How to Pick the Right Sunscreen to Prevent Skin Cancer and Ageing: Understanding SPF, UVA Protection
- Amie Roberts
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
When it is Skin Cancer Awareness Month we talk a lot about sunscreen. We need to talk about it more. Sunscreen is very important for preventing skin cancer. It also affects how our skin ages and how it looks. We need to understand what we are protecting our skin from and how we are doing it. This is where we can make a difference.
Why Sunscreen Matters for Preventing Skin Cancer
The suns rays are the reason people get skin cancer. There are two kinds of rays:
UVB - This causes sunburn. Damages our skin cells
UVA - This goes deeper into our skin. Causes long-term damage
Both kinds of rays can cause skin cancer. Most people think sunscreen is for preventing sunburn. We need to use it every day to prevent damage over time. It is not just about not getting red today. It is about protecting our skin for years to come.
What is SPF. What Does it Do?
SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects us from UVB rays. This is important because UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer. SPF does not tell us if a sunscreen protects us from UVA rays. This is where people get confused about how their sunscreen works.
UVA: The Risk Factor We Often Forget
UVA rays are present all year round. They can go through clouds, glass and deep into our skin. They cause damage to our skin cells over time. They also cause our skin to age. Get discolored. UVA rays can cause skin cancer. This is why we need to protect ourselves from UVA rays.
Why "Broad Spectrum" is Not Enough
Many sunscreens say they are " spectrum". This means they protect us from all kinds of sun rays. It does not mean they protect us well. From a doctors point of view this is a problem. Not all broad-spectrum sunscreens protect us from UVA rays.
Understanding UVA Protection
To choose a sunscreen we need to look beyond SPF. We need to look at:
UVA-PF - How well it protects us from UVA rays
PPD - How well it prevents our skin from getting discolored
PA rating - A way to measure how well it works
The higher these numbers, the better the sunscreen works. It is not about looking good it is about being healthy.
The UVA Seal in the UK and EU
In the UK and EU sunscreens with a UVA seal meet a standard. This means they protect us from UVA rays well as UVB rays. For example a sunscreen with SPF 30 must also have a UVA-PF of least 10. This ensures we get some protection. It may not be the best protection.
What the UV Index Means for Our Skin
The UV Index tells us how strong the suns rays are.
0-2 The risk is low. We can still get damaged
*3-5**. We need to use sunscreen every day
*6+**. We need to be very careful and use a lot of sunscreen
People think we only need sunscreen when the sun is strong. Uva rays can damage our skin even when the sun is not strong.
Sunscreen is Not the Answer
During Skin Cancer Awareness Month people often say "wear sunscreen". It is not that simple. We need to choose the sunscreen apply it correctly and reapply it often. We also need to wear hats, sunglasses and stay in the shade. We need to understand our own risk of getting skin cancer.
A Doctors Approach to Prevention and Skin Health
Doctors do not just recommend sunscreen. They recommend a long-term plan to protect our skin. This includes:
Preventing damage with sunscreen and other methods
Treating existing damage
Maintaining skin
This is how we can really make a difference.
Conclusion
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is important. Protecting our skin is something we need to do all year round. Using sunscreen correctly and as part of a long-term plan can make a difference. It is not about today it is about how our skin will look and feel in the future.
For more expert advice on protecting your skin from environmental damage, pollution and premature ageing, read our related blog:
What to Do Next
Have any skincare concerns, sun spots or not sure what products to use? You can book a Glow Strategy Consultation to learn more, about your skin and how to protect it.
I can help you create a plan to prevent skin cancer and keep your skin healthy.
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