Posted by Maryn J. on 23rd Jul 2015
Did you know that 1/3 of the population still does not apply sunscreen and 1/3 of the people who do apply do not use the recommended amount? This may seem crazy considering a study shows that each year in the U.S., nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer. The sun is in the sky 365 days a year so let’s examine what sunscreen really is and why it is so important so include in your daily routine…all year round.
What
is sunscreen?
Sunscreens are products combining several ingredients that
help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two
types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin, age it
prematurely, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen physical
ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide reflect or scatter ultraviolet
(UV) radiation. Chemical ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone absorb UV
radiation, dissipating it as heat.
Source: SkinCancer.org and U.S. Food and Drug Administration
What is the SPF value?
SPF (sunburn
protection factor) indicates the UVB/sunburn protection provided by sunscreen. The SPF value
indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen product by
determining the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure it takes to cause
sunburn when a person is using a sunscreen in comparison to how much UV
exposure it takes to cause sunburn when they do not use a sunscreen. Higher SPF
values provide greater sunburn protection.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
What
is broad-spectrum?
The broad-spectrum test measures a product’s ultraviolet A
(UVA) protection relative to its ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. Only
broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher can claim to reduce
the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging if used as directed with other sun
protection measures. Non-broad-spectrum sunscreens and broad-spectrum
sunscreens with an SPF below 15 can only claim to help prevent sunburn.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Why
is zinc oxide important?
Zinc oxide blocks UVB (burning) and UVA (aging) rays that
have been linked to photoaging and skin cancer. Zinc oxide is a natural mineral
that is safe even on the most sensitive skin, including post-procedure skin and
even that of children 6 months or older.
Why
is EltaMD a leader in sun care?
EltaMD
sunscreens are formulated with transparent zinc oxide and are
noncomedogenic, sensitivity-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free. Because zinc
maintains its protective ability in the sun, it is more photostable than some
chemical ingredients that may degrade. EltaMD
broad-spectrum sunscreens help protect skin against burning,
sun-induced early skin aging and risk of skin cancer. EltaMD also has premium skincare products
to be used pre- and post-sun exposure that include deep yet
gentle cleansers, intense moisturizers and innovative formulas that repair the
visible signs of aging.
Skin Cancer Statistics
Source: SkinCancer.org
Tips and Tricks:
Source: SkinCancer.org and U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Need some more convincing?
Tawny Willoughby at the tender age of 21 was first diagnosed with skin cancer due to visiting tanning beds in her teens. Now at 27 she has had basal cell carcinoma (the most common form of skin cancer) five times and squamous cell carcinoma once.Read about her journey here.