STAY FRIENDLY WITH THE SUN: ALL ABOUT SUN PROTECTION

Author

Sevval Gulsah Tekinalp

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University

"Sunscreens, our shield against the harmful effects of the sun, are ready to be our skin's best friend."

GÜNEŞLE DOST KALIN: GÜNEŞ KORUYUCULAR HAKKINDA HER ŞEY

The importance of sunscreens

Skin, which has a defensive and regulatory role, is the largest organ of the human body. Its general structure consists of three main layers called epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The stratum corneum, the top layer of the epidermis, is especially involved in the skin barrier function. It ensures skin homeostasis by protecting the body against numerous external factors such as chemical, environmental and physical stress, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

UV rays, especially UVA and UVB, can damage skin cells, leading to DNA damage. Sunscreen products are used to reduce the risk of skin cancer, prevent premature aging and minimize sunburns. These products protect the skin from the harmful effects of radiation by providing protection against UVA and UVB rays.

The benefits of sunscreens can be summarized as follows:

• Protects the skin against harmful sun rays.

• The high radiation risk of UVA rays and the damage of UVB rays to the DNA structure containing genetics may trigger skin cancer. By preventing this situation, it minimizes the risk of skin cancer.

• Prevents the formation of wrinkles and fine lines with regular use.

• It prevents the formation of skin spots by controlling the release of melanin color pigments.

• Prevents sunburns and reduces peeling problems.

• It ensures that the balance of collagen and hyaluronic acid is maintained without damage. Thus, it preserves the elasticity of the skin.

• The sun dries the skin and causes water loss. Thanks to creams, the skin barrier is strengthened and moisture balance is achieved.

Sunscreen types

Sunscreens are divided into three main categories: chemical, physical, and hybrid:

• Chemical protectors: Molecules that reflect UVA/UVB rays are absorbed under the skin and provide their function. Common chemical filters include avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Since it acts under the skin, it should be applied to the skin at least 20-30 minutes beforehand. These types of protectors usually have a lighter texture and are easily absorbed thanks to their homogeneous structure

• Physical (Mineral) protectors: Reflect or scatter UVA/UVB rays by creating a barrier on the skin surface. They usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Physical protectants can often leave a thicker, whiter residue, but they are less likely to cause skin irritation and provide broad-spectrum protection. For full protection, it is recommended to renew it for a short time. Since it does not penetrate under the skin, it does not cause clogging in pores. It can be recommended for practical protection if you are going to go out into the sun quickly.

• Hybrid preservatives: They contain substances that have physical as well as chemical protective properties.

What is SPF (sun protection factor)?

SPF determines the level of protection sunscreens provide against UVB rays. This factor can have a protective effect numerically between 15-50. Sunscreen with 30 SPF, 50 SPF factor is the most preferred protection. SPF 30 means your skin can stay in the sun 30 times longer without burning. The higher the number SPF value, the higher the protection of the product. However, the SPF value only indicates UVB protection. For UVA protection, care should be taken to ensure that the product is labeled as “broad spectrum”.

• SPF 15: Provides 93% UVB protection.

• SPF 30: Provides 97% UVB protection.

• SPF 50: Provides 98% UVB protection.

Harmful effects of not using sunscreen

It results in the skin losing its bright, luminous, lively and healthy appearance. It can cause serious diseases such as eczema, vitiligo, rash, skin sensitivity, wrinkles, edema, inflammation and skin cancer.

What ingredients should not be included in sunscreens?

The amounts of chemicals in the formulation are critical to ensure that they do not harm the skin. The dosages of chemical substances such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate are important. The usage rate has been determined by the Food and Drug Administration as (0.5 ng/mL).

How should sunscreens be applied?

A sunscreen with at least 30 SPF should be applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to form a thin film and reapplied every two hours or after swimming/sweating. Care should be taken to apply sunscreen to often neglected areas such as the face, neck, ears, hands and feet. Different types of creams can be used for face and body. In this case, considering facial sensitivity, the product with a higher number of factors may be preferred.Regular cleansing and moisturizing is essential for your skin to stay healthy. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle that focuses on our overall health, such as eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and exercising regularly, also affects skin health.

Critical factors in choosing sunscreen

• Radiation exposure depending on season

• SPF degree

• Skin Tone

• Age

• Gender

• Person's skin type and skin problems

• Having certain diseases

Choosing suitable sunscreen for your skin type

Sunscreens do not only protect the skin from harmful UV rays, but also help maintain a healthy and youthful appearance by preventing sunspots. It is important for each individual to choose products appropriate to their skin type and needs.

