We’ve been waiting what seems like forever for warm, sunny days and now that they’re right around the corner, it’s a good time for a skin protection primer. We spoke to top dermatologist Leah Ansell, M.D., of Treiber Dermatology Associates in Rye, to learn her sunscreen advice and best tips for warding off skin cancer. Here are the four things she wants everyone to know.
Mineral Sunscreens Are Best
There are two types of sunscreens—chemical and mineral. According to Dr. Ansell, “Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it so it doesn’t cause harm to our cells and harm our skin. With physical (mineral) sunscreen, the sun is reflected off the skin. Chemical sunscreens in the U. S. are very good at protecting against UVB light, which is responsible for sunburns, but they are not very good at blocking UVA light even if the product is labeled broad spectrum.” As a reminder, UVB rays cause sunburns and UVA rays contribute more to wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. Dr. Ansell recommends mineral sunscreens that contain higher percentages of zinc. “Zinc is the best broad-spectrum sunscreen there is,” she says. “Titanium, which is the other type of mineral sunscreen, is less effective at blocking UVA rays.” She likes mineral sunscreens by Isdin and Eucerin; and loves Alastin’s tinted sunscreen for the face. For kids, Blue Lizard is a good option as well.
The Higher the SPF, the Better
“Dermatologists used to recommend an SPF 30 sunscreen since the data we relied on showed that SPF 30 and SPF 50 were so similar—SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UV rays and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent of UV radiation. More recent data, however, shows that SPF 100 is more effective than SPF 30, so I do think the higher the SPF the better, particularly on a very sunny day,” explains Dr. Ansell, who adds that on a beach day, she recommends SPF 50 or higher. That said, she stresses that UPF-protective clothing, wide brimmed hats, and sunglasses are all superior to SPF.
UVA Light Penetrates Car Windows
Although you can’t get sunburned behind the wheel since UVB light can’t penetrate car windows, you can get fine lines, photoaging, and skin cancer because UVA rays do pass right through windows and windshields. Yet another reason to wear SPF every day, all year round.
Regular Skin Checks Are Essential
If you have a history of sunburns or significant cumulative sun exposure, a personal history of skin cancer or a family history of skin cancer, you should see a dermatologist for a thorough head-to-toe screening. Your dermatologist can guide you on how often you should be seen. Even if you’ve been careful to protect your skin as an adult, any childhood sunburns or sun exposure can eventually show up as pre-cancerous growths or skin cancers that only a doctor can diagnose and treat.
“A tan is sun damage. You may look good for a few days but getting ‘a little color’ has deleterious long-term risks,” says Dr. Ansell.
