Graham Beaton BHSc, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Sun safety is an important factor to consider when planning for any outdoor activity during the daylight hours of the summer. As the sun continuously emits ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation that penetrates the Earth’s atmosphere, both short term and long term exposure can result in many negative effects on skin health (including photoaging, burning, and skin cancer). This blog post will focus on the acute and chronic effects of sunlight on skin health, and explain the SPF ratings of sunscreens and UV index in order to improve understanding of sun exposure to skin health.
Acute effects of UVA and UVB radiation on the skin
Sunburn
A sunburn is a burn to the skin that is caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun – specifically UVB radiation (UVA radiation is a modest contributor to sunburns). A sunburn appears as a red, painful skin lesion that is also hot to the touch. This reaction is caused by multiple factors, including DNA damage, hormone activation, cytotoxicity, and others. The redness caused by UVB rays typically sets in 2 to 6 hours after exposure, peaks around 12 to 36 hours and fades after 72 to 120 hours.
There are many negative effects that happen in the skin after a sunburn, including: inadequate DNA repair, decreased immune response, damage to melanin cells (cells that affect changes in skin pigmentation), increased skin permeability, thickening of the skin, generation of damaging free radicals, increased release of pro-inflammatory and DNA mutation causing immune cells, etc…
Suntan
Tanning is a response where the skin darkens with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Interestingly, tanning is biphasic. After sun exposure, skin pigment darkens within minutes, followed by delayed skin pigment darkening 3 days after sun exposure. UVA rays are responsible for the immediate darkening of the skin, beginning approximately 5 minutes after skin exposure. UVB rays are responsible for the delayed skin pigment darkening, and this response peaks 5 to 10 days after exposure.
Chronic effects of UVA and UVB rays on the skin
There does not have to be a history of sunburn for the sun to have negative effects on skin health. Susceptibility to UV damage is influenced by age, anatomical site of exposure and by individual skin type, which can be categorized as:
I – Always burns; never tans
II – Often burns; tans minimally
III – Sometimes burns; tans moderately
IV – Burns minimally; tans well
V – Rarely burns; tans deeply; moderately pigmented (brown)
VI – Never burns; deeply pigmented (black)
Photoaging
Repetitive exposure to UV rays over long periods of time results in photoaging. These skin changes are different than normal aging of the skin and are characterized by dry and rough skin, wrinkling, spots or smears of color (called mottling), thinning of the skin, pebbling of the skin, presence of precancerous or cancerous lesions, etc… Furthermore, chronically exposed sites have fewer protective immune cells, increased skin thickness, reduced protective barrier abilities (to bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, heat, UV radiation, water loss), and have changes in the elastic properties of the skin.
Skin Cancer
Precancerous and cancerous lesions can develop due to UVA and UVB radiation. Rates of skin cancer are increasing for both non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and for melanoma skin cancers. Currently, 1/5 of Americans and 2/3 of Australians born today will develop skin cancer at some point during their lifetime. Three main risk factors are thought to be responsible: increased UV exposure (through sunbathing and tanning bed use), aging of the population and ozone depletion (which now filters less UV rays). Risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers increases in those who have greater UV exposure (increased time and UV intensity exposure), and increased history of sunburns.
Protection against UV radiation from the sun
There are many precautions that can be taken to reduce the harmful effects of exposure to UV rays from the sun. These include: use of sunscreens, avoidance of UV rays, wearing protective clothing, and following UV Index forecasts.
Sun Protection Factor
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a sunscreen indicates its ability to protect the skin from UVB induced burns (note, unless otherwise stated, sunscreens are primarily designed to protect against UVB radiation and do not include UVA protection – for dual coverage, look for products labelled “broad spectrum”). It is defined by the ratio of ultraviolet rays required to produce a minimal erythema dose (i.e. minimal dose to cause skin to redden) in sunscreen protected compared to unprotected skin.
To determine the SPF rating of an individual sunscreen, 20 to 25 individuals with skin types I, II or III (see above) applied sunscreen on their backs from their shoulder blades down to their beltline. This area was then exposed to an indoor solar simulator and the average minimal erythema dose is taken to determine the SPF of the product. These results are limited in that testing conditions using the solar simulators differ from sun exposure – and can produce a falsely high SPF value. The factors that alter claimed SPF values include:
- Amount applied: The amount of sunscreen applied to the skin to achieve the SPF value on the product (as determined through testing) is 2 mg/cm2 (an equivalent of 2 to 3 g or 0.07 to 0.11 oz to cover the face, ears, and backs of both hands). Most individuals when applying sunscreen typically apply 25 to 50% of the recommended amount, which decreases the SPF value by 50 to 80%.
