Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States today. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. It is thought by many that those with darker skin tones don’t need to worry about protecting their skin like their lighter toned counterparts. That is an unfortunate misconception that leads to these individuals not getting diagnosed with skin cancer until later stages, when it is far more difficult to treat along with more deadly depending on the form of skin cancer. Regardless of the type of skin cancer, all forms should be taken seriously and treated as quickly and thoroughly as possible. Not all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. However, the majority are and for those we thankfully have ways to prevent and/or treat them before they become life threatening. Using sunscreen along with regular skin screenings from a board-certified dermatologist are essential to do just that.
There are several things that you need to look for when choosing a quality sunscreen that ensures what you are using is the best sunscreen for you and your family. Be sure that you are choosing a product that offers broad spectrum protection. This means that you are protected against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays prematurely age the skin, while UVB can cause your skin to burn and contribute to skin cancer. The next thing you want to pay attention to is the SPF (sun protection factor) number. It is imperative for proper protection that you choose an SPF of 30 or higher. It is the SPF that measures the level of your UVB protection. While it is true the higher the SPF the greater the protection; however, the number of SPF isn’t directly proportionate to the degree of protection. For instance, SPF of 30 offers about 97% protection against the suns damaging rays, while an SPF of 50 offers only 1 percentage point higher, 98% protection. Look also for your sunscreen to be water resistant. This will provide you with protection when sweating or swimming for a defined period, either 40 or 80 minutes. Then you must reapply to continue to receive the sunscreen’s benefits. Anyone with acne prone or sensitive skin should be sure that their chosen product is non-comedogenic. This means that the sunscreen is less likely to clog your pores or cause breakouts.
Sunscreen comes in two forms, physical and chemical. Both offer quality sun protection; however, which one you choose to use is largely determined by you and your families personal needs and lifestyle. One of the main differences between the two is how they protect the skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays while mineral sunscreens reflect them. Mineral sunscreen is considered to physically block the sun’s harmful rays by using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens on the other hand consist of molecules that are specifically designed to soak into the skin whereby absorbing the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. When it comes down to it, personal preference is the guiding factor for most. Regardless of which type you choose, the important take away is that you use it.
While it may seem like a no-brainer, how and when to apply sunscreen correctly is a real challenge for most people. You want to use it daily to all areas exposed to the sun for any length of time. This means even in the winter months when it seems crazy to be using sunscreen when it is freezing outside. While, more than likely you won’t be exposing large areas of skin during this time, your face, neck and hands when driving are definitely important not to forget about their risk of exposure. When applying you want to start by using a thick layer, about the amount that fits into a shot glass for the entire body, which breaks down to about a nickel-sized amount for the face and neck specifically. Be sure to spread it out as evenly as possible, leaving the face and neck for last. Pay special attention to the skin cancer “hot spots.” These comprise of the hairline and part line, as well as the ears, lips, tops of hands and feet. Be sure to allow the sunscreen time to sink into the skin, especially when using chemical sunscreen. Typically, this takes anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes. Lastly, reapply often due to the loss of efficacy over time. Therefore, be sure to reapply at least every 2 hours, or ideally after 90 minutes of exposure. If you have been in the water you need to reapply upon getting out even if it hasn’t been 90 minutes. It is never a bad idea to find shade when you can to give your skin a break from the sun, even if you have done everything right. Shade is and will remain your best friend when the sun and UV rays are at their peak.