SKIN PROTECTION TIPS FROM THE AAD
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following eight precautions to lessen the chance of developing skin cancer:
- MINIMIZE SUN EXPOSURE, especially during the peak sun hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the sun’s rays are the most intense
- APPLY SUNSCREEN LIBERALLY AND FREQUENTLY, and reapply every two hours when working, playing or exercising outdoors. Sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 are recommended for protection against skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. Even on cloudy days, this precaution should be followed.
- WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING during prolonged periods in the sun, including a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and full-length pants (not shorts).
- BEWARE OF REFLECTIVE SURFACES such as sand, snow, concrete and water, which can reflect up to 85% of the sun’s damaging rays.
- AVOID TANNING SALONS AND SUNLAMPS, since the ultraviolet rays emitted by these artificial sources are similar to those in sunlight and can cause sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and increased risk of skin cancer.
- PROTECT CHILDREN by keeping them out of the sun or minimizing sun exposure and by applying sunscreens frequently, beginning at six months of age.
- TEACH CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS SUN PROTECTION, since sun exposure damage accumulates over the course of a lifetime. One severe childhood or adolescent sunburn will double the risks of developing skin cancer.
- EXAMINE YOUR SKIN AND YOUR CHILDREN’S REGULARLY for any changes in moles, freckles, or skin discoloration.
SUNLIGHT, ULTRAVIOLET RAYS AND SPF
Sunlight damages skin, causing wrinkles and other signs of premature skin aging. Excessive sunlight also can lead the development of all three common types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma). To reduce your chances of developing skin cancer, and to prolong the health of your skin, minimize your exposure to sunlight, especially during the hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (when ultraviolet rays are the strongest), beware of reflective surfaces (water, sand, snow, glass and metal), and wear proper clothing (wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and full length pants). Use sunscreens everyday, and reapply sunscreens frequently (every two hours if you are swimming or sweating).
Sunlight is composed of two types of harmful rays — UVB rays (sometimes called “burning rays”), which penetrate the skin surface, epidermis and into the dermis, and UVA rays (sometimes called “tanning rays”), which penetrate even deeper. Both types of rays can lead to skin cancer.
UVB rays are the main causes of skin cancer and sunburn. UVA rays, which penetrate deeper, lead to tanning but also cause wrinkles and premature aging, and can also promote skin cancer. Many traditional sunscreens protect only against UVB light. Make sure you utilize a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum sun protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
Sunscreen products containing chemicals such as benzophenones, methyl anthranilate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and/or avobenzone provide broad spectrum protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of a sunscreen product gives information only on the product’s ability to block UVB rays, so make sure the products you select also offer UVA protection. However, the SPF number does give you an indication of how much protection against sunburn is offered by a specific product.
If you sunburn in 10 minutes without sunscreen (someone with very fair skin), an SPF 15 sunscreen allows you to tolerate 15 times that amount (150 minutes, or 2-1/2 hours) before experiencing sunburn. SPF30 sunscreens provide double that protection (300 minutes, or 5 hours). Be aware, however, that the SPF number applies only to the blockage factor of UVB rays and not to the UVA rays, which are the principal cause of wrinkles and premature skin aging.
Other factors to consider are your skin type. If you have very fair skin, you should consistently utilize a higher SPF product (SPF 30 and above). If you have medium or dark skin, you still need to apply sunscreen everyday, but you can utilize a SPF 15 product .
Also, remember to determine the UV Index (the amount of ultraviolet light on a given day). The UV Index is published daily in most newspapers and is available on the internet and TV. By checking the day’s UV Index, you can see whether the day’s exposure is minimal (“0”), moderate (“4” to “6”) or very high (“10”).
Be sure to wear sunscreen and proper clothing everyday, even on day’s which appear cloudy or overcast. Even on cloudy days, 75% or more of sunlight’s ultraviolet rays reach ground level and can cause sunburn, promote wrinkles and skin aging, and lead to development of all three types of skin cancer.
For information, or to set an appointment, call (949) 955-2308 or (949) 219-0777
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