Shedding light on best sunscreen practices

For most people, warmer temperatures and longer days mean more exposure to sunlight. A dermatologist with Baylor College of Medicine reminds people to protect their skin against harmful rays and clarifies some misconceptions about best sunscreen practice.

“May is Melanoma Awareness Month and the beginning of summer for many people, so we want everyone to be safe while they enjoy the beautiful days ahead,” said Dr. Ida Orengo, chair of the Department of Dermatology at Baylor. “Without protection, skin burns, gets more wrinkled and is at a higher chance for skin cancers. UVB rays cause damage to the DNA of your skin cells, which can increase the formation of skin cancers.”

What should I buy?

Orengo recommends buying new sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 at the beginning of spring every year, even though sunscreen usually has expiration dates on them. Parents can begin using sunscreen on their children after six months of age, but keeping babies out of the sun is the best preventative care strategy.  

Sunscreen should be worn all over the body, with extra attention placed on areas where skin is thinnest and less pigmented, such as the lips and eyelids. When putting on makeup, Orengo advises applying sunscreen and letting it dry completely on bare skin before applying makeup.  

Most sunscreens fall into two categories: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the surface of the skin like a shield and deflect the sun’s rays. This type often is preferred by people with sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which absorb sunlight into the chemicals, rather than into the skin. Products that advertise themselves as specifically for the face usually do so because they contain moisturizing bases.

“Be wary of some of the claims some sunscreens advertise on their labels,” said Orengo. “Sunscreens block most types of harmful light, but not all, and some can leave stains on clothes.”

What should I wear?

In addition to daily sunscreen use, there are other strategies people can use to protect their skin. When deciding your outfit for the day, Orengo advises incorporating sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats. Clothes that have ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) also protect against harmful rays, and products can be added to laundry detergent that impart sun protection factor on regular clothes.

“These additives can give your clothing a UPF of about 30 and in combination with clothes that are made of tightly woven material, can provide great protection,” Orengo said.

What should I do?

As a part of Melanoma Awareness Month, Orengo emphasizes the importance of regular skin self-exams. To perform a self-exam, stand in front of a full-length mirror and examine the front and back of the body, then the right and left sides with arms raised. Next, look carefully at the forearms, underarms and palms. After, use a hand mirror to examine the back of the neck and scalp. Examine the back and buttocks, and finally examine the back of the legs, feet, soles of the feet and spaces between the toes.

When performing this exam, Orengo says these are the issues to be concerned about:  

• Asymmetrical spots, where one half of the spot is unlike the other
• Irregular borders, where there is a poorly defined border on the spot
• Various colors, where the spot has multiple shades in one area, such as different browns or even red, white or blue
• Diameter greater than six millimeters
• Evolved shape, where the spot has changed in appearance from the last time you looked at it

“If you notice a spot that is changing shape, color or size, or is bleeding or itching, make an appointment to see your dermatologist,” said Orengo. “I also advise visiting the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s website for more resources on how to protect yourself from harmful sunlight.”