Here Comes the Sun! Look out for your skin health: Prevention is worth a pound of cure!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
-
According to many experts 90% of skin cancer diagnoses are related to solar and artificial Ultraviolet (UV)radiation exposure. UV exposure is an extrinsic factor that increases risk of photo-aging and skin cancer. What do you need to know? What can you do!
-
Hawaii is planning a ban of 2 common chemical sunscreen ingredients, Oxybenzone and Octinoxate as of 2021. The ban is related to a link between these chemicals bleaching sea coral and disrupting sex hormones of ocean wildlife (more research is needed to prove definitively).
-
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Daily and effective application of topical Broad Spectrum sun protection products is an effective way to decrease risk and occurrence of skin cancers. Risk elimination and management are critical components of optimizing holistic wellness. You can choose to manage and decrease your risk!
-
Choose Broad Spectrum Labeled sun protection and apply according to the current standards of evidence based recommendations and per manufacturer label. Currently a product may be labeled Broad Spectrum and contain both chemical and physical sun protection. Be aware that Octinoxate and Oxybenzone are just 2 of the common chemical ingredients. There are many more.
-
Basically chemical sun protection absorbs UV rays.
-
The common physical sun protection products contain percentages of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These products may be micronized or contain nano-particles in order to be cosmetically desirable.
-
Physical sun protectors reflect, scatter and absorb UV rays. Neither of the 2 physical sun protections ingredients noted above are linked to environmental or hormone disruption.
WHAT YOU CAN DO (BASICS):
-
Protect exposed skin all year round with clothing and topical broad sun products (apply to face, hands and neck).
-
Limit daily sun exposure to 15 minutes as part of a healthy lifestyle, and avoid between 10A and 2P if possible.
-
Apply Broad Spectrum products with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 to 30. Water resistance is recommended as needed. Apply products 15 to 30 minutes before exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours. Apply a Broad Spectrum lip protection with SPF of 30 or more.
-
Use protective clothing which may include pants, shirts, and wide brimmed hats.
-
Get educated on medications and topical skin care products that cause photo-sensitivity. Photo-sensitivity responses can increase risks from UV rays!
-
You can make a choice to decrease the risks of skin damage by properly protecting your skin. As they say, Prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Helpful Links:
The Latest Facts About Sunscreen
A wish for you from me: Be Healthy. Stay Healthy.
Print