Sunscreen 101: What You Need to Know

Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend. If used correctly, it can help protect from sunburn and reduce the signs of ageing.

WHY is sunscreen important?

Sunscreen is one of the most important tools in the prevention of skin cancer, as it filters UVA/UVB rays and prevents them from penetrating the skin. Regular use can help reduce risk of skin cancer and early skin ageing caused by the sun, but you must use a sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher, and take other sun protection measures such as limit time in the sun and wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.

WHO should use sunscreen?

Everyone under the sun should be using sunscreen. For babies less than 6 months old, check with your doctor first. Seniors over 60 and some individuals taking over-the-counter or prescription drugs may find their skin has become even more sensitive to the sun, so it is best to consult a doctor and use sunscreen to protect the skin.

WHICH sunscreen do I choose?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures the ability of the sunscreen to screen or block out the sun’s UV radiation. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Look for the words ‘broad spectrum’ and ‘water-resistant’ (if going into water) on the label.

YES!

It is a misconception that darker skin tones do not need sunscreen. People of colour have a higher ratio of melanin in their skin. “Melanin is thought to be about an SPF of 4, so it is not enough to protect you from the sun,” says UNC Health dermatologist Priyanka Vedak, MD.

It may sometimes be difficult to detect signs of damage on darker skin tones, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. According to research, people of colour are at risk of getting sunburned, having pigment changes, and even developing skin cancer.

In fact, people with darker skin are 3x more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage melanoma due to lack of awareness**. Over 80,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in Canada each year. More than 5,000 of these are melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

No matter what the colour of your skin, all skin needs daily broad-spectrum sun protection.