By Patricia de Urioste, MD
As printed in Around Town Publishing, September 2007
Did you know that unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) is a major cause of skin cancer? Studies have shown that frequent sunburns relate directly to an increased risk of skin cancer, especially when started early in life. Ultraviolet B (UVB) is the major active wavelength of sunlight that produces direct photochemical damage to DNA, causing genetic mutations to occur. Ultraviolet A (UVA) has also been implicated in the development of cancer and is felt to have a major role in long-term sun damage. So not only do these wavelengths cause skin cancer, but they also cause your skin to age prematurely, making it have a thick, wrinkled, leather-hard appearance at an early age that is impossible to correct.
The prevention of skin damage is called photoprotection–that is, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight, and is recommended by the experts in dermatology. Knowing that this is not possible, the next best thing is to limit the time you are exposed to the most intense sunlight. Outdoor activities should be scheduled before 10am and after 4pm. If possible, lightweight clothing should be used as a barrier to the damaging UVA and UVB light. Sunscreen should be applied about ½ hour prior to sun exposure to obtain the best protection, and using products containing SPF 30 or greater is recommended. This can be reapplied frequently. Using sunscreen will greatly reduce your chances of being sunburned, but you have to remember that even with frequent reapplication you will still get burned if you stay out too long. Some people are sensitive to certain products and may develop a red, itchy rash after application. If you have sensitive skin you should apply a small amount to a limited area as a trial before you commit to total body coverage!
Sunscreen can be applied at any age, but care should be taken when using it on young children and babies since it is not good to eat. A better solution in infants is to avoid direct and reflected sunlight when possible.
A note to the wise–tanning beds are a great way to pay to have skin cancer and premature aging, so they are obviously not recommended at any time for any reason!!
Knowledge is power, so hopefully this information will help you enjoy the outdoors without damaging your skin for the rest of this great summer weather!