Columnist Bill Andrade: Tips on protection from the sun’s dangerous rays

Bill Andrade

Monday, June 2, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

HE GAVE YOU nightmares, but Dracula was a dermatologist's dream when it came to skin care. Think about it. Ever see a vampire with skin cancer? I didn't think so. But for those of us less motivated to avoid sunlight, sunscreens are an important source of cancer protection.

Today's article addresses the benefit of sun protection and the myths surrounding sunscreens.

Why you should know

The incidence of skin cancer is soaring. The most serious skin cancer is melanoma. The number of cases in America grew by more than 20 percent in the last decade, yet many Americans have mixed feelings about the sun.

In one survey, 98 percent of Americans knew that ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer, but 70 percent said that a tan was more attractive than pale skin. Researchers who have analyzed trends in fashion magazines in the last 10 years found only modest gains in sun-safety awareness. Sunscreens can lull us into a false sense of security so that we stay in the sun longer. Products that combat sun damage account for much of the cosmetic industry's annual $14 billion business, and there are more than 150 brands on the market.

Those most likely to develop skin cancer have fair skin and an inability to tan. This may be associated with a high number of sunburns, especially during childhood. A family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma, is also an important risk factor. Here are several myths about sunscreens:

Myths about sunscreens

* Cloudy Days and water submersion eliminate the need for sunscreen.

Up to 80 percent of all ultraviolet radiation penetrates cloud cover and up to 50 percent reaches swimmers in water. Water-resistant and waterproof formulations resist water for 40 to 80 minutes.

* SPF values greater than 15 are overkill.

An SPF 30 sunscreen is significantly superior to an SPF 15 sunscreen at preventing early cancer damage to cells. High SPF values can compensate for sweating loss in the water and thin application.

* Sunscreens should be discarded each year because they deteriorate.

Unless a sunscreen smells foul, it will probably stay active for several years. Just remember that is has to be shaken aggressively prior to use. This is because the active ingredients settle out in the bottle.

* Clothing and hats are as good as sunscreen.

Loosely woven fabrics transmit up to 30 percent of all radiation, and wet fabrics increase transmission. A white T-shirt has an SPF of 5 to 9. Ultraviolet protective fabrics raise the SPF to 30. Forget baseball caps; hat brims need to be at least three inches wide all around to protect the entire head.

* Sunscreens cause allergic reactions.

The 1 to 2 percent of people allergic to sunscreens react mostly to fragrances, preservative and other substances, not the sun-blocking active ingredients.

* Wearing sunscreen causes overheating during exercise.

When 22 male students, thickly coated with an SPF 15 sunscreen, exercised vigorously for 45 minutes in 90-degree temperatures, their skin temperatures were lower than when exercising without the sunscreen. Core body temperatures were lower, but the change was not statistically significant.

* Most people use enough sunscreen

Most people don't slather on enough. For complete coverage, adult sunbathers need one ounce (2 tablespoons), but typically apply a quarter as much. Key body areas, like the ears and back, often get missed. Reapply if you are active: Sunscreens are sweated, rubbed and washed off.

The next time you're preparing to enjoy some fun in the sun, think about the catchy Australian skin cancer-awareness slogan: "Slip, slop, slap" -- meaning slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen and slap on a hat.