If you have ever been to see an Esthetician for skincare of any kind one of the questions you’ll hear asked, is do you wear an SPF? As a skincare provider it has been drilled into our heads throughout our education and continues into the field with the emphasis on the damaging effects of sun exposure in everything we do. So it is in our fiber and you’ll hear us continually reminding our clients, family, and friends. With each generation we have the responsibility of educating young people on how to limit tanning because of the melanoma/skin cancer link.
There are several misconceptions about cancer and sun exposure and then there’s the truth. Teens believe that skin cancer only happens to people over 40. Did you know that melanoma is the No. 1 cause of cancer death among 15-20 year olds? Do you think tanned skin looks healthier than pale skin? Tanned skin is actually an indicator that the skin has been damaged, so there is no safe tan. Another myth is that tanning beds are safer than the sun. Tanning beds can expose the skin to four times the UVA and two times the UVB rays. People are unable to feel the UVA rays on their skin but, they contribute the most to skin aging and skin cancers. A big one we hear more often now days is that, wearing sunscreens will cause vitamin D deficiency. Humans only need 20 minutes of noontime sun exposure to make about 1000 IU’s of vitamin D. Vitamin D supplements have been found to be as effective as sun exposure and the body doesn't know the difference. Damaging rays are present from sun up to sun down year-round, so yes we should be protecting ourselves even on cloudy days.
Don’t be fooled, skin cancer caused by cumulative sun exposure comes in three different distinct forms, varying in severity. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and the least severe. Next is squamous cell and is a more serious condition. Malignant Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and not always found on areas exposed to sunlight. Recognize the signs and symptoms or ABCD’s of melanoma. Look for changes in the skin, especially the size and color of moles. Be aware of scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or changes in the appearance of a bump or nodule. Watch for spreading of pigmentation beyond a moles border along with changes in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain. Melanomas on young people are found more on the trunk of the body, rather than on the head or neck as on elderly people. The incident of melanomas on lower legs of females is significant.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. UVA rays are shorter rays absorbed by the outer most layer of skin that cause tanning. UVB rays are longer and can penetrate into the deeper dermal layer burning the skin. Look for SPF that is a broad or full spectrum of coverage protecting from both UVA and UVB. With the higher SPF, the concentration of ingredients is higher. Some self tanners have SPF in them as well.
I recommend a SPF of at least a 30 containing antioxidants as an anti-inflammatory agent to repair and strengthen the skins protection barrier. Aveeno has a spray spf of 85 love the spray on application. Loreal, has a self tanner with an 15 SPF both can be found at Ulta
As a skincare professional I feel it my obligation to seize the opportunity to educate younger people especially, about the importance of protecting their beautiful young skin daily. The attitude is shifting that paler skin is the real look of beauty rather than tanned leathery skin. Protect what you have so you don’t have to correct it later. Millions of dollars are spent each year repairing the damage over exposure to the sun has created. Spend your money now on beautiful hats, sunglasses and self tanners with SPF. Enjoy the sun each day safely.
Be happy in your skin, Donna
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