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The Dangers of Too Much Sun By Ronald D. Weiss, MD, Medical Director, The Doctor is In, 6701 Bergenline Avenue 201-758-9100 www.ilovemydoctor.org
This current piece addresses the dangers of the sun’s rays. As we all know, overexposure to the sun not only causes sunburns and aging of skin, but also heightens the lifetime risk of skincancer. We will now explore the ways one can enjoy the sun safely with adequate protection.
1) What is the difference between Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays? For years UVB rays have been known to cause sunburns and to be a primary cause of skin cancers. Traditional sun blocks have concentrated on deflecting these rays and preventing absorption by the skin. More recently, UVA rays have become a more important consideration, as not only a causative factor in the development of skin cancer, but also in the aging of the skin as well. There is a marketing push by several manufacturers to promote sunscreens to specifically block these UVA rays in addition to the traditional protection against UVB.
2) What are the important active ingredients to look for in effective sunscreens? The best sun block ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium oxide, both of which are inert oxidized metals that are completely opaque. These oxides are good at blocking both UVA and UVB rays and they don’t interact with you and your body. Remember the lifeguards of your youth with the white noses? They were using the cheapest, most effective form of sun block. Today zinc and titanium oxides come in a clear form.
Mexoryl SX and avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789) are newer chemicals that have been developed to specifically block UVA. PABA, a popular sun block ingredient used in the past, had a tendency to cause skin irritation, and is being phased out.
3) What is SPF? SPF means Sun Protection Factor and is a system developed 30 years ago by the FDA to rate the effectiveness of sun blocks. This controversial rating system is now considered outmoded by many experts. In addition, many claims made by manufacturers are thought to be deceptive, including assertions that their products are water and sweat resistant and long lasting. The FDA will soon be presenting a new rating system and guidelines for manufacturers of sun blocks, but for now, any person who has a tendency to burn should use a sun block with an SPF of at least 30.
4) Why do I burn sometimes, despite applying a sun block containing a high SPF of 30-50? The sun block manufacturer designates an SPF rating based on laboratory tests utilizing a 2 oz. portion of the sun block applied to the body. Interestingly, one 8 oz. bottle of sun block usually lasts the average person an entire summer. A person who applies an SPF 30 sun block too sparingly, may end up with an actual SPF which is very low, say 10, or even 3.
5) What is the ideal amount of sunscreen to apply? For sunscreen to be effective, at least a teaspoon should be applied to the face and 2 oz. of sun block, which is equivalent to the contents of a shot glass, should be applied to the body
6) How often should sunscreen be reapplied? Sun block should be reapplied frequently throughout the day and after going into the water or participating actively in sports, regardless of labels that read “all-day protection” or “waterproof.”
7) Can sun exposure cause damage to the eyes? Yes. It is thought that exposure to both UVB and UVA can cause degenerative eye disorders including cataracts and, especially in people with light colored eyes, macular degeneration. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and wrap-around sunglasses that block both UVB and UVA rays offer effective protection.
8) Other than applying sunscreen, is there any other way to protect me from the sun? Yes. Avoid exposure to the sun during the peak hours of 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. Consumers can now benefit from SPF rated clothing especially manufactured to protect wearers from the sun. This type of clothing offers excellent chemical-free protection and companies like Solumbra design their clothing to breathe with netting and vents to be worn while playing tennis or hiking or even swimming.
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