Sun Safety: How to read sunscreen labels and protect skin in North America
Many sunscreens fall short of stopping the sun’s rays that drive skin cancer and photoaging. Reading the label carefully helps gauge protection levels. A dermatologist, Vera Voronina, who practices at the Rassvet clinic, explained this to socialbites.ca, emphasizing that label information is a practical guide for everyday sun safety.
Scientific research consistently shows that solar radiation speeds up skin aging, creates age spots, and promotes the development of wrinkles. This cumulative damage is known as photoaging. Ultraviolet exposure also raises the risk of several skin cancers. In short, protecting the skin from UV exposure is a long-term investment in both appearance and health.
When a product’s labeled SPF, or sun protection factor, is described, the claim mainly refers to protection against type B ultraviolet rays. These rays trigger redness, burning, and other immediate sunburn symptoms. They tend to affect only the outer skin layer and usually cause less deep cellular damage than type A rays. Type A rays penetrate deeper and contribute most to DNA damage that drives photoaging and cancer. To indicate broader protection, many products use the phrase broad spectrum protection, signaling defense against a wider range of UV wavelengths that reach deeper skin layers. This distinction helps shoppers choose formulas that address both surface and deeper sun damage, especially during long outdoor activities in Canada or the United States, where UV exposure shifts with the seasons and latitude.
Beyond SPF labeling, many sunscreens display other protection indicators such as star ratings or PA systems. A five star rating often denotes the highest level of protection, while the PA rating, shown as PA, PA plus, PA plus plus, or a newer numerical scale, signals the level of defense against UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate more deeply and contribute to aging and cancer risk over time. Understanding these markers helps people tailor sun care to their skin type, activity level, and expected sun exposure, whether at the beach, during mountain hikes, or while commuting in urban settings. A consumer who models protection around personal risk factors may opt for higher PA levels or broader spectrum formulas to minimize cumulative UV damage without sacrificing cosmetic appeal or comfort.
Ultimately, effective sun protection combines appropriate SPF, broad spectrum coverage, and mindful usage. Regular reapplication, especially after swimming or sweating, and seeking shade during peak sun hours amplify the protection sunscreen provides. It is wise to complement topical products with lifestyle choices—wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats—when spending extended periods outdoors. By selecting high quality formulations and applying them consistently, people in North America can reduce the risk of photoaging and skin cancer while maintaining healthier-looking skin over the long term, supported by dermatology expertise and credible clinical findings.