Sun protection tips for all skin types
Encouraging sun protection is not always straightforward, says Dr. Sunil Kalia (800 words, reading time: 4 mins)
Patients with more richly pigmented skin may believe they are less susceptible to sun damage. That is problematic, as Dr. Kalia explains. The three basic forms of sun protection are seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen, but it is not always that simple, according to dermatologist Dr. Sunil Kalia. In his presentation at the Skin Spectrum Summit in Vancouver, Dr. Kalia went over the finer details of each form of protection.
Since the ozone layer protects from UVC, UVB and UVA are the most worrying because they can cause skin cancer, he said.
“UVB can cause direct DNA damage and UVA can cause indirect DNA damage,” said Dr. Kalia.
Moreover, unlike infrared light, UV light is not warm, so it cannot be felt. UVB peaks around the noon hours, so much of the key messaging for skin protection centres around avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., he said.
Simply avoiding the sun during these times is the most effective way to protect against damage, he said. But if that is not possible, wearing protective clothing and sunglasses and using sunscreen are the next best options, in that order.
“Clothing gives good protection, but what is the protection factor of something like a thin white T-shirt? It’s equivalent to an SPF of about five,” according to Dr. Kalia.
Although that is not adequate, the T-shirt cannot be wiped off and it does not have to be reapplied, he said. For clothing, he recommends darker shades, heavier fabrics and tighter weaves. Type of fabric matters too.
“Polyester, wool, then cotton,” he said. “For a pair of jeans, the protection factor on that is 200 SPF, which is amazing, but of course it is hard to wear that thick pair of jeans when it is really hot.”
Although it is more expensive, UV protection factor clothing also exists. This brought Dr. Kalia to the subject of sunscreens.
“When you see the sunscreen bottle, what are you looking for?” he asked.
Most people look for SPF, but that is not the only factor to consider, he said. UVA protection is also another important factor to consider.
Though many sunscreen bottles will tell you to apply 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, Dr. Kalia said that is not necessary. Applying just before going out will still work.
He also said that most sunscreens recommend that the user reapply them every two hours, but that is just an arbitrary number. It is better to reapply sunscreen based on perspiration, if or when it is wiped off or after swimming, he said.
It is also not necessary to rub it in deeply, he said. A light application is sufficient.
The takeaway: Dr. Kalia recommends using two tablespoons of sunscreen for the full body, and half of one teaspoon for the face. “That’s quite a bit of sunscreen,” he said. “You could be going through a whole bottle of sunscreen in one day if you’re doing it properly.”
Now test your knowledge retention of Dr. Kalia’s key points. To take the 60-second snap quiz, click on the image below:
FROM THE LITERATURE ON SUN PROTECTION
A novel method for evaluating sun visible light protection factor and pigmentation protection factor of sunscreens
In a comparison of 33 sunscreen formulations, researchers in Brazil found that sunscreens with pigments were linked to a higher solar visible light (VL) protection factor and pigmentation protection factor.
“Natural sunscreen” gene influences how we make vitamin D
Variations in skin-related genes, distinct from melanin levels, influence how efficiently Vitamin D is produced in the body. Researchers say that these variations may create a “natural sunscreen” in some individuals.
Impact of iron-oxide containing formulations against visible light-induced skin pigmentation in skin of colour individuals
In a study of 10 women with Fitzpatrick skin type IV, researchers found that iron oxide effectively guarded against the effects of visible light.
VIDEO: Most know UV protection is important, but still fail to protect themselves, survey says
IN THE NEWS
A group of 32 medical specialists from across Canada and the U.S. has taken a stand against racism by signing an open letter to their patients, the Canadian public. The communiqué from dermatologists will appear as a full-page advertisement published on 08/08/20 in a national newspaper.
AT THE INTERSECTION OF SKIN & SOCIETY
Frustrated with a lack of Crayola crayons that matched her skin colour, 7-year-old Madison Wilson of Santa Barbara County, California (pictured below) raised $23,000 on GoFundMe, with the help of her mother, Vashti Wilson. With that money, the two bought packs of Crayola’s “Colours of the World” skin-tone crayons and books portraying multi-cultural characters for her entire school of 5,000 kids. Read the full story here.
THIS WEEK
Monday, Aug.17 & Tuesday, Aug. 18 Public Health, Nutrition, & Epidemiology Webinar
August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Sunday, Aug. 23 Canadian Medical Association Annual General Meeting and General Council Elections, held virtually.
Something to think about during the week ahead:
NEXT WEEK
A report on a presentation by Dr. Andrew Alexis on pigmentation concerns and drug hypersensitivity concerns when prescribing acne medications to patients of African ancestry. Subscribe to Skin Spectrum Weekly and have each issue sent directly to your phone or inbox.
Register now for the Skin Spectrum Summit 2020 Webinar Series, beginning October 1, 2020. Sign up here.