• Oily and acne-prone skin: Oil-free and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) products and refreshing sprays should be preferred. Gel or water-based formulas are usually a good option.

• Dry skin: Moisturizing sunscreens should be used. These creams generally have a creamy and dense texture.

• Sensitive skin: Perfume-free and hypoallergenic products should be chosen. Products containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are suitable for sensitive skin.

Choosing sunscreen for children

Since children's skin is more sensitive than adults, the sunscreens they will use should contain physical protectants and have a high SPF value. Products specially formulated for children often contain gentler, non-irritating ingredients. Babies should not be exposed to direct sunlight if possible.

Other sunscreen products

Sun sprays: They can be applied quickly and easily, but care should be taken when using them on the face. Application may be difficult in windy weather.

Sun lotions: They spread easily on the skin and have moisturizing properties. It has different formulas suitable for various skin types.

Sun sticks: Ideal for application to small areas, especially useful for the face, lips and ears. It is easy to carry and provides intense protection in sensitive areas.

Frequently asked questions about sunscreens

• Should sunscreens be used throughout the year?

Yes, UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days. The use of sunscreen is recommended even in winter months and indoors.

• How long does a sunscreen last?

Generally, sunscreens last 2-3 years, but pay attention to the expiration date. Expired products may lose their effectiveness.

• Can sunscreen be used under make-up?

Yes, sunscreens can be used as a make-up base. Applying sunscreen before makeup protects the skin and can help makeup look smoother.

• Who should use sunscreen?

Sunscreen is not recommended for children under six months of age. For babies and children over six months of age, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher, appropriate to the skin pH, should be applied to all exposed skin. It is important to use sunscreen at all ages.

Additional precautions to be taken for sun protection

Although sunscreen is recommended for protection from the sun, no sunscreen provides complete protection against UV radiation.

• Shade: Care should be taken to stay in the shade during the hours when the sun is most intense (10:00-16:00). Shade reduces direct contact with UV rays.

• Protective Clothing: Dermatologists' recommendation; Wearing hats, sunglasses and long sleeves. These clothes create a physical barrier.

• UV Protective Clothing: Specially designed UV protected clothing may be preferred. These garments are specially woven to block UV rays and usually have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) label.

Commonly known mistakes

• You do not need to apply sunscreen in cloudy weather, in winter or in the snow.

Your skin is exposed to UV rays in cloudy weather, on rainy days, even in winter months, and over time, signs of photoaging begin to appear. Therefore, sunscreen should be used every day, not just during summer and sunny days. According to the information provided by experts, as snowflakes reflect sunlight, the amount of UV increases exponentially. Due to reflection, sunburn can also occur in areas such as under the chin, upper lip and neck, which are normally protected from direct light. In the following years, the person may be prone to skin cancer.

• People with darker skin or those without sunburn do not need to use sunscreen.

All skin types should benefit from sunscreen. Darker skin is less likely to burn and may need less UVB protection, but darker skin is still susceptible to damage from UVA radiation. The SPF value of the sunscreen must be at least 30 and the UVA protection factor (UVA-PF) ratio must be less than 1.5. Contrary to popular belief, dark-skinned people who secrete a lot of color pigment need to use sunscreen more to prevent sunspots.

• It is sufficient to apply sunscreen in small amounts once a day.

If sunscreens are not used in sufficient quantities and at the correct intervals, their effectiveness is greatly reduced.

• Light colored clothes are better for sun protection.

Colors such as black, navy blue, red or dark green are better for UV protection compared to white and pastel colors. When you go on vacation, dark colored clothes should be purchased.

• Using sunscreen increases excessive sun exposure and increases the risk of skin cancer.

Many experts consider this claim to be unfounded. According to research, it has not been proven that there is a link between using sunscreen and an increased risk of skin cancer. On the other hand, research shows that using sunscreen may reduce the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

• The brand of the product is more important than how the sunscreen is used.

The brand of the product is less important than how you use it. In general, sunscreens that are waterproof, broad spectrum and have a sun protection factor of at least 15 should be preferred. In addition, the instructions on the sunscreen label should be followed.

• Sunscreen prevents vitamin D absorption.

It may be, but there is insufficient evidence that sunscreen limits vitamin D absorption and synthesis. Most people need two to eight minutes of unprotected sun exposure to maximize vitamin D3 synthesis. In addition, adequate levels of vitamin D can be obtained from foods and beverages such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna), egg yolks and vitamin D fortified foods.

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