Always Use Protection...from the Sun

Unprotected, overexposure to the sun can lead to...

Author

Dave Kenny
May 30, 2024

Why do we need to protect our birthday suits from the sun?

Unprotected, overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburn which damages the DNA in skin cells. This DNA damage can lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Repeated sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly raise the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US, detected in over three million people per year. In 2024, it's estimated that there will be about 100k new cases of melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer.

Believe it or not, sun tanning is also a form of skin injury, causing damage in your skin cell DNA.

Over exposure to the sun can also lead to premature skin aging like wrinkles, discoloration and loss of skin elasticity.

Summer Rental / Paramount Pictures

How to protect ourselves from the sun?

Shade

  • Umbrella at the beach or on the patio

  • Get under a tree at the soccer games

Clothing

  • Hats

  • Light long-sleeved shirt

  • Swim shirts, yea be that guy…available through some familiar companies like Johnnie-O and Vuori

  • Sunglasses to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes

  • Fabrics labeled UPF which block out 98% of UV rays

There’s Something About Mary / 20th Century Fox

Sunscreen

SPF

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates how well a sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. SPF doesn’t tell you anything about protection from UVA rays. Look for a sunscreen labeled Broad Spectrum for protection from UVA rays. This is especially important for darker-skinned dudes.

15 is a strong SPF, it blocks out 93% of UVB RAYS and 30 blocks out 97%. After that we’re really splitting hairs. I use SPF 30 or 50 to cover off in case I accidentally go a bit light in certain spots.

Types of sunscreen

Chemical or organic (carbon compound) sunscreen - protects your skin by absorbing UV radiation using active ingredients like avobenzone, octocrylene, oxybenzone, and homosalate. These ingredients work by converting UV rays into heat, which is then released from the skin, providing effective sun protection.

  • Pros

    • Lightweight and easy to apply

    • Does not leave a white cast

    • Often more water resistant than mineral sunscreen

  • Cons

    • Can cause some irritation, especially when they get into the eyes and can be tough on sensitive skin

Mineral or inorganic (metal oxide) sunscreen - protect your skin by using natural minerals, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It was originally thought that these sunscreens protect by physically blocking and reflecting harmful ultraviolet rays. However, board certified dermatologist, Dr. Andrea Suarez points out that despite social media lore, research shows that their active ingredients primarily work by absorbing UV rays just like chemical sunscreen.

  • Pro

    • Less likely to cause skin irritation in those with sensitive skin.

  • Cons

    • Tend to leave a white cast, aka the Casper effect, especially on darker skin tones. Some are tinted to combat this effect.

    • Typically thicker and harder to spread

    • Price: tend to range from 25-50% more per ounce.

Hybrid sunscreen - has a combination of chemical and mineral ingredients. Tend to be less irritating for those with sensitive skin than purely chemical sunscreens. While they still do leave a bit of a white cast, it’s not as apparent as exclusively mineral sunscreens.

Choosing the sunscreen that you’re most likely to use on the reg is the key to protecting your skin and preventing sunburn.

Lotion vs Spray

With sprays, it’s tough to tell if you’re getting the proper amount on your skin, so the reliability tends to go out the window. However, we live in the real world and are sometimes rushed, which is why sprays are so convenient. Two reccos if you are using spray…spray slowly, close to your skin, not in a wavy, wispy motion. Also, use a higher SPF than you would with lotion to offer you more protection due to the likelihood you will be using less. Bonus points if you rub it in after spraying.

Sunscreen watch outs

Lay it on thick. Typically one ounce to cover the body, which is enough to fill a shot glass for all you Fireball enthusiasts. For the face and neck, eyeball about a teaspoon of lotion, which is about 2-3 finger lengths.

Apply to all sun exposed areas. Don’t miss your ears, neck, lips, or even your scalp for my balding or thinning guys.

Reapply every two hours and/or after you get out of the water, even if you’re using water resistant sunscreen.

UV rays can still bounce off objects around you even when your in the shade so consider lathering up even when under the umbrella or porch roof.

Is sunscreen gonna kill me?

In the US sunscreen is regulated as a drug, not a cosmetic. This means it’s studied closer, when it comes to safety and effectiveness, than the cucumber melon body wash we all know you’ve been using.

Sunscreen Ingredients like octocrylene and oxybenzone have been demonized in the media. Dr. Andrea Suarez tells us that these ingredients create low level bi-products that in higher levels are associated with health issues like endocrine disruption and cancer. There is currently no evidence in human studies to support these claims in the low level doses that are contained in sunscreen.

According to the FDA, these ingredients and quantities, which are under constant and rigorous safety review, are considered safe and not harmful to people. Just like anything else, the dose makes the poison. If someone were to put a drop of bleach in a swimming pool do you think it would be unsafe to swim in?

For a checklist on how to beat the sun this Summer, check out my Instagram page here.

Tanning Alternatives

Tanning beds - umm no

Sunless tanners - yes, but watch out for the Carrot Top lookin’ ones

But DK, I get my Vitamin D from the sun?

70% of the population in the US has inadequate Vitamin D levels so it’s a great question to ask. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone in the body which plays an immensely important role including boosting bone health, muscle & immune function, as well as mood regulation.

Vitamin D is triggered to synthesize in the body through the skin’s exposure to UVB rays. If you wearing SPF 30, it will block out 97% of UVB rays.

So if we need to protect our skin and still want this crucial vitamin for our health what should we do? First, get your vitamin D levels checked through bloodwork to see if you have a deficiency. If you do, ask your doctor if it’s a good idea to hop on a vitamin D supplement to boost your levels.

Sunscreens in each category to check out

Face

Lips

Scalp (for my Vinny Diesel & comb over crew)

Body

Dual (Face & Body)

Spray (best when used for reapplication)

Chappelle’s Show/Comedy Central

If I can leave you with one piece of advice on sun/skin care….get checked! Schedule a yearly skin check with your dermatologist. It’s critical to detect skin issues and cancers early to avoid turning a molehill into a mountain.

To learn more about overall skin health, check out Dr. Andrea Suarez’s Instagram page here.

I’m here to support you on your journey to a healthier, fitter life. As always, I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Let me know what topics you’d like me to cover in future issues by replying to this email.

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Be well,

Dave

Please note: This newsletter is designed for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for advice tailored to your health and fitness needs.