According to recent research conducted in Canada's Atlantic provinces and the UK, the excessive use of sunblock has been found to contribute to a higher incidence of skin cancer, despite individuals being aware of the health risks associated with sun exposure. These findings have given rise to what experts call the "sunscreen paradox."

The study conducted in Canada's Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, regions with high rates of melanoma, involved 23 focus groups. Researchers discovered that residents in these provinces were knowledgeable about the dangers of sun exposure and diligently used sun protection measures, such as sunscreens and adhering to the UV index. However, these individuals were still being diagnosed with skin cancer at elevated levels.

The researchers attributed this paradox to the warmer weather in these regions and residents' affinity for outdoor activities. The combination of increased sun exposure and the false sense of security provided by inadequate sunblock usage ultimately led to a rise in skin cancer cases.

In a separate investigation in the UK, the UK Biobank study uncovered an unexpected correlation between sunscreen use and a more than twofold increase in the likelihood of acquiring skin cancer. These results further validated the notion of the sunscreen paradox.

Dr. Ivan Litvinov, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Chair of the Dermatology Division at McGill University, who was involved in both studies, expressed, "These combined findings suggest a sunscreen paradox, whereby individuals with higher levels of sun exposure also tend to use more but not an adequate quantity of sunscreen or other sun-protection measures, providing a false sense of security."

While sunscreen is important, experts emphasize that it is the least effective method of protecting the skin compared to sun-protective clothing, rash guards, and sun avoidance. The key is to enjoy outdoor activities while preventing sunburn and tanning.

Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to tanning and sunburn, which are visible signs of skin damage. Tanning is the body's mechanism to protect skin cells from harmful UV rays, while sunburn indicates more severe damage. Frequent sunburns are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma, especially in infancy and adolescence.

To prevent melanoma, it is crucial to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides defense against both UVA and UVB rays. The sun protection factor (SPF) rating on sunscreen creams indicates the level of protection against UVB radiation, with higher SPF indicating greater protection. Experts recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher for adequate protection.

Regularly reapplying sunscreen, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying, is also advised to ensure continued protection. Additionally, it is recommended to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, as sunblock can degrade over time.

Overall, the findings from these studies highlight the importance of raising awareness about the limitations of sunblock and promoting other protective measures to reduce the risk of skin cancer. It is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach to sun protection, relying not only on sunblock but also on clothing and lifestyle choices when enjoying outdoor activities.