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Evil Under the Sun
Despite decades of research, UV-related illnesses are on the rise. Find out what you can do to protect yourself.
By Tara Mattarazzo 
 
Like many abusive relationships, America’s love affair with the sun is littered with the wrecks of romantic images. From Coco Chanel’s Deauville glow to Farah Fawcett’s sun-kissed skin, bronzed beauty was de rigueur for generations—until scientists in the 1980s exposed it as a destructive trend with irreversible, DNA-altering effects.

“Photodamage and skin cancer can, in part, be attributed to the belief that tans are fashionable,” says Dr. Andrea Lynn Cambio, a New York–based dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Equally insidious is “the notion that having a tan is being healthy,” notes Dr. Alison Ehrlich, director of clinical research and assistant dermatology professor at George Washington University. The fact is, a “healthy” glow is anything but; it’s the visible manifestation of skin damage.
 
Light Trap
Today some Americans are still lost in a tan warp, but most are aware of the sun’s dangers, including burning, premature aging, and skin cancer. Sunscreen sales are at an all-time high, but so too are rates of UV-related illnesses. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. The depleting ozone layer, earlier detection, and the aging population have all been cited as factors, but many dermatologists believe the greatest culprit is human behavior—the fact that people aren’t adequately protecting themselves.

“Many people believe the myth that sunscreen allows them to stay outside all day without accumulating sun damage,” says Dr. Susan Sweeney, fellow of pediatric dermatology and dermatologic surgery at UMass Memorial Health Center. Although it’s important to wear sunscreen, she also stresses that these products offer just one layer of defense. Moreover—and contrary to what’s often printed on product labels—dermatologists emphasize that there’s no such thing as “sunblock.” And similarly, no sunscreen is capable of guaranteeing all-day protection; even a sweat- or water-resistant formula must be applied repeatedly over the course of the day.

Equally unsettling is the fact that most people select a sunscreen based solely on its SPF (sun-protection factor)—a number that only tells part of the story. According to Sweeney, “SPF refers only to protection from UVB light” (the wavelengths that are primarily responsible for sunburn). Although scientists once believed that UVB was the sole wavelength to blame for long-term skin damage, studies have now shown that UVA is also a dangerous carcinogen.

Saving Your Skin
There’s no safe haven from the sun (even daylight in indoor spaces can be harmful). But with a little diligence and a preventative plan, you can take significant steps toward safeguarding your skin.
Broaden your horizons: “Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with both UVB and UVA protection, an SPF of 15 or higher, and ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which scatter and absorb UV light,” Cambio suggests. According to Sweeney, sunscreens that contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789), such as Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30, may also be helpful in protecting against UVA rays.
An ounce of prevention: All too often, people don’t apply enough sunscreen for the product to be effective, or they opt to spot-protect just their faces or shoulders. Sweeney recommends using at least a full ounce of sunscreen to cover the entire body.
Make it a habit: “Many people remember to wear sunscreen at the beach, but they should be wearing it every day,” says Sweeney. For best results, incorporate it into your morning routine.
Over and over: Because sunscreen loses its efficacy throughout the day, it must be smeared on again and again. “Apply it 30 minutes prior to exposure, then reapply every two to four hours,” says Ehrlich.
Run for cover: Clothing, hats, and sunglasses are potential lifesavers outdoors, Ehrlich explains. If you’ll be outside for an extended period of time, Cambio suggests seeking out shady areas.
Watch the clock: The best way to screen out the sun is to circumvent it, especially during peak exposure times (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). When possible, Cambio recommends avoiding the midday sun.

Photo credit: Bernardo Machado

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