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With the summer months approaching, you may be actively planning to spend time outdoors with family and friends. But before you head out into the sun, there are precautions to take to protect your skin.
The most immediate danger of time in the sun is sunburn. However, exposure to the sun can also increase your risk of skin cancer – which, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, is now the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and one person dies from melanoma every hour, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Dr. Henry W. Lim – a board certified dermatologist, chair emeritus of the Department of Dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and a former president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – on what consumers can do to prevent skin damage, skin cancer, and stay safe in the sun.
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An Expert's Guide to Sun Safety
An Expert's Guide to Sun Safety
An Expert's Guide to Sun Safety
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With the summer months approaching, you may be actively planning to spend time outdoors with family and friends. But before you head out into the sun, there are precautions to take to protect your skin.
The most immediate danger of time in the sun is sunburn. However, exposure to the sun can also increase your risk of skin cancer – which, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, is now the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and one person dies from melanoma every hour, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Dr. Henry W. Lim – a board certified dermatologist, chair emeritus of the Department of Dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and a former president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – on what consumers can do to prevent skin damage, skin cancer, and stay safe in the sun.
What are the dangers of too much sun exposure?
While there are many benefits of outdoor activities, being outdoors does expose one to the sun, therefore it’s important to understand the risks. The sun’s light includes invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays. When these rays reach the skin, they react with DNA to cause sunburn and skin damage, and with a chemical called melanin that results in tanning. Yes, tanning is a sign of skin damage. The risk of damage increases with the amount (e.g., how long) and intensity of exposure (e.g., the time of day) to the sun. People of all skin colors are at risk for sun damage, and the sun’s rays can cause damage even on cool, cloudy days!
There are two types of UV rays you should know about:
- UVA rays pass easily through the earth’s ozone layer, making them the most common form of sun exposure. UVA rays cause our skin to age and wrinkle, as well as contribute to skin cancer.
- UVB rays make up less sun exposure than UVA rays, but are more intense. UVB rays cause sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and affect our immune systems. These types of rays also contribute to skin cancer.
I tell my patients to follow a few basic rules when it comes to keeping their skin healthy and protected from sun exposure:
- Seek shade. Remember, the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 2 PM. A good rule of thumb is if your shadow is shorter than you are, it’s time to seek shade.
- Cover up. Wear protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible. This rule should always apply to babies and kids, who are more sensitive to the sun.
- Use sunscreen. Generously apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Never use tanning beds. Tanning beds and sun lamps have high amounts of UV rays; they are known to increase the development of skin cancer.
We saw that in September 2021 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed order that would update regulatory requirements for common sunscreen products sold in the United States. What does this mean for the public?
FDA’s proposed order asked sunscreen manufacturers to provide more safety data on several sunscreen ingredients – ones that have been used in the United States for years. Specifically, FDA wants to find out to what extent our skin absorbs certain sunscreen ingredients, and whether absorbing these ingredients has effects on our skin and bodies.
In its proposed order, FDA classifies two sunscreen ingredients as “generally recognized as safe and effective” (GRASE) – titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. FDA also proposes that two other sunscreen ingredients are not GRASE: PABA and trolamine salicylate. But, not to worry. You won’t find either of these ingredients in sunscreen legally sold in the United States. FDA also called for more safety data on 12 ingredients before issuing a final determination on how they are classified:
- Ingredients commonly used in the United States: ensulizole, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, oxybenzone, avobenzone
- Ingredients not frequently used in the United States: cinoxate, dioxybenzone, meradimate, padimate O, sulisobenzone
While FDA is asking for more data on these 12 ingredients, it’s important to note that it has not said these ingredients are unsafe. Furthermore, FDA confirms the effectiveness of sunscreen as one of the important ways to protect your skin from the sun. In fact, FDA recommends the public continue to follow sun safety guidelines – including seeking shade, wearing clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and using broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater.
Important Update: Acetaminophen
There’s been a lot of talk recently about misleading claims that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy can cause autism. We’ve pulled together some FAQs and answers to help families.
Learn more and get the facts about acetaminophenHow do I know if I’m using the right sunscreen?
There are a variety of sunscreens that contain different ingredients and levels of protection available to consumers. But to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, make sure you always wear a sunscreen that offers the following:
- SPF 30 (or higher)
- Broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB)
- Water resistant (if needed)
Make sure you look for a sunscreen that provides all three of these benefits. On some products, you may see the words “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB.” Studies show that daily use can reduce your risk of skin cancer and signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots.
