Sunscreen is your primary defence against the sun's harmful UV rays, the culprits behind premature aging and skin health risks. To avoid inadequate skin protection, it's crucial to understand the importance of getting into a daily sunscreen habit.
Understanding UV radiation: UVB and UVA
The primary reason for wearing sunscreen daily is to shield your skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Two types of UV radiation reach earth, and both pose risks to our skin, even on cloudy days.
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UVB radiation: This shorter-wavelength radiation is what causes our skin to burn. UVB intensity fluctuates with the sun's position, peaking from late morning to mid-afternoon. These are the rays we typically associate with sunny days and the need for sunscreen.
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UVA radiation: With a longer wavelength, UVA radiation penetrates the skin more deeply. It's a leading cause of premature skin ageing and can contribute to skin cancer by causing cellular damage over time. The body's natural response to this damage is tanning, a sign that your skin is trying to protect itself.
Scientific research has shown a clear link between prolonged sun exposure and an increased risk of melanoma. UV radiation can mutate DNA, which in turn can lead to skin cancer. Protecting your skin from these harmful rays is vital for reducing the risk of longer term health issues.
Unprotected skin can also lead to premature ageing, with signs like wrinkles, pigmentation and dryness becoming prominent - this is known as photo-oxidative damage. It's important to note that UVA radiation is present throughout the year during daylight hours, not just when the sun is at its hottest. UVA also passes through clouds, rain and glass. This means that even on overcast days, or if you're standing near a window, your skin is still exposed to UVA radiation.
How to protect yourself from UVA damage
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Check the UV index: always apply sunscreen when the UV index is 3 or higher. In the UK, you can use the Met Office's UV index forecast to determine the UV strength at any given time.
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Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen: choose a sunscreen that offers protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
Why broad-spectrum protection matters
When selecting sunscreen, many people primarily look at the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating. SPF indicates the level of UVB protection, specifically how long it takes for your skin to burn compared to not wearing sunscreen. However, UVA protection is equally important, and that's what a broad-spectrum sunscreen provides.
Decoding sunscreen labels
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SPF explained: an SPF30 sunscreen protects your skin from approximately 97% of UVB rays, while SPF50 offers about 98% protection. The SPF number also relates to the time it takes for your skin to burn. If your unprotected skin burns in 10 minutes, SPF30 could theoretically protect you for up to 300 minutes (10 minutes x 30).
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European sunscreen regulations: in Europe, sunscreens are required to be labelled as either SPF 15, 30, 50 or 50+. They can't be anything above or in-between. Products that are not manufactured in Europe often carry higher SPF ratings, like SPF40 or SPF100+.
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Protection levels: in Europe, sunscreens are classified based on low, medium and high protection. SPF 15-25 is medium, SFP 30-50 is high, and 50+ is very high.
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UVA protection: PF-UVA (Ultraviolet A Protection Factor) is not always explicitly stated on labels, and there isn't a universal standard for measuring it. However, in Europe, sunscreens must contain at least one-third PF-UVA of the stated SPF. So, an SPF30 sunscreen should have a PF-UVA of at least 10.
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Broad-spectrum circle: for European sunscreens, look for "UVB + UVA" with the UVA circled on the packaging. This gives assurance that the product is broad-spectrum, protecting you from both UVB and UVA rays.
In summary
Daily sunscreen use is a vital part of protecting your skin from premature aging and long-term health risks. By choosing a broad-spectrum, high protection sunscreen and making it a part of your daily routine, you can ensure your skin stays healthy and protected.
