Not All Sunscreens Protect You.
Not All Sunscreens Protect You.
Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC. We conduct 1, 2 and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993. We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.
A Golf Blog by the Mel Sole Golf School.
Did you read The Bottom Line on Sunscreens? The recent report by the Environmental Working Group? It found that only 8% of 500 sunscreens reviewed could be recommended for consumer use.
Growing up in South Africa, I was unaware of the need to protect my skin regularly. Back in those days, the message was not out yet. Most of us played happily in the sun and got a tan. The majority applied sunscreen only when we went on vacation to the ocean. We wore swimming trunks that exposed lily-white skin normally covered by shorts and shirts.
Today, there's much more awareness about the dangers of frequent sun exposure. But, unfortunately, all sunscreens are not created equal. Most will prevent sunburn, but not all sunscreens protect against skin cancer! And some will, in fact, cause skin cancer!
Protect Against UVA and UVB Rays.
There are basically three types of sunblock: Those that protect against UVA rays, which cause skin damage and premature wrinkles. Those that protect against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. And the rarer broad-spectrum sunscreens, which provide both UVA and UVB protection.
Not All Sunscreens Protect You.
UVA penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB. Therefore, it has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling. However, studies over the past two decades show that UVA contributes to and may even initiate skin cancers.
UVB rays are the main cause of skin reddening and sunburn. They tend to damage the skin’s more superficial epidermal layers. UVB plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging.
Since UVA and UVB are harmful, you need a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that protects both. These broad-spectrum sunscreens are available at health food stores. They are a little more expensive than the common brands but obviously well worth preventing skin cancer!
Mineral Sunscreens are the best safety profile.
Unfortunately, the choice between different kinds of broad-spectrum sunscreens still forces some compromise. Mineral-based sunscreens often contain micronized- or nano-scale particles of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. The EWG report gave mineral sunscreens the best safety profile of today’s choices. They offer UVA protection and are stable in sunlight.
However, there's concern about the nanoparticles and whether or not they can penetrate the skin. Research done by EWG concluded that they "do not appear to penetrate." To be extra safe with regards to this, avoid applying these sunscreens close to mucous membranes of the face. Or look for non-nano mineral sunscreens.
The disadvantage of non-nano mineral sunscreens is that they form a white layer on the face.
You can overcome this problem by mixing in coconut oil. This allows the sunscreen to blend in and not leave the ugly white look.
Not All Sunscreens Protect You. For those who'd prefer to avoid mineral products, the EWG recommends sunscreens with 3% avobenzone.
Sunscreens to Avoid.
Despite FDA approval, there's enough evidence to recommend avoiding sunscreens with oxybenzone or 4-MBC. These are known hormone disruptors. In addition, scientists have called for parents to avoid using oxybenzone on children due to toxicity concerns.
There are new concerns about a form of vitamin A called retinyl palmitate found in almost half of the available sunscreens in North America. This compound may actually accelerate skin damage and elevate skin cancer risk when applied to skin exposed to sunlight. As a result, it's recommended to avoid sunscreens with vitamin A, but the evidence is still inconclusive.
The Future of Sunscreens.
Dr. Michael Prager of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors believes there's an alternative to the broad-spectrum sunblocks currently on the market: antioxidant-based sun protection. Studies have shown that tomatoes, rich in antioxidants and lycopene, could prove a weapon against sun damage. For example, 20 people were given 5tbsp of tomato paste every day for 12 weeks while exposed to ultraviolet light. As a result, there was a significant improvement in their skin's ability to protect itself.
Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists noted, “While the protection offered by lycopene is low, this research suggests that a diet containing high levels of antioxidant-rich tomatoes could provide an extra tool in sun protection.”
However, in the future, sunscreens will almost certainly contain antioxidants, with labels detailing a product's DNA protection levels and its ability to boost the skin's immune system.
Sun Protection for Golfers.
As a teaching golf professional who stands out in the sun all day, I use an SPF 30 sunscreen called TerraSport by All Terrain. It contains nano-particle titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. If applied while on the course, it will not leave your hands slippery! It's non-greasy and sweatproof.
The Sun SafeTee Program.
I recently had a conversation with Mark Wishner, President of the Sun SafeTee Program. The Sun SafeTee Program is a non-profit organization that provides sun protection education and skin cancer awareness programs specifically for the golf community. They give educational seminars. Distribute sunscreen samples and published literature. Provide informational hand-outs for tournament attendees, deliver PowerPoint presentations and conduct one-to-one consultations concerning the effects of overexposure to the sun.
By educating individuals on protecting themselves (and their loved ones) from blistering sunburns, dehydration, and permanently damaging their skin, Sun SafeTee helps people reduce the risks that can lead to morbidity and mortality.
The best sun protection is staying in the shade. But it's important to cover up and use the best sunscreen protection available. Be proactive for those of us out on the golf course: Check out your local health food store and pick up some broad-spectrum sunscreen for you and your loved ones.
Source: Mel Sole Golf School.
Thanks for reading - Not All Sunscreens Protect You. This is important!
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References:
- EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide
- Sunscreens Explained
- Understanding UVA and UVB
- Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens
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