- Swimming and sweating: Both decrease the effectiveness of sunscreens. While many products claim they are water or sweat resistant, these claims are misleading as the sunscreen will not provide the same level of protection as suggested following sweating. Newer regulations regarding sunscreen labelling (at least in the United States as regulated by the FDA) will require manufacturers to list the duration that a sunscreen will remain effective when exposed to water or sweat. It is best to remember, if sweating heavily or swimming, reapply sunscreen often (e.g. reapply after swimming).
- Toweling after swimming or sweating heavily: Towelling removes applied sunscreen from the skin.
- Insect Repellant: Application of sunscreens when also using insect repellants containing diethyltoluamide lowers the effective SPF value of a sunscreen by 34%.
SPF values and sunscreen UVB radiation absorption
New Rules of SPF labelling on sunscreens
In June 2011 the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) changed the regulations on testing and labelling of sunscreens (these changes were put in to effect for sunscreens sold in 2012)., in order to ensure that the public was better informed about product claims regarding SPF ratings, UVA and UVB protection, the proper use and application of sunscreen and misleading claims of “sweatproof” and “waterproof” sunscreens. The changes to labelling are as follows (note: the updated testing guidelines are not listed below):
- Sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB radiation are labelled as Broad Spectrum and will carry an SPF rating of 15 or higher.
- Products that are both Broad Spectrum and SPF 15 or higher will also inform consumers that they will protect against sunburn and if used as directed with other measures (i.e. wearing appropriate clothing, avoidance of sun during peak hours, seeking shade, etc.) can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.
- Sunscreens that are not Broad Spectrum and have an SFP value of 2 to 14 will carry a warning of “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburns, not skin cancer or early skin aging”.
- Instruction for applying sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.
- Instructions for reapplying sunscreen: re-apply at least every two hours, reapplying after swimming, sweating and after toweling dry.
- A note on sun protection measures that reads: “Sun Protection Measures: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a Broad Spectrum SPF of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures including: Limit time in the sun, especially from 10 am – 2 pm; Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses.”
- Warning labels to include: “Do not use on damaged or broken skin; When using this product keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove; Stop use and ask a doctor if rash occurs.”
The FDA has also set rules for a sunscreen being labelled as “waterproof”, such that new products will contain information labelled “water resistant 40 minutes” or “water resistant 80 minutes”. Again, there are limits to this standard as testing environments (e.g. an indoor freshwater pool, whirlpool or hot tub with temperatures maintained between 23 to 32 degrees C) do not relate to normal sunscreen usage (correct amount of applied, length of time immersed in water, activity level in water, temperature of water, saltwater or chlorinated water exposure, sand abrasion and toweling). Again, it is then advised to reapply after swimming, sweating or towelling.
In addition to the changes in labelling listed above, the FDA also suggests limiting the maximum SPF to a SPF of 50 as there is insufficient evidence to show that products rated higher than SPF 50 provide greater protection for users as compared to SPF 50.
An example of the updated label:
With a quick read of the website of Health Canada, it appears that these new guidelines have not yet been adopted in Canada, as the information on sunscreens, and labelling was last updated in 2010. Also, a Coppertone sunscreen that I purchased in May of 2012 in Ottawa did not have the updated labelling.
UV Index
The Ultra Violet index (UV index) is a measure of the intensity of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun. The scale ranges from 1 – 11 (in Canada), and the higher the number, the stronger the sun’s rays (which increases risk of burns). Forecasts of the daily UV index predict the maximum strength of the UV rays during the day – typically occurring in early afternoon.
The scale, as well as recommendations for protecting yourself from UV rays are as follows:
- UV Index 1 to 2 – Low: Minimal sun protection required for normal activity. On bright days, wear sunglasses and cover up and use sunscreen if outside for more than one hour.
- UV Index 3 to 5 – Moderate: Take precautions if outside for 30 minutes or more. Precautions include covering up, wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Also, look for shade near midday when the sun is strongest.
- UV Index 6 to 7 – High: Protection is required. Reduce sun exposure between 11 am and 4pm. Protections should include covering up, wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- UV Index 8 to 10 – Very High: Take extra precautions. Avoid sun between 11 am and 4 pm. Take full precautions by covering up, wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Skin that is not protected can be damaged and can quickly burn.
- UV Index 11 and above – Extreme: Take full precautions. Avoid sun between 11 am and 4 pm. Cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Skin that is not protected will be damaged and can burn in as little as a few minutes.
Sun Safety Tips
As noted above, acute and chronic exposure to sunlight can have many negative health effects. It is therefore important to practice sun safety by:
- Monitoring the UV Index forecast and planning your outdoor activities accordingly.
- Avoid being in direct sunlight during peak sunlight hours.
- Covering up by wearing long sleeved shirts, pants, and hats during peak sunlight hours.
- Choosing the appropriate sunscreen, applying it and reapplying it properly.
If you have questions on sun safety, skin health, or on how Naturopathic Medicine can help you please give Graham Beaton a call at 613-290-6115. Graham is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing in downtown Ottawa.