CONSUMER HEALTH:Rising rates of cancer means protecting your skin from the sun is critically important – but which is the best product for you?
WITH THE summer holidays and the lure of foreign destinations fast approaching – at least for those not caught out by volcanic ash – consumers’ attention is turning once more to which suncream to purchase.
Given that the rate of skin cancer has almost doubled in Ireland over the past 10 years, protecting your skin, and particularly your children’s, is critically important. But before you make that purchase, what should you know?
How long can you keep suncreams for?
Every year, most households discuss whether or not to use last year’s suncream, or to throw it out and buy a new one. Given that it is not the cheapest of products, many opt for holding onto last year’s bottle, but is this really the wisest option?
For Dr Abdullah Moktar, consultant dermatologist with the Beacon Dermatology Clinic, if the product has been open for more than one year, “then there could be a bit of oxidation, it won’t be standard and you can’t rely on it”.
Dr Rosemary Coleman, consultant dermatologist with the Blackrock Clinic, advises people to go by the sell-by dates on the bottle. In general, these tend to have a duration of about 12 months.
How much should you use each time?
When it comes to keeping suncreams, both dermatologists agree that really, there shouldn’t be any suncream left if you’re using it appropriately.
“If you’re using proper quantities, you shouldn’t have much left,” says Coleman, while Moktar agrees that “people use insufficient amounts”.
“You should apply liberally to all sun-exposed areas,” he advises. In general, you need at least 30ml to cover an adult’s total body, with a teaspoon for your face given as a rough guide.
“Overuse rather than underuse it,” cautions Coleman, adding: “Be generous with sunscreen. Don’t put on a tiny amount – SPF effectiveness is based on adequate application.”
Do you need both UVA/UVB protection?
The aim of suncream is to protect your skin from ultraviolet light, of which there are two – UVA and UVB. According to Moktar, UVA causes skin ageing and skin cancer, while UVB causes acute sunburn and skin cancer. “You need to have protection from both,” he says.
SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and refers to UVB radiation. In line with new EU regulations, as well as the SPF number indicated on labels, the number is now also graded from low to very high protection. So, suncreams with SPFs of between 6-14 are labelled as offering “low protection”, while those between 30-50 give “high protection”.
There have also been changes to how UVA cover is indicated. In addition to the star rating – one star offers “minimum” UVA protection, while five stars provides “ultra” cover – you will also see the letters UVA in a circular shape on certain labels, indicating that it contains the EU-recommended amount of UVA protection compared to SPF.
Remember, you want to choose a sunscreen which offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Do you need suncream in Ireland?
While we’re all getting better at packing the suncream when leaving for foreign climes, there remains a resistance to using it when at home, particularly on not-so-sunny days. But both UVA and UVB rays also penetrate in Ireland, so you should put on sunblock before you leave the house every day.
“I wouldn’t leave the bedroom without factor 50 - summer and winter," asserts Coleman, admitting that her job removing skin cancers every day leaves her inclined to such a strict regime.
“There is a misconception that you only pick up cancer on two-week holidays in the Canaries - but so many cancer patients have never left the country,” she points out.
How long can you stay in the sun with suncream?
If staying in the sun for long periods, suncream needs to be re-applied every two hours. “Re-application is probably the most important thing,” says Coleman.
Moktar also recommends that you cover up by wearing a hat and T-shirt, and that you seek the shade between 11-3pm.
And for prolonged periods in the sun? “The best protection is clothes,” says Coleman, adding that materials should have a thick weave to keep the rays out.
Is suncream really waterproof?
“Waterproof simply means that while in water it doesn’t dissolve,” points out Coleman, which means that you may need to reapply as soon as you come out of the water.
“It’s not rub-proof, so if you dry yourself after a swim with a towel, or for kids running around, you should reapply, she adds.
Moktar agrees. “You should reapply, even if the product claims water resistance,” he says.
What factor should you go for?
The higher the SPF, the greater the protection offered from UVB rays, and it is generally recommended to use an SPF of at least 15.
However, Moktar says that for typical Irish people, 30 plus is best, and that you should put it on 20 minutes before you go out.
Coleman adds that if you use factor 50 regularly and are very vigilant about staying out of the sun, you should then take Vitamin D supplements daily, otherwise you will be at risk of weaker bones.
What’s the best option for babies/children?
Babies under six months are advised to stay out of the sun altogether, and for those under the age of three, parents need to be vigilant. If possible, you should always use a suncream that is made especially for babies and children.
“You have to be very careful, with regular sun protection of factor 50, a T-shirt and a hat, says Moktar.
“Rash vests”, which are a type of surf clothing, are good for older children, says Coleman, as they dry quickly and usually offer SPF protection of up to 50. While T-shirts can also be effective, once they get wet, the sun goes through the material faster.
For children with problem skin, Coleman recommends the La Roche-Posay brand, as it’s tested on youngsters with eczema.
Are sprays as good as lotions?
In recent years, more spray suncreams have come on the market, but are they as effective as their thicker, lotion counterparts?
“Sprays suit different skins,” says Moktar. “Generally, creams and ointments are better for dry skin, while alcohol-based lotions or sprays are better for oily skin.”
Sprays are also more suited to particular parts of the body - for men with bald heads, for example, Coleman recommends a spray, as it’s easier to get full coverage, particularly if some hair is left.
She also says it’s important to choose the right type of product for different activities, such as opting for a roll-on sun block if you’re playing sport, so that your hands won’t get greasy.
How should you choose a suncream?
“Not all suncreams are equal,” says Coleman, who adds that she has had her own experience of getting burnt despite wearing a product which claimed to offer factor 57 protection.
Indeed, in a review of suncream by UK consumer magazine Which, certain products didn't provide the sun-protection factor of 15 claimed on their labels. These included Marks & Spencer Sensitive Moisturising Lotion SPF 15, Tesco Sun Protection SPF 15 and Malibu Protective Sun Lotion Spray SPF 15.
“You have to test it out,” says Coleman, before settling on a product you’re happy with. “It’s a trial and error process,” she says.
For her family, Coleman relies on a Roc Minesol Factor 50 spray, which retails for about €16. “It sprays on completely and invisibly, and you never burn through it - children hate when you put sticky creams on them.”
While suncreams can be expensive, Coleman warns that you “shouldn’t allow cost to come into the equation”.
If you're on a budget and are travelling to the North in the near future, Asda's Sun System Protection Lotion SPF 15 came out on top of the Which"Best Buy" list, retailing for just £3 (€3.50) for 200ml, and offering protection both in and out of the water. Other commended products were Nivea Moisturising Sun Lotion (SPF 15) and Boots Soltan Moisturising Suncare Lotion (SPF 15).
Can you tan safely?
Despite the claims of many suncream products that they will help you to tan safely, according to Coleman, “you can’t have a safe tan”, as any change in pigmentation indicates damage to the skin.
She also urges people not to “hide behind sun damage as a child. Given that most of the damage to our skin occurs when we’re children, some people feel that there is no point in protecting their skin now. However, as Coleman points out, “you can repair a lot of the damage done”.
Another major impact of sun exposure is ageing. “If the fear of cancer doesn’t lead you to take better care of your skin, perhaps your vanity will,” says Coleman.
“People who avoid the sun always have better skin,” she says, adding that while women have gotten better at minding their faces, they often forget their decolletage area, “where a lot of cancers are found”.
