Sunscreen – Your Key to Preventing Skin Cancer

Sunscreen, sometimes also referred to as “sunblock”, is a type of cream that contains photo-protective agents that effectively shield your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Many dermatologists recommend that everyone should integrate sunscreens as a crucial part of their skincare routine. We should also be aware of the types of sunscreen products as well as the proper ways of applying sunscreens.

Skin Conditions Caused by UV Radiation

UV radiation not only causes sunburns but also leads to long-term skin damage, premature ageing, and potentially skin cancer in severe cases. UV radiation stimulates the production of unstable molecules called “free radicals” within the skin that can damage skin cells. Without adequate protection, UV radiation accelerates skin ageing, resulting in pigmentation, wrinkles and sagging.

Understanding Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a topical product that consists of physical and chemical photo-protective agents. The sunscreen forms a protective layer on the skin, absorbing or reflecting a portion of the sun’s UV radiation. Sunscreen primarily safeguards the skin against two main types of UV radiation: UVA and UVB.

Selecting the Right Sunscreen

Choosing the appropriate sunscreen product and using it correctly is vital to ensure sufficient protection against both UVA and UVB radiations. There are two factors that consumers should be looking out for when selecting the right sunscreen. Firstly, the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which indicates the level of protection against UVB radiation. Secondly, whether the product provides broad-spectrum protection, which includes additional protection against both UVA and UVB radiations.

Tips for Sunscreen Application

Correct sunscreen application is crucial to ensure that your skin is protected. It is recommended to use approximately 2 milligrams (mg) of sunscreen per square centimetre (sq cm) of skin to achieve optimal protection. However, consumers tend to under-apply their sunscreen at around 0.5 to 1 mg per sq cm of skin, which is insufficient. In this case, using a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating may compensate for the reduced amount used. In subtropical regions like Hong Kong, dermatologists recommend daily use of sunscreen with the following ratings and standards: SPF30 and PA++++ or PPD 16 or higher.

Regular Skin Checks

It’s never too late to realize the importance of using sunscreen! However, dermatologists strongly advise undergoing regular skin checks and seeking treatment when spotting the first sign of unusual moles or changes in skin lesions.