Sunscreen SPF Claims Often Overstated, Experts Warn Outdoor Workers

Individuals who work outdoors face a substantially elevated risk of developing skin cancer, a danger amplified by the often-misunderstood effectiveness of sun protection.

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We never really reach the protection factor stated on the sunscreen bottle. With an indication of 50, we have a maximum of a 30 protection.

Roland Krischek, a UV expert at the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (Suva), warns that the sun protection factor (SPF) advertised on sunscreen bottles is rarely achieved in practice. "We never really reach the protection factor stated on the sunscreen bottle. With an indication of 50, we have a maximum of a 30 protection," Krischek explained. This discrepancy means that even when using sunscreen, individuals may be receiving more UV radiation than they anticipate.

Krischek highlighted that the danger isn't limited to hot, sunny days. UV radiation can be high even when it's cloudy or cool, due to reflection from surfaces. He stressed that people often underestimate the risk during milder weather, leading to sunburns in May when temperatures are not yet extreme. The danger is insidious because it doesn't always correlate with heat or visible brightness.

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It is insidious to only protect yourself from the sun when it is hot. By then, it is usually too late.

Suva is launching a new prevention campaign to address these risks, particularly for outdoor workers like construction crews and roofers, who receive more than double the UV exposure compared to those in recreational settings. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of consistent sun protection, including wearing long-sleeved clothing, hats, and applying sunscreen diligently, even when conditions don't seem overtly hazardous. The message is clear: protecting oneself from UV radiation is crucial year-round, not just during peak summer heat.

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As soon as it is light and the sun breaks through, we should react. When clouds move through, the UV exposure is at least as high as on a cloudless sky and can even be higher due to reflection.