Are You Being Burned By Sunscreens?

Does sunscreen really help us avoid those dangerous burns? Are sunscreens really necessary?

Many think so. As Mary Schimch of The Chicago Tribune said in a commencement speech, “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists…”

One scientific study cast doubts on whether a sunscreen helps. A report was issued by the Environmental Working Group in 2008 that claimed four out of five sunscreen products did not adequately give protection from the sun or might be composed of substances that are a health risk.

This research study was reviewed by dermatologists who said the research methodology used was unscientific. Dr. Warwick L. Morison, dermatology professor at John Hopkins, called it “junk science.”

Scientists agree that a sun burn can ultimately lead to melanoma or skin cancer. The best defense besides staying indoors is to wear a sunscreen. “Although we have refined the common wisdom that excess sun exposure is always associated with increased risk of skin cancer, the take-home message for the public is still the same-limit sun exposure and use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays,” advises researcher Qingyi Wei, M.D., Ph.D.

Sunscreens have to be used properly to be effective against a sunburn. Fifteen minutes to half an hour before going outdoors is when sunscreen should be applied. Apply liberally. Use enough to fill a shot glass. Use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30.