The individual can be protected from sunburn, even on overcast or hazy days. During cloudy days, sun exposure is reduced by roughly 20%. Exercise caution near any reflective surface, such as water, snow, pavement, or sand, is essential. More ultraviolet radiation is present at greater altitudes. Take care to stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Try to avoid doing any outside activity during these periods when the sun is at its highest. No amount of tanning will protect you against sunburn in the long run. Be sure to use sunscreen in addition to your self-tanning lotion if you plan on spending time outside. Make liberal use of sunscreen. Even on overcast days, protect your lips and skin from UV damage by using skincare products and sunblock with at least an SPF of 30 that are both moisture. To shield from UVA and UVB rays, look for a product with a broad spectrum. There is a 97% reduction in UVB radiation SPF 30. No sunscreen is available that can completely protect from the sun’s UVB radiation. Sunscreen should be applied liberally to dry skin for at least 30 minutes before going outside.
Age spots, sagging skin, dryness, and a decrease in the fat that gives skin its natural smoothness are among the most noticeable changes with age. The epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous layer comprise the three primary layers of the skin. The epidermis gradually thins with age, while the total number of cell divisions stays constant.
Author(s) Details:
Sabira Sultana
Department of Eastern Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
Shafaq Naz
Department of Eastern Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
Naheed Akhtar
Department of Pharmacy, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
Musarrat Ijaz
Department of Pharmaceutics, Cadson College of Pharmacy, Kharian, Pakistan.
Sidra Huma
Bahawalpur Medical and Dental College, Bahawalpur College of Pharmacy (BMDC Complex), Pakistan.
Muhammad Shahzad Khan
Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, GC University Faisalabad, Layyah Campus. Layyah 31200, Punjab, Pakistan
Rizwana Dilshad
Swedish College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Science, Rahim Yar Khan Campus, Pakistan.
Sumbal Tanveer
Riphah International University, Islamabad
Tamseela Shahzadi
Riphah International University, Islamabad
Muhammad Saleem Qureshi
Akbar Institute of Medical Sciences Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Recent Global Research Developments in Sunscreen Safety and Efficacy in Preventing Skin Cancer
How Sunscreens Work: Sunscreens contain either chemical (organic) or physical (inorganic) compounds that block ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. These compounds protect against UVA1, UVA2, and UVB radiation. Chemical filters, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, absorb UV rays, while physical filters (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) reflect them [1].
Effectiveness: Several well-conducted randomized controlled trials have shown that sunscreen use reduces the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma skin cancers. Commercial sunscreens shield against UV radiation through chemical or physical ingredients. The Canadian Dermatology Association recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 as part of a comprehensive photoprotection strategy [1].
Safety: Dermatologists widely agree that FDA-approved sunscreens are safe in protecting against skin cancer and photoaging. They recommend broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of at least 30 [2].
For more detailed information, you can refer to the review article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal [1]. It covers evidence related to sunscreen effectiveness and safety.
References
- Sander, M., Sander, M., Burbidge, T., & Beecker, J. (2020). The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. Cmaj, 192(50), E1802-E1808.
- Farberg AS, Glazer AM, Rigel AC, White R, Rigel DS. Dermatologists’ Perceptions, Recommendations, and Use of Sunscreen. JAMA Dermatol. 2017;153(1):99–101. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.3698