Skin cancer is one of the most severe types of cancer known to man, and sun is the most common underlying cause of this life-threatening illness. This is why it is better to prevent than to treat, and sunscreen certainly plays a vital role here. Nonetheless, few people are fully aware of its importance, although it can turn out to be a life savior.

Here are 5 interesting facts about sunscreen that you may not know:

1. Sunscreen Ingredients Can Cause Skin Allergies

This is a known fact that you should be fully aware of, especially if you have sensitive skin. Sunscreen contains tens of different ingredients, and some of them can cause severe skin allergies. These ingredients are designed to prolong the effectiveness of the sunscreen: without them, the sunscreen would not be effective for more than just a few hours. However, some people are particularly sensitive to these chemicals, as they can interfere with the body’s hormone system and cause rashes and generalized allergies.

2. Sunscreen Can Reduce Your Body Levels Of Vitamin D

Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it is exposed to sun. By definition, sunscreen is designed to prevent sun from penetrating the skin, thus inhibiting the production of vitamin D. As you may already know, this vitamin is essential for preventing many different types of cancer, as well as for strengthening the bones and the immune system. However, sunscreen does not block the production of vitamin D completely, it only lowers the amount.

3. A High SPF Does Not Necessarily Mean Increased Protection

One of the most common misconceptions nowadays is that if you opt for a sunscreen with high SPF, you are fully protected against the side effects of sun. However, this is not always the case: the SPF itself is not as important as it is to provide complete coverage, which means that the amount of sunscreen you apply is more important. Also, it is important to always reapply the sunscreen when you get out of water or when you dry yourself with the towel.

4. Sunscreen Does Not Protect You From All Kinds Of Sun Damage

The ultraviolet radiation in the sun damages both the skin cells and the DNA, thus speeding up the skin aging process and increasing the risk of developing skin cancer. The sunscreen can reduce the sun damage, but this does not mean that it also prevents sunburn: besides checking the SPF, you must also choose a cream with excellent UVA protection.

5. Understanding Different SPF Ratings

Last, but not least, people need to understand that no sunscreen can offer 100% protection against the effects of UV rays. Otherwise stated, a cream with SPF 50 does not protect you twice as more as a sunscreen with SPF 100. The first one blocks around 98% of the UV rays, while the latter offers a 99% protection. The lower the SPF, the lower the protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are 5 interesting facts you need to know about sunscreen. A good dermatologist in Spring, TX can offer you detailed information on how to apply sunscreen and for how long you can safely expose yourself to the sun.

About Author : Dr. Temitope F. Soares, a Board Certified Dermatologist, welcomes you to Advanced Associates in Dermatology. Dr Soares has many years of experience in treating a variety of skin condition for patients of all ages and is one of the few dermatologists in the Houston Metropolitan and surrounding areas who also sees pediatric patients.
Image Source 1