Sunscreen Use Strongly Recommended All Year, but Especially During Summer

SPRINGFIELD — There are certain medical fallacies that tend to garner attention every few years, and one that is again rearing its head is the notion that sunscreens cause more harm than good, said Dr. Andrew Koslow, associate medical director of AFC for Massachusetts, who shared important information to set people’s minds at ease.

“There have not been any studies that link the use of sunscreen with an increased risk of skin cancer,” Koslow said. “Concerns have been raised about specific ingredients, such as oxybenzone; however, there is no conclusive evidence that it is harmful to humans. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to evaluate sunscreen products to ensure that they are safe and effective.”

What has been proven to be harmful to humans, however, is sun exposure, which causes sunburn, skin aging and discoloration, eye damage, and skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., which is why physicians and medical experts recommend the use of sunscreen year-round.

“Sunscreen is not just for the beach; you can get a sunburn on a cloudy, overcast day — even in the middle of winter — because the UV rays can penetrate cloud cover,” Koslow explained. “You should apply sunscreen if you plan to be outside at all. Be sure to include your ears and feet, which are common places people often forget.”

Sunburns can develop in about 15 minutes on unprotected, exposed skin. Koslow advises:

• Limiting time in the sun, especially between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.;

• Applying sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 20 minutes in advance of sun exposure;

• Reapplying sunblock every two hours, more often if perspiring heavily or getting wet;

• Wearing a hat or otherwise providing shade to better protect the scalp, ears, and face;

• Using sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays; and

• Limiting the amount of skin exposed to the sun or wearing clothing that offers UV protection.

Regarding concerns that sunscreen use increases the risk of developing a vitamin-D deficiency, Koslow noted that there are other, healthier ways to get this essential vitamin.

“There are a variety of foods that are rich in vitamin D, including milk and other dairy and non-dairy milk products; some types of fish, like salmon, sardines, and tuna; mushrooms; egg yolks; and foods fortified with vitamin D,” he said. “You can also take a supplement of 800 IU of vitamin D3 daily.”