Since last weekend was the unofficial start of summer, the season of sunscreen ads and SPF warnings is officially upon us. While the ads may be opportunistic, the warnings are backed by some sobering statistics. Every year, there are more than 63,000 new cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, resulting in nearly 9,000 deaths. Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with 5 MILLION people treated each year.
But here’s the good news: Because skin cancer is chiefly a lifestyle disease, it is also highly preventable. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and about 86 percent of melanomas are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Here is everything you need to know, along with some myths that need to be busted:
UV rays are emitted by the sun and can cause damage to your skin. There are two primary forms of UV rays: UVB and UVA.
UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper, contributing to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. To protect yourself thoroughly, look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it indicates a sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVB rays, or those that cause sunburn. SPF 30 is the minimum recommendation by experts because it blocks around 97% of UVB rays. Sunscreens with higher SPF do block slightly more UVB rays (SPF 50 blocks around 98% of UVB rays and SPF 100 blocks around 99% of UVB rays). Higher SPF values do provide a safety margin in case of inadequate application; however, no sunscreen can provide 100% protection. And the SPF number has nothing to do with how long you can stay in the sun without reapplying.
Most people do not use enough sunscreen. Sunscreen should not be applied like body lotion. It needs to be slathered. An average person needs an ounce, or one shot-glass full, of sunscreen for adequate protection. Less will not do the job. The shot-glass rule applies for reapplication as well!
Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens
One more thing, if you’re out between 10a and 2p, wear a hat or take some shade breaks. Your skin will thank you later!