SparklingWaves
Well-known member
1) Sunscreens protect you from all harmful ultraviolet rays. FALSE.
The facts A sunscreen's effectiveness is currently measured by its sun protection factor (SPF) - a number that indicates how long it would take for UVB light to redden skin verses no protection at all. This SPF number, however, doesn't rate any UVA-shielding benefits-- and UVA waves make up 95% of the earth's solar radiation.
The news - "Our knowledge of the dangers associated with UVA rays has grown significantly over the last decade, and we now know that UVA plays a significant role in skin cancer," says Dr. Perry Robins, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. The FDA is now working on a new, easy - to - learn labeling system to help consumers understand how well a specific sunscreen shields against UVA.
The Bottom Line - UVA rays are as dangerous as UVB and are present year round. They penetrate through glass and clouds, and damage skin without leaving telltale burn behind (but will leave fine lines and wrinkles). Until the FDA puts its new labels into effect, look for "broad spectrum protection" and scan the ingredient list for FDA-approved UVA guards including titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), Mexoryl SX, and oxybenzone.
2) Suncreen work right away. FALSE.
The facts - If you put sunscreen on after plopping down poolside, you're too late. Sunscreen needs time to bind to skin; it's not effective until roughly 20 minutes after application.
The news - Common outdoor activities like walking the dog or driving may seem harmless, but any time spent outside unprotected has cumulative, harmful effects, cautions Dr. Henry W. Lim, chairman of the dermatology department at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
The Bottom Line - For everyday incidental exposure, an SPF 15 is fine. If you're sitting out or playing in the sun, use at least an SPF of 30.
3) Once and done. FALSE.
The facts - Most people don't apply enough sunscreen or reapply it often enough, says Dr. Susan Chon associate dermatology professor at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. To get the level of protection listed on the bottle, you'll need one once (a shot glass) for the entire body and a teaspoon for the face. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or excessive sweating.
The news - When UVA blockers were first introduced a decade ago, there was concern about their durability. Newer, innovative formulations like Heliplex (Neutrogena), AvoTriplex (Banana Boat), Active Photobarrier Complex (Aveeno), Dermaplex (Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover for CVS), and SunSure (Hawaiian Tropic) have helped to photostabilize UVA-blocking ingredients, keeping them effective longer and making their consistencies more appealing and less chalky feeling.
The Bottom Line - Applied properly, an 8 ounce bottle provides only 5 to 7 whole body applications.
4) Clothing shields you from UV rays. FALSE.
The facts - A regular white cotton shirt only provides an SPF of 5 to 7 (wet, it drops to 3).
The news - Invest in shirts, pants, and hats with built-in UVA blockers from companies like Cabana Life (cabanalife.com), Coolibar (coolibar.com), and Sun Precautions (sunprecautions.com). For children heading to summer camp, up the protection by laundering their clothing with Sun Guard, a detergent that infuses clothes with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 30, and lasts up to 20 washings.
The Bottom Line - If you can see through a garment when you hold it up to a light, the UVA radiation can penetrate through it.
5) Waterproof sunscreen last indefinitely. FALSE.
The facts - No sunscreen will protect you if it's wiped off on a towel. Reapply after swimming or sweating -- even if the label promises it's waterproof.
The news - Once the FDA puts new labeling guidelines into effect, sun lotions will only be able to claim they are "water-resistant."
The Bottom Line - No sunscreen is truly waterproof.
6) Tanning beds offer a safer tan. FALSE.
The facts - The light used in tanning beds emits UVA radiation at strengths that, in some cases are 15 times more powerful than the sun, explains Dr. Dale Abadir, a Rye Brook, New York based dermatologist and spokesman for The Skin Cancer Foundation.
The news - Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 75%. It makes you two and a half times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and one and a half times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
The Bottom Line - "The UVA radiation emitted from tanning beds exponentially increases your chances of developing a malignant melanoma," says Dr. Abadir.
7) You can prevent skin cancers. TRUE.
The facts - Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, but it rarely strikes without warning.
The news - Look for the warning signs:
Asymmetry - Draw a line through the mole. The two sides should be symmetrical (evenly matched).
Borders - Healthy moles have smooth borders; if they are scalloped or notched, see a doctor.
Color - Look for color uniformity. A variety of colors (brown, tan, black, blue, red, or white) is suspicious.
Diameter - The smaller, the better. A mole that is larger than a pencil eraser should be checked.
Evolving - Be aware of moles that have changed in size, shape, or color, or that start to bleed, itch, or crust over.
The Bottom Line - Most skin cancers are treatable if caught early. Perform your own checks and see a dermatologist at least once a year for a full body screening.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens 7/08
Comment: Please don't hesitate to see a doctor about anything you feel looks abnormal anywhere on your body.
