Does it matter what kind of sunscreen you use?

Do you regularly wear sunscreen?

It’s a question your doctor has likely asked when you’ve gone in for a visit or had an e-visit. And according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s a very important one.

“Using indoor tanning beds, especially before the age of 35, has been associated with a significant increased risk of skin cancer, and this risk increases with each subsequent use,” says Dr. Daniel Hertel, a dermatologist at Aurora Health Care in Green Bay, WI. “Outdoor tanning, whether intentional or unintentional, and sunburn also both independently increase the risk of skin cancer.”

But while using sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer is common knowledge, choosing the right one isn’t always easy, especially with so many options on the market.

How to choose the right sunscreen

An SPF of 30 or higher blocks 97% or more of ultraviolet rays. But is that enough on its own?  The short answer: no.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen is the best option and the go-to choice for a reason. It protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Without protection for both, it’s not nearly as helpful at preventing sun damage.

That’s because UVA and UVB rays damage your skin in very different ways:

• UVA rays are aging rays. They damage the skin by causing wrinkles and age spots. These rays can pass through glass, including windows.
• UVB rays are burning rays. These rays cause sunburn and cannot pass through windows and other glass.

When in doubt, check the label on your sunscreen. If it doesn’t say “broad spectrum,” swap it with one that does to ensure you have full protection from both rays.

Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen: Does it matter?

You may also notice sunscreens labeled as mineral or chemical. While there’s a lot of confusion about which is best, both can be effective.

• Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and block UV rays. These are often a good option for people with sensitive skin.
• Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat within the skin. These formulas tend to be thinner and easier to rub in without leaving a white cast.

When it comes to preventing skin cancer, the most important thing is choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that you’ll use consistently.

Identifying potential cancer spots

Wearing sunscreen is only one part of preventing skin cancer. Dr. Hertel also advises people to self-check their moles and skin for signs of cancer, using the ABCDE rule to help.

“Anything that’s new, growing or bleeding is something that is worth mentioning to your doctor,” he says. “Watch for any mole or skin lesion that is Asymmetric, has an irregular Border, uneven Color, a Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or is Evolving in size, shape or color – or any new spot that doesn’t heal or looks noticeably different from your other moles.”

If you’re concerned about getting enough vitamin D, there are ways to get it without sun exposure. But if you do use the sun as your main source of this vitamin, make sure to arm yourself with sunscreen.

Keep in mind other ways to avoid sun exposure and reduce your risk of skin cancer, too:

• Avoid peak times (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• Wear protective clothing, such as a hat with a brim
• Reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating

If you notice changes to your skin, contact your health care provider immediately.

“Skin cancer is very treatable if it’s caught early,” Dr. Hertel says, “but it can be very deadly if it’s allowed to invade and spread to other parts of the body.”

Are you trying to find a cancer expert? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.