Ramse’s cancer scares that sunscreen is your best shield, but which is correct?
Dermatologists explain why SPF is not enough, the difference between UVA and UVB protection, and why the revaluation value matters more.
When Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay revealed the diagnosis of her skin cancer this week and urged people to take sunscreen seriously, it resumed an important conversation: Do we really be saving ourselves from the Sun the way we think we are?
For the facts different from the story, Indiatoday.in, a senior dermatologist with two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Talked with Aarti Bhasin, who broke the biggest sunscreen myths and mistakes. His insight is a awakened call for anyone that thinks that a DAB of high SPF or BB cream is enough to be safe.
SPF is not complete security
“Most people do not realize that SPF only measures UVB protection, rays that burns” Dr. Bhasin explained. “But the UVA rays penetrate deep, accelerate aging, pigmentation, and even trigger skin cancer. A sunscreen but bad UVA coverage with SPF 50 can still leave you weak.”
This is where broad-spectrum sunscreen arrives. In the European Union/UK, the product marked with ‘Pa +++,’ UVA Circle ‘logo, or perfect UVA filters such as zinc oxide, advenge, or tinosorb provides better defense containing filters.
Minerals vs. Chemical: Which wins?
Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) is often marketed as ‘safe’. But Dr. Bhasin warned against oversmiplification: “Mineral filters are gentlers on sensitive skin and work immediately after application. But chemical sunscreen is light, cosmetically elegant, and easy to wear daily. The best sunscreen is what you use without really hate every day.”
Expensive versus cheap: Is the value the same security?
Along with protecting a 200 rupees sunscreen, it can also be protected by Rs 4,000. Difference of? Most textures, finish and marketing. “Luxury sunscreen often add vitamin C, niacinamide, or anti-aging peptides. But from a security perspective, a drug store with the right filter is effective as sunscreen,” he said.
Real Game-Crossing: Re-application
People often flaunt their SPF 50 as a shield for the whole day. Dr. Bhasin called it the most dangerous misconception. “Sunscreen wears sweat, swimming, or even touching your face. Think of it like brushing your teeth, you can’t do it just once and can be done. Every 3 to 4 hours out, you have to apply again.”
Sunscreen vs Vitamin D
A general excuse to leave SPF “I need vitamin D”. Dr. Bhasin was in a hurry to combat: “Yes, sunscreen may slightly reduce vitamin D synthesis, but in real life, people rarely apply sufficiently to block 100 percent. Most still make enough vitamins. If you are lacking, supplements are more safe than endangering cancer.”
Do not rely on marketing jargon, read the component list. The UVB filter contains octinoxet, octocrillin and homosalelets, while the UVA filter contains avobangeon, mexoril SX/XL, tinosorb, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. If they are not listed, your sunscreen may not actually be a broad spectrum.
Spray sunscreen: a false sense of safety
Dr. Bhasin admitted that the sprays could be convenient but warned that they often misuse. “Most people completely underprint or miss spots. If you use them, rub them and apply them generously. Lotion and cream are safe bets.”
“The foundation with SPF 30 looks great until you realize that you will need seven to ten times the normal amount to match the promise of the label,” he said. Makeup or moisturizer with SPF should be seen as bonus layers, not the only line of your protection.
A persistent myth is that melanin-rich skin does not require sunscreen. “The dark skin has a natural SPF of about 13, but it is not a protective anywhere,” Dr. Bhasin insisted. “UVA still causes DNA damage, pigmentation, wrinkles and even skin cancer.”
Most common mistakes
Dr. Bhasin listed the errors that she sees daily:
- Applying too little (pea -shaped slap is not enough; use at least half a teaspoon for the face).
- Leave areas like ears, eyelids and hands.
- Using sunscreen only on holidays.
- Believing indoor life is equal to zero sun damage (“UVA enters the windows”).
“Long -term cost is premature aging, pigmentation and preventive skin cancer,” he warned.
Sunscreen, Dr. Bhasin concluded, not cosmetic vanity, it is a preventive medicine. “If there is a product, regardless of age, penis, or skin tone, it should be used daily, it is sunscreen. It is your best insurance against skin damage that you cannot always see until it’s too late.”
With cases of celebrities such as Ramsay’s sparking awareness, dermatologists hope that more people will eventually understand that SPF is not just about the beach, it is about everyday life.