A NOTE ABOUT DYE-FREE PRODUCTS: Dye-free medications and supplements are a great option for individuals who prefer or require products without dyes, such as those with allergies, sensitivities, or personal preferences. Importantly, both dye-containing and dye-free options are held to the same rigorous safety and quality standards. If you’re unsure which is right for you or your family, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
What should parents keep in mind when applying sunscreen on young children?
Everyone over six months old should use sunscreen. For infants and toddlers, it is best to use a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as it is most appropriate for sensitive skin. Of course, even when using sunscreen, keep children in the shade and sun-protectant clothing as much as possible.
For children younger than six months of age, avoid applying sunscreen. Rather, protect their skin from the sun by keeping them in the shade and dressing them in long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. But, make sure to take care to prevent overheating.
References:
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/30/AR2005093001998.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602285/DSECTION=precautions-
- http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/multivitamin.html
- http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/immune-health/timing-your-vitamins
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/912.html
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/your-breakfast-giving-you-cancer
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn1607.pdf
- http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/UsingDietarySupplements/ucm110567.htm
Safe Use Tips & Takeaways
Heart Health Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It strengthens your enamel, repairs early signs of damage, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugar.
Is fluoride toothpaste still the most effective option, or are fluoride-free formulas just as good?
Fluoride is still the gold standard for cavity protection. Fluoride-free options can clean your teeth, but they don’t offer the same enamel-strengthening power.
Is fluoride safe for daily use?
Yes. When used as directed, fluoride is safe and effective. It’s been trusted and recommended by major health organizations for over 70 years.
How does fluoride actually protect teeth?
It strengthens enamel, repairs early signs of decay, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugary foods.
Are there any risks to using fluoride long-term?
The main risk—especially for young kids—is swallowing too much, which can lead to mild fluorosis. Using the right amount prevents this. For parents, supervise brushing to ensure kids spit out the toothpaste and don't swallow it.
At what age should kids start using fluoride toothpaste?
As soon as the first tooth appears!
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
Is fluoride still safe and recommended for kids with all the claims online?
Yes. A lot of online claims can be confusing, but decades of research show fluoride is safe and strongly recommended for cavity prevention when used properly.
How much fluoride should my child get from toothpaste?
Use age-appropriate amounts and brush twice a day. If your water isn’t fluoridated, ask your dentist about additional options.
How do I know which kids’ toothpaste claims are real and not just marketing?
Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance and choose brands your dentist recommends.
Do fluoride-free or “natural” toothpastes protect kids from cavities?
They can help clean teeth, but they don’t provide the same cavity protection as fluoride toothpastes.
Are fluoride-free toothpastes just as effective for adults?
Not for cavity prevention. Fluoride-free toothpastes can help with cleaning and freshening breath, but they do not protect against cavities the way fluoride does. For adults, or anyone who is prone to cavities, fluoride toothpaste remains the most effective option for preventing tooth decay.
Do fluoride alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) make a difference?
Yes—nHAp can help with sensitivity and early enamel repair. But it hasn’t matched fluoride’s cavity-prevention strength in studies.
How do I compare fluoride vs. fluoride-free options if I have sensitivity or enamel wear?
Fluoride is best for strengthening enamel. nHAp may help with sensitivity. Some people benefit from using both in a balanced routine.
Are whitening toothpastes safe to use with fluoride or fluoride-free products?
Most are safe but can be abrasive. Choose gentle formulas and avoid using them every single day—especially for kids.
What should I look for when choosing an OTC toothpaste?
Pick products with proven active ingredients (like fluoride), check for the ADA Seal, and avoid unnecessary additives or sweeteners.
Does fluoride affect hormones or the brain?
No credible scientific evidence shows fluoride at levels used in toothpaste or fluoridated water disrupts hormones or causes neurodevelopmental harm.
What should I do if my community stops adding fluoride to the water?
Use fluoridated toothpaste, consider fluoride rinses, and talk to a dentist about fluoride supplements for kids.
Do fluoride supplements have side effects?
They’re safe when used under dental guidance and typically recommended for children in areas without fluoridated water.
What’s the best way to make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated tap water if available, and ask your dentist for personalized advice if you’re cavity-prone.