Introduction
Skin-free from blemishes and tans is among the many top-notch dreams of anyone, particularly women. So, dermatologists get many queries about how this could be possible. They often advise including a good sunscreen as a part of the skincare routine to minimize the effects of the sun on the skin. This, though not wholly, plays a role in preventing or reducing the risk of skin cancer. This article unveils the link between sunscreen and skin cancer.
What Is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen provides a barrier between the skin and the rays of the sun. It protects the skin from the sun's harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against the sun’s ultraviolet A and B rays. It is mandatory to use sunscreen when spending long hours in the sun (with reapplication every three to four hours) and unavoidable short visits to the car and stores daily. In short, sunscreen should be a part of one’s regular skincare routine during the day.
The ability of sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays is termed the sun protection factor (SPF). The higher the SPF value of the sunscreen, the better coverage and protection it provides. The sun's ultraviolet rays damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer. Hence, using sunscreen with good SPF indirectly helps to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Five Benefits of Using a Sunscreen
The main benefit of sunscreen is its protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
The other benefits of sunscreen include:
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Protection From Sunburns: When the skin is exposed to solid rays of the sun, it can result in redness, pain, and peeling off of the skin. This is termed sunburn. A sunscreen acts as a protective shield and absorbs the sun’s rays, protecting the skin from harm.
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Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer: Excessive exposure to the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen reduces the risk.
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Prevents Signs of Premature Aging: The signs of premature aging, like wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, are due to sun damage. Sunscreen shields the skin from all these ill effects and gives it a youthful appearance.
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Reduces Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation is a condition where one part of the skin gets darker than the rest. It is another negative effect of excessive sun exposure. The sunscreen forms a barrier and prevents direct sun exposure, reducing hyperpigmentation.
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Improves the Skin's Texture: Most sunscreens contain other elements that make the skin look youthful and moisturized. In addition, the sunscreen prevents damage to the skin cells caused by the sun and makes it appear more lively.
How to Use Sunscreen Correctly?
Before applying sunscreen, it is important to check the label for its expiration date. An expired sunscreen can cause more harm than good! Care must be taken to store the sunscreen at room temperature to prevent the ingredients from separating, thereby losing its effectiveness.
Generally, a ‘two-finger rule’ is followed when applying sunscreen to the face. Take the sunscreen on the whole index and middle fingers and apply it to the face. All body areas, like the hands, legs, and neck, must also be included in the application. Sunscreen must be worn at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun. On a typical day, it must be reapplied every two hours; on a scorching and humid day, it must be worn as it sweats out or at least every 45 minutes. It is advisable to use a water-resistant sunscreen. However, it must be taken care of and reapplied as worn out.
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UV Index: In addition, the UV index of a place helps one know how strong the sun's UV rays are. In areas where the UV index is higher, it takes less time for the skin cells to be damaged; hence, sunscreen must be reapplied frequently. Use enough sunscreen in places with a UV index of 3 or more. This also reduces the risk of skin cancer.
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The Shadow Rule: It might be generally impossible to check the UV index of every place one travels daily. Hence, the shadow rule becomes useful. It is simple and can be applied in any part of the world. According to the shadow rule, the sun’s rays will be the strongest while a person’s shadow appears to be shorter than them. This usually occurs between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm, when the sun is the strongest.
How Does Sunscreen Work?
When UV rays reach the skin, they disrupt the normal growth and function of the cells. In addition, they break down the collagen and elastin in the skin, resulting in signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles.
Depending on the ingredients of the sunscreen, it works in two different ways. Chemical sunscreens, which contain chemical ingredients like homosalate, oxybenzone, and avobenzone, adhere to the top layers of the skin and absorb UV rays before they cause skin damage. Mineral sunscreens, or physical sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, form a physical barrier between the two and reflect UV rays from the skin.
Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?
Sunscreens are made to prevent damage to the skin from the sun. They act as a barrier, blocking the sun’s rays from reaching the skin cells. A broad-spectrum sunscreen helps to protect the skin from a broader range of sun rays. Research supports the fact that sunscreen reduces the risk of skin cancer. It has been shown to prevent cell damage, which can be a cause of skin cancer. Research reveals a lesser risk of skin cancer in people who use sunscreens than those who do not. Another study revealed lesser development of actinic keratoses (a precursor of skin cancer) in those who use sunscreens regularly.
Conclusion
According to many studies, sunscreen regularly helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, this does not ensure long hours in the strong sun and not developing skin cancer. In addition, it is essential to do a patch test to check if any of the ingredients can be a cause of any allergic reactions. It is best to avoid sun exposure as much as possible to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
