As the summer weather unfolds and we start to peel off layers of clothing it’s time to think about how to protect ourselves from the sun. Protecting our little ones from the sun is especially important since their skin is more sensitive than ours.
Not convinced? The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that we get about 80 percent of our total lifetime sun exposure in the first 18 years of life, making sun prevention in childhood very important to prevent skin cancer later in life. And the Canadian Cancer Society suggests an estimated 1/3 of all new cases of cancer in Canada are skin cancer, while the incidence rate continues to rise. Yikes!
The best way to reduce sun exposure is to stay out of the sun as much as possible between 11am and 4pm. In addition to the strength of the sun’s rays the effects are increased by reflection from water, sand and snow. The next best choice to staying in the shade is covering up with some cool clothing that blocks the sun’s powerful rays.
Sunscreen plays an important secondary role in protecting body parts that are hard to cover with clothing. The latest scientific findings are that we ought to use sunscreens that deter both UVA and UVB rays. Since UVA rays have recently been linked to causing cancer and wrinkles you would expect the SPF numbers to account for both UVA and UVB protection levels. Unfortunately this is not the case. SPF ratings were introduced in 1962 to measure the sunscreen’s effect in blocking the UVB rays that cause sunburn. UVA protection has not been part of the rating of sunscreens.
The American FDA is expected to establish rules for UVA ratings, which will include a star rating, where four stars would provide the highest protection available from UVA rays. This is expected to role out in the fall 2010. Let’s hope that something similar will occur here in Canada.
Until the government implements a requirement for properly labeled sunscreens stating protection levels and any lousy chemicals they contain we can rely on the Environmental Working Group to suggest some alternatives. Recently the Environmental Working Group completed an independent scientific analysis of sunscreens in the United States. The study found that 92% of brand name sunscreens didn’t sufficiently protect skin from sun damage, contained hazardous chemicals, or both.
You can use the EWG database to search the brand you use and see if it leaves you overexposed to damaging UVA rays, if it breaks down in the sun, or if it contains potential hormone-disrupting compounds. They also created a short list of top-rated sunscreens. Many of the top rated sunscreens contained the minerals zinc or titanium. They claim this is the best choice for people who are looking for the best UVA protection without any sunscreen chemical considered to be a potential hormone disruptor. Check their lists here. The Badger sunscreens are readily available in Toronto local health food stores like Qi Natural Foods in Roncesvalles and the Big Carrot in Danforth Village.
To summarize, the recommended actions to reduce sun exposure are the following:
1) Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 11am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest
2) Cover up with clothing that protects the skin – hats and shirts especially (tightly woven and thicker fabrics tend to have more protection from the sun). There are UV rated shirts that you can buy little kids to keep them shielded from the sun when they swim. Like this one or this stuff.
3) Use a sunscreen that has been proven to protect from both UVA and UVB rays with a minimum SPF of 30. Check the EWG list for independently tested sunscreens that passed the grade.
4) Re-apply the sunscreen frequently to ensure it hasn’t worn off (at least every 2 hours and after sweating or swimming).
5) Remember that if you are taking antibiotics and some other medications you may be particularly susceptible to sunburns.
Learn more:
http://www.skincancer.org/understanding-uva-and-uvb.html
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/05/21/f-health-sunscreen.html#ixzz0qhBnfJcF
