sun damage

As the sun wanes and beach vacations end, it’s time to evaluate summertime skin damage. Of course you used sunscreen diligently and faithfully wore your wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, but if you enjoyed a lot of time outdoors this summer, you might see evidence of damage anyway.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer annually, so it is appropriate that we continue to identify the best treatments possible. But when it comes to actually preventing skin cancer, we mostly know only about the basic rules – use sunscreen, stay out of the sun, wear long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, etc. 

But dermatologists can offer effective topical skin cancer preventives that find and destroy precancerous cells, stopping the disease in its tracks before it takes hold. These noninvasive therapies not only prevent potential cancers from developing, they may also soften lines and wrinkles at the same time. 

There has been extensive media coverage of recent studies linking vitamin D deficiencies to many common conditions and diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, elevated blood pressure, infection, and cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders. The principal source of the vitamin is unprotected exposure of the skin to the sun’s UVB rays – the kind that also cause sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer.

Skin cancer is now the most prevalent form of cancer in America. The common belief is that skin cancer primarily affects older individuals who have had decades of exposure to the sun. However, we are now finding that skin cancer is skewing to a younger demographic. The reasons are not entirely clear, but we can speculate as to the causes. In my practice, I’m treating skin cancer more frequently among people as young as 25.

The skin, our largest organ, is our first layer of protection against infection and disease. So keeping skin protected is critical to promoting overall health and wellness. That’s why shielding skin from the harmful rays of the sun is such an important line of defense.

It is now common knowledge that overexposure to the sun can cause skin damage, lead to premature aging of the skin, as well as cancer. What is not fully understood is how this damage occurs and how to adequately protect against it. So it is helpful to learn more about the two forms of ultraviolet light that we are routinely exposed to in the sun – UVB and UVA rays – and how to interpret sunscreens’ SPF ratings as a guide to self-care.

We all know that it is best to avoid sunburns by using sunscreens and staying out of the sun during peak hours – important considerations for long-term skin health and skin-cancer prevention. But sometimes things happen. A forgotten hat, thinking you’re protected from the sun’s rays under your beach umbrella, neglecting to reapply sunscreen after a swim – everyday experiences like these can lead to a nasty sunburn and the pain that comes along with the characteristically red skin. 

While spending more time outside in the summer months, we must be thoughtful about our skin. As our shield from environmental factors, our skin is exposed to greater potential harm when we are outdoors. And we must heed this rule, in particular: use sunscreen or sun block every day, rain or shine.

Q: Is there a difference between sunscreen and sun block?

A: As summer approaches, we stock up on sun-protective gear. A walk down the “seasonal” aisle at your local store can be dizzying. Which product to choose – a sunscreen or sun block? Is there a difference, or are they interchangeable? 

There are, in fact, somewhat “technical” differences between the two. Sunscreens, also known as chemical blockers, are absorbed into the skin, so they should be applied 10–15 minutes prior to going out in the sun. Sunscreens absorb ultraviolet (UV) light in certain wavelengths. The UVA rays can cause long-term effects and contribute to photoaging and wrinkles. UVB rays are responsible for short-term effects like sunburns. UV light can easily degrade sunscreen, so it’s crucial to reapply every few hours for maximum effectiveness. Avobenzone, oxybenzone, and Mexoryl™ are common ingredients in many chemical blockers these days.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer found in humans, and greater than half of all new cancers diagnosed are skin cancers. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are respectively the first and second most common forms of skin cancer, and nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will be diagnosed with one of these types of cancer. These common cancers are usually found in the most sun-exposed parts of the body, appearing in the skin’s top layer as a scaly area or bump that doesn’t heal. They can occasionally bleed. If detected and treated early, these cancers have a greater than 95% cure rate.

Spend a day at the beach or pool, and you can’t miss the pervasive and unmistakable smell of sunblock products wafting through the air. Shelves in drug stores and supermarkets are crowded with “new and improved” potions, lotions, gels, creams, wipes, and sprays. But using sunblock only on beach or pool days isn’t enough. Make it an everyday habit – and not just a quick smear on your nose in the morning.