What we’re all doing wrong with our sunscreen
December 12, 20259 Scientifically Proven Ways to Soothe Sunburn
December 12, 2025As the lockdown and mandatory movement restrictions continue, more and more people are going for walks outdoors in an effort to maintain their physical fitness. Unfortunately, few remember to apply sunscreen to their skin before leaving the house. However, this is something everyone should do, because the sun threatens the skin not only in summer but all year round.
“Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is dangerous year-round, even on cloudy days,” says Dr. Markos Michelakis, Dermatologist-Venereologist (Aesthetic Dermatology-Dermatosurgery). “In fact, the closer someone is to midday outdoors, the more exposed they are to this radiation and the more damage their skin suffers. This damage can reach sunburn levels, especially for those who work outdoors, live at high altitudes, or spend time outdoors in areas with high solar reflection (e.g., near the sea or on snow). The same risk applies to winter sports enthusiasts.”
As Dr. Michelakis explains, there are three types of ultraviolet radiation (UV). Of these, two (UVA and UVB) cause skin damage. The third (UVC) is completely absorbed by the ozone layer in the atmosphere, so it does not reach the earth’s surface.
UVA has a longer wavelength and penetrates deep into the skin, where it can alter the structure of collagen and elastin fibers. It can also cause damage to the DNA of skin cells. The result of these effects is premature skin aging, manifesting as spots and early wrinkles (photoaging). It also increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
UVB, which has a shorter wavelength, penetrates only the epidermis. However, it is responsible for sunburns, which are a significant risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma (the most aggressive form of skin cancer).
“Skin damage caused by UV radiation accumulates over time. This means the more someone is exposed, the more damage accumulates. And if the exposure is significant, the damage develops faster,” says Dr. Michelakis.
Premature wrinkles are the least of the problems. Many people exposed to the sun without protection develop precancerous lesions over time, such as actinic keratoses. Others develop skin cancer. While most people know that melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, it is relatively rare (estimated to affect 200–300 people in our country each year). Two other types of skin cancer are more common: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
It is estimated that worldwide, almost 30% of Caucasians will develop basal or squamous cell carcinoma at some point in their lives. Most patients (but not all) are over 50–60 years old.
These cancers are usually not aggressive but should not be considered harmless. Basal cell carcinoma can cause deformities if not treated promptly and properly. Squamous cell carcinoma metastasizes in about 5% of cases, especially when it appears on the nose, ears, or lips.
“What everyone should realize is that UV radiation threatens us year-round. This is especially true in Greece, where the difference in UV levels between winter and summer is small,” emphasizes Dr. Michelakis. “Also, let’s not forget that clouds do not provide significant protection, because almost 80% of UV penetrates through them. Snow, ice, and any smooth surfaces (e.g., the sea) also pose a problem in winter, as they reflect UV, which then reaches uncovered areas of our body at different angles.”
The solution is to apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen to uncovered areas of your skin, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. The sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, absorbing both UVA and UVB.
It is also advisable to go for walks after 3 p.m., when sunlight reaches the earth at an angle and does not penetrate the skin as easily. If you work outdoors, make sure to also wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Finally, when applying sunscreen, do not forget to cover the nose, ear flaps, and neck thoroughly. Men with baldness should also apply sunscreen to the scalp. Don’t forget to use a special sunscreen on your lips as well.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6031472/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4389328/
https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/FOH-winter-skin-cancer.h11-1589835.html
https://www.skincancer.org/press/2018-winter-sun-safety/
