Why is Sun Protection Important?

• Prevent sunburn & the long-term harmful effects
• Prevent pre-cancers called actinic keratoses (AKs)
• Prevent skin cancer (basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer)
• Prevent melanoma (the deadly skin cancer)
• Prevent aging skin
• Prevent wrinkles
• Prevent freckles, age spots, dilated blood vessels, textural changes in the skin

How To Protect Your Skin From the Sun

• Seek shade when possible
• Avoid sun-tanning
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing
• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen containing products to block both UVA & UVB rays
• Protect children from the sun. Children over 6 months can safety wear sunscreen
• Avoid tanning beds
• Wear sunless self tanner instead of tanning
• Check your skin monthly for changes to your moles & skin

Who Should Use Sunscreen?

Everyone! More than 2 million non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed each year in Canada and the United States. Sunburns increase the risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

How Do Sunscreens Work?

Sunscreens absorb, reflect, or scatter the sun's rays on the skin.

What Does SPF Mean?

SPF stands for ‘Sun Protection Factor’ from UVB/burning rays and can range from 2 to >85. It is calculated by comparing the time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. For example, SPF 15 means a person who would normally turn red after 10 minutes of sun exposure, would now take 150 minutes of exposure for the skin to turn red.

When Should Sunscreen Be Worn?

Everyday. UVA rays can penetrate windows and for days when you are going to be indoors, apply sunscreen on the areas not covered by clothing, such as the face, neck & hands. Sunscreens can be applied under makeup. Don't reserve the use of sunscreen only for sunny days. Even on a cloudy day, up to 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. Sand reflects 25% of the sun's rays and snow reflects 80% of the sun's rays.

When To Apply and Re-apply Sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be applied 15-30 minutes before going outdoors, then every 2 hours. Reapply after swimming or sweating heavily.

What SPF Should I Wear?

Dr. Malcolm recommends SPF 50 on face and at least SPF 30 or higher on body. Make sure your sunscreen is providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. For patients who find sunscreens greasy and cause acne, the new Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 is a sheer, non-greasy, non-comedogenic physical sunscreen that can be applied under make-up and is available in Dr. Malcolm’s office.