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TV commercials are now advertising the use of SPF daily to prevent skin damage. Sure took them long enough! Though they are finally telling you about the need to protect yourself from the sun, they are still leaving out very important information and tips about sunscreen, but that's what I'm here for.

Sunscreen Does Not Prevent Skin Cancer

Using a SPF daily reduces the amount of ultraviolet rays (uv) exposure we receive. It does not block it completely. Ultraviolet rays are an invisible form of radiation emitted by the sun in two forms, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing skin damage, premature aging, and can cause skin cancer down the road. UVB rays mainly impact the surface of the skin, causing burns. Individuals who burn themselves at the beginning of the summer thinking it gives them a nicer base for their tan are actually causing permanent damage.

How often am I exposed to UV rays and what increases their damaging effects?

Sunlight can reflect off water, clouds, and it can reach below the water's surface, and its strength is greater at higher altitudes. Most people are exposed to UV rays more than they realize, most of the time without any protection. Incidental Exposure or exposure when you least expect it such as in shade, indoors, while driving etc. can total nearly 20 hours a week. That's equivalent to spending a weekend outdoors without sunscreen. While working at the salon, I did a test on myself because I wanted my clients to see with their own eyes how UVA and UVB can effect your skin even when rarely in the sun. Since I wear sandals in warmer weather I treated my left foot with SPF daily while applying none to my right. I would only go outdoors to run errands, drive to work, or let out my dog. I was never outdoors for any extended period of time. When I showed my clients my feet they couldn't believe it. My left foot was a normal color and had a smooth texture while my right foot was tan with a rougher-looking texture.

Everyone is susceptible to sun damage but some are at a higher risk than others. Those with fair skin, light colored hair (blond and red), freckles, and/or a history of skin cancer are at the highest risk. Where and how you live are also important. If you live close to the equator, where the sun is directly overhead and its rays are the strongest, or at high altitudes where there is an eight percent to ten percent increase of UV intensity for each 1000 feet. If you enjoy many outdoor activities remember sun damage accumulates over time and the more often you're exposed to the sun the more you damage your skin. Medications and cosmetic procedures can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Often times this results in rashes and sunburns. Consult with your dermatologist or physician on how to protect your skin.

What does sun damage look like?

Sun damage, also known as photo damage, is how the sun changes the look and feel of the skin. Chronic sun exposure without protection over time accelerates the natural aging process of the skin. The most common signs of the first level of sun damage are fine wrinkling (typically around the eyes and mouth or on the forehead), rough skin texture, and mottled hyperpigmentation (light, patchy, discoloration including brown spots). As sun damage progresses the skin tends to change tone to a sallow or pale color. Course wrinkling such as furrows and deep lines around the nose, eyes, mouth, and on the forehead appear with loose, thin skin that appears sunken. Besides causing premature aging, sun damage increases your risk of skin cancer.

What does skin cancer look like?

Regardless of skin color, anyone can develop skin cancer. The most dangerous form of skin cancer is Melanoma. Melanoma can start near a mole or dark spot on the skin. Signs of possible skin cancer are moles or spots that are asymmetrical in shape, with ragged, notched, or blurred edges, a diameter wider than six millimeters (pencil eraser) and/or various shades of the colors brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue in one spot. Melanoma develops particularly on the palms of hands, soles of feet, under nails and inside of the mouth. The lower legs are the most common site of skin cancer on women, while the areas covered by swim trunks and their backs are the most common sites in men.

How do I prevent sun damage and skin cancer?

Skin cancer accounts for more than 50 percent of all cancers making it the most common form of the disease. Though this is a scary statistic, there are many things you can do to prevent skin cancer as well as the accumulative effects of sun damage. Most importantly, use a sunscreen daily with an SPF of 25 or higher that provides a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection. Also look for the ingredients avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, and titanium dioxide in your SPF. Apply SPF at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply about once every two to three hours if in the sun for a prolonged period of time. Apply to face, ears, neck, arms, hands, scalp (if thinning hair), any other exposed skin, and under any clothing that is not dark in color with a tight weave, since these are the only fabrics that provide adamant sun protection. Avoid the sun during its peak times when UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Minimize exposure to the sun best as possible by seeking shade, wearing a wide brimmed hat or visor and sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent UV rays. Avoid the temptation of tanning beds. Artificial UV rays are actually more harmful that the natural rays produced by the sun. If you must tan (which I do not recommend) apply SPF 20 to 30 minutes before the appointment not right before getting into the bed. Finally, don't forget to do your monthly self exams for any changes in your skin or its conditions, and to check in yearly with your dermatologist. Also, keep your bi-yearly dental appointments so they can note any suspicious spots in your mouth and get treatment as necessary.

How do I treat sun damage?

A range of treatment options for sun damage exists, from non-prescription topical creams, to prescription creams and cosmetic procedures.

Non-prescription treatments are for those with little-to-moderate sun damage, while prescription treatments are for more-moderate-to-less-serious damage caused by the sun. Cosmetic procedures are for more severe sun damage, and must be done by or under the supervision of a trained professional. Check with your dermatologist to find the best and most-up-to-date prescription treatments and cosmetic procedures for your skin.

Sharron Koltun, C.P.E.
Clinical-Basic Skin Care
SharronTheBlender@ClinicalBasicSkinCare.com