Here Comes the Sun: What You Should Know About Sunscreen Alternatives

Patricia Lucey, MD, is a specialty care physician who is board-certified in dermatology. She believes in the importance of early clinical detection and full body examinations to prevent and catch skin cancer at an early stage. Dr. Lucey provides care at Inova Schar Cancer Institute.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Each year, it’s diagnosed more frequently than all other cancer types combined. The good news is that experts know what causes skin cancer, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Ultraviolet radiation, specifically ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, cause 86% of melanoma cases. Sunscreen can block these harmful rays, protect your skin and reduce the risk of melanoma by 50%. But it’s not foolproof – and it’s not the ideal solution for people who:

• Aren’t applying it correctly: Experts recommend using 1 ounce of sunscreen for each full-body application and applying it 30 minutes before going outdoors.
• Can’t reach all areas of the body: Any exposed skin is at risk.
• Don’t apply it consistently: Sunscreen should be used daily throughout the year and reapplied after two hours.
• Don’t like mineral sunscreen: Many mineral sunscreens are thick and can leave a white residue.
• Have sensitive skin: Chemical sunscreen can irritate sensitive skin.
• Play sports: Extreme sweating can cause sunscreen to irritate the eyes and wear off quickly.

Sunscreen is a clinically proven tool for sun protection. But if you’re looking for additional ways to protect your skin and prevent skin cancer, here’s what you need to know about alternatives to sunscreen:

Sun-protective clothing

While experts measure sunscreen protection using sun protection factor (SPF), clothing has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating. UPF of 30 and 50+ means the clothing blocks 96.7% and 98% of UV rays (respectively). The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends fabrics for sun protection if they achieve a UPF rating of 30 or more. Clothing with a “UV Protective” label also undergoes a testing process that simulates wear and tear and regular washing before receiving a UPF rating.

Clothing that isn’t UPF-rated can also offer some protection from the sun. The protection level varies depending on:

• Weave pattern: Thicker, tightly woven fabrics are more protective. A good test is to hold the material up to the light – the harder it is to see through it, the more protection it offers. Denim has a UPF of about 70, while a plain white cotton t-shirt has up to 8 UPF.
• Dyes/color: Dark and vibrant fabrics offer more protection from the sun because they absorb UV light before it reaches the skin.
• Wear and tear: As clothing gets repeatedly washed, it tends to stretch and thin, which affects its protective qualities.

The advantage of UV protective clothing is that the UPF has been tested. The weave is tight, and the fabrics are light and ideal for warm temperatures (unlike denim). There are some products available that claim to add UPF protection to your clothing during a laundry cycle. But evidence supporting these products is limited.

Accessories that offer sun protection

Accessories are an easy way to shield yourself from the sun, even when using sunscreen or protective clothing. Vulnerable areas, such as the neck, eyes and scalp, need extra protection and often get missed.

Invest in sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection to lower your risk of melanoma, which can develop in the back of the eyes. Wearing a hat or using an umbrella can protect your face, neck and scalp – areas that burn quickly.

Vitamins and herbal supplements for sun protection

UV rays that penetrate the skin can damage cells, create oxidative stress and cause cell changes that may lead to wrinkles and skin cancer. But research shows that taking dietary antioxidants – through food and supplements – may offer added protection from UV radiation.

Foods and supplements that can help prevent damage from UV rays include:

• Heliocare®: This supplement contains polypodium leucotomos, an extract from tropical fern leaves that have antioxidant properties.
• Nicotinamide: A recent study found that taking this supplemental form of vitamin B3 for a year lowered the rate of new nonmelanoma skin cancers by 23%.
• Fruits and vegetables containing beta-carotene: Yellow and orange foods like carrots, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes get their color from beta-carotene. This compound is a safe source of vitamin A and has antioxidant properties that protect cells from the damage of UV rays.
• Foods rich in vitamins C and E: Eating these vitamins together offers protection from cell damage associated with UVA and UVB rays and may protect you from sunburn. Citrus fruits and tomatoes are excellent sources of vitamin C. Olive oil, nuts, seeds and spinach provide vitamin E.

Taking supplements and tweaking your diet should never be your only method of sun protection. But they can help limit any cellular damage that occurs with regular use of sunscreen or sunscreen alternatives.

Beauty products with SPF

Walk down the beauty aisle at your local drugstore, and you’ll find products boasting SPF. These products offer excellent supplemental sun protection, but not enough for a full day outside in the summer sun.

You can find SPF in:

• Lip balm, which offers good daily protection for your lips
• Makeup or SPF powder, which you dust on the face after applying makeup
• Moisturizer, which is often enough sun protection for your face during winter days spent mostly indoors
• Scalp and hair treatment, in the form of powders or sprays to protect exposed scalp

There are many ways to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays. Choose a method of sun protection you’ll use consistently, and have a backup plan (like a hat, sunglasses or umbrella) for times when you get caught in the sun. The most important thing is that you take preventive action.

If you have not had a skin check within the last year, please schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. If you are at high risk for skin cancer, please call our Saville Screening and Prevention Center at 571-472-3500.