We’ve all heard that prolonged sun exposure and too much tanning equal skin damage and recently we’ve seen the dramatic proof in the news. First there was the so-called “tanorexic” mom who garnered national attention for having dark, leathery, too-tanned skin that looks far older than her real forty-something age.
Then a truck driver also ended up in news reports after visiting a dermatologist to find out why one side of his face appeared so dramatically different than the other. It turns out the man never used sunscreen and constant exposure to the sun over decades on the left side of his face as he drove trucks resulted in severely crinkled, sagging, severely aged skin on that side.
Sure, these are dramatic examples of ignoring the dangers of too much exposure to tanning rays. But that doesn’t mean your skin isn’t also experiencing more sun damage than you may realize, even if you do slather on sunscreen before going for a summer swim and never sit in the sun for hours on end. All sun exposure causes cumulative damage over time and you may not see the damage for many years if you aren’t protecting your skin consistently, day in and down out.
The good news is that you can start right now to make sure your skin has adequate sun protection against the damaging effects from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. You’ll not only keep your skin looking younger, longer, but greatly reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Shining the light on sunscreens
Atlanta area plastic surgeon Lisa M. DiFrancesco, M.D., (www.drdifrancesco.com) explains that the sun emits two types of UV radiation – UVA and UVB. “UVA penetrates clouds and glass and plays a major role in causing photo aging – wrinkling, leathering, ‘age spots’ and the sagging of the skin. So if you are sitting by a window indoors at work or walking outside on an overcast day, you are still being exposed to UVA. That’s why it’s important to use sunscreen every day," Dr. DiFrancesco tells Synergy. “UVB doesn’t go through glass, but it does penetrate your skin’s outer layer and it’s the chief type of sun exposure that causes sunburn and raises skin cancer risk.”
The American Academy of Dermatology points out that unprotected sun exposure is the top risk factor for skin cancer. More than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S/ this year, and at current rates, one in five Americans will develop a skin malignancy in his or her lifetime. Approximately 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are from the type known as melanoma; cases of this potentially deadly skin cancer have been rising for at least 30 years. Fortunately, wearing a sunscreen every day can help prevent skin cancer – if you make sure it effectively blocks UV.
What to look for in a sunscreen What should you look for in a sunscreen? “It needs to have an adequate Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The SPF number indicates how long it takes UVB rays to redden the skin. So an SPF15 means it takes 15 times longer for sun exposure to redden the skin when you use that product than going without sunscreen,” Dr. DiFrancesco answers. “It’s important to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, too, especially if you have been swimming or perspiring.”
She points out that the FDA has set new rules for sunscreens, starting this year. While the highest permitted SPF factor is now 50, sunscreens that claim they are “broad spectrum" label are required to demonstrate effective protection against both UVA and UVB.
The best way to minimize exposure to UV radiation, according to Dr. DiFrancesco, is to choose a sunblock which contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Other precautions include avoiding sun exposure during midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and avoiding tanning beds and sun lamps. Daniel M. Siegel, MD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology advises using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher in conjunction with other sun-safe practices such as seeking shade when you are outside and wearing sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.
Help for reformed sunworshippers
Is it too late to use sunscreen regularly if you’ve been tanning for years? Since UV damage accumulates, it is always a good step to start protecting your skin, even if you haven’t in the past. You’ll help stop additional damage and lower your risk of skin cancer.
 You can also take steps to minimize and even reverse some accumulated skin damage – then you can prevent further sun-caused aging signs by using adequate sun protection. “Products that contain antioxidants, especially vitamin C, can reduce wrinkles and lighten dark areas of pigmentation caused by sun damage,” Dr. DiFrancesco explains. “Plastic surgeons and dermatologists who specialize in skincare can also treat sun damage successfully using microdermabrasion, chemical peels and a skin care regimen prescribed specifically for your individual skin.”
In recent years, scientists have learned that vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin” is even more important to health than realized in the past. In addition to helping build strong bones, it may play a role in the prevention of many diseases including some cancers and autoimmune conditions. While sun exposure spurs the body to synthesize vitamin D, that doesn’t mean you have to choose between adequate vitamin D and healthy skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that an adequate amount of the vitamin should be obtained from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D such as dairy products and fish, foods and beverages fortified with vitamin D, or vitamin D supplements – but not from UV exposure.
“Since sun exposure is responsible for vitamin D production in the skin, wearing sunscreen can decrease the skin's production of vitamin D, but alternative and safer options are available to obtain your vitamin D,” states Dr. Siegel. “Individuals who properly and consistently wear sunscreen or use other UV protective measures, and are concerned about their vitamin D, should discuss obtaining sufficient vitamin D from foods and/or vitamin supplements with their doctor.”
|
