SUN PROTECTION

Unprotected sun exposure is one of the most preventable risk factors for skin cancers. Especially sunburns during childhood and adolescence pose significant risks for developing skin cancers in the future. It is essential to be informed about sun protection and develop the habit of using sunscreens.

How to protect from the sun?

The most crucial step in sun protection is avoiding the sun, especially between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun's rays are at their strongest. During outdoor activities, staying in the shade is always preferred. Not only on clear and sunny days but also on cloudy days, 80% of ultraviolet (UV) rays reach the Earth's surface. It is important to remember that regular window glass blocks UVB rays but does not prevent UVA rays from passing through.

How should sunscreens be used?

Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and should be reapplied every 2-4 hours. It is reported that the first reapplication 30 minutes after sun exposure enhances effectiveness. Water-resistant formulas should be preferred when spending extended periods in water. Sunscreens should be reapplied after swimming, excessive activity, or towel drying. For sunscreens to be effective, they need to be applied in generous amounts. Sunscreens should be applied in sufficient thickness to all areas exposed to UV rays without rubbing them in. Ideally, creams should be applied at 2 mg/cm2. When only a quarter of this amount is applied, the product's protection decreases eightfold. Sunscreens should not be used to prolong sun exposure time, as such usage can increase exposure to wavelengths that may not be filtered or are less filtered by some sunscreens.

How to protect children from the sun?

One or more blistering sunburns during childhood more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Individuals are exposed to 50% of the total UV they will receive in their lifetime during the first 20 years of life. Therefore, protecting children from the sun is crucial in preventing skin cancers that may develop later in life. Babies under six months should be protected from prolonged direct sun exposure, and after six months, they should be protected with high SPF products.

Do sunscreens affect vitamin D synthesis?

The fear that using sunscreens may inhibit vitamin D synthesis has led some patients to avoid protection. However, just 10-20 minutes of daily sun exposure to the face and backs of the hands, even with regular sunscreen use, provides the highest vitamin D production. Tanning reduces vitamin D production. With increasing age, the skin's ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases significantly. For these reasons, if vitamin D deficiency occurs, it seems more sensible to correct it with vitamin D supplements rather than relying on sun exposure, which is known to cause cancer.

What are the methods of sun protection?

Clothing is an important barrier to sun protection. Hats and sunglasses should be used. Ideally, a hat with a 10 cm brim should be worn. When choosing a hat, opt for tightly woven fabrics that block light. Thick fabrics, tightly woven fabrics, slightly shrunk fabrics after washing, and polyester garments offer higher protection. The protective properties of faded or wet clothes are lower. To prevent the effects of sunlight on the eyes and the formation of cataracts, sunglasses with full UVA-UVB filters should be used.

What are sunscreens?

Sunscreens are our main barriers against the sun. Products with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 2-12 offer minimal protection, those with SPF 12-30 provide moderate protection, and products with an SPF above 30 offer high protection. Sunscreens should be selected according to natural skin color; people with fair skin should choose higher SPF creams. However, sunscreens should be used on all skin types, even if the skin is darker. Fair-skinned individuals are more likely to experience sunburn.

How to choose sunscreens?

When choosing a sunscreen, broad-spectrum products that protect against both UVA and UVB should be selected. "Physical blockers" in sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, physically block the sun's rays and are used alongside chemical blockers in broad-spectrum products. In regions with average sunlight, SPF 15 is sufficient during winter months, but this value is insufficient in summer. Protection below SPF 15 should not be used, and at least SPF 30 sunscreens should be used during summer.