Skin Cancer Prevention

Sun Protection

We know that Ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure is linked to the development of skin cancer, therefore protecting yourself from the sun with sunscreen is an important part of skin cancer prevention.

What type of sunscreen should I use?

The best sunscreen is the one that you like to use! Your sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or greater and it should broad-spectrum. This means that it protects from UVA and UVB sunrays, both of which contribute to skin aging and skin cancer.

When should I use a sunscreen?

Sunscreens should be worn every day you are outdoors and should be re-applied every two hours. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s rays reach your skin. If exercising or swimming, it is important to re-apply your sunscreen every 90 minutes.

How much sunscreen should I use?

You should use enough sunscreen to generously coat all of your skin that is exposed to the sun. It takes about one ounce (a shot-glass full) of sunscreen to cover your skin not protected by shorts and a T-shirt. And don’t forget your ears and lips! Find a lip balm with an SPF to make sure your lips are well protected.

What type of sunscreen can I use on my baby?

The best sun protection for babies is to keep them in the shade. Babies have much more sensitive skin than adults that can burn very easily. Sunscreen can be applied to infants over 6 months old and to toddlers. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen made for babies or children with an SPF of 30 or greater. Dr. Jenna Queller recommends 100% mineral sunscreens for babies and children.

Are sunscreens safe?

Yes, sunscreens can help prevent sunburn and skin cancer. In some people, sunscreens can cause irritation and infrequently an allergic reaction. If you develop a rash after using a sunscreen, stop its use and contact your dermatologist promptly.

Clothing

Special clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) can also offer broad-spectrum protection from the sun. Look for clothing with a UPF 50.

Make-up

Many people ask if make-up that contains SPF is adequate or if additional sunscreen is needed. If your make-up has an SPF of 30 or greater, it may offer enough protection, but this requires that you apply the thick layer. If only a thin layer of make-up is spread over the skin, the SPF dose is diluted. In general, most make-ups have SPFs of 15 or lower, and these do not offer adequate protection. In these cases, we recommended that you apply a layer of sunscreen before applying your make-up. In addition, sun exposure degrades sunscreen, so even if you apply enough in the morning, you should reapply it every few hours throughout the day. To avoid having to redo your make-up, you may want to invest in a mineral powder. Loose powders that contain sunscreen can be dusted on top of make-up to avoid a heavy, caked-on look.

Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is important for your overall health but it can also help prevent skin cancers! Diets rich in dark leafy green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale as well as citrus fruits like oranges contain powerful antioxidants that may reduce the incidence of skin cancer by 50%!

Nicotinamide

A scientific study has shown that taking 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily can reduce the development of both basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Nicotinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3 that increases DNA repair. This can be purchased inexpensively on-line if it is not available at your local pharmacy. It is important to purchase either nicotinamide or niacinamide but not niacin. Niacin is similar but can cause intense facial flushing and discomfort.

Tanning

What exactly is a tan?

A tan is an example of one of your body’s defense mechanisms at work. When your skin detects UV sun rays, your skin cells produce pigment. This pigment helps shield the DNA of skin cells from destructive rays. When we look at the skin, this pigment shield is what we see as a “tan.” A tan is a sign that your skin is being damaged. To say a tan is healthy is an oxymoron. It is like saying a cough is healthy after inhaling smoke!

Tanning devices

No tanning device is safe. The UV rays coming from these machines are intense, and can be up to 10 times stronger than the UV rays from 11am-2pm. Continued exposure to these rays has been linked to the development of all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Kids and the Sun

Most of the sun we receive in life is before the age of 18. Therefore, it is very important to protect children from UV rays when they are outdoors, especially because your child’s skin is more sensitive to the sun. For infants under the age of 6 months, keeping them shaded when outdoors is best. Sunscreens are typically not recommended for this age group. For those over 6 months, choose a broad spectrum with an SPF of at least 30 and which is made for children. Sun protective clothing is also a great option for kids, especially when they are at the beach or pool. Special clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) offers broad-spectrum protection from the sun. Medical dermatologist, Dr. Jenna Queller, and mom to three little ones recommends 100% mineral sunscreens with a SPF of 30 or higher.