Skin Cancer Affects Everyone

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. There are different kinds of skin cancers, and the most common cause for each of them is sun exposure. The different skin cancers are categorized under three main types.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of skin cancer. More than 90% of all skin cancers in the U.S. are basal cell carcinomas. It is most often found on areas of the body that are always exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, and arms. It grows slowly and rarely spreads elsewhere in the body, unless it is left untreated. If caught early enough, basal cell carcinoma is very treatable. Look for flat, shiny, waxy areas on the skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells of the skin, which are in the upper layers of the epidermis. Like basal cell carcinomas, they are often found on the areas of the body that are most often exposed to the sun, including ears, neck, and lips. Squamous cell carcinomas tend to spread more than basal cell carcinomas. They are more likely to advance into fatty tissues of the skin, as well as lymph nodes. As with basal cell carcinoma, if caught early, squamous cell carcinoma is quite treatable. Look for small lumps with a reddish, rough surface.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer because it may spread rapidly to other organs. Melanoma accounts for 75% of all skin cancer related deaths. Melanoma develops within the melanocyte cells, the skin cells that are responsible for making skin pigment. Malignant melanoma is more common in people who get occasional, high-intensity sun exposure. People who sunbathe on vacations or during brief sunny periods in cold climates may get such exposure. Look for abnormally large moles, a mole that changes color, size and texture, or one that feels sore to the touch.

It is commonly thought that those with darker skin don't have to worry about skin cancer. In fact, everyone is at risk. Even though darker skin produces more melanin, which translates into more protection from the sun, people of any race or ethnicity can develop skin cancer. For this reason, it is important to wear sunscreen, and check your body for signs of cancer on a regular basis, no matter what your skin tone.

There are more and more cases of skin cancer every day. However, many cases can be prevented by avoiding ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure- or at least limiting it. Sunlight emits both UVA and UVB rays, which both contribute to skin cancer. Full-spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of UV rays. Additionally, skin cancer can be prevented or at least caught early by paying close attention to any changes on your skin.

PCA SKIN Sunscreens

Ask Fresh Faced Skin Care about our variety of cosmetically elegant sunscreen formulations.

Does Sunscreen Truly Matter?

Is it really necessary to wear sunscreen every day? The answer is YES. We need to use sunscreen every day, rain or shine (and winter or summer), in order to protect our skin cells from ultraviolet (UV) exposure. UV rays can damage the skin and cause damage to your cell’s DNA, causing mutations to occur. These mutations can lead to cancer.

 We are exposed to two types of ultraviolet light on a daily basis: UVA and UVB. UVA has a longer wavelength and less energy that UVB. However, these rays exist during the day and night and play a significant role in aging. UVA rays have been associated with causing fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and hyperpigmentation.  These rays can pass through glass (think your car window) and may be present in fluorescent lights (what’s that above your cubicle?). Prolonged exposure to UVA will damage your skin and will even show up years after the exposure takes place. UVB are the “burning” rays which are present during the day (even on cloudy days!).

So, what is the best sunscreen for protection? To answer this question, you need to be aware of the active ingredients in your sunscreen. For example, a sunscreen with both UVA/UVB protection which also includes antioxidants can help prevent future damage as well as assist the skin in repairing itself.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the multiple of time it takes for your skin to burn. For example, if it normally takes you 10 minutes to burn, and you use an SPF 15, you should not burn for 150 minutes (10 x 15). Bear in mind that SPF only applies to UVB rays and not UVA rays. FDA has specific labeling requirements for UVA protection.

Some of the most common chemicals used in sunscreens are oxybenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate, and avobenzone. These chemicals work by absorbing UVB light. However, they can only absorb UVB light until they become saturated. Once they become saturated, they lose their ability to protect. This is why we have to reapply sunscreen often, especially after prolonged sun exposure or swimming. These chemicals are great for protection against UVB light, but cannot protect us from UVA light. Remember that UVA light penetrates deeper into the skin, affecting collagen, elastin, and DNA. So, what can protect us from UVA light?

Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide work as a sunscreen by reflecting the ultraviolet light, including UVA (think thick, white goop on a lifeguard’s nose). Micronized versions of Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are now used and can even be found in some makeup formulations. These “physical” sunscreens are inorganic and generally do not produce sensitivity reactions, as a chemical sunscreen might.

Do you think it is more effective to use an SPF 50 sunscreen rather than an SPF 30 sunscreen? The answer is- it depends. Most sunscreens with an SPF of 30 absorb about 94% of UVB light. Increase that SPF to 50, and you increase the protection to 99%. That sounds good, right? By increasing the absorption power to SPF 50, you are also increasing the amount of potentially irritating chemical ingredients by 50%. For those with sensitive skin, this increase in irritants may be more of a risk than the extra SPF protection provided.

The bottom line is- sunscreen does matter. Whether you use absorbers or reflectors, UVB or UVA protection, you actually have to use them for any of them to work! It also doesn’t hurt to limit your sun exposure.