Sunscreen, Sunburn & Skin Cancer: The Truth You Can’t Ignore

Brought to you by my youngest daughter who said, “Mom, you need to do a blog on sunscreen.”

Sunburn: More Than Skin Deep

A sunburn isn’t just a temporary inconvenience—it’s your skin’s cry for help.

When UVB (B as in Bad) rays hit unprotected skin, they damage the DNA directly. When your body tries to repair, mutations can remain and when the cycle repeats this can lead to skin cancer - in particular melanoma, the most dangerous type.  

One blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can double your risk of melanoma. Skin Cancer Foundation

The Real Role of Sunscreen

• Sunscreen is ore than just beach-day skincare.  It’s actually cancer prevention!!

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against:

• UVB rays (remember B is Bad) - the burn causers

• UVA rays (A for aging) - the silent skin-agers and cancer contributors

Used daily and correctly, SPF 30+ sunscreen can:

• Cut your melanoma risk by 50%

• Reduce squamous cell carcinoma by 40%

• Prevent premature aging 

Sunscreen = Protection from the Invisible Damage

Even on cloudy days or during your morning commute, UVA rays penetrate glass nd clouds.  Daily sunscreen matters!! Gotta admit …I’m not great at this.

X Debunking the Myths:

“Is sunscreen toxic?”

There’s no credible evidence that FDA-approved sunscreens cause cancer.  But regardless of your feelings about this, the far bigger risk is not using sunscreen at all.  

“But I need vitamin D!”

You can get enough vitamin D with 

• 10-15 min of sun exposure a few times a week

• Supplements

• Fortified foods

“I don’t burn, so I’m safe.”

Wrong. While melanin offers some protection, skin of all tones can get skin cancer and UVA damage is invisible. 

So How Do I Choose the Right Sunscreen?

Look for:

• Broad-spectrum coverage

• SPF 30 or higher

• Water resistance

• Mineral (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for sensitive skin 

Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.  Reapply every 2 hours - or after swimming/sweating. 

Some Favorites Among My Dermatology Colleagues:

For daily use:

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 - great for acne-prone or sensitive skin

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 100 - ideal for high UV days 

• Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 - makeup primer with sun protection 

• Caudalie SPF 50 for face - my personal fav but haven’t tried the others …yet

When we are out on the boat or laying at the beach, it’s easy to push the thought into the back of our minds but skin cancer is the most common and one of the most preventable cancers in the U.S.  I know I can do better at this so let’s make sunscreen a daily ritual rather than a sunburn afterthought.