We all hear about UVA and UVB exposure-
UVA is the “black light”, tanning bed. It promotes tanning but seldom burns the skin. It effects the dermis and is responsible for the photoaging.
The UVB is what we worry about. It is the most intense at summer. It “fries” the epidermis and upper dermis. It causes the sunburn and damages DNA.
A) Teaching about the damaging effects of the sun is important in any age group; but check out this statistic; “Aggressive protection before age 18 may reduce non-melanoma skin cancers by 80%”. Childhood exposure/sunburns seem to have more of an impact with Basal Cell Carcinomas incidence. We should focus our biggest teaching about sun protection to our new mothers and young adults.
****FIVE OR MORE SUNBURNS IN ADOLESCENCE DOUBLES MELONOMA RISK********
2) Sunscreen is Misleading! The FDA is giving manufactures six months to clean up their acts in false advertisements. It won’t make it for this summer so educate your patients. They soon will be regulating getting rid of false statements on products. FDA wants “Waterproof, Sun block,All-Day Protection” and similar slogans removed from sunscreen.
A) SPF- You really want to pay attention to SPF! Your SPF number is based on UVB protection, it does not count UVA. You want your sunscreen to protect you from UVA but if you are outside UVB is what you want!
B) How much protection?- Another falsehood! If SPF 30 is good, well SPF 100 should be even better right? Nope. Often, people will grab whatever is the highest and think its best. It is not true. If gives people a false sense of security that “I can stay out longer”; and it is simply not the case. Once again it is that false advertisments that the FDA is getting removed.
C) DO NOT BUY AEROSAL SUNSCREEN- They have found it fills the air with tiny particles that are dangerous to inhale. Carcinogenic! Only purchase lotion!
D) How much sunscreen do I put on?- I don’t know about you but I put a little in my hand and rub it in right? Wrong again, You should be applying at least 1-2 oz (a shot glass) every 2 hours. Average adult requires more than 1 oz. for adequate coverage. EVERY 2 hours AND after sweating and swimming! Don’t believe your false advertisements. Can you believe only 1 in 5 people actually put sunscreen on right?
3) Ingredients in your Sunscreen can cause Cancer !!!- WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU PUTTING ON YOUR CHILD? OR YOURSELF?
PLEASE look at what your buying and rubbing into your skin. DO NOT BUY anything with Retinyl palmitate or oxybenzone. TRY TO PURCHASE products with zinc, titanium dioxide, avabenzone or Mexoryl S.
GOOD SUNSCREENS
BAD SUNSCREENS
Important tips:
Avoid sun if you can 10-2p
Look for the worst offenders- Retinyl Palmitate and Oxybenzone
Do not buy sprays or powders- only lotion
No SPF >50+
Put on sunscreen at least 1oz every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating, there is no real “waterproof, all day protection, sun block”
Eye protection for your children and yourself- Sun damage is related to macular degeneration and cataracts. SO BUY YOURSELF SOME UVB STYLISH GLASSES FOR YOURSELF AND THE KIDDOS
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