Sunscreen and Anti-Aging
Written By Andre Nye, MD – In sunny Florida, with beautiful white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, there is an increased incidence of sun-related conditions, including skin cancer. While the Florida sun has some benefits, such as the production of vitamin D and treatment of certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, you must protect your skin from its harmful effects. Keep reading to learn more about sunscreen and anti-aging.
Sunscreen and Anti-Aging
Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The most common types of skin cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
The most aggressive form of skin cancer is melanoma.
As a primary care physician, I feel confident diagnosing and treating skin disorders caused by sun radiation. Identifying those high-risk patients and referring them to a dermatologist for skin mapping is vital.
The Role of UV Radiation And Signs of Aging
Sun plays a significant role in skin aging, more so than diet, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetics combined. The radiation emitted by the sun is called ultraviolet radiation (UV) and is a non-ionizing form of radiation. The sun’s UV light is responsible for a significant amount of skin aging. UV light contributes to sunburn, reduced skin elasticity, liver spots, and wrinkles.
There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
- The majority of the UV radiation that reaches Earth is UVA.
- The ozone layer primarily absorbs UVB, though some UVB reaches Earth.
- UVA and UVB radiation can affect health, but UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are more constant throughout the year.
- UVC is entirely absorbed by the ozone layer and atmosphere.
Harmful health effects from UV radiation are increased in individuals that:
- Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned
- Have light-colored skin, hair, blue or green eyes
- Take certain medications, such as antibiotics, cancer medications, immunosuppressants, birth control pills, benzoyl peroxide products, etc
- Are over age 50
How To Protect Yourself From the Sun
- Avoid direct sunlight, especially during midday hours
- Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs
- Wear a wide-brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck
- Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher for UVA and UVB protection
- Avoid tanning beds. People using tanning beds since adolescence or early adulthood have a higher risk of developing melanoma
What’s the Best Sunscreen to Use?
In the market, you’ll find a multitude of sunscreen brands. Choosing the correct type of sunscreen can feel overwhelming. However, what’s most important is recognizing the two categories of sunscreen:
- Mineral
- Chemical
Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreen contains various concentrations of zinc oxide and or titanium dioxide and acts as a shield from the moment when applied, reflecting the UV rays. They do not absorb into the skin. I would recommend this kind over the chemical type, especially for the face, neck, and chest. It is also better tolerated for sensitive skin. It does leave a white film, but lately, there have been products on the market that are tinted and look more natural. A mineral sunscreen should be reapplied every two to three hours.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays by changing their chemical structure to reduce sun damage. They should be applied 15-20 minutes before sun exposure and re-applied more frequently as they wear off quickly. Most chemical sunscreens contain at least one of the following active ingredients:
- oxybenzone
- octinoxate
- cinoxate
- dioxybenzone
- ensulizole
- homosalate
- meradimate
- octisalate
- octocrylene
- padimate O
- sulisobenzone
- avobenzone
Please note that there have been recalls regarding carcinogens found in aerosol sunscreen products containing benzene, so please do your due diligence and research the best brands.
Wrapping Up
Without proper protection, the sun can damage our skin. Sun-related conditions can range from sunburns of different degrees and wrinkles to blindness and skin cancer. Always protect yourself and seek medical advice if you have concerns about skin spots or lesions.
Additional Information: Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses
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