08/10/2016
A note from Dr. Brenda...
Some great information on sun protection!
Skin cancer rates are on the rise. Sun exposure is still the main risk for skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from cancer and aging. However, not all sunscreens are created equal.
There are two types of ultraviolet rays associated with skin aging and skin cancer: UVA & UVB. UVA rays are present whenever the sun is up; these rays go deeper, don't always cause sunburn, and are more dangerous. UVB rays are strongest from midmorning to midafternoon and damage the skin's upper layer. These rays are responsible for sunburn and sunspots. Tanning beds typically emit 95% UVA & 5% UVB rays.
Many sunscreens don't block UVA rays which are the most damaging. Sunscreens labeled broad spectrum should block both UVA & UVB rays. Also, many SPF products contain unhealthy chemicals. Natural sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Oxybenzone, an unhealthy chemical, is found in some sunscreens that have been associated with killing coral reefs and other sea creatures.
Best Practices:
- Buy and use broad-spectrum sunscreen brands with zinc oxide.
- Avoid toxic chemicals (oxybenzone and parabens to name a few)
- There is no need to buy SPF > 30 as...
SPF 30 protects against 97% of UVB rays
SPF 50 protects against 98% of UVB rays
SPF 100 protects against 99% of UVB rays
- Use lotion, cream, or a stick. Sprays tend to leave spotty coverage.
- Apply sunscreen before you go out so it can be absorbed. Reapply every 2 hours.
- Avoid 10 AM - 4 PM which is highest for UVB rays.
- Protect eyes with sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
- Wear a hat and consider clothing with UV protection.
**Lastly, don't forget that many skin cancers arise in skin damaged long ago so if you are at high risk for skin cancer (family history, fair skin, prior skin cancer), see your dermatologist regularly.**
-excerpted from Prevention, July 2016-