Summer is upon us.
With travel back open for the majority of the United States, you might be planning a much-needed beach vacation to ease the stress of the last year. Even if you’re staying put, you need to listen to what I’m talking about today:
Suncare.
That’s right. As an endurance runner, I’m frequently pitted against the elements. It’s not the wind, rain, or snow that pose the greatest threat to my health: it’s the sun.
What the Sun Does to Your Skin
While limited sun exposure is beneficial (providing alleviation from depression and giving us a heaping dose of much-needed vitamin D), too much is demonstratively harmful to not just the outer surface of our skin, but to our whole health.
Exposure to the sun can:
Create wrinkles, spots, and premature aging
Thicken the skin
Thin the skin
Damage and kill skin cells
Cause skin cancer
Cause painful sunburn
The sun produces two types of ultraviolet (UV) light that penetrate the skin. We must use suncare products (most commonly, sunscreen) that protects against them both. Remember, UV rays are a type of radiation!
UVA Rays
UVB rays are generally considered the more dangerous of the two kinds of ultraviolet light, though both contribute to the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays travel father and penetrate the skin more deeply. They are responsible for deep skin damage that results in wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. There are about 500 times more UVA rays than UVB rays in sunlight, but it is often overlooked because the damage takes longer to appear.
UVB Rays
UVB rays are the most directly tied to the risk of cancer. These are shorter rays that are responsible for that pesky sunburn! Our bodies protect our skin from UVB rays through the production of melanin. A naturally dark skin tone denotes high levels of melanin while a lighter skin tone has less. We tan in the sun because our bodies recognize greater levels of sun exposure and produce more melanin to protect the skin.
Those with less melanin (lighter skin tones) are particularly susceptible to sun damage and must take extra care to protect themselves from UVA and UVB rays.
It’s not just about protecting yourself from the long-term consequences of UV exposure. Although UV rays can damage our very DNA (triggering abnormal cell development and cancerous growths), the power of a bad sunburn cannot be underestimated.
Too much sun exposure can cause not only first-degree burns (redness, irritation) but second-degree burns, too. These can result in painful blisters and damage beyond the skin’s surface.
Wear Sunscreen the Right Way
There are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Regardless of the two, you always want to buy sunscreen that specifically says UVA+UVB protection or “broad spectrum” and in an SPF of at least 30.
The reapplication of sunscreen is key, as effectiveness wears off over time.
Mineral Versus Chemical Sunscreen
Mineral — Mineral sunscreens contain two active ingredients derived from (you guessed it) natural minerals: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into it. They work immediately by reflecting UVA/UVB rays.
In general, mineral sunscreens are considered safer than chemical sunscreens.
Chemical — Chemical sunscreens have been a point of contention for the past several years. More recently, several suncare products were revealed to contain benzene. Benzene is an industrial chemical and known carcinogen. ( You can check to see which products were found to contain benzene here. )
In addition, the FDA has raised concerns about common chemicals in sunscreen sold in the U.S., including:
avobenzone
oxybenzone
octocrylene
homosalate
octisalate
octinoxate
ensulisole
Additionally, chemical sunscreens absorb rather than reflect UVA/UVB rays. Their effectiveness degrades over time and they take at least 20 minutes after application to become effective.
A Final Word on Suncare
Suncare is important year-round, not just in the summer. Be cognizant of how much time you spend outdoors, exposed to the sun’s rays. Yard work, exercise, and everyday out-and-about activities expose the skin to UV rays. Remember to apply sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing (including hats, moisture-wicking, full coverage clothes, and sunglasses.)
What are your best suncare strategies? Let me know in the comments.