Facts and Myths: Ultraviolet Light and Sun Protection

Katherine T. Steele, MD Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology University of Pennsylvania

Fundamentals: Ultraviolet light

Sunlight consists of 2 types of ultraviolet (UV) light • UVA • UVB • UVC (absorbed by the ozone in the earth’s atmosphere) Fundamentals: Ultraviolet light

UVA rays • Premature aging – Dark spots – Wrinkles – Loose skin

UVB rays • Sunburn

Both UVA + UVB • Skin cancer Sun Protection: Facts What is the most effective way to protect your skin from the sun?

1) Avoiding sun exposure 2) Sun-protective clothing 3) Sunscreen Sun Avoidance

UVB intensity peaks from 10 AM to 2 PM

Note: UVA intensity is relatively constant throughout the day Avoid Peak Hours

6 AM 10 AM 2 PM 8 PM Which is the most effective way to protect your skin from the sun?

1) Avoiding sun exposure 2) Sun-protective clothing 3) Sunscreen Sun-protective clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor)

Benefits of sun-protective clothing • Once garment is on, it starts working immediately • Won’t wear off throughout the day • Not messy, oily or greasy • Non-allergenic • Potential cost savings: garments last many seasons • Created for Leisure and Sporting activities • Fashionable and trendy

https://yoursummerskin.com/pages/about-upf-clothing Sun-Protective Clothing

Sun Threadz

Colleen Dougherty Bronstein

Supporter of Melanoma Program at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania Which is the most effective way to protect your skin from the sun?

1) Avoiding sun exposure 2) Sun-protective clothing 3) Sunscreen Sunscreen: Facts Sunscreen labeling

Broad-spectrum = Provides protection against both UVA + UVB

Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 15+ can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.

Water resistant: must specify if provides protection for 40 or 80 minutes

The terms “waterproof” “sweatproof” and “sunblock” can no longer be used. Sunscreen Products Sunscreen Lotions: Top-Rated by Consumer Reports

 La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk ($27)  Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50 ($12)  Pure Sun Defense Disney Frozen Lotion SPF 50 ($6)  Coppertone WaterBabies Lotion SPF 50 ($12)  Equate Ultra Protection Lotion SPF 50 ($10) Sunscreen Sprays: Top-Rated by Consumer Reports

 Trader Joe's Spray SPF 50+ ($6)  Banana Boat SunComfort Clear UltraMist Spray SPF 50+ ($10)  Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 ($4.98)

Note: Use spray sunscreens carefully. The FDA is investigating potential risks associated with inhaling spray sunscreens, so use caution in children and avoid spraying directly on face. Sunscreen Tips

Use a sunscreen with the highest SPF that you like using

Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before you go outside

Reapply at least every 2 hours.

Reapply after swimming and sweating. Most people only apply 25% to 50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen.

Apply liberally! Use at least 1 ounce, enough to fill a shot glass. Fact or Myth: Rigorous sun protection can cause vitamin D deficiency.

1) Fact 2) Myth Vitamin D Sources

 People who protect themselves from the sun by seeking shade or wearing sun-protective clothing may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

 However, UV rays can cause skin cancer, so we do not recommend getting vitamin D from sun exposure.

 Better alternative: • Healthy diet including foods rich in vitamin D • Vitamin D supplements.

 Recommended Daily Amount of Vitamin D = • For Ages 1-70: 600 IU • For Age > 70: 800 IU Fact or Myth: If you stay under a beach umbrella, you don’t need sunscreen.

1) Fact 2) Myth  Sand reflects 25% of UV rays

 Snow reflects 80% of UV rays.

 A 2017 study in JAMA Dermatology: Nearly 80% of people who sat under a beach umbrella without sunscreen got a sunburn compared to 25% of people who stayed out in the sun and used a high SPF sunscreen.

 You still need to wear sunscreen and sun protective clothing if you’re relaxing under an umbrella on the beach. Fact or Myth: If it’s cloudy outside, you don’t need sunscreen.

1) Fact 2) Myth On a cloudy day, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through the clouds.

Clouds may take away the “warming warning”.

You can still get sunburned on a cloudy day! Fact or Myth: The front windshield and side windows of a car block 95% of UVA rays.

1) Fact 2) Myth UVB rays are blocked by window glass.

UVA rays can pass through windows.

Windshields provide consistent protection Block 95+% of UVA rays

Side windows are quite variable Block 45-95% of UVA rays Fact or Myth: All sunscreens cause damage to coral reefs.

1) Fact 2) Myth Beginning Jan 1st 2021, the legislation will prohibit the distribution of sunscreens containing the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which may contribute to coral bleaching when washed off in the ocean.

Recommendations for sun protection when swimming near coral reefs:

1) Avoid swimming at peak hours (10AM- 2PM)

2) Wear sun-protective clothing / rash guard

3) Use a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (not harmful to coral reefs) Sun Protection

 Sun avoidance is the most effective way to protect your skin from the sun. • Avoid peaks hours 10AM-2PM

 Sun-protective clothing provides immediate and long-lasting protection.

 Sunscreens are an important component of sun protection. • SPF 30+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant • The best sunscreen is the one you will use! Thank you!

Questions?