Ask the Pharmacist – Sunscreens

Q. In last week’s Ask the Pharmacist column you discussed the importance of applying sunscreen even on cloudy days.  I keep hearing how bad the sunscreens are for our body on social media and I am reluctant to use them.  What can you tell me about this?

A.  Recently, social media influencers have gained significant traction, impacting various aspects of our daily lives, including health and wellness. A concerning trend has emerged where some influencers debunk sunscreens claiming that the chemicals they contain are more harmful than the sun itself. Here are a few of the messages that have been heard from some social influencers about sunscreen; 

“The more time you spend outside, the less likely you are to get sunburned”  
“The sun does not cause skin cancer”  
“These (sunscreens) are more dangerous than you burning” 
“Sunscreens that are on the market today are mostly toxic and we know that they can actually cause cancer”  

It is crucial to address these misconceptions and emphasize the importance of sunscreen in protecting our skin.  But before we do that, if you are thinking that these social media influencers raise good points, ask yourself what credentials they have and where they are getting this information.  Are they able to offer a true, expert opinion based on research?  Anybody can state what they wish on any media platform, but that doesn’t make it true.   

The sunscreens that are available have been widely tested for quality and safety by experts in the field in both Canada and the United States and have spent years earning the degree that allows them to state such facts.   

Now, let’s remind ourselves what the sun is capable of.  Though the sun is essential for our ability to survive, it also emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can be detrimental to our skin. There are two main types of UV radiation that reach the earth’s surface: UVA and UVB. Both can cause skin damage, but they affect the skin in different ways. 

UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deep into the skin, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and long-term damage to the DNA in our skin cells. Let’s let that sink in.  These UV rays can have long-term damage to our DNA!  DNA represents the coding of our genetic information.  These UVA rays are present throughout the year and can even penetrate through windows and clouds.  Therefore, it is a good practice to get into the habit of wearing sunscreen each and every day, all year round.  

UVB Rays: These rays are responsible for sunburns and play a significant role in developing skin cancer. UVB rays are more intense during the summer months and at higher altitudes. 

Excessive exposure to UV radiation is a primary cause of skin damage and significantly increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. In fact, about 65% of melanoma cases, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are caused by UV radiation.  Even one blistering burn as a child or young adult doubles your risk of melanoma.  Here are some alarming statistics: 

  • Skin Cancer is on the Rise: The incidence of skin cancer has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. In Canada, it is estimated that one in six Canadians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. 
  • Aging and Skin Damage: Chronic sun exposure accelerates the skin’s aging process, leading to wrinkles, leathery texture, and dark spots. This condition, known as photoaging, can make individuals appear older than their actual age. 

Sunscreen will NOT cause premature aging of your skin or cause skin damage.  However, it has been shown that sunscreen will protect your skin from these harmful effects of the sun.  Contrary to the claims made by some influencers, sunscreens have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by health authorities such as Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  These organizations ensure that sunscreens are safe and effective for public use and they all consistently agree that there is NO PROOF that sunscreens are harmful, even after many years of widespread use.   

How to choose what sunscreen to use?  Well, first look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection meaning they guard against both UVA and UVB rays. This comprehensive protection is crucial for preventing skin damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer. 

Sunscreens are classified as either chemical or physical sunscreens. 

Chemical sunscreens get absorbed into the skin and work by converting the UV rays into heat thereby protecting the skin from the harmful UV rays.  Examples of ingredients in chemical sunscreens are avobenzone, oxybenzone, octisalate and homosalate.   

Physical sunscreens work by creating a physical barrier on the skin and reflect the harmful UV rays away from the skin.  These physical sunscreens have also been called mineral sunscreens since their main ingredients consist of minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.  

Since the physical sunscreens do not get absorbed into the skin like the chemical sunscreens, people with sensitive skin or those with acne may opt for this type.  Physical sunscreens have also been deemed safe and gentle enough to use on children.  The downside is finding a physical sunblock that won’t leave you looking like Casper the friendly ghost.   

Regardless of which type of sunscreen you wish to use, be sure to choose a product of an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously (2-3 tablespoonsful or 30-45ml) to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.  In addition to sunscreen, wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to minimize direct exposure.  Another myth that has been floating around is that natural oils provide sufficient sun protection.  While some natural oils may offer minimal SPF, they do not provide adequate protection against the full spectrum of UV radiation. Relying solely on natural oils can leave the skin vulnerable to damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. 

Any previous unprotected sun exposure may result in skin damage decades later.  Be proactive and perform self-examinations of your skin regularly to detect any changes or abnormalities. Early detection is key to successful treatment of skin cancers.   

Not many of us would choose to look older than we are (unless you are a teenager!).  There are so many products on the market to help reduce wrinkles and age spots and help us retain that youthful glow.  Many of these markets prove to be ineffective yet we continue to try yet another fad that comes our way.  The only thing that is for sure for these products is they put a big dent in our wallets.  The best remedy for youthful looking skin is to apply sunscreen daily, stay hydrated, avoid smoking/smokers and eat a well-balanced diet.   

For more information on this or any other topic, contact  your pharmacist.