From expiration dates to ingredient lists, sunscreen is more than just something you slather on before a day in the sun. With skin cancer rates on the rise, it’s more important than ever to understand the intricacies of UV protection and separate fact from fiction.
The incidence of melanoma in the UK has increased by around 32 per cent over the last decade. Around 17,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year, making it one of the most diagnosed cancers. Despite this, attitudes towards sunbathing and the use of sunscreen reflect an alarming lack of understanding of the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Many of us continue to be bombarded with conflicting advice. Some sources emphasize the need for high SPF sunscreen, while others downplay its importance. Some promote often unproven sun protection methods instead of sunscreen. Then there’s the issue of sunscreen misinformation—to which Gen Z is particularly susceptible—spreading on social media platforms like TikTok. It ranges from false claims that sunscreen can cause cancer to celebrities posting that they don’t use sunscreen because it interferes with vitamin D absorption.
Then there’s the issue of price. A recent survey found that 50% of people think sunscreen is too expensive. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves was urged by the Liberal Democrats this week to reduce VAT on high factor sunscreens to make them more affordable for everyone.
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Here are 5 important things you should know about sunscreen…
1. Expiry dates are important: Sunscreens don’t last forever. Most sunscreens last about three years. Using expired sunscreens can reduce their effectiveness and leave you with inadequate protection. Always check the expiration date, especially if the product has been sitting in your beach bag for a while.
The British Skin Foundation (BSF) recommends throwing away sunscreen after its expiry date as it may not provide the protection stated on the bottle, which could lead to sunburn or skin damage even when used correctly.
2. Ingredients check: When choosing a sunscreen, it’s important to know the ingredients. According to Melanoma Focus, broad-spectrum sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ideal because they block both UVA and UVB rays. These ingredients are considered safe and effective, especially for sensitive skin or those who are wary of chemical exposure.
3. Price vs. quality: Is more expensive sunscreen better? Not necessarily. What matters is the SPF and whether it offers broad-spectrum protection. Some more expensive brands may offer additional benefits like moisturizers or anti-aging ingredients, but that doesn’t mean they’re more effective at protecting your skin. Research from Consumer Reports shows that some affordable sunscreens work just as well or even better than their more expensive counterparts.
4. Chemical vs. physical sunscreens: Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, while physical sunscreens block and scatter the rays. Physical sunscreens are often better for sensitive skin, but can be less cosmetically elegant (read: thicker and whiter on the skin).
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, physical sunscreens (containing ingredients like zinc oxide) cause less irritation and provide protection immediately after application. Chemical sunscreens take about 20 minutes to absorb and may be better for daily use due to their lighter feel.
5. Reapply, reapply, reapply: Sunscreen doesn’t last all day. You should reapply it every two hours, or more often if you swim or sweat. Many people underestimate how much sun protection they need. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using about an ounce (a shot glass full) of sunscreen to cover the entire body. Failure to reapply can dramatically reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen and leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage.
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