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Is Absolute Sun Protection the Best for Your Skin? Dermatologists’ Advice May Surprise You.

18 September, 2024

Media Influence on Sun Protection

There’s no denying that the development of sun protection today owes a great deal to media publicity and the advocacy of celebrities. Whether in winter or summer, sun protection products such as clothing and cosmetics are always in high demand. However, the emphasis on the harmful effects of sunlight has led many people to feel unsafe when going outside, resulting in excessive covering up, even for short distances.

Many women cover themselves from head to toe when going out.

How Does Overdoing Sun Protection Affect Your Skin?

Excessive sun protection can be more harmful to your skin than you think, and it may even be more detrimental than not using any sun protection at all.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Numerous studies have shown that too much sun protection can lead to a lack of sunlight and, consequently, a deficiency in vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, and its deficiency increases the risk of bone loss, osteoporosis, fractures, and a weakened immune system. Our body primarily obtains vitamin D from two sources: sunlight or UV rays on the skin and diet, but the absorption rate from food is relatively low.

Usually, applying sunscreen alone will not cause vitamin D deficiency, but if you use physical sun protection methods that block 100% of UV rays and stay indoors for extended periods, it can easily lead to a deficiency. Notably, many parents nowadays adopt strict sun protection measures for their children from a young age, and if children lack vitamin D for a prolonged period, it can lead to rickets.

Risk of Acne and Skin Inflammation

Constantly wearing physical sun protection items like sun-protective clothing and masks throughout the day, especially if they are not breathable and made of materials that don’t absorb sweat well, can cause skin irritation and lead to allergies, heat rash, or acne. This is especially true for areas that have difficulty releasing heat, such as the face, neck, and underarms. Furthermore, if sun protection items are not cleaned properly, bacteria can easily grow, leading to acne and skin infections.

How to Practice Sun Protection Correctly and Maintain Healthy Skin?

It’s evident that sun protection is necessary and crucial for skin health, but practicing it correctly is the best way to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant. Here are some tips from dermatologists on how to protect yourself from the sun appropriately, depending on the situation and circumstances.

1. When Indoors: No Need for Sunscreen

While you may have come across advice suggesting that you should apply sunscreen even when indoors because your skin can still be exposed to UV rays through windows, experts have clarified in the last two years that it is not truly necessary unless your room has large windows that let in a lot of sunlight. Most of the UV rays are unable to penetrate your bedroom.

For rooms with minimal sunlight, applying sunscreen can easily burden the skin, especially for those with oily, acne-prone skin.

There’s no need to apply sunscreen when staying indoors without ample natural light.

2. Use a Thin Layer of Sunscreen for Short-Term Sun Exposure

In reality, short-term sun exposure can help the body synthesize vitamin D and promote melatonin production. Therefore, if you’re not spending all day outdoors, a thin layer of sunscreen is sufficient to protect your skin.

According to experts, while people used to focus on SPF and PA values when choosing sunscreen and often opted for higher numbers, the current trend encourages the proper use of sunscreen, which means using a moderate amount and reapplying frequently (every 2-4 hours).

Only a thin layer of sunscreen is needed when going out for a short period.

3. For Beach Vacations or High-Temperature Areas: Combine Sunscreen with Physical Protection

Locations like beaches or high-altitude areas have intense UV rays. If you’re only spending a short time outdoors, such as during your daily commute, combining sunscreen with sunglasses and a sun hat is enough to protect your skin from UV damage. However, if you engage in extended outdoor activities, in addition to reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours, opt for a sunscreen with SPF 50+ to ensure maximum protection. You can also add sun-protective clothing and other protective measures to keep your skin safe and prevent sunburn.

When exposed to intense sunlight, women should combine sunscreen application with sun-protective clothing.

To maintain the healthiest skin possible, we need to find a balance between protecting our skin from UV damage and ensuring our bodies get enough sunlight to produce vitamin D. This means you shouldn’t be overly concerned about sun protection and should allow your skin to breathe and absorb reasonable amounts of sunlight.

While sun protection is essential, excessive covering up can have negative consequences for your health and well-being and significantly impact your skin’s health. Carefully consider and apply sun protection measures rationally and scientifically to maintain healthy skin.

Frequently asked questions

While sun protection is crucial for skin health, the term ‘absolute sun protection’ may be misleading. It implies that one can completely shield their skin from the sun’s harmful effects, which is not realistic. Instead, dermatologists recommend a comprehensive approach to sun protection, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can lead to various skin concerns. This includes sunburn, premature skin aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, primarily UVA and UVB, are the main culprits. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to aging and skin cancer, while UVB rays cause more immediate damage, such as sunburn and skin redness.

In addition to seeking shade and wearing protective clothing, dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. It’s also important to avoid indoor tanning and to be mindful of the sun’s rays even on cloudy days or during winter.

Moderate and controlled sun exposure can offer some benefits. Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. However, it’s important to remember that you can get Vitamin D from dietary sources and supplements, so excessive sun exposure is not necessary. Always prioritize sun protection to maintain healthy skin.

When selecting a sunscreen, opt for one that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a water-resistant formula if you plan to swim or engage in activities that cause sweating. Additionally, consider your skin type and preferences – physical or mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide may be less irritating for sensitive skin.