Nearly half of all Canadians take a beach holiday to leave behind the winter blues during March break [1] but many forget to bring along the sunscreen! March break is all about fun, relaxation, and plenty of sunshine. But it’s important to stay safe from the sun’s harmful rays. Let’s explore some common sunscreen questions and discover how to keep your family happy and protected during March break.
Why is sunscreen important?
Sunscreen is crucial because it protects your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun. UV radiation can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Using sunscreen helps prevent these issues and promotes overall skin health.
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and is a measurement of protection against harmful UVB rays. SPF 15 filters out approximately 93% of all incoming UVB rays, SPF 30 keeps out 97% and SPF 50 keeps out 98%. Sunscreens should be broad spectrum – this means that they will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
UVB is mainly responsible for sunburns while UVA penetrates more deeply into the skin and is mainly responsible for wrinkles, age spots and worse, potentially skin cancer including melanoma. Exposure to both UVA and UVB rays increases the risk of skin cancer.
When and how much sunscreen should I apply?
Sunscreen needs to be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow enough time for the ingredients to bind to the skin. An average-sized adult should apply approximately 2 teaspoonfuls to the face and neck, arms, shoulders and torso, legs and top of the feet. Apply generously and don’t forget often overlooked areas like ears, neck, and tops of your feet.
How should I apply sunscreen spray?
Some parents prefer using sunscreen sprays for their children because they’re easy to apply. However, using sprays can be tricky because it’s hard to know if you’ve covered all the exposed areas well enough, which might mean you’re not fully protected. If you’re using spray sunscreen:
- Spray the sunscreen into your hands first, then rub it onto sun-exposed areas.
- When spraying sunscreen on children, be careful of the wind direction to avoid inhaling it.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours or immediately after swimming, toweling off or sweating heavily. Even if the sunscreen claims to be water-resistant, it’s essential to reapply after spending time in the water to maintain effective protection.
Is sunscreen “toxic” or carcinogenic?
In Canada, all sunscreens have passed a review by Health Canada and are given a drug identification number (DIN). Reviews of studies of several common sunscreen ingredients have not shown that those ingredients, including oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), pose health risks.
Can I use sunscreen after the expiry date?
We recommend you not to. The shelf life of sunscreen depends on various factors, including its formulation, storage conditions, and the expiration date. In general, most sunscreens remain effective for 2-3 years. However, it is essential to check the expiration date on the sunscreen packaging. Sunscreen can degrade over time, especially if exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. To maintain its potency, it is recommended to store sunscreen in cool and dry places, away from extreme temperatures.
Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days?
Oh yes! On a cloudy day up to 50% of UV rays can still reach you.
Do I still need sunscreen if I am travelling somewhere cold?
Yes, up to 80% of the sun’s rays are reflected by snow, so winter sports enthusiasts should take extra precautions.
Is sunscreen only for the beach or pool?
Sunscreen should be a part of your daily skincare routine, not just reserved for beach or pool days. UV rays can harm your skin during everyday activities, so apply sunscreen even if you’re going for a short walk or running errands.
Why is sun protection important during childhood?
Excessive exposure to the sun during childhood is a significant risk factor for future skin cancer. It’s been estimated that 25% to 50% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 21. Use of sunscreen over the long term is estimated to reduce incidence of skin cancer by 50% to 75%. Sunscreen is safe for children, and it’s important to protect their delicate skin from the sun. Use a sunscreen specifically formulated for children. Keep infants under six months old out of direct sunlight and consult a pediatrician before using sunscreen on them.
Does wearing sunscreen lead to vitamin D deficiency?
You do not need to expose yourself to the sun during peak UV times to get enough vitamin D. Most people get enough vitamin D through normal activity, even with sun protection. Vitamin D can be safely and easily obtained from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D, foods and beverages fortified with vitamin D, and vitamin D supplements.
Is sunscreen damaging to aquatic life?
If you are concerned about the environmental impact of sunscreen on coral reefs, it is important to note that the safety of specific ingredients is still being studied and any direct correlation between sunscreen ingredients and damage to coral reefs is inconclusive. To minimize potential harm, you may consider wearing protective clothing in water, like high-necked, long-sleeve rash guards, which can reduce the amount of sunscreen needed and limit any potential impacts on the environment.
