How to Protect Your Skin and Still Have Fun This Summer
How to Protect Your Skin from the Summer Sun
The American Academy of Dermatology recently polled over 1,000 Americans and found there are some major misconceptions about sun safety. Let’s talk about some of the common confusion points so you are prepared for fun in the sun this summer!
I can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day.
Sunburns come from UV rays, which clouds do not block. You can easily get a sunburn on a cloudy day. Please remember to wear sunblock even if the clouds are out. You can’t see the sun, but the sun can still see you!
How can I understand more about the given level of sunburn risk for a given time or day?
Familiarize yourself with the UV index. The UV Index provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. The National Weather Service calculates the UV Index forecast for most ZIP codes across the U.S., and the EPA publishes this information. The UV Index is accompanied by recommendations for sun protection and is a useful tool for planning sun-safe outdoor activities. I-Phones provide the UV index in the Weather App.
What does SPF mean on my sunblock?
The SPF or Sun Protection Factor indicates the increased time of protection from UV radiation you have while wearing it. For example, without any sunscreen, your skin will start to show signs of reddening after 10 minutes. Wearing an SPF 30 will give you 300 minutes of protection before reddening or burning. Multiply your personal “without sunscreen reddening time” with the SPF factor.
However, studies have found wearing a high SPF sunscreen often creates a false sense of security. We often don’t reapply after swimming, sweating, or two hours after application as recommended. Make sure to reapply!
I need to spend time in the sun without sunscreen, so I don’t become deficient in Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is necessary for bone health. Vitamin D intake is not proven to lower cancer mortality. Spending time unprotected in the sun or using indoor tanning is known to cause skin cancers, including melanoma, which are often deadly. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends foods rich in vitamin D (such as tuna, salmon, and mushrooms), foods fortified with vitamin D (milk, some orange juices, and some breakfast cereals), and/ or vitamin supplements to avoid Vitamin D deficiency.
Bottom line: Avoid the most common type of cancer with sunscreen and maintain strong bone health with vitamin D rich foods and/ or supplementation.
Do I really need to wear sunscreen every day?
We say, yes and here is why:
Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40 percent.
Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.
Aging 24% less. A randomized trial in the Annals of Internal Medicine of 1621 participants found that participants who wore daily SPF 15 aged 24% less over a 4.5 year study when compared with those who used sunscreen on a discretionary basis.
What about sunscreen ingredients? Are some dangerous?
There has been discussion about some ingredients in sunscreen, especially oxybenzone. There may be mild hormonal activity with this ingredient. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children avoid it. Additionally, Hawaii has banned oxybenzone and octinoxate. These two ingredients, often found in sunscreen, are thought to cause coral bleaching, which can upset the oceanic ecosystem. Two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are not under scrutiny for any potential dangers. These ingredients are deemed generally safe and effective.
One visit to the tanning salon can’t hurt, can it?
A single visit to the tanning salon can increase your risk of melanoma by 20%, squamous cell carcinoma by 67%, and basal cell carcinoma by 29%. People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent.
If you have had unprotected sun exposure or the quarantine caused you to miss your skin cancer screening, be sure to schedule a skin exam with us by calling Pacific Coast Dermatology at 650-482-7546.
— Lesley Bowler, PA-C