Apply Knowledge Before You Apply That Sunscreen

Jill is a statistic. She was one of 34,250 people in the United States diagnosed last year with a malignant melanoma, the most dangerous of all skin cancers.

Jill is also lucky. She became suspicious of the small, irregular growth and asked her doctor about it. A biopsy identified the mole as cancerous - but because it was detected early, Jill’s melanoma was treated successfully. Had she waited until it reached the later stages, it could have spread to other organs and possibly resulted in her death.

In studies conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, it has been determined skin cancers are occurring at alarming levels around the world. The principle cause of skin cancer is believed to be intentional and unintentional exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

So what can we do to help reduce our risk of damaging our skin? According to most experts, the ideal prevention is to completely avoid exposure to the sun. Since this is not an option for most of us, we can help minimize our risk by using a sunscreen whenever we’re outside, not matter what season of the year.

Because terms used by sunscreen manufacturers can be confusing, we have compiled a glossary to help you better understand the products and how they can help you avoid sun damage.

Benzophenone - Sunscreens that provide protection from UVA and UVB radiation.

Cinnamate - Primarily used to absorb UVB rays, those most commonly associated with sunburning and the development of skin cancer.

Hypoallergenic - While no product is totally hypoallergenic, this indicates the product has been specially formulated and tested to be less likely to cause an allergic reaction in most people.

Oxybenzone - Used in combination with other ingredients to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.

PABA - Once considered a highly effective sunscreen, it has now been replaced with even more effective formulas. This yellowish-colored compound can stain clothing.

SPF - Sun Protection Factor. This number indicates how many times longer a person can stay in the sun before beginning to burn while wearing a sunscreen. An SPF 15 (the minimum recommended by dermatologists) allows a person to remain in the sun without burning 15 times longer than if that same person did not use the product.

Sweatproof Formula - Additional ingredients have been added to help the product bond to the skin, allowing sunscreens to provide protection despite sweating.

Water-resistant, Waterproof - “Water-resistant” means a product maintains its protection after 40 minutes of water exposure.

“Waterproof” indicates protection is maintained after 80 minutes of water exposure. For best results, apply sunscreen to all exposed areas 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply occasionally, especially after swimming, excessive sweating or towel drying.

By knowing what ingredients to look for and by using the proper sunscreen for your complexion and activities, you should be able to prevent most sun damage.

It’s also important to remember the words of Dr. Thomas Ryan, a Spokane dermatologist: “Sunscreen doesn’t do any good in the bottle. The only way you’ll get any protection is if you put it on.” xxxx