Summer is here! While skin cancer is at an all-time high in this country, many will bask in the sun without sunscreen. But just five burns in your life can double your risk of skin cancer.
“No tan is safe. Every time you’re exposed to the sun, you’re damaging DNA, you’re damaging the skin,” says Michelle Pelle, M.D., a dermatologist at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego.
But most people have no idea how much sunscreen to apply. Do you? About a shot-glass full for exposed skin is the right answer.
All brands work the same — though some with zinc or titanium are better for sensitive skin. Do look for the UVA and UVB protection stamp.
“If both of these aren’t on there, you shouldn’t buy the product,” Dr. Pelle says.
SPF tells you how long you can go without burning. If you normally burn in 20 minutes and you use SPF 15, you can multiply 20 by 15 to get your time.
“If they’re going outside for more than 20 minutes, they really ought to be thinking in terms of SPF 30,” Dr. Pelle says.
A pill can also protect your skin. A fern plant extract, called Heliocare sunblock, is available over the counter. Also, clothes with SPF in them make covering up a good option. Lastly, more cosmetic products are available containing sunscreen these days.
Sunscreens typically last about three years, but Dr. Pelle says there’s no reason they should be sitting on your shelf that long! Dermatologists agree the best sunscreen is no sun at all. You can buy the protective clothing at many sports stores. By the way, the sunscreen stays in the clothes even after you wash them.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Kristin Reinhardt
Scripps Mercy Hospital
San Diego, CA
(619) 686-3787
Reinhardt.Kristin@scrippshealth.org