2. Use sunscreen
When you’re undergoing cancer treatment, your skin is especially sensitive to sunlight. That’s why UT MD Anderson recommends using sunscreen of at least SPF30 if you’re going to be outdoors. The sun protection factor (SPF) is a measurement of how well the sunscreen will protect you from getting a sunburn.
At UT MD Anderson, we also recommend that your sunscreen be broad-spectrum and water resistant. Broad-spectrum means that the sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB sun rays. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or going in the water.
There are two broad classes of sunscreen, and they work in different ways to protect you.
- Physical or mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sit on your skin’s surface. These ingredients block UV rays from the sun.
- Chemical sunscreens contain organic ingredients like avobenzone, octocrylene and oxybenzone, which absorb UV rays to prevent damage to your skin.
Studies have shown that, when used as directed, both classes of sunscreen are considered effective in blocking UV rays.
Not sure how much sunscreen to apply? Doan recommends using the “Teaspoon Rule.” That is, you should apply:
- 1 teaspoon to your head, neck and scalp
- 1 teaspoon on each arm
- 1 teaspoon to the chest and stomach
- 1 teaspoon to the back
- 2 teaspoons on each leg
Sunscreen also comes in different forms, such as lotions and creams, powders and sprays.
Doan recommends cream and lotion sunscreens over spray sunscreens. Here’s why:
- The quality of application depends on how far away you spray yourself from the can.
- The spray comes out in a cone shape. So, the areas of your skin that do not get sprayed are not getting sunscreen and are not protected from the sun.
- You risk breathing in some of the propellants and sunscreen ingredients. Recent studies found that sunscreen ingredients can be inhaled. Additionally, other studies have found that some propellant sunscreen products contained benzene and benzene byproducts, which are carcinogens.
If you choose to use spray sunscreen, make sure you apply it by spraying it on your skin, then massaging it in. And never spray it directly on your face. Spray it into your hands, then gently massage it onto your face.
3. Wear sun-protective clothing
When it comes to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, your clothing is very important.
Sun-protective clothing is graded using Ultraviolet Protection Factor, commonly called UPF. The UPF measures how much UV radiation can reach your skin through fabric. Generally speaking, the higher the UPF number, the better sun protection it provides.