Melanoma is considered the most serious form of skin cancer and has recently been on the rise in the UK. At Visiting Angels North West Kent, we understand how difficult it is to cope with cancer or see your loved ones going through it. As May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we are highlighting the key prevention step to avoid skin cancer—fiding the right sunscreen for adults. Regular use of the right sunscreen for adults can reduce the risk of melanoma by 50% or more.
4 Things to Consider While Buying a Sunscreen for Adults
Finding the right sunscreen can be overwhelming. It might seem quite difficult and confusing, especially with the sea of information on the internet and complicated languages on the package. But to put it simply, choosing the right sunscreen for adults mainly requires 4 points to be considered.
-
Minimum SPF 30 for daily use
SPF (sun protection factor) is the first thing to consider in sunscreen. Here higher SPF number means higher percentage of protection from sunburn-causing rays or UVB. You need more SPF to block the harmful sun radiation. Here is how much protection most common SPF numbers offer:
- SPF 15 blocks around 93% of UVB
- SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% UVB
- SPF 50 shields against around 98%
The difference between how much protection different SPF numbers provide is usually very small. So, choosing a drastically big number isn’t really a must. If you ask for recommendations, SPF 30 is good enough for daily use. But for those who usually spend more time outdoors, it’s better to choose one with SPF 50.
-
Broad spectrum: Protection from UVA and UVB
UVA and UVB are two of the most damaging types of UV radiation for skin and contribute to skin cancer. You need to make sure that your sunscreen is providing protection from both of these harmful radiation types. “Broad spectrum” on the product packaging ensures that you have protection from both.
This UVA is also responsible for different forms of skin ageing, like wrinkles. So, because of the “broad spectrum” on the label, we also get to look a bit younger as a bonus.
-
Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen
When you go to the sunscreen aisle, you will often stumble upon terms like mineral or chemical sunscreen. Both of these work to provide protection. The difference is how they work. Eventually, it does come down to your preference, mainly how it feels on your skin. But because of certain ingredient concerns and absorption, mineral sunscreen is the preferred choice.
Mineral or physical sunscreen helps to reflect and scatter away UV rays. It starts working immediately after applying. While chemical ones comparatively take more time to be effective. It absorbs UV rays and prevents them from reaching your skin.
Mineral sunscreen is best for sensitive skin, skin allergies or acne-prone skin. But these usually feel heavier on the skin and leave a white cast. On the contrary, chemical sunscreen feels lighter and doesn’t leave a white cast. It’s more suitable for using under makeup. But know that any of these you are willing and comfortable using is better than not using anything at all.
-
Water-resistant sunscreen for sweat and swimming
All sunscreen eventually wears off. But water-resistant sunscreen helps maintain longer protection while being in water or heavy sweat. Depending on the resistance time mentioned on the packaging, you usually get 40 minutes or 80 minutes of protection from water or heavy sweat. After the specified time, you’ll have to reapply.
Other than these 4 key factors, the rest is more dependent on personal preference. For example, someone with dry skin might like creamy or lotion-based sunscreen more. While someone who needs to reapply sunscreen over makeup might prefer sunscreen mists. Make sure to pick a formula that suits you the best and that you will use regularly. There is no use in choosing the best sunscreen if you feel uncomfortable using it and won’t be able to apply regularly.
Sunscreen Recommendation to Prevent Skin Cancer
The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Sun Protection Product Finder is a great tool for finding safe products that help prevent skin cancer. You can simply answer the questions to narrow down the sunscreen options or just check out all the recommended sun protection products. It will help you find the best sunscreen for yourself or your loved ones easily.
Applying Sunscreen Correctly For Full Protection
Apply a generous amount of sunscreen, especially on the areas exposed to the sun. Do this at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Sunscreen mostly doesn’t work right away. Waiting to apply sunscreen while being in the sun is less effective. Even on days when the sun isn’t visible, most of the UV radiation still reaches the Earth and can damage your skin. So, you should use sunscreen on cloudy days too.
How often should you reapply sunscreen outdoors?
You need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. No matter how good the sunscreen is, it requires regular application to protect your skin from damage that leads to skin cancer.
If you are swimming, reapply right after. Water-resistant sunscreens might give you 40 minutes or more while you are swimming. But keep in mind that no sunscreen is fully waterproof. Check the product to see how long the product claims to shield against moisture and reapply.
Protect Your Skin and Encourage Others
Your sun protection routine shouldn’t just end with the right sunscreen. It’s best to also cover up with clothing, stay in shade, avoid tanning beds, wear a sunhat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Let’s raise awareness about skin cancer, keep our loved ones safe, and support those with cancer.
If anyone you know is coping with cancer, feel free to contact Visiting Angels North West Kent to learn more about personalized home care and make things a bit easier for the patients and their families. We are here to listen, uplift, and offer meaningful support.
About Visiting Angels North West Kent
At Visiting Angels North West Kent, we offer compassionate home care services and senior support tailored to individual needs across Bexley, Chislehurst, Dartford, Darenth, Erith, Gravesend, Swanley, and other surrounding areas in North West Kent. Whether it’s personal care, companionship or support in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, our experienced team is here to assist you through the challenging moments.