Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer? The Facts

The news is filled with information about the dangers involved with skin cancer. Some provide foods to prevent skin cancer, or suggest supplements might do the trick. Many ask does sunscreen prevent skin cancer, and the answer is that it depends. While sunscreen is an important factor in protecting your skin from this potentially deadly disease, most people do not use it properly. When sunscreen is not used correctly, the protection it provides is minimal at best. This article will offer an answer to the question, does sunscreen prevent skin cancer? It will also give tips for using the substance correctly so the user can get the full benefits of the protection.

Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?

Before talking about the correct application, it is important to address the question does sunscreen prevent skin cancer. Most sunscreens contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which have been proven to protect the skin against both UVA and UVB rays. However, zinc oxide provides more effective protection against UVB rays than titanium dioxide does. Other substances that might be found in sunscreen include octocylone and benzophenones, which block UVA and UVB rays equally well. A new ingredient, ecamsule, is also being used in some screens because of its ability to block UVA rays effectively.

Proper Application and Use

So, when asking does sunscreen prevent skin cancer, it is clear from the ingredients listed and the studies that have been conducted that it can. However, it must be used properly in order to be effective. Unfortunately, many believe that slathering some on in the morning before a day of outdoor play will be sufficient. Most sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, more if working, playing or getting in the water. It is also important to note that sunscreen by itself may not provide sufficient protection during the hottest part of the day. During the middle hours, it is best to avoid the sun completely by staying indoors or finding a shady spot.

It is also important when answering the question does sunscreen prevent skin cancer, to address the issue of SPF. Another mistake people make is to use an insufficient SPF to provide adequate protection. Most experts recommend an SPF of 30 or more for best protection. This is especially true of children, whose skin is particularly sensitive to the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Sunscreen is an important component in skin cancer prevention. When used properly, it can protect the skin from dangerous cancer and other types of sun damage.