Doubting that sunscreen is the most important skin protector

Is doubting that sunscreen is the most important skin protector a mistake? Or is this just another product we are told to use to protect against sunburn?

We have all doubted the power of sunscreen in our lives. After all, the FDA hasn’t approved any new sunscreen filters in something like 50 years. The sun’s rays are supposedly getting stronger but nothing new to protect us from this damage. That seems like it is a contradiction in the huge campaign to use Sunscreen.

Real damage

However, DNA cell damage from the sun is real. The damage shows up in skin cancer which is on the rise. Doubting its protection even if the FDA hasn’t approved anything new would be a mistake. We have all seen the pictures of a rancher who hasn’t used sun protection other than a hat. Their skin can be weathered or spotted from the cell damage that the sun can do to the skin. But is its usage and product amount overhyped to sell more sunscreens?

Not that this AI-generated gentleman is not attractive or somehow unworthy because he has sun spots and deep wrinkles. However, it is just something that you notice right away. In other words, sun spots and wrinkles don’t make you less attractive or diminish your worth in any way. Even though we all aspire to have “flawless” skin.

Small poll of how people use sunscreen

I did say that I live in the real world, and I do. I have polled most of my co-workers, friends, and others in my industry or just everyday people at events that I am attending. (Everyone knows about sunscreen it is something in everyone’s lives most people are happy to openly answer my questions). The overall picture I received was that 9% of the time in the winter it is applied (unless they are participating in outdoor sports). The rest of the year 67% of the time it is applied. Reapplication is only 19% of the time during that period (unless participating in an outdoor sporting activity).

Of course, this is a small sampling of people in the Northwest of the US. I am not saying it is good or bad, it is the facts that I discovered. 

I, myself, didn’t start using it somewhat consistently until my late 30s. In fact, I used to use tanning beds, lay out in the sun quite frequently, and spend as much time as I could out in the sun in the spring and summer. This is why I think about the amount of sun damage there could be.

UVB and UV Rays

It will take years of sun damage before you ever see it appear on your skin. It can be in the deepest layers and then after many years rare its ugly head. Sunspots, hyperpigmentation, uneven or redness on the skin.

Sun sensitivities

You may be born with skin that is reactive to the sun, so you burn easily. I don’t have that issue. Others in my family have these sensitivities. Within a few minutes in the sun, my sister will burn and be red as a tomato. We have the same genetics (so genetics are clearly not fully an indicator of sun sensitivities). As well, people can develop sun sensitivities at any age.

Eye sensitivities

Some people can develop sensitivities in their eyesight from the sun. Eyes water, sting, or burning. My son used to call it sour eyes.

Cell turnover

Medications, oral or topical, can also contribute to sun sensitivities. Along with beauty products such as AHA/BHA, peels, Tretinoin, or the retinoid family anything that removes the top layer of dead skin cells.

Does this mean that with these sensitivities you are more likely to damage your skin? All dermatologists can say is there is an increased likelihood of such. They simply don’t know.

Experience with Sun Cancer

My mother about 3 years ago when she was 90, developed some skin cancer on her nose. We had to go to 10 weeks of treatment, twice a week. The dermatology office was great but it was time-consuming and costly. My mother said it did sting a bit after each treatment for a couple of days. Luckily, it turned out okay. But there are also benefits of enjoying the sun that can’t be overlooked.

Benefits of spending time in the sun 

It boosts our mood by helping the brain release a hormone called Serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused.  That feeling can be addictive. Everyone likes to feel happy and being out in nature is one of the best feelings ever. Mental health is very important in your life and don’t overlook that fact.

Vitamin D

Spending time in the sun can help with getting an adequate amount of Vitamin D. I, personally, struggle with this as I have an olive skin tone and light to medium complexion.  I never thought that I would be low on Vitamin D. Sun is a friend of mine. My testing score was a 14, so no sun doesn’t guarantee you are getting adequate Vitamin D.

Condensing the facts on sunscreen

Prevents sunburn, lowers the risk of skin cancer, protects against premature skin aging, limits the appearance of blotchy skin, reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and melasma, and keeps certain skin conditions from flaring.

Doubting that sunscreen can be a powerful cell protector is a mistake but judging what is right for you and your skin is a whole other determination. There is only one sunscreen (that I know is available in the us) on the market that claims to reverse cell damage and it is $70.00 a bottle, which is not realistic for most people’s budget. And it may not do as much as first thought, there are conflicting studies on the subject.

There is a study called “Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies.” One of the best realistic studies that I have found on sunscreen issues and usage. It was a study that Loreal for one wanted to look at to determine how consumers use sunscreen and the results.

This leads me to another fact in your decision on how to use your sunscreen, which sunscreen to use, or clothing protection in the sun.

Sunscreen manufacturers are on their honor system

Another doubt for sunscreens is the fact that brands are on an honor system to test their products. There are no universal testing criteria to be met. Brands may state an SPF rating on the label but in independent testing, they may have not held up to that rating. This could play a big factor in doubting that sunscreen is the most powerful skin protector when using a product and it doesn’t protect.

This could lead to your usage being all for not. I am not stating that you shouldn’t use it. I believe that you should and we have nothing else that works better for exposed skin. You should be out enjoying the sun. It is even more essential as you age for depression, mood, vitamin D, and more).

We have all doubted the effectiveness of sunscreen from time to time, but it is still a great skin protectant. I think it is best to know a few determining factors before you make your decisions on sunscreen.

Next, up some recommendations on sunscreens from tests conducted at independent labs.