Once a day application of sunscreen
I bought some sunscreen recently that says you only need to apply it once a day. This seems much easier than reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours. Why aren't doctors promoting these?
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We are not able to comment on a particular sunscreen product. How reliable a sunscreen is, and how well it works, depends on its contents and the way it has been tested. So this can vary from product to product.
When buying a sunscreen, you need to check that it is broad spectrum. This means it protects you from both UVA and UVB radiation. These are the 2 types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun that can damage your skin.
UVB radiation can cause sunburn and is associated with the development of skin cancer. Until recently, UVA was thought to be relatively harmless. But there is increasing evidence that UVA can penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays, causing ageing of the skin and damage to the DNA. UVA may also contribute towards the development of cancer. Skin specialists say that there is no such thing as a healthy tan because a tan means damage to the skin.
The amount of radiation from the sun varies. It depends on the position of the sun, the time of year and which country you are in. Generally, we recommend the use of a sunscreen of at least factor 15.
As you say, there are now products on the market that say they are single application and resistant to water, perspiration and friction. The package insert should give you information about the testing that the product has had. If in doubt, contact the company. You can also seek advice from your local Trading Standards Authority if you think any misleading claims are being made for any product.
The new sunscreen products are not promoted by doctors for a number of reasons. Health professionals are not usually allowed to endorse individual products. But more importantly, some doctors and researchers are beginning to think that sun creams could be harmful because they encourage people to stay out in the sunshine for longer. Doctors now think that the protection the creams give you against burning may not actually stop you increasing your risk of malignant melanoma. Reapplying sunscreens regularly is very important because you are more likely to get even coverage and avoid missing bits that may then get burnt.
You can find information about how to protect yourself in the sun on Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart website.
Do remember that it may not be safe for you to stay in the sun all day, even if you are using a sun cream that says it gives all day protection. You still need to take into account your own skin type, the country you are in and the time of day. Using a sun cream is better than getting burnt, but it is only one aspect of protecting ourselves against skin cancer.
Remember – sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer. So avoid being out in the sun when it is at its hottest. And you should never use a sunbed.
Remember the SunSmart message
- Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- Make sure you never burn
- Aim to cover up with a Tshirt, hat and sunglasses
- Remember to take extra care with children
- Then use factor 15+ sunscreen
There is more information about preventing melanoma in the section of our site about melanoma. There is also information about choosing a sunscreen in our Questions and Answer section.
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