Summer’s here again and it’s time to get serious about protecting our skin – and our children’s. Sun protection is serious (and pricey!) business these days, not only because of the role excess sun exposure plays in premature ageing of the skin, but because skin cancer is dramatically on the rise in Europe as well as the rest of the world.

SPF confusion and a false sense of security

But before you reach for the nearest SPF 50 (or maybe even SPF 100, if you’re in the United States) consider that although we naturally assume that all sunscreens are carefully tested and completely safe, unfortunately this is not always the case. In fact, some sun cream brands may be lulling us into a false sense of security while actually compromising our health.

It’s logical to think that a SPF 50 allows us to stay in sun safely 50 times longer than if unprotected – but that’s not quite how it works. Many sunscreens have more to do with preventing sunburn, rather than less obvious, but more dangerous long-term damage. Some dermatologists even argue that SPF should stand for “sunburn protection factor”, not “sun protection factor”.

In fact, most popular suncreams focus on blocking the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that cause sunburn while doing far too little to protect us from ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. These are the ones that penetrate much deeper and have the potential to cause a lot more damage in terms of both skin ageing and serious forms of skin cancer. Research shows that paradoxically, the higher the SPF the less protection against dangerous UVA rays.

Toxins too

Studies show we’re now more likely to stay out in the sun longer because we feel safe (and don’t see any obvious signs we’re burning). This means we’re absorbing even more dangerous UVA rays. To make things worse, many sunscreens with an SPF higher than 30 contain extra chemicals that can actually damage skin tissue. One of these is titanium dioxide – a solvent and known carcinogen found in all kinds of familiar personal care products – not just sunscreens. Researchers have recently warned that “titanium dioxide is capable of destroying any organic matter” yet many brands (including Nivea Sun Kids) continue to add this, and other toxic substances (like parabens) to their products.

Wise tips

Of course I’m not suggesting we avoid sunscreens. Just follow a few sensible tips:

• Don’t bother with anything over SPF 30. Make sure you reapply frequently and of course – limit exposure to the sun.
  Don’t be fooled by misleading marketing – ask your pharmacist for brands without dioxanes, parabens and any kind of vitamin A.
  Keep your magnifying glasses on hand and use them to identify toxins in those otherwise impossible to read ingredient lists. Do your own research. Knowledge is power.
  For those of you who are light-skinned and never tan remember that a tan is not a sign of a healthy body, but a sign that cancer-causing ultraviolet rays have damaged skin. Cover up!

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