Do you hate to use sunscreen? Do you ever decide to stay inside or avoid sending your kids outside to play because it would be just too much time and effort to slather up? Really, it's ok if you admit to it. I totally get it. As a guy who generally finds any type of cream or lotion disgusting, and as a parent of a couple of young boys that are essentially incapable of applying sunscreen properly themselves, I often find myself trying to find an excuse to not have to use it. However, as a Physician Assistant in Dermatology, I know that sunscreen is one of the best things I can use to protect myself and my children. We all know that life is so much better and healthier when we're off the couch and outside. So, what's an active person to do?
I think, as with everything in life, we need to try to take an educated but reasonable approach to sun protection and outdoor activity. First and foremost, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that excessive UV exposure leads to all types of skin cancer. This includes the most deadly form, malignant melanoma, which can strike both young and old alike. So, it's pretty inarguable that we all need to protect ourselves from the sun. You're probably thinking, "but what about Vitamin D?" Well, the data linking lack of Vitamin D to various ailments is less strong than the data linking UV to skin cancer. But, I do agree that we all should get plenty of Vitamin D. For most, dietary supplementation or a good multivitamin will get you well into the normal range.
The next questions I always get asked are, "are sunscreens safe and which one should I use?" I really think that any concerns that we have about sunscreens are pretty overblown. There is a LOT of misinformation on the internet (big surprise), particularly about chemical UV blockers such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and others. Honestly, I use these on my own kids without much concern. They generally work very well, especially in water. My personal favorite of these is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer- it goes on pretty light and has an ingredient called helioplex that makes it effective for longer periods of time. If you're really worried about the chemicals or maybe just want to be on the safe side with a very young child (I understand and that's no problem), get sunscreens with physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Blue Lizard Sensitive or Baby formulas are my favorite- I get mine on Amazon.com. To answer some other FAQs I get... 1. Yes, spray sunscreen is ok! Well, it's not AS good as lotion, but it is much better than nothing. A good policy would be to do a base layer of lotion and then reapply every 1-2 hours with spray. 2. Yes, you do need to reapply. Sorry, I know it's a pain, but every 1-2 hours is a must, especially at the beach or the pool! 3. Yes, you need at least an SPF 30. 4. Yes, that sunscreen from last year is okay to use, although it may not be as effective as a new bottle.
I'm a very practical person, so I'm probably a little less militant about this than some of my colleagues. Nobody's perfect, we all just have to do our best. If you go for a jog at 7 AM or go to a tee ball game after dinner, then I'm ok if you're a little lax on the sunscreen. But, if you're a person or family that spends all weekend at a ballfield, every afternoon at practice, or every beautiful summer day at the pool, you really need to get into the habit of sunscreening up every time and reapplying as necessary. My personal opinion after 12 years in dermatology is that my typical skin cancer patient is not one that gets a little bit of sun here and there, or accidentally forgets the sunscreen one time at a Pirates game, but rather it's usually the person that gets many intense exposures over many years.
Finally, here's a few tips to make things a little easier. Remember, clothing is a great sun protector. Swim shirts and hats are great! If you have the flexibility, plan your outdoor activities for early in the day or late afternoon. If you're playing a sport such as golf, baseball, or tennis that requires a grip, apply the sunscreen before you leave the house so that it has time to absorb before you get started, or go ahead and just use the spray.
Like I always tell my patients- it's much better for your overall health to get outside, get active, and enjoy life than it is to sit inside and never get any sun. But, it's BEST for your overall health to do all these healthy things AND protect yourself from skin cancer!
Take care and have a great summer,
Jason
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