Written by Kranti Kaur

The sunscreen paradox, as researchers at McGill University described the phenomenon, is related to increased rates of skin cancer even with increased sunscreen usage. According to their research, the rates of sunscreen usage have increased over time, but there has also been a surprising increase in the rates of melanoma. This is a paradox because the use of sunscreen is meant to protect the wearer from skin cancers like melanomas; If more people are using sunscreen, why are skin cancer rates increasing? 

First, it is important to discuss what melanoma is. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer, classified as one of the most invasive type of skin cancer. It is found in the melanocytes, which are skin cells that form melanin, which are pigment cells. The cancer is often noticeable in the form of a mole on the body, although it does appear in other forms as well. Melanoma can be prevented by avoiding exposure to UV rays, which is where the idea of sunscreen usage to prevent cancer arises from. The more exposure skin has to UV light, the greater the likelihood of developing a melanoma. Melanoma are typically seen on parts of the body most commonly exposed to the sun, such as the back or the legs, although it can also appear in places that receive less exposure, such as the soles of the feet.   

This is where sunscreen comes in. Sunscreen is one of the most important and easy ways to prevent skin damage and promote healthy skin. It prevents sunburn, skin cancer, and  premature aging, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. There are two different kinds of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreen has minerals such as zinc oxide, which scatter UV rays so the skin does not absorb as much UV light, while chemical sunscreen has ingredients that absorb the UV rays. Both kinds of sunscreens are effective. The protection sunscreen affords is described by SPF, or the sun protection factor. Most sunscreens protect skin from UVA rays, but broad spectrum sunscreens protect against UVB rays as well. Both of these rays contribute to the development of skin cancers and skin aging. The recommended SPF for sunscreen is 30 SPF, but closer to 60 SPF if one spends a lot of time in the sun.  Importantly, sunscreen must be reapplied in order for it to continue protecting the skin.

Returning to the sunscreen paradox with the former information in mind: if sunscreen is used to prevent the development of skin cancer and the rates of sunscreen usage have increased, then why are the rates of skin cancer not decreasing? The main reason for this trend is that while more people are using  sunscreen, they are not using it properly. Johns Hopkins Medicine states that consumers are not using enough sunscreen. For example, they will apply sunscreen in the morning and spend hours in the sun without reapplying throughout the day. It is recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours. Very few consumers know that reapplication is necessary for continued protection , and others do not reapply because of the inconvenience. As a result, consumers have a false sense of security, as they believe that by applying sunscreen once in the morning, they have protected their skin all day, when this is not the case. Part of this problem is that sunscreen marketing is not very informative. There are very few sunscreen campaigns that actually educate consumers about the proper usage of sunscreen. It is mainly  advertised as a form of skin protection that increases as the SPF increases. There is rarely any information on reapplication or on how much sunscreen should  be used. If there is additional information, it is usually written in the fine print, which the majority of consumers do not read. This paradox could be reversed if companies started to advertise the proper ways of using sunscreen. The more educated consumers are about the use of products like sunscreen, the more benefits the products can provide.

Edited by Johanna Bunn