Five Million…read that one more time. Five MILLION. That is the number of people diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States each year.
8,290. That is the number of people who die a year in the United States from skin cancer. 5,430 of that number being men and 2,860 being women.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined. In case this is not enough reason to wear your sunscreen religiously, here are some other shocking skin cancer stats:
- Caucasians are 20x more likely to have skin cancer, however all ethnicities are at risk.
- The risk of developing skin cancer increases 75% with the use of tanning beds before age 35. So using a tanning bed to get ready for Prom is a NO! At least 41 states have passed some type of legislation that regulates minors using tanning beds. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds not only can lead to painful sunburns, but UV is also the major cause of skin cancer and skin aging.
- 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer by age 70.
- More than 2 people die every hour of skin cancer.
- Having 5 or more sunburns double your risk of Melanoma.
So What Causes Skin Cancer? Outside of genetics, UVA/UVB rays are the main culprits.
- About 95% of UV rays are UVA rays.
- UVA rays can penetrate your skin more deeply and cause your skin cells to age prematurely.
- UVA rays play a role in skin cancer formation.
- About 5% of rays that hit the earth are UVB rays.
- UVB rays cause sunburns and play the greatest role in causing skin cancer.
- UVA/UVB rays come from the sun, LED lights in homes/businesses, and tanning beds.
As summer quickly approaches it is a good time to think about your sun safety routine. Protection from the sun should always be a part of your routine, year round. Knowing the risks, protection should be a no-brainer. Here are some tips for sun safety…
- Know your sunburn risk!
- Although people of all skin colors can burn and need protection, those with lighter skin tones are at a higher risk.
- Be mindful of the medications/skin care you are using. Certain oral and topical medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces like sand, water and pavement. Don’t let the weather fool you. You can get burned on a cool or cloudy day.
Now let’s talk about the choices you have for a Sun Protection Factor, more commonly known as SPF. It’s important to choose the SPF that is right for you and your lifestyle. Broad spectrum SPF 30-50 or higher are your best option since there are minimal benefits of SPF less than 50. There are two kinds to choose from, mineral or chemical. Both are FDA approved, but if you’ll be spending most of your time in an ocean just keep in mind that a mineral sunscreen is safer for sea life.
The main difference between mineral (or physical) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens is how they handle the sun’s rays. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which create a barrier on your skin that reflects UV light. They don’t absorb into the skin, literally creating a physical separation between you and the sun. You will recognize mineral sunscreen by their chalky, white look and feel. That look also helps serve as a reminder for when you should reapply, which is around every two hours. However, not everyone likes the look of the zinc oxide resting on their skin so you may choose a tinted option like PCA Sheer Tint 45 or Elta MD Elements. These tinted options will blend more naturally, and make a great “foundation” for the summer months.
Those who don’t love the thick texture of mineral sunscreens, opt for chemical versions, even though they’re not as effective. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays by changing their chemical structure to reduce sun damage. Most chemical sunscreens contain at least one of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, octinoxate, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone, and avobenzone. One of our staff favorites is PCA Skin’s Hydrator Plus SPF 30. Be aware that chemical sunscreens wear off more quickly and need to be reapplied every couple of hours. If you choose a chemical sunscreen, make sure it is labeled “broad spectrum,” which protects against both UVA and UVB rays that damage the skin.
Here are our NNMD staff’s favorite sunscreens:
Dr. Norris – “I use PCA Skin Hydrator Plus SPF 30 every day under my makeup because most makeup only has SPF 10-15 which is not enough. When I’m outside in the hot weather, I use water resistant ELTA MD UV Sheer SPF 50+ for my face and body with a hat of course!”
Kelsey, LE, LT – “My everyday favorite is Elta UV Clear because it is safe for my rosacea and because Elta MD is the gold standard for sunscreen! It’s noncomedogenic so it doesn’t make me break out. It also contains niacinamide that helps calm and protect skin. Another favorite is RMS Super Natural Radiance Serum with SPF 30. Mineral/Physical sunscreen that blocks rays and is made with safe and natural ingredients that are non-toxic. I wore this my entire pregnancy because it’s a safer option. It’s weightless and gives a glowy appearance.
Amanda, LE, LT – “Elta MD UV Clear is my favorite because I’m breakout prone, sensitive and it doesn’t irritate my skin. It layers well with my other products and feels really lightweight compared to other sunscreens I’ve tried. It gives my skin a healthy appearance and looks good under my makeup.”
Sierra, LE, LT – “My favorite SPF is UV AOX Elements tinted! It’s waterproof and has a tint that gives my skin some color on the days that I don’t want to wear any makeup. It’s also a great “foundation” on its own, or it can be easily layered to give myself more coverage on days when I feel like I need it.”
Kendra, LE, LT – “I absolutely love PCA’s Hydrating SPF 30. Having two small kids mornings can get hectic, so getting ready quickly is key for me. The SPF 30 is my daily moisturizer and SPF in one. I love a two in one product! It goes on smoothly, leaves my dry skin feeling hydrated and absorbs well so my makeup can glide on easily.”
Danielle, LE, LT – “I am obsessed with RMS Supernatural Serum Mist because it is a two in one, SPF and makeup. I don’t have a lot of time to get ready in the morning with a toddler and teenager, so a quick and easy morning routine is what works for me. This one step sunscreen does the trick!”
Ania Peek, FNP-BC – “I love Elta MD UV Clear because it is lightweight and evens my skin tone to prepare for my foundation. It does not leave a white residue”
-Kendra Pagoria LE/LT