We are just a few weeks away from the official start of winter, but many temperate countries in the northern hemisphere have already been experiencing very chilly days and nights, and even snow! Winter is a time when many seek to vacation in warmer climes, and in the tropics, milder weather is also being experienced.

Although the weather will not be as hot as it is in summer, sun protection is still crucial – even in winter. Sun damage to the skin is caused not by the heat of the sun, but by its ultraviolet (UV) rays, which comprise two types, UVA and UVB. UVA rays can penetrate clouds and glass, and penetrate the skin deeply. They are also responsible for signs of ageing such as dark spots and wrinkles. UVB rays do not penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA rays but cause redness and sunburns.

Although it has been about 30 years since the emphasis shifted from tanning to sun protection, people, particularly those of colour, still do not know or fully appreciate the need to protect their skin from the sun. Below, we answer seven of the most important questions on sunscreens and skin protection from the sun.

 

1. Do People of Colour need to wear sunscreen?

The short answer is an emphatic YES. Although the melanin found in darker skin provides some sun protection, so it may not necessarily burn as quickly as lighter-complected skin, darker skin still burns and is susceptible to sun-induced damage, such as age spots, wrinkles and cancer.

More importantly, due to the ignorance and misconceptions People of Colour have regarding the resilience of their skin, they are more likely to die of skin cancer as they are not as vigilant in checking for signs of skin cancer. And when cancer is diagnosed, it tends to be in an advanced stage and is more difficult to treat.

 

2.  What is the minimum recommended SPF I should be using?

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that if you are indoors most of the day with just short intervals in the sun, you can use a sunscreen or cosmetic product with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, a product with at least SPF 30 is advised.

Generally, SPF measures the protection given from the sun’s UVB rays. For example, SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%.

It is emphasised that more SPF is not always better. Experts recommend using products that have between 30 and 50 SPF, as higher SPF products do not necessarily provide considerably better protection, but could cause more skin irritation and sensitivity.

 

3.  Some makeup includes SPF, is that enough?

Most makeup products with sunscreen tend to have no more than an SPF of 15, as higher protection would affect the product. Further, with experts recommending that we use sunscreens with a minimum  SPF of 30, the protection in makeup is usually not enough. So apply a separate sunscreen with an SPF of between 30 and 50, and thereafter apply your makeup.

 

4.  When I apply my sunscreen in the morning, am I protected for the entire day?

No, to ensure that you are maintaining the requisite sun protection, your sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours or immediately reapplied after sweating or swimming. Also, to ensure its effectiveness, sunscreens should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors.

Further, it is emphasised that when applying sunscreen, we tend to focus on our face. However, pay particular attention to the skin that is uncovered and directly exposed to the sun: ears, front and back of the neck, upper chest, upper back, shins and calves, hands and arms, and feet. If any of these are exposed to the sun, sunscreen should be reapplied often.

Finally, even on cloudy days, it is important to still apply sunscreen as up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays still reach Earth. Also, even when you are driving or in vehicles, sun damage can still occur, so do remain vigilant.

 

5.  How much sunscreen do I need to apply to my body?

Typically, it takes about an ounce of sunscreen, or the equivalent of a shot glass or two tablespoons, to cover a person’s entire body. For the face alone, a USD nickel, or half a teaspoon should be adequate to cover the face and neck.

Essentially, be generous with the application. If you’re using a sunscreen mist or spray, apply until an even sheen appears on the skin, and then rub it in. If a stick sunscreen is being used, four passes back and forth should be made, and the product should be rubbed in after for even coverage.

 

6.  How can I avoid the white cast when I use certain sunscreens?

The white cast usually occurs with physical or mineral sunscreens, that is those that contain minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which act like a barrier and block the rays before they can penetrate your skin. People of Colour may generally find that chemical sunscreens, which usually contain ingredients such as avobenzone and octisalate, do not leave a white cast on their skin. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s UV rays before they can damage your skin.

However, it should be noted that sunscreen formulas are improving. Some mineral sunscreens do not leave the dreaded white cast, but increasingly sunscreen products are containing both mineral and chemical sunscreen.

 

7.  Some sunscreens have been banned due to their effect on the environment. What’s that all about?

The chemicals in sunscreens can end up in our oceans and water after we swim or have a bath where they can harm coral reefs and marine life. Chemicals and common sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone, benzophenone-2, octinoxate, nano titanium dioxide, and nano zinc oxide have been found to be highly toxic to corals, in particular, and have been banned in some countries, including Hawaii, Aruba and the United States Virgin Islands.

When purchasing sunscreens consider products that are labelled “reef safe”. Although there is no agreed standard as to what constitutes reef safe, it suggests that a particular product is less harmful than others. However, do check the ingredients list and your own research.

 

 

Image:  Peter Fazekas (Pexels)