When was the last time you thanked your skin for everything that it does for you? The largest organ of her body is her biggest protector. Your skin also regulates body temperature, protects you from dangerous germs and offers, among other things, a sensation.
Despite the decisive role of your skin in life, we don’t do everything we can to protect them from the ultraviolets (UV) rays of the sun that cause cancer.
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The importance of sunscreen
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and the melanoma rates – the most fatal form of skin cancer. This applies in particular to women and people who were assigned to women at birth. In fact, research shows that cases of melanoma for women aged 50 and over have increased by about 3% per year.
In view of the increasing rates and severity of skin cancer, it is now more important than ever to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. “The regular use of sunscreen is the most effective tool with which we have to reduce skin cancer rates,” said dermatologist Lauren Fine, MD
Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful rays, prevent sunburn and minimize long -term sunlight damage. It can also prevent early signs of aging caused by UV exposure, such as wrinkles, dark spots and loss of skin elasticity.
What you may not recognize is that sunscreen should be worn when you are outside – 365 days a year – not only in summer or when you can see the sun. UV radiation is always nearby, even on cloudy days or when there is snow on the floor. In fact, snow can reflect up to 80% of the UV rays, which increases the likelihood of sunburns and skin damage.
Sun protection is a crucial component in a comprehensive sun protection plan for everyone, whether they tend to brown, instead of burning, and no matter what your skin color is. In contrast to the popular opinion, people with color are susceptible to sun damage and it is more diagnosed with skin cancer in advanced stages. They also die more often from the disease than white.
To make it easier for yourself, bring products with SPF in your daily routine (lotions, hand creams, make -up, etc.). If you spend a long time outdoors, 30 to 50 to 50 are used every two hours.
The two main types of sunscreens are:
- Physical sunscreen based on a mineral: formulas that contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or both
- Sunscreen on organic chemical basis: formulas that contain the organic chemical active ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate or octocrylic
Check the expiry data before using sunscreen. After a few years, sunscreen collapses and may lose their strength and may not work either. This also happens when they are stored in areas of extreme heat or cold or sit in direct sunlight for a long time.
Further training on sunscreen is required
Despite the fact that sunscreen is an important instrument to prevent skin cancer, there is a lot of misinformation about sunscreen online.
“In my opinion, many of the information that has been on social media in recent years was a big step back,” said Fine. “They are people who are aware of how terrible sunscreen are and not even recognize that skin cancer rates have increased.”
A current example: DIY sunscreen. Many of the recipes divided online include the active ingredient zinc oxide powder. Without the right tests, however, you cannot be sure that you have the right amount to protect your skin or know how long the ingredients can work. And this can lead to exposed skin, sunburns and an increased risk of skin cancer, which destroys the entire purpose of attracting it primarily.
Read: Should you make your own skin care products? >>
Apart from social media, more fact -related education about the efficiency of sunscreen is required in the United States. A recent survey showed that almost 3 out of 10 Americans gave that they only use sunscreen if they are encouraged by other people. And almost 3 out of 10 of participants between the ages of 18 and 26 did not believe that sun cancer caused skin cancer. To be clear – you do it. “There are no healthy tan and there is no reason why you should go into the sun unprotected,” said Fine.
This message has to be loud and clear from the start of childhood, since sunburns in childhood lead to skin cancer rather than adult sunburns. And parents play an important role in clarifying their children about the importance of sunscreen.
Inaccurate news about the importance of sunscreens can be fatal. An increase in consciousness and prