Layers of protection from the sun
KUCHING: Effective protection against solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure goes beyond just applying sunscreen lotion, say experts.
While sunscreen is important, they said it should be complemented with other measures due to Malaysia's high UV levels.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Ruth Ling said Malaysia's UVI (UV Index) often hits 11 and higher, which is considered extreme.
'This is similar to Australia, where skin cancer rates are among the world's highest.
'In our tropical climate, UV defence must be multi-layered,' she said.
Dr Ling said comprehensive protection strategies include broad-spectrum sunscreen, clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), wide-brimmed hats, oral sunblock supplements and, where possible, staying indoors or under shade from 10am to 4pm.
In particular, she recommends going for annual skin checks as early detection can save lives.
'I find the expatriate community residing in Kuching to be very diligent about their skin checks,' she said, adding that she performed dermoscopy for suspicious skin growths and annual full body skin checks for patients with a history of skin cancer.
The Star recently reported that Malaysians faced the dual threat of haze and high UVI levels, with each posing different health risks.
The report stated that while the haze could reduce UV radiation, people still need to protect themselves from UV rays.
Dr Ling said it is untrue that dark skin does not need protection or that indoor workers are safe from UV exposure.
She said all skin types accumulate sun damage, with ultraviolet A (UVA) rays (primarily associated with skin ageing and wrinkling) able to penetrate windows.
'Many people underestimate UV risks due to misconceptions, such as a cloudy day being safe.
'Public education, especially for parents and outdoor workers, is critical,' she added.
Hospital Bintulu plastic surgeon Dr Adriana Langat said antioxidants and sunscreen are useful for protection and prevention against damage caused by the sun.
She said antioxidants counter sun damage by stimulating collagen synthesis, reducing pigmentation and improving the skin's barrier function, while sunscreen protects the skin from UV light.
'Sunscreen should be applied daily 15 minutes before leaving the house and reapplied after six hours.
'Applying sunscreen every day can help protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer and premature signs of skin ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, when used in conjunction with other sun protection measures such as UV reflective garments, caps and sunglasses,' she said.
Dr Adriana also said sunscreen with a higher SPF (sun protection factor) generally offers more protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are the main cause of sunburn.
'The SPF number tells you how long it would take for your skin to redden versus not wearing any sunscreen.
'For example, with SPF50, your skin would theoretically take 50 times longer to redden.
'Generally speaking, sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher can be considered effective for helping to protect against early skin ageing and skin cancer,' she said, adding that SPF30 and above is recommended.
She also recommends avoiding the midday sun from 11am to 3pm, when sunlight passes vertically through the atmosphere with less filtering of dangerous UV light.
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