The feeling that we are protected does not always match reality. Every summer, the same thing happens. People go out into the sun, apply sunscreen feeling protected, and by the end of the day discover red or irritated skin.
The common feeling is that the sunscreen did not work, but in most cases the problem is not the product but the way it is used. Sunscreen has become a regular part of the Israeli summer, but precisely because of the daily use, an illusion of full protection is sometimes created that does not always exist in practice.
The main problem begins with the amount and method of application
The sun’s radiation that reaches us is mainly composed of ultraviolet rays of the UVA and UVB types. This radiation causes direct damage to skin cells and the genetic material within them. The World Health Organization defines ultraviolet radiation as a definite carcinogen in humans, and links it to the development of melanoma and additional types of skin cancer. Beyond that, the American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes that cumulative exposure to radiation is one of the main causes of premature skin aging, including loss of elasticity, wrinkles, and pigmentation changes.
Most people apply far less than the amount tested in the studies according to which the protection factor on the packaging was determined. The meaning is that the actual protection is lower than the number that appears on the product. The distribution is also not always even, and areas such as the nose, ears, back of the neck, and hands tend to remain less protected despite being especially exposed.
Cumulative damage occurs even without us feeling it
Sunburns are only the most immediate and obvious expression, but the more significant part occurs over time. UV radiation causes gradual damage to the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, while at the same time creating cumulative damage to the DNA in skin cells. When the body’s repair mechanisms fail to cope with all the damage, the risk of developing cancerous skin tumors increases.
Studies published in recent years, including in the journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, indicate that consistent and proper use of sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of melanoma and additional types of skin cancer, especially when combined with avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours.
There are groups in the population that are at higher risk for cumulative damage. People with fair skin, those who have many moles or atypical moles, those who experienced repeated sunburns in childhood, and workers exposed to the sun for long hours. Children are also in a significant risk group, because cumulative exposure begins already at a young age.
Sunscreen is part of a protection system and not a single solution
The World Health Organization emphasizes that effective sun protection is based on a combination of measures, including shade, appropriate clothing, a hat, and avoiding direct exposure during peak hours. When sunscreen is treated as a single solution, a sense of security is created that does not always match the actual level of protection.
For sunscreen to be effective, it is necessary to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB, apply a generous amount to all exposed areas, and reapply every two hours or after sweating or staying in water. Without this care, the level of protection drops significantly.
The most significant gap is not between types of creams but between what people think they are doing and what actually happens on the skin. Sunscreen does indeed reduce the risk of sun damage, but only when used correctly and consistently. This understanding is what turns it from a product that gives a feeling of security into a real medical tool that reduces cumulative risk over the years.
Dr. Muhammad Sah, skin and sexual health specialist, Maccabi Healthcare Services Northern District