The truth about skin cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world—but also one of the most preventable. Despite its prevalence, many people still underestimate the risks associated with excessive sun exposure and the importance of daily sun protection. Understanding what skin cancer is, how it develops, and how to protect yourself can significantly reduce your risk. Let’s dive into this slightly uncomfortable topic and use scientific data to better understand how to enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing the risks.

What is skin cancer ?

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow uncontrollably due to DNA damage, primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This damage triggers mutations that lead to abnormal cell growth, resulting in cancerous tumors. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, but those with lighter skin tones and frequent sun exposure are at higher risk.

The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, but the three most common are:

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common form and appears as a waxy bump or a persistent sore. It grows slowly and rarely spreads but can cause significant damage if left untreated.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): More aggressive than BCC, SCC can develop into larger growths and spread to deeper tissues if not treated promptly.
3. Melanoma: The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma often appears as an irregularly shaped or colored mole and can spread rapidly to other organs if not caught early.

Understanding these different types can help you identify warning signs and seek medical attention if needed.

How is skin cancer connected to sunburn?

Sunburn is more than just a temporary discomfort; it is a clear sign of skin damage that can have long-term consequences. When exposed to UV radiation—whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds—your skin cells suffer DNA damage. Over time, this accumulated damage increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Some important facts about sunburn and skin cancer include:

• One blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence doubles the risk of melanoma later in life.
• UV damage is cumulative, meaning that every sunburn adds to the overall risk.
• A "base tan" does not protect your skin; in fact, any tan is a sign of skin cell injury.

Although the redness of a sunburn fades, the genetic mutations caused by UV exposure remain, making prevention the best approach to reducing risk. It’s important to remember that when it comes to sun exposure - looks are deceiving. Even though tanned skin might appear healthy or attractive, this is not the case. UV exposure is necessary for human health and vitamin D synthesis, but the amount of UV exposure that causes tanning is too much for the skin. So it’s important to remember that this is not a question of exposing or not exposing yourself to the sun - but rather to do it in moderation and with an understanding of the factors that make sun exposure more or less harmful. As an example, with sunscreen and outside the peak hours of sun exposure, the skin can handle much more time in the sun without getting damaged, as compared to without sunscreen and in peak hours.

Who is most at risk?

While anyone can develop skin cancer, some individuals are at a higher risk due to specific factors. These include:

• Fair or sensitive skin – People with less melanin have lower natural UV protection.
• Frequent sunburns – A history of sunburns increases the likelihood of skin damage.
• Tanning bed use – Artificial UV exposure significantly raises the risk.
• Family history of skin cancer – Genetic predisposition can play a role.
• Excessive sun exposure – Those who spend long hours outdoors without protection are more vulnerable.

Assessing Your Risk

If you're unsure whether you're at risk, ask yourself:

• Do I have fair or sensitive skin?
• Have I had multiple sunburns in my life?
• Do I frequently spend time in the sun without protection?
• Have I used tanning beds in the past?
• Does skin cancer run in my family?

If you answered "yes" to multiple questions, you may need to take extra precautions and schedule regular skin checks.

For kids, SPF 30 and SPF 50 can both be a safe choice as long as the sunscreen is a mineral one, offers broad-spectrum protection and is applied and reapplied as recommended. For a deeper dive into SPF, UVA, and UVB protection, check out our full guide here: The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50

Is Suntribe sunscreen safe for babies and toddlers?

Yes! All Suntribe sunscreens are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients, making them a safe choice even for the most sensitive skin. Once your baby is older than 6 months, doctors generally consider sunscreen safe to use. Before this age, it’s best to rely on other protective measures like hats, long sleeves, and shade to keep little ones safe from the sun. For toddlers and babies over 6 months, Suntribe sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection with non-nano zinc oxide, which creates a protective barrier on the skin and blocks both UVB and UVA rays immediately. That said, sunscreen should always be combined with other sun protection—hats, clothing, sunglasses, and shade—to ensure safe UV exposure. "For toddlers and babies over 6 months, Suntribe sunscreens offer excellent protection from both UVB and UVA rays."

Can I use my own sunscreen on my child or do kids need a special formula?

Not all sunscreens are suitable for kids, as children’s skin is more sensitive and absorbent than adults'. Many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions in young skin. A good way to check if a sunscreen is suitable for kids is to evaluate its ingredients using apps like INCI Beauty or Yuka, which analyze product formulations for potential risks. ⇒ As a side note, all Suntribe sunscreens are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients, and are safe even for the most sensitive skin, making them a worry-free option for the whole family. For a detailed explanation of how both apps work and what scores Suntribe sunscreens have, head over to our article on the topic: Make a safe choice Suntribe scores on INCI Beauty & Yuka

How much sunscreen should I apply to my child?

