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shield your skin: must-have essentials to prevent sun damage and skin cancer

skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types, accounting for almost one-third of new cases of cancer in the country – and it’s also one of the most preventable.

by karen hawthorne

published jul 18, 2024

last updated jul 30, 2024

7 minute read

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7 minute read

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reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. are you protecting yourself from harmful uv rays? based on current rates, one in 73 canadian women will develop skin cancer during their lifetime and one in 59 canadian men will develop the disease, health canada reports. it’s the most common of all cancer types, accounting for almost one-third of new cases of cancer in the country – and it’s also one of the most preventable.

the main cause is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or uv rays, produced by the sun and tanning equipment that cause direct damage to your cells with telltale tans and sunburns. in other cases, though, they can cause skin cancer by weakening your immune system. either way, using sun protection products can save your life.

here’s a guide to products available on amazon for this summer and year-round.

summary

neutrogena ultra sheer body mist sunscreen spray spf 30 with uva/uvb broad spectrum sun protection

aveeno protect + soothe sensitive skin mineral sunscreen spf 30

sun bum original spf 30 sunscreen spray, vegan and reef friendly

cerave facial moisturizer with spf 30

marcelle cc cream spf 35 tinted moisturizer

women and men’s upf 50 sunblock long sleeve hooded jacket full zip

tilley mens womens ltm5 lightweight water repellent sun hat

vichy after sun body lotion

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sunscreens

neutrogena ultra sheer body mist sunscreen spray spf 30 with uva/uvb broad spectrum sun protection

price: $14.99 (was $16.47)

rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (787 ratings)

broad-spectrum sunscreens are essential for sun protection. they give you protection against both uva and uvb rays. ultraviolet a has a longer wavelength and is linked to skin aging, while ultraviolet b has a shorter wavelength that causes skin burning, notes the skin cancer foundation. about 95 per cent of the uv rays that reach earth are uva rays. the other five per cent of uv rays are uvb that don’t penetrate as deeply but are high-energy and prone to causing sunburn. uv rays can also cause eye damage, like eyelid cancers and cataracts. this spray by neutrogena is easy to apply (and reapply!), water-resistant and oil-free, giving it a lightweight feel.

sunscreens are labelled with a sun protection factor number, or spf, that relates to the amount of time it takes for your skin to burn without protection and how long it would take with the appropriate amount of sunscreen. spf 30 or higher is recommended, as spf 30 blocks 97 per cent of the sun rays compared to spf 50 which blocks 98 per cent. safety note: people with darker skin tones need to use sunscreen spf 30 or above just as much as people with lighter skin.

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mineral vs. chemical sunscreens

aveeno protect + soothe sensitive skin mineral sunscreen spf 30

price: $14.77 (was $17.47)

rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars (158 ratings)

what makes chemical and mineral sunscreens different is the way they protect skin from sun damage. the main distinction is that mineral spfs sit at your skin’s surface to physically shield you from damaging uv rays. they also provide immediate uv protection, so you don’t need to wait for it to sink in to work effectively, and they are less likely to cause irritation. some people feel that chemical sunscreen is too harsh on their skin, so those with sensitive skin may experience breakouts or allergic reaction. mineral sunscreens use active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create the physical barrier. this gentle, fragrance-free one by aveeno is a good example.

sun bum original spf 30 sunscreen spray, vegan and reef friendly

price: $21.56

rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (251 ratings)

chemical sunscreens take about 20 minutes to fully absorb into your skin and start working. there’s been concern that certain common chemicals used in these formulations, particularly oxybenzone and octinoxate, might disrupt your body’s endocrine glands that release hormones for functions like mood control, growth and development, and metabolism. recent research hasn’t found conclusive evidence of this, but some brands are erring on the side of caution, like this one from sun bum that is octinoxate and oxybenzone-free. most important, apply a generous amount and spread evenly, the canadian cancer society advises. use sunscreen on any skin that clothing doesn’t cover and reapply at least every two hours.

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daily use products with spf

cerave facial moisturizer with spf 30

price: $16.92 (was $21.99)

rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (251 ratings)

moisturizers with spf can be a great choice for everyday use, year-round. if you’re heading outdoors for an activity, experts say to opt for a regular sunscreen to make sure you’re getting enough sun protection and apply it as your first layer before moisturizer and any makeup. for moisturizers and makeup with spf, always check that the sunscreen is broad spectrum, giving you protection from both uva and uvb rays. this moisturizer from the dermatologist recommended cerave brand, in a handy travel size, is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making it safe for sensitive and normal skin types. for those with oily skin, look for a product designed for oil control, like the popular cetaphil pro dermacontrol oil control moisturizer spf 30. and your lips need protection, too, so adding a lip balm with spf is recommended (try crowd-favourite burt’s bees tinted balm with spf 30) along with reapplying after eating or drinking.

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makeup with spf

marcelle cc cream spf 35 tinted moisturizer

price: $20.16 (was $35.95)

rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (511 ratings)

sun protection is now a mainstay for many cosmetic brands to help people prevent skin damage and premature aging. tinted moisturizers are a great choice for light and natural makeup application, like this multitasking formulation from marcelle in quebec that hydrates and works to correct the appearance of dark spots and other skin imperfections. bb cream, or “blemish balm,” is another option with spf for sheer coverage for minor blemishes, like alyria by quebec’s crescita skin sciences, or try a mineral powder spf 30 like this one from eco-conscious derma e in california.

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sun protective clothing

women and men’s upf 50 sunblock long sleeve hooded jacket full zip

price: $45

rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (360 ratings)

upf-rated clothing is specially made to protect people from uv rays, so you’re getting extra protection. the label will show you the ultraviolet protection factor, or upf, rating that measures the fabric’s ability to block uv rays from passing through the fabric to reach your skin. fabrics are classified into categories based on their upf rating. just like sunscreen’s spf, the higher the upf, the less uv radiation reaches your skin. fabrics used for shirts, hats and swimwear, for example, are typically lightweight – like this hooded jacket from bison – for comfort in hot weather. some fabrics are also treated to boost effectiveness, according to the canadian cancer society. choose upf 15 or higher, with upf 50 blocking most uv rays.

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accessories for added protection

tilley mens womens ltm5 lightweight water repellent sun hat

price: $111.07 – $117.32

hats and sunglasses are essential accessories for sun protection, especially if you’re outdoors for longer periods. hats cover your scalp, face and neck, like tilley hats, which are guaranteed for life and considered worth the investment for their durability, comfort and quality protection. sunglasses with uv protection are more than a fashion find. the area around and on your eyelids is the thinnest skin on your body, so uv light can damage the delicate skin and the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye. “ultraviolet light can pass through the eye to the lens and cause cataracts,” says dr. dawn davis, a mayo clinic dermatologist. “so, if you wear sunglasses, you decrease your risk over your lifetime of cataract formation.” she recommends sunglasses, “the bigger, the better,” that are labeled as having broad spectrum coverage or protection against uva and uvb rays.

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after-sun care

vichy after sun body lotion

price: $24.18 (was $33.95)

rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (688 ratings)

after-sun products have soothing ingredients like calming aloe vera or soy, hydrating hyaluronic acid or glycerin, or moisturizing shea butter. the aim is to lesson discomfort and hydrate your skin to minimize any skin peeling if you’ve gotten too much sun. some products also have vitamin c and e, which are antioxidants that help in reversing sun damage. this hydrating gel from vichy is designed to counter skin dehydration caused by daily sun exposure, so it’s an added boost to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

spending time outdoors is great for your health. fresh air, nature, being active are all mood-boosters and health-promoting habits. that said, sun protection is critical year-round, even on those cloudy days. about 65 per cent of melanoma cases are caused by uv radiation, and incidence rates of melanoma in canada are among the highest in the world, the canadian cancer society notes. you can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer by being safe in the sun with sun protection products, staying out of the sun in the heat of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and checking your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. most skin cancers can be cured if they’re detected early enough, so talk to your healthcare provider about any changes to your skin. stay protected!

karen hawthorne

karen hawthorne worked for six years as a digital editor for the national post, contributing articles on health, business, culture and travel for affiliated newspapers across canada. she now writes from her home office in toronto and takes breaks to bounce with her son on the backyard trampoline and walk bingo, her bull terrier.

shield your skin: must-have essentials to prevent sun damage and skin cancer