Derek Pelletier, MPAS, PA-CWelcome

The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages structures in the skin that lead to premature aging and unwanted wrinkles. Even more worrisome, these same UV rays from the sun cause damage to skin cells and at the same time prohibit our immune system from recognizing this damage ultimately leading to skin cancer.  Both of these adverse events can greatly be reduced by applying sunscreen.  Sun protection may allow for repair of damaged skin, reverse some of the aging affects, and precancerous changes may regress.  Sun damage accumulates from brief incidental exposures not intended for tanning, such as, working outdoors, participating in recreational activities, walking outdoors for lunch, or during the daily commute to work; Therefore, daily protection is recommended.  Sunburns are particularly harmful and care should be taken to prevent sun burning.  The amount of redness in the skin after sun exposure directly correlates to the amount of damage done to the skin.  A light pink color would suggest mild skin damage, whereas red skin would indicate severe sun damage. 

CLOTHING. Clothing is the best protection.  Weave tightness and fabric type determine the potential for photo protection.  Stretched or wet fabrics are less effective.  Darker colors provide more protection than lighter colors.  Some manufacturers market special clothing with SPF ratings, including Solumbra www.solumbra.com.

SUNSCREENS.  Sunscreens are topical agents that protect the skin by absorbing, scattering, or reflecting UV light.  Broad-spectrum sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with an SPF of 15 or 30 are recommended.  Sunscreens should be applied once in the morning and reapplied every two hours after swimming or heavy exercise. Since it takes time for the sunscreen to be absorbed by your skin, you should apply your sunscreen 15-30 minutes in advance of sun exposure.

PROTECTING THE YOUNG.  Significant sun exposed occurs in the early years of life when children spend hours playing in the outside.  One study showed that regular use of a sunscreen with an SPF 15 during the first 18 years of life reduces the lifetime incidence of sun-induced skin cancers by 78%.  All children should be protected with high-number SPF sunscreens. 

SUNSCREEN STRENGTH.  A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater is recommended under most conditions.  In the higher SPF ranges the difference becomes less meaningful.  An SPF of 15 indicates 93% protection; an SPF of 30 indicates 97% protection.   Many experts question whether using a sunscreen with an SPF above 30 provides much more protection, since you are already blocking 97% of UV rays.

SUNSCREEN MYTH: Can you get a sunburn on a cloudy day?  Yes, clouds don't block the UV rays that cause sunburn, so you can still get a sunburn when it is cloudy outside.  Since UV rays can be reflected off of water, sand, snow, and concrete, you can even get a sunburn in the shade.

Derek Pelletier, MPAS, PA-C

 

Consistent use of sunscreen can prevent skin cancer.We sell a complete line of Dermique sunscreen products for all your skin protection needs.