Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?

No matter the season, it’s important to protect your skin and health from harmful UV radiation emanating from the sun. The best way to do this is to lather on sunscreen wherever your skin is exposed. Without it, you put yourself at risk of developing sunburn and, worse, skin cancer. Everyone under the sun needs sunscreen no matter your age, race, or gender.

Understanding Sunscreen and Its Role in Skin Cancer Prevention

The sun emits a type of radiation known as ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays are not only responsible for causing sunburn but also play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. This brings us to the protective role of sunscreen. But, what exactly is sunscreen, and how does it work in our defense?

What is Sunscreen and How Does It Work?

Sunscreen is a compound that helps protect the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. It contains organic and inorganic chemicals that work together to filter the light from the sun, so that less of it reaches the deeper layers of your skin. When appropriately applied, sunscreen forms a barrier on the surface of the skin that reduces UV radiation penetration. This protective layer minimizes the risk of various skin damage, including sunburns, premature aging, and, most importantly, skin cancer.

How Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?

The connection between sunscreen and skin cancer prevention is fairly direct. By blocking harmful UV radiation, sunscreen reduces the DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer. Regular application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects from both UVA and UVB rays, significantly decreases the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

What Are the Different Types of Sunscreen and How Do They Protect the Skin?

Sunscreens are generally categorized into two types: chemical and physical (mineral). Both chemical and mineral sunscreens absorb and convert UV rays. Additionally, mineral sunscreens reflect and scatter some sunlight. If you would like to learn more, we did a deep dive into these 2 different categories in a separate blog post.

Shop our Clean Chemical and Mineral bundles.

Myths and Facts About Sunscreen and Skin Cancer

With sunscreen being a critical component in the fight against skin cancer, there are, unsurprisingly, several myths surrounding its use.

Can Sunscreen Cause Skin Cancer?

There have been concerns and myths suggesting that ingredients in some sunscreens may actually contribute to skin cancer. However, scientific research and clinical studies have no evidence supporting this claim. However, there is much evidence that UV rays from the sun and tanning beds do. The benefits of using sunscreen far outweigh any unproven risks of toxicity or cancer causation.

Does Sunscreen Stop Skin Cancer Completely?

While sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer, it does not eliminate the risk entirely. Other protective measures, such as wearing protective clothing and seeking shade, should also be incorporated into one’s sun protection strategy.

Many people believe that sunscreen is only needed on sunny days or at the beach. However, UV rays can penetrate clouds and even glass, making sunscreen necessary every day. Another misconception is that a higher SPF offers significantly better protection. While higher SPFs do offer more protection, they should still be reapplied regularly, as all sunscreens can wear off.

Best Practices for Using Sunscreen to Prevent Skin Cancer

Knowing how to properly use sunscreen is key to ensuring it offers the best possible protection against UV radiation and, by extension, skin cancer.

How Should Sunscreen Be Applied for Maximum Protection?

For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously on all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. It’s essential not to miss any spots, including ears, neck, eyelids, and lips.

What SPF is Recommended for Effective Skin Cancer Prevention?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. It’s also crucial to use a product labeled "broad-spectrum" to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Note: All Sonrei sunscreens are Broad Spectrum and SPF 30 or higher with at least 40 minutes of water resistance.

Are There Any Additional Tips for Incorporating Sunscreen into a Daily Skincare Routine?

Integrating sunscreen into your daily skincare regimen can effortlessly be achieved by choosing one of our Daily Facial SPF + Growth Factor sunscreens. Opt for a versatile facial sunscreen that offers more than just protection: enriched with growth factors, it not only shields your skin from potential sun damage but also repairs previous sun-induced aging signs such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dehydration. Always apply sunscreen as the concluding step of your skincare routine for optimal defense and rejuvenation.

Conclusion

Understanding sunscreen's vital role in preventing skin cancer cannot be overstated. Despite the myths and misconceptions that exist, the scientific community agrees that the regular and correct use of sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Remember, skin cancer is often preventable, and incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is a simple yet powerful step towards safeguarding your skin’s health.
Prevent skin cancer with Sonrei sunscreen. Our broad-spectrum formulas are designed to offer superior protection while fitting seamlessly into your daily skincare routine. Protect your skin from the sun every day, and let Sonrei be your partner in the pursuit of a healthy, cancer-free life.