons of Sunscreen

With the advent of summer every year, we feel like turning into vampires who prefer to stay in the dark! These supernatural beings cannot tolerate or don't like the idea of getting "drenched" in sunlight. But staying away from sunlight is not our cup of tea as we, the humans, have to go out to earn our living! We cannot live on blood! But we cannot allow the sun to suck our blood either! So what can we do to protect our skin from the harmful UV rays? Change our attires to match that of the people living in the Middle Eastern countries? Or can we trust the television ads and try out some sunscreens?

Sunscreen, also known as sun block, sun lotion and sun cream, is a type of cream, lotion or spray that protects the skin and prevents sunburn by absorbing or reflecting the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. There have been different viewpoints, questioning the validity of sunscreen and whether or not it actually provides an adequate protection against the harmful rays of the sun.

UVA vs UVB Radiations

There are two forms of ultra-violet radiations (UV) that reach us via sun, tanning booths and sun lamps -- UVA (wavelength 320 to 400 nm) and UVB (wavelength 290 to 320 nm). Both UVA and UVB rays are harmful to the skin and damage DNA. Though not as powerful as UVB, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and increases the risk of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Nearly 95 percent of the UV radiation that we are exposed to is UVA radiation. UVB rays, on the other hand, primarily affects the skin's outer layers, causing your skin to darken and burn. It increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, two forms of non-melanoma skin cancer.

The Top Brands of Sunblock Compared

Various options are available for the consumers and a comparison between the three leading brands will help you to draw some inferences.

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 

  Upside 

• Has a high quality UVA/UVB protection to protect the skin from damage.
• Water resistant, perfect for swimming or going to the beach.
• Lightweight, non-greasy and non-scented

  Downside

• Doesn't have any antioxidant.
• It is not ideal for facial use.

2. No-Ad Sunblock Lotion SPF 45

  Upside

• Cheap and inexpensive.
• Broad-spectrum protection.
• Water-resistant.
• Has anti-oxidants.
  

  Downside

• Contains fragrance that may not suit every individual.
• Difficult to locate in stores.

3. Coppertone Sport Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 

  Upside

• Good choice for sport players.
• Lightweight and non-greasy.
• Sweat resistant.
• Broad spectrum protection.
  

  Downside

• Unpleasant chemical odor.

The Facts

• Various studies have suggested that the most common mistake people do is to avoid using the sunscreen lotion for which they get tanned.
• Vitamin D plays a significant role and is an important ingredient in preventing cancer as well as heart disease, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis and even depression. Sunscreen may prevent Vitamin D synthesis by forming a barrier between the sunrays and the skin. According to the University of Calgary research, 97 percent of Canadians are vitamin D deficient at some point in the year.
• The sun protection factor (SPF) is the laboratory measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen to block UVB rays - basically the higher the number, the more protection it offers against the UVB rays. It's also the sunburn fighter in sun block. There is no widely accepted comparable SPF rating for UVA sunscreens. The term 'broad spectrum' mentioned on the sunscreen refers to the UVA protection.
• An SPF 30 product doesn't offer twice the protection as SPF 15 product. An SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays, an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays, and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays. None offers 100% protection.
• The amount of sunscreen used is very important when it comes to getting the most out of the SPF. Applying an SPF 30 sunscreen in a very thin layer, will not get you the SPF 30 level of protection.

The Upsides and the Downsides of Each Individual Ingredient of a Sunblock

1. Mexoryl

  Upside

• Stable, long-lasting.
• Light, absorbs well.

  Downside

• Chemical sunscreens can irritate the skin, especially at higher concentrations.
• Protects against the shorter wavelengths of UVA, not so effective for longer wavelengths.

2. Avobenzone

  Upside

• Light, absorbs well.
• Absorb ultraviolet light over a wider range of wavelengths (up to 400 nm). Used in many commercial preparations marketed as 'broad spectrum' sunscreens.

  Downside

• Chemical, may cause irritation.
• Degrades after 30 minutes of sun exposure.

3. Titanium dioxide

  Upside

• Mineral sunblock, will not irritate the skin

  Downside

• Protects up to 360 nm, not effective for longer wavelengths.
• Often leaves the skin white and pasty looking.

4. Zinc Oxide

  Upside

• Mineral sunblock, will not irritate skin.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Safe, even for small children.
• Protects from 290 to 400 nm with recent research suggesting that it is superior to titanium dioxide at wavelengths between 340 and 380 nm.

  Downside

• In most formulations leaves skin white and pasty looking.

The Positive Aspects of Using Sunscreens

The "mainstream" opinion is that you must wear sunscreen any time you go out in the sun. That's because, sunburn can greatly increase your risk for skin cancer. It can also increase your athletic performance. By blocking some of the sun's rays, sunscreen keeps your skin cooler. This, in turn, is supposed to keep your body up to 20 percent cooler than if you were not using a sunscreen. If you're cooler, you'll perform noticeably better.

The Negative Viewpoints Concerning Sunscreen Use

In an investigation concerning 952 name-brand sunscreens, the Environmental Working Group found that 4 out of 5 sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns. In an Australian study, adverse reactions from sunscreen ingredients occurred in as many as 19 percent of the individuals. Some of the ingredients are suspected to be carcinogens. The concern is about the tiny particles in the sunscreen lotion that have the ability to penetrate the skin, inducing free radical formation.

So, What's the Real Deal?

The key to getting the health benefits of sun exposure without risking skin cancer is to start slow. Play in the sun for a few minutes at a time and gradually work your way up. Use of sunscreen should not be seen as a replacement for sun avoidance measures, but as a tool that sometimes helps when used in conjunction with sun avoidance measures. Use a water-resistant sunscreen and apply it liberally, half an hour before going outdoors.

It's better not to get swayed away by provocative ads showing gorgeous women "daring to bare" in the sun! Using protective clothing is the safest way to prevent suntan or sunburns. It's just a matter of a few months and that too, during the daytime. Keep your sleeveless tops and minis or micro-minis reserved for the colorful evenings!

Source: Lifemojo