28/04/2026
Safeguarding Skin Health and Preventing Skin Cancer with Sunscreen๐
This article has been authored by Ms Sharmila Thevi Saminathan, pharmacist Ministry of Health Malaysia.
The phrase โfun in the sunโ was first used by Samuel Marshall Ilsley in his 1898 poem, Epiphany. Over time, this phrase has come to be commonly used to promote outdoor activities, particularly in tropical countries such as Malaysia, where sunlight is abundant. Nevertheless, excessive time spent in the sun can turn a healthy glow into sunburn or even increase the risk of skin cancer. In this context, sunlight exposure offers both benefits and risks to human health. Therefore, the use of sunscreen is essential, as it helps protect the skin from these harmful effects.
๐๐ฎ๐ง, ๐ฌ๐ค๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง
Globally, the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer has shown a concerning upward trend in recent years, particularly among males. Although non-melanoma skin cancer is not among the ten most prevalent cancers in Malaysia, this upward trend nonetheless raises concern.
One of the key contributing factors to skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, as prolonged exposure is responsible for the development of the main types of skin cancer. In light of this, sunscreen plays an important preventive role. It is a topical product applied to the skin to reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that pe*****tes the skin, thereby lowering the risk of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and the development of skin cancer.
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Sunscreen use has grown rapidly over recent years, alongside the expanding variety of sunscreen products available on the market. In this context, understanding ultraviolet radiation is essential for selecting the most appropriate sunscreen.
There are three main types of ultraviolet radiation, which are Ultraviolet A (UVA), Ultraviolet B (UVB), and Ultraviolet C (UVC) rays. The majority of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earthโs surface consists of UVA, while a smaller proportion is UVB. On the other hand, UVC does not reach the Earth because it is absorbed by the ozone layer.
UVA pe*****tes deeper into the skin and contributes to premature skin ageing, whereas UVB primarily affects the outer skin layers and causes sunburn. Both UVA and UVB play a role in the development of skin cancer by damaging the DNA within skin cells, which may lead to genetic mutations.
To quantify UV exposure, the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is used to measure the intensity of ultraviolet radiation at the Earthโs surface and ranges from 0 to 11, with higher values indicating a greater risk of skin damage. In Malaysia, UVI levels are typically high between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with peak radiation occurring from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Therefore, it is crucial to apply sunscreen during these hours as a primary protective measure, supplemented by wearing hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง
There are two main types of sunscreen, namely mineral and chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, work by reflecting ultraviolet radiation, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet radiation and convert it into heat. Commonly approved active ingredients in mineral sunscreens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens typically contain ingredients such as avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.
In 1974, the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was introduced to indicate the level of protection against UVB rays. Sunscreen protection levels are commonly classified into four categories based on SPF values:
Low: SPF 6 or higher but less than 15
Medium: SPF 15 or higher but less than 30
High: SPF 30 or higher but less than 50
Very High: SPF 50 and above
The most effective sunscreen is one that will be used consistently, so it is advisable to choose a product that suits the skin type, budget, and lifestyle. Sunscreens are available in a variety of formulations, including lotions, creams, sprays, gels, and sticks. Individuals with dry skin are recommended to use sunscreens containing moisturizing ingredients, while those with oily skin should opt for oil-free formulations. For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens may be the most suitable option, as they are less likely to cause irritation.
Adequate application and appropriate selection of sunscreen are essential for protecting the skin from UV rays. Guidelines for sunscreen use recommend applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed areas at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. For optimal protection, sunscreen should be applied generously to all exposed skin using practical measurement methods such as the finger-length method or fingertip units (FTUs) to ensure adequate coverage. The amount required varies according to the body area being protected. The product should be spread evenly and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or excessive sweating.
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๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ญ๐ก๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐
Some individuals may perceive sunscreen use as less important due to several myths circulating in the community. These misconceptions can influence attitudes towards sun protection, despite the well-established benefits of sunscreen.
One common myth is the belief that darker skin does not require sunscreen. However, although higher levels of melanin provide some natural protection, individuals with dark skin remain susceptible to photoaging and skin cancer. Another myth is that sunscreen is only necessary outdoors on hot and sunny days. In fact, ultraviolet rays can pe*****te clouds and window glass, causing skin damage even indoors or on overcast days. Therefore, it is recommended to wear sunscreen daily for protection against UV radiation, and the Ultraviolet Index can be used as a reliable guide to monitor periods of harmful UV exposure.
A further misconception is that high SPF sunscreen provides complete protection from sun exposure. While higher SPF values do offer increased protection, the gain becomes minimal beyond SPF 30. For instance, SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99%. Thus, sunscreen should not be used as justification for extended sun exposure or as a replacement for other sun-protective measures.
Another myth is the belief that a thin layer of sunscreen is sufficient. In practice, most people apply far less sunscreen than needed, which greatly reduces its protective effect. Regardless of the SPF used, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and more frequently after swimming or excessive sweating, to maintain effective protection.
The belief that sunscreens do not expire is also a misconception. Sunscreen loses effectiveness over time and should always be checked for an expiration date. If no expiration date is printed, sunscreens are generally considered to have a shelf life of three years. Sunscreens owned for longer than three years without a visible expiration date should be replaced to ensure safety and adequate protection.
Residing in a tropical country like Malaysia offers a plethora of outdoor activities, making exposure to the sun inevitable. While the allure of enjoying time outdoors is undeniable, it is important to recognize the potential harm that prolonged sun exposure can cause, including an increased risk of skin cancer. By properly selecting and applying sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing, individuals can enjoy outdoor activities while protecting their skin and ensuring skin health.
