Most patients are aware that sunscreens are designed to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. Beyond sunburns, solar energy can also harm the skin in many ways that go unseen at first. Over time, the skin may begin to reveal these effects, including uneven skin pigmentation, photoaging, fine lines, wrinkles, and a higher chance of developing skin cancer. In fact, UV ray exposure is responsible for up to 90 percent of the skin changes associated with aging. Understanding how sunscreen works and what it can do for your health is a very important issue.
The Serious Risk of Skin Cancer
Even one serious sunburnincreasesthe risk of skin cancer. A surprising 90 percent of non-melanoma-related skin cancer and 65 percent of melanoma skin cancer cases have been connected to the patient’s UV exposure. With these statistics in mind, the prevention of sun damage should be a top concern. Men and women with darker skin types have a lower occurrence of skin cancer,yet this doesn’t mean they should forgo sun protection. In fact, UV exposure can still significantly increase their risks. The simplest and most effective way to protect your skin from an increased risk of cancer and other damage is to consistently apply the proper sunscreen.
The Two Types of Sunscreen
The sunscreen products you’ll find on the shelf today can be divided into two broad classifications: physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.
While the two categories do work differently, they aim to achieve the same goal: keeping solar energy away from the skin.
Physical sunscreens do this by blocking solar energy, preventing it from striking the skin. Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are effective physical sunscreens that serve as barriers between the sun’s rays and the skin. They are completely inert, meaning that they will not react to solar energy nor interact with the skin itself. These sunscreens were once pasty and white when applied in their usual form, but new technology has been able to formulate effective sunscreens using titanium and zinc nanoparticles that apply more clearly on the skin and are still safe to use.
The second classification is chemical sunscreen, which works by absorbing the solar energy and transforming it into a chemical reaction. The solar energy never encounters the skin because chemical sunscreens interrupt the process. Once the energy has been absorbed, chemical sunscreens will either chemically transform the molecule andconvert it back into a sunscreen molecule, or they will create a toxic byproduct that is actually carcinogenic. This second type of reaction has been much debated because of its potential of doing more harm to the skin and increasing the cancer risk. Beyond the method of chemical reaction that is used, chemical sunscreens are hotly debated for an additional issue: the potential for a sensitive skin reaction to the formula. Many patients who have sensitive skin may have adverse allergic reactions to the wrong chemical sunscreen, so these should always be used with caution and with the guidance of a skincare professional.
Protecting Against UVA and UVB Rays
Prevention is always easier than reversing the signs of aging, so it’s best to use a broad spectrum sunscreen that will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. There are several differences between these two types of rays, especially how they affect the skin.
UVA rays have a higher wavelength so they can penetrate the skin more deeply, carrying more damaging energy with them farther into the skin. UVB rays have a much more shallow range, penetrating only slightly into the dermis. To put it simply, UVA rays will age your skin and UVB rays will burn the skin. While they are different, both UVA and UVB rays can contribute to your risk of skin cancer, so it’s important to protect yourself against them.
Broad spectrum coverage means that the skin is protected against both types of damaging rays. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher to effectively protect against UVA damage. These sunscreens are now often labeled broad spectrum. UVB protection can be measured more precisely by the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The different numbers SPF 15, 30 and so on are a measurement of time that your skin will be protected. SPF 30 is not twice as powerful as SPF 15, it just allows a longer period of coverage for the skin.
Learn More About the Right Sun Protection for Your Skin
Visit Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery to consult with founder Dr. Mark M. Hamilton or their licensed Aestheticiansto learn more about sunscreen and treatments that can reverse your existing sun damage. Meeting with a plastic surgeon or licensed skincare professional is the best way to learn more about any treatments you are considering for your unique skin concerns.
Dr. Hamilton is a double board certified plastic surgeon, specializing in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Hamilton is the author of multiple articles in his area of expertise and has lectured on all aspects of facial plastic surgery.His Indianapolis-based clinic offers both nonsurgical procedures, like injectables, as well as the top-requested facial surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty, brow lifts, and facelifts, among others. Contact Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery, located at 533 E. County Line Road, Suite 104, in Indianapolis, IN, by calling (317) 859-3810 to schedule your first consultation.