I love commenting on the New York Times.  That is where so many people get their health care information.  Yesterday, they had a big picture of a sunburned young woman, and a long article about sunscreens.  Sunburns increase the risk for skin cancer.  Sun rays cause pigment, wrinkles and premature aging of the skin as well as skin cancer. 

Sunscreens can be so confusing.  We often see burns even when people are using sunscreens and here are where we find the pitfalls–

1. expired sunscreens-make sure your sunscreen is up to date

2. lack of reapplication-make sure you reapply every 2 hours, or more if in the water or wind or sweating

3. not using enough-apply liberally-grease it up!  most people only put on a tiny bit, which doesn’t work well. 

Other sunscreen advice–make sure its broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage and at least an SPF 30 or higher for summertime use.  There is a smaller difference between 30 and 45 than between 15 and 30, but the higher you go, the better the protection, as long as it is a good quality sunscreen.  Look for good ingredients such as Mexoryl, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide or Parsol 1789/Avobenzone.  

I find many people burn with spray sunscreens-not sure why.  Either the sunscreens don’t work as well, or people don’t apply them properly.  Personally, I stay away from the sprays.  On hairy surfaces, people sometimes like gel based sunscreens better.  Those are fine, but they don’t last in the water as well.  Also, anything that says waterproof or sweatproof is not correct.  There is no such thing as waterproof or sweatproof.  All sunscreens need to be reapplied. 

Sun safety also includes- seeking shade, wearing a hat preferably with a broad brim since a baseball cap only shields the upper face, wearing protective clothing, and trying to stay out of the brightest rays from 10-4 if possible. 

 Enjoy your summer! 

Rebecca Baxt, MD, FAAD

Again, the New York Times hits on some very important topics, and they usually do it well!  7/22/08 articles in the science section mention that Melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, is increasing at a rapid rate in young women.  This may be due to increased tanning with ultraviolet lights in the tanning beds, and increased tanning behavior in the sun.  Many young women still think tan is beautiful.  Unfortunately, ultraviolet sun rays cause skin cancer.  Melanoma skin cancer kills people.  It is so very sad to have a young healthy person die because of a mostly preventable disease.  It can usually be cured if it is caught early enough.  Yearly skin cancer screenings by a Board Certified Dermatologist are what we recommend.  For people at higher risk with light skin and a lot of sun damage, or with family histories of skin cancer and lots of moles, we see these patients more often.  We take photos in our office to document what a mole looks like so we can see if it changes and needs a biopsy.   We have a full selection of excellent sunscreens for protection that we recommend. 

The New York Times also talked about sunscreens.  The only problem with sunscreens that we see is that people don’t use them enough, or often enough, or a large enough amount.  People put a small amount on once or twice a day and think that it is adequate.  The sunscreen does help prevent them from burning, so they are able to stay out in the sun for a longer amount of time.  This pattern does not help them.  Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every 2 hours, more often if you are sweating a lot or swimming.  Sunscreen should be applied liberally.  I find that people who use spray sunscreens tend to get burned more often–either the people don’t apply it properly, or the sunscreens don’t work as well as a rub on sunscreen.  We recommend at least an spf 30, higher for people with skin cancer or severe sun damage.  There are lots of good sunscreens out there so buy them, use them liberally and frequently.  Also, use a hat, wear protective clothing, and try to stay out of the strongest rays in the middle of the day if possible.  Seek shade.  Do the best you can, and make sure you get a skin cancer screening.  Two patients yesterday gave me big hugs thanking me for saving their lives by picking up a melanoma early before it spread.  We hope to see you soon. 

Rebecca Baxt, MD, FAAD