The American Cancer Society estimates that almost 77,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed in 2013 with melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer. For decades, Americans have been warned about the association between skin cancer and sun exposure and the need to protect skin from the sun. In fact, about 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Yet new research from Yale University reveals that 35% of people who spend more than an hour in the summer sun never use sunscreen. And even among melanoma survivors, 27% never use sunscreen.
“This data is disturbing,” says Dr. Joshua Fox, Medical Director of Advanced Dermatology, P.C. “Survivors are nine times as likely as the general population to develop a new melanoma. Of the seven most common cancers, melanoma is the only one whose incidence is increasing and it is the one for which we can provide the most definitive guidance on prevention. Clearly, more and better education is called for.”
Skin cancer is the most serious consequence of sun exposure but it isn’t the only one. Changes to the skin that are generally associated with the aging process – sagging, wrinkling, dryness, discoloration – are actually caused by UV rays, which over time break down fibers in the skin causing it to lose elasticity. “Despite the fact that UV rays are strongest during the summer months and the most damage to the skin occurs then, it is possible to enjoy outdoor activities – on the golf course, at the beach, on the tennis court, in the backyard – and protect your skin,” says Dr. Fox. “The basics include; using sunscreen, wearing a hat and staying out of the sun between 10:00am and 4:00pm. But not all sunscreens are equally protective and neither are all hats. Here are some additional tips to help you protect your skin from damage this summer.”
Dr. Fox’s Tips for Summer Skin Safety
Sunscreen: Use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or more that protects from both UVA and UVB radiation. “Broad spectrum” on the label means it protects against both. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin and slather it on liberally – every day, even when the weather is cloudy and cool. Put it on at least a half hour before going out in the sun and reapply it every two hours — even more frequently if you’ve been sweating or swimming. Disregard any claim that a sunscreen is waterproof and check its expiration date. Every time you apply sunscreen, also apply lip balm with SPF of 30 or above. And don’t depend on cosmetics for sun protection. Even with SPF, makeup doesn’t bind to the skin as well as sunscreen, wears off and isn’t applied thickly enough to be appropriately effective.
Hats and other clothing: A baseball cap does not offer adequate sun protection! Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Regular clothing offers some protection but not enough. Denser weave and darker colored clothes are best. But if you’d rather wear clothing that is lighter weight and lighter colored, consider specially made sun-protective clothing that is made of fabric infused with radiation-absorbing chemicals. This clothing is rated with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF); look for a UPF of 30 or above and make sure it covers as much skin as possible. There are also laundry products that wash UV protection into your clothes.
Protect your eyes: UV radiation can damage not just the skin of the eyelid but the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye and contributes to the development of some cataracts. Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays and opt for large lenses or wraparound styles.
About the kids: Children are even more vulnerable to sun damage than adults. A blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma later in life. All the guidance for adults applies to kids with some special considerations. Babies younger than six months should be kept out of the sun entirely and well protected with a hat and clothing anytime they are outdoors. Many suggest they avoid sun screens with PABA, para-aminobenzioc acid. For babies older than six months, use sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, 30 or higher.
“It’s important to remember that there’s no such thing as a healthy tan,” Dr. Fox says. “But with common sense precautions and a little preparation, the whole family can enjoy all the pleasures of summer while protecting their skin from damage by the sun.”