Sun damage is probably the most talked about issue associated with skin care globally today. Be it preventive sun protection or preventing a sunburn at a vacation, protecting oneself from UV radiation has become a norm.
The sun emits UV radiation in the form of UVA, UVB and UVC radiation of which essentially UVA reaches the earth’s surface in majority, followed by UVB and the UVC is largely blocked out by the ozone layer.
UV radiation is responsible for sunburns, tanning, damage in the form of aging changes (wrinkles, furrows, sun spots etc.) and more importantly changes to the DNA leading to increased chances or risk of developing skin cancer and aggravation to photodermatosis.
When does the UV damage begin in childhood?
Findings suggest that UVR-induced skin changes and associated photodamage may begin as early as the first summer of life - before infant skin has accommodated to the environment and before natural photoprotection is fully developed.
What should we do ?
Basic measures:
- Photoprotection – wide brimmed hat
- Full sleeves clothing if possible
- Seek shade
- Sunglasses
- Broad spectrum sunscreen
When to start sunscreen use?
There is enough evidence which suggests that sunburn in childhood plays a crucial role in the occurrence of skin cancers later in life.
The importance of starting the regular use of sunscreen in childhood and teenage period with an effective SPF of at least 7.5 for the first 18 years of life could reduce the lifetime incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers by 78%.
What’s a broad-spectrum sunscreen?
A sunscreen providing adequate coverage from the UVA and UVB part of the radiation spectrum is considered broad spectrum in simple terms.
Ideally look for novel filters such as Uvinul A plus, Tinosorb S, tinosorb M and organic filters such as Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in your sunscreen for evidence of broad spectrum protection. Amongst the older formulations, avobenzone is a broad spectrum filter.
Should I apply sunscreen for my children ?
- Children < 6 months
- Sun avoidance and the use of protective clothing.
- When necessary, limited and infrequent use of a photostable, non microsized, inorganic agent (ZnO/TiO2)
- It is a prudent clinical practice to recommend the use of sunscreens with only inorganic UV filters in children < 2 years.
Does sunscreen cause Vitamin D deficiency ?
Because of inadequate application, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are not affected with normal usage of sunscreens – sunscreens do not induce secondary hyperparathyroidism or osteoporosis.
Older sunscreens were predominant blockers of UVB part of the solar spectrum which led to the belief that screens may in fact cause vitamin D deficiency however, current sunscreens are broad spectrum agents not leading to any such deficiency.
- The AAD recommends supplementing high risk groups with a daily dose of 1000 IU, obtained through the diet or supplements.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) current recommendation of 400 IU/day for children age 0-18 years maybe considered.
Should I reapply sunscreen
- Individuals should apply a first coat of sunscreen before walking out the door and reapply subsequently:
- 20 minutes after initial application - estimated to prevent an additional 65–80% of UV transmission.
- Corrects areas of misapplication
Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours.
How much should I apply?
Isedeh P et al. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2013 Feb;29(1):55-6
3ml – slightly more than half a teaspoon
6ml – slightly more than a teaspoon
5ml – average
9 teaspoons x 5ml = 45ml
The two finger rule
For face and neck
Diffey, Brian L. "Sunscreens: use and misuse." Comprehensive series in photosciences. Vol. 3. Elsevier, 2001. 521-534.
Sunscreen usage for Indian skin requires a broad spectrum sunscreen, with a minimal SPF of 30. If it’s a tinted sunscreen even better, however not always suitable for everyone cosmetically.
Moreover, its pertinent that we use our sunscreens regularly and adhere to it. The right sunscreen for your skin maybe advised by your dermatologist.
Glowing skin is a healthy, radiant complexion that looks and feels happy. It's characterized by:
- Appearance: smooth, even-toned, and has small pores. It's also free of blemishes and imperfections.
- Feel: moist and soft, not dull, dry, or flaky.
- Reflection: natural sheen often described as "dewy", "glass", or "light-reflective"