 PSA: A friendly reminder to continue sunscreen usages, throughout the winter season and regardless of the weather! Let’s talk sunscreen. We always hear that sunscreen is important, and how we mustn’t go a day without. Have you ever wondered why exactly? How does sunscreen help? How does it prevent skin cancer? Ultraviolet Radiation Let’s talk sunscreen. We always hear that sunscreen is important, and how we mustn’t go a day without. Have you ever wondered why exactly? How does sunscreen help? How does it prevent skin cancer? To begin answering some of these questions, I think it’s important to consider the history of sunscreen. Sunscreen was first developed in the 1930s as a way to offer protection against sunburn (especially for those seeking the sun for tanning purposes) (Baran & Maibach, 2017). Sunscreens have also been promoted as a successful preventative method for aging. In my previous blog post about sunscreen, I mentioned that ultraviolet A and B are two forms of radiation of concern. Both forms induce DNA damage which lead to the so-called “Hallmarks of cancer” (Baran & Maibach, 2017). UVB causes direct damage to cellular DNA, leading to the formation of pyrimidine dimers (i.e. molecular lesions formed from thymine or cytosine bases in DNA), according to Baran & Maibach (2017). Let that sink in - UVB exposure leads to damage in your ACTUAL DNA! You see an example of this in Figure 23.1 from the ‘Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology.’  Since UVA has a longer wavelength, it causes DNA damage of free radicals, though more and more research indicates that UVA and UVB’s effects on the skin are more synergistic than previously thought (Baran & Maibach, 2017). Types of Sunscreen Moving onto sunscreen protection, sunscreens are divided into organic and inorganic agents, which offer chemical and physical barriers, respectively (Baran & Maibach, 2017). Organic sunscreens work by absorbing UV radiation; inorganic sunscreens form a physical barrier. Does Sunscreen Really Work? In short, yes! Research indicates that the effects of photoaging (including pigmentation, collagen loss, and blood vessel dilatation reduce via the appropriate use of sunscreen) (Baran & Maibach, 2017). However, it important to note that one should not just rely on a broad-spectrum sunscreen alone for protection against the sun. Rather, various methods should be used, including seeking the shade (especially during the hours of 10 am and 4 pm), wearing skin protective clothing, sunglasses, as well as the reapplication of sunscreen throughout the day. Tanning and UV tanning beds should also be avoided. Let me end with my favourite fragrance-free SPF 60 sunscreen (Neutrogena Helioplex). It is cost-effective, and very accessible! It can be purchased on Amazon.  References
Baran, R., & Maibach, H. I. (Eds.). (2017). Textbook of cosmetic dermatology. CRC press. Comments are closed.
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