Sun Burns & Skin Cancer

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. A number of studies have confirmed that repeated sunburns substantially increase the risk for melanoma. This is especially true for childhood sunburns because there is more time and opportunity for subsequent sun damage to lead to melanoma.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB (ultraviolet) light wavelengths and will a sunscreen protect me from both?

Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays – UVA rays and UVB rays. The UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays (which are blocked by window glass) and are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. UVA rays (which pass through window glass) penetrate deeper into the dermis, or base layer of the skin. They also contribute to sunburns and skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause suppression of the immune system which helps to protect you against the development and spread of skin cancer.

Since PABA and PABA esters only protect against UVB light, check for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that also screens UVA rays. Ingredients like benzophenones, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and ecamsule (Mexoryl SX), extend the coverage beyond the UVB range and into the UVA range, helping to make sunscreens broad-spectrum.