To ensure proper protection, apply half a teaspoon of sunscreen to your child’s face and neck and about two tablespoons for the body. This amount follows the 2mg/cm² rule, which is the standard used in SPF testing. A good trick is to place small dots of sunscreen onto the skin first, and then spread it evenly in circular motions to ensure full coverage. Don’t forget often-missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and hands.

How often should I reapply sunscreen on kids?

Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours to maintain a good protection. If your child is swimming, sweating or towel-drying, reapply immediately afterward, even if the sunscreen is water-resistant. Mineral sunscreens, like those with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing into it, so a visible layer can help indicate when it is time to reapply. To ensure consistent coverage, set a reminder or make reapplication part of your child’s routine—especially during long days outdoors.

How else can I protect my child besides using sunscreen?

Sunscreen is essential, but as no sunscreen is 100% effective, it should not be the only source of UV protection. The best protection forms a combination of sun-safe habits: ⇒ Use protective clothing - use lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses with UV protection and consider clothing and bathing suits with UPF ( Ultraviolet protection factor). ⇒ Seek shade - Keep your child in the shade during peak sun hours (10am - 4pm) when UV radiation is at its strongest by using umbrellas, trees, or sun tents when spending time outdoors. ⇒ Time it right - Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons when the sun is less intense. ⇒ Stay hydrated - Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, so ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day.

Can sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency in kids?

This is a common concern, but research shows that using sunscreen does not significantly impact vitamin D levels in both children and adults. While sunscreen does reduce the amount of UVB rays reaching the skin - the same rays responsible for vitamin D production - the body still produces sufficient vitamin D with regular outdoor exposure. Studies have found that even with proper sunscreen use, enough UVB rays can penetrate the skin to allow vitamin D synthesis. E.g. if you apply an SPF 30 sunscreen to your child’s skin, it blocks 97% of UVB rays, leaving 3% to enter the skin, allowing for sufficient Vitamin D production. Plus, vitamin D can also be obtained from foods like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products. Since UV damage builds up over time, choosing unprotected sun exposure for vitamin D production is not a safe approach. The best strategy? Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, encourage outdoor play, and maintain a balanced diet to ensure your child gets the vitamin D it needs - without the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

"Even when applying SPF 30 sunscreen, about 3% of UVB rays still reach the skin, ensuring the body can produce sufficient vitamin D." If you want to find more answers to this question, check out our detailed article about: Does SPF impact vitamin D intake?

What can I do if my child gets sunburned?

If your child gets sunburned, be sure to act quickly to soothe the skin and prevent further damage:

⇒ Cool the skin — Apply a cool, damp cloth or have your child take a lukewarm bath to reduce heat and discomfort. It is best to avoid ice, as ice can make the burn worse.

⇒ Keep them hydrated — Sunburn draws moisture away from the skin, so offer plenty of water to help with the healing process.

⇒ Soothe with aloe vera — Apply pure aloe vera gel or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to calm irritation and be sure to avoid petroleum-based products as they can trap the heat.

⇒ Cover up and stay out of the sun — Keep your child in loose, breathable clothing and out of direct sunlight until the sunburn heals.

⇒ Watch for serious symptoms — If your child develops blisters, fever, chills, nausea, or dizziness, it could be a more severe sunburn, so be sure to consult your doctor if needed.

How to choose the right sunscreen for my child?

When choosing a sunscreen for your child, look for one that provides safe, effective and long-lasting protection. Here are some key factors to consider:

✔️ Broad-spectrum protection — Ensure the sunscreen protects your child against both UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.

✔️ Mineral UV-filters — Choose a sunscreen with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide or Non-Nano Titanium Dioxide, which sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays rather than absorbing into the body like chemical sunscreens.

✔️ SPF 30-50 — SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%. Higher SPF values offer only marginally more protection, so reapplication is more important than an extremely high SPF.

✔️ Water resistance — If your child is swimming or sweating, choose water-resistant sunscreen:

⇒ 40-min water resistance for general outdoor play

⇒ 80-min water resistance for extended time in the water

✔️ Hypoallergenic & fragrance-free — Avoid synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and chemical UV-filters that can cause skin irritation, especially for children with sensitive skin.