Summer's Nearing Its End. Here's Why Sunscreen Still Matters.
Peter Graham, M.D.
| 3 min read
Peter T. Graham, M.D., is the clinical director for ...
Key Takeaways
- The sun’s ultraviolet rays remain strong in late summer, meaning the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer is still present.
- The cancer prevention and sun damage protection benefits of sunscreen far outweigh any cancer-causing risks.
- Sunscreen does not prevent the absorption of vitamin D. Even sunscreen with the highest SPF level doesn’t block out 100% of ultraviolet B radiation, which is enough for vitamin D to get in.
- The lycopene in natural products like watermelon juice or coconut oil can reduce redness, but it does not act as a topical barrier against UV rays.
It’s late summer, the sun rises later and sets earlier, and the sun’s rays aren’t as strong as they are in the thick of the summer months, right? Wrong!
The reality is, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays remain strong in late summer and early fall, so the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer is still present.
Those end-of-summer days are prime time for accidental sunburns, particularly because people make the mistake of discounting the need for sunscreen and sun protection.
Recently, some misinformation has been circulating on social media related to sunscreen and ways to stay protected from the sun. It’s time to bust some myths.
Myth no. 1: Sunscreen is not necessary, especially with a base tan.
While a suntan may add to your summer aesthetic, the fact is that a suntan – or sunburn – is the body’s response to UV rays. It means UV exposure has already occurred. A base tan has a sun protection factor (SPF) of about 3, which is not effective against sun damage and does not prevent risks from future exposure.
The same goes for individuals with darker skin tones. Darker skin may take longer to burn, but it can still experience sun damage. People of all skin tones should use sunscreen.
Myth no. 2: Sunscreen prevents absorption of Vitamin D.
Several studies have found that the body can still absorb vitamin D even when sunscreen is liberally applied. While sunscreen is designed to block UVB rays from damaging the skin, and UVB rays are what trigger vitamin D production, some people have assumed that wearing sunscreen will block the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D.
However, even sunscreen with the highest SPF level doesn’t block out 100% of the UVB radiation. And studies have shown that’s enough for vitamin D to get in.
Myth no. 3: Natural products like watermelon juice or coconut oil are just as good as sunscreen.
Viral social media videos have suggested that drinking watermelon juice protects against the sun because of the lycopene content in the juice. But this is a critical misunderstanding of how lycopene works.
The lycopene in foods can help to reduce redness or swelling, but it does not act as a topical barrier against UV rays.
Similarly, pure coconut oil has an SPF of less than 7, which is roughly 20% effective at blocking UV rays. One study tested a series of plant oils and found that none of them sufficiently blocked UV rays.
Myth no. 4: Sunscreen causes cancer
Years ago, some sunscreens were recalled because they contained small amounts of benzene, a carcinogen. It was a byproduct of manufacturing, and the FDA issued new guidelines to prevent benzene contamination.
There is a much bigger risk of cancer when sunscreen is not used. The cancer prevention and sun damage protection benefits of sunscreen far outweigh any risks.
What are the most effective ways to use sunscreen?
It’s helpful to understand the truth about sun exposure and its risks. It’s also important that individuals know how to protect themselves from the sun. Here are some helpful tips from the American Academy of Dermatology:
- Use a sunscreen that has a minimum of 30 SPF. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is one that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin.
- Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or being in the water.
- Wear a hat, and sunglasses with UV protection lenses.
- If outside for a long time, take breaks and find a shady spot or go indoors.
Peter Graham is the clinical director for the Blue Care Network. For more health tips and information, visit MIBlueDaily.com.
Photo credit: Getty Images
