By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH 
Originally published July 6, 2006, Community Leader 

The sun is a wonderful thing. It gives us food, provides us with light, and helps our bodies to function. We need the sun. What we don’t need is excessive sun exposure, and the skin-damaging consequences. Our best bet is to strike a balance, as we enjoy the sun during Maine’s beautiful, yet all-too-brief, summer season. 

Our bodies would not work well without the sun. We use sunlight to create bone- and immune system-strengthening Vitamin D. This substance is available in a very limited way from foods such as cod liver, mackerel, salmon and enriched foods (i.e. milk), but most of our supply comes from the sun. The sun also impacts our moods. When the sun is scarce, many individuals fall victim to Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some health professionals actually suggest that we should be getting 10-15 minutes of unprotected direct sunlight three times a week. 

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has some concerns about recommending direct sunlight for health. According to the AAD, there are more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer each year. One person dies of this disease each hour. With the thinning of the earth’s sun-protective ozone layer, we will be seeing an increasing number of skin cancer cases in the decades to come—in both adults and children. 

While it isn’t really possible (or desirable) to avoid the sun entirely, we can minimize our exposure. In the summer, we should stay out of the sun from 10 am–2 pm, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. If we must be out during this time, we should wear protective clothing and accessories. This includes a wide-brimmed hat, ultraviolet (UV) light-blocking sunglasses, and clothes with a tight weave, such as Patagonia’s Sol Patrol line. Because no gear can give us all the coverage we need, we also need to use an appropriate sunscreen and sunscreen-containing lip product. 

Choosing the right sunscreen can be tricky. Most people are familiar with the SPF (Sun Protection Factor). This number indicates how much longer it will take the skin to burn than without any sunscreen on it. For example, if one normally burns in 10 minutes, but wears SPF 30, than it would take 5 hours (300 minutes) to burn. The AAD recommends that people use an SPF of at least 15. This blocks 93% of the sun’s UVB rays. SPF 30 is only slightly more effective at 97%. SPF’s above 30 don’t typically offer more protection, and thus are probably not necessary. It is important to note that an SPF does not address UVA radiation. The best sunscreens are ‘broad spectrum,’ and thus active against both UVB rays (which cause sunburn) and UVA rays (which causes tissue damage and premature aging). 

Sunscreens are often comprised of a confusing array of ingredients. Chief among these are chemicals, which are readily absorbed into the skin, and physical agents, which stay primarily on the skin’s surface. Common chemicals include octinoxate, benzophenone and avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789). Blocking agents include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Recent studies have linked some sunscreen chemicals to brain and reproductive problems in animals. For this reason, some groups suggest using a sunscreen with blocking agents, especially in children. Other substances to avoid include: 

• PABA, which causes sensitivity in up to 40% of the population, 
• the preservative paraben, which has been shown to have an estrogen-like effect on animals, 
• products that also contain the insect repellant DEET, which is more likely to be absorbed when combined with sunscreen, and may cause nerve problems in children at high doses, 
• artificial fragrances and colors, which can cause allergies. 

Most medical organizations recommend avoiding sunscreen altogether in children under 6 months. Full shade is the best option in this age group. For more information on choosing sunscreens, visit www.consumersearch.com or www.greenguide.com. For information on sunscreen application, go to www.aad.org. 

Because sunscreen, protective clothing and sun avoidance are not foolproof, it is wise to perform regular skin self-exams (see www.skincancer.org). Any new, changed, or enlarging skin lesions should be discussed with a health care provider. For those who are interested, the Maine Medical Center and the MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers holds yearly skin cancer screenings (207-781-1730). 

The sun is both life-threatening and life-sustaining. While we needn’t fear the earth’s closest star, we must respect it. By choosing the appropriate protection, we can easily enjoy every moment of Maine’s fleeting summer season.