AN URGENT warning has been issued to drivers about leaving sun cream in their cars – it could put you in danger.
A dermatologist has urged Brits not to leave the UV protection in their motors this summer.
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The chemicals that make up sunscreen can breakdown and become ineffective when exposed to higher temperatures for too long.
M.D Joseph Chao, a skin expert at Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation told Vitals.org: “Bottles of sunscreen should not be left in cars.”
He explained that active ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, won’t work after sitting in a hot car.
“This leads to inadequate protection from harmful UV light and subsequent sun burns, which is a risk factor for skin cancer development,” added the dermatologist.
There are two different types of sun cream, physical and chemical.
The first is composed of natural compounds that reflect sun rays, and UV radiation is unable to pass through the skin’s top layer.
Whereas chemical sunscreen contains components that absorb UVA and UVB rays before they can penetrate the skin.
While wearing this type of protection, UV rays are also absorbed and turned into heat which is then released.
These chemical products need reapplied more often than physical sun creams, added Dr Chao.
It has been recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration to use a shot-glass size amount of product all over the skin, with re-application every couple of hours.
The skin expert also claimed there is not much difference between using a spray or cream – but whichever you use has to be rubbed in properly.
He advised a 20 to 30 minute activation period before stepping out into the sun.
Plus, when it comes to SPF numbers, the higher the better – although technically 100 per cent of UV light should be protected against at 30.
He said: “While there may be a theoretical slight increase of time protected with higher SPF (say SPF 50), the most important way to protect yourself is through frequent re-applications.
“Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can make the skin appear white or gray, but they may offer slightly better protection than chemical sunscreens and are currently considered reef safe.”
This comes as the best 18 face sunscreens in the UK this year were revealed.
Plus, how much should you use and when does sun cream expire?
And, one money-saving parent has been praised for sharing how to make children’s sunscreen cheaper just in time for the sunnier months ahead.
