July is UV Safety Month. It is observed to highlight the importance of protecting our skin and eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Ultraviolet radiation is released by the sun and provides vitamin D to the body to help it survive. However, too much sun exposure can damage the skin and cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.
There are three types of ultraviolet radiation based on the size of the wavelength. They include:
- UVA causes the skin to wrinkle, tan, and/or burn. Too much exposure leads to skin cancer
- UVB can damage the outermost layers of the skin. It can cause sunspots, tanning, sunburn, and blistering, which can lead to skin cancer
- UVC is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere
Anyone can get skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation. People who are the greatest risk of skin cancer are people who have:
- Fair skin
- Freckled skin
- Skin that burns easily, light eyes
- Blonde or red hair
People who have a darker skin tone can get skin cancer, but their risk is lower than people who have a lighter skin tone.
There are other risk factors other than a person’s complexion that can cause skin cancer, including:
- Having a biological family history or personal history of skin cancer
- Having an outdoor job or spending a lot of time in the sun
- Living in a sunny climate
- Having a history of severe sunburns
- Having large and irregularly shaped moles
The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change to the skin. Changes are typically a new mole, a new skin lesion or sore, or a change to an existing mole.
- Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a small pearly, or waxy bump on your face or neck, or as a flat, pink/red- or brown-colored lesion
- Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough, scaly, flat lesion that may itch, bleed, and become crusty
- Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump. It may resemble a normal mole but usually has a more irregular appearance
While it isn’t possible to completely prevent skin cancer or undo previous effects of ultraviolet radiation and sun damage, there are steps to take to reduce risk:
- Applying sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater thirty minutes before sun exposure and then every two to three hours after. Reapply sooner if you get wet or sweat significantly
- Wearing sunglasses with total UV protection
- Using cosmetic products that offer UV protection
- Avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours, which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Performing skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing skin growths and to notice any changes or new growths
When choosing the right sunscreen, it is important to know the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreen, or organic or physical sunscreen, is known for having a heavier, thicker texture than chemical sunscreen. It has active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These ingredients work as a shield against the sun’s rays because the sunscreen sits on the skin’s surface reflecting the UV rays away from it.
There are benefits to using mineral sunscreen, such as it being good for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and it offers immediate protection. There are also some drawbacks to using mineral sunscreen, such as it takes longer to apply and leaves a white cast on the skin.
Chemical sunscreen contains chemical ingredients that protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays, preventing them from reaching the skin. The chemical compounds in chemical sunscreen are avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.
Using chemical sunscreen has many advantages as it is easy to apply, transparent on the skin, and it comes with water-resistant formulations. Some disadvantages are that it can cause allergic reactions or irritation, it isn’t immediately effective, and it has to be absorbed into the skin.
Whichever type of sunscreen you use depends on your personal preference. Using either mineral or chemical sunscreen is better than not using sunscreen at all.
If you want to know which ingredients may affect you, talk to a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to determine which sunscreen is best.
If you or a loved one has warning signs of skin cancer, you can speak to a doctor by scheduling an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.