Does sunscreen really help prevent skin damage?

A suntan makes us look fit and healthy, but achieving that golden bronzed look can cause serious damage to your skin. Even on overcast days there is danger from the sun’s UV rays. Other factors can also combine to increase the danger of skin damage. Although melanoma and other types of skin cancer can be treated if caught early on, it only makes sense to prevent them in the first place.

Dr. Bryan Harris of Lehman Dermatology Clinic says that sunscreen is the best protection from the sun’s rays and permanent skin damage, but it has to be the right type and needs to be applied correctly. He says make sure sunscreen is a broad spectrum UVA & UVB. Apply it 30 minutes before you head outside and reapply frequently, maybe even every hour if you’re in the water.

Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 should be used daily, according to Lehman. However, people who work outside are at a bigger risk for sun damage and need to use an SPF of 30 or higher. It should be used year-round, not just in the summer.

Also be mindful of the periods during the day when the sun is more intense, typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the period when the sun’s rays can cause the most damage. Experts suggest staying inside during those periods, or wearing clothes with long sleeves and legs as protection.

Using enough sunscreen is also important. The recommended amount is no less than an ounce, or even more, depending on skin tone. Many people skimp on the amount they use, leaving the skin vulnerable to UV rays.

Other factors can intensify the sun’s rays, posing additional dangers. Harris says certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun, which requires additional sunscreen.

Inexpensive sunscreens are just as effective as the more expensive varieties, as most of the increased cost is due to perfumes and other irrelevant ingredients. Spray-on sunscreens are not as good, as much of the product blows away before reaching the skin. It also still needs to be rubbed in, a step most people think unnecessary.