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Sun Protection: Are You Doing Enough?
by Ariana Ayu, DSc, RN
July 2009
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org), one in five
Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life. This is a
frightening statistic if we don’t know how to protect ourselves from the sun, so
for this lovely hot summer, here is some information that may come in handy.
Tanning is the biggest no-no out there. Besides contributing to aging and
wrinkling, the first exposure to UV tanning beds can increase your risk of skin
cancer by 75%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. If you must tan, go for
sunless versions such as Consumer Search’s top picks: Clarins Self Tanning
Instant Gel, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, Estee Lauder's Go Tan
Sunless Towelettes, Mystic Tan (professionally airbrushed, done at tanning
salons) or Neutrogena MicroMist Sunless Tanning Spray (www.consumersearch.com/sunless-tanning).
Everyone knows that sunscreen is important, but how do we choose the right one?
Even the FDA is working on this problem right now – expect labels to look
different once they sort out what advertisers can realistically claim in the
future (there is currently no standard for labeling UVA protection). In the
meantime, here’s what we currently know.
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) labeled of the front of the sunscreen is
important, but should not be the main thing you look for. The SPF measures
protection from UVB rays (which cause sunburn), but UVA rays are actually more
dangerous because they penetrate deeper into the skin. For now, choose a
sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or 30 and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. SPFs
greater than 30 do not seem to be markedly more effective. Remember, you must
apply sunscreen generously at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply
every 1-2 hours.
In addition, the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) claims that
sunscreens containing oxybenzone can be harmful and are absorbed in the body.
This is supported by a CDC analysis of 2000+ urine samples collected from across
the US population in 2003-4 that found 97% of the samples contained oxybenzone
(which is not supposed to be in one’s urine). EWG recommends using products with
the active ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and without oxybenzone or
fragrances.
EWG’s best picks (2009 list coming soon):
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/findyoursunscreen.php.
Skin Cancer Foundation’s recommended products:
http://www.skincancer.org/seal-of-recommendation.
So, to sum up: Tanning – just say no. Sunscreen – use it (better safe than
cancer). Remember, common sense is your best defense, so use what’s available:
shade, UV protective clothing/ hats, and …oh yeah, your brain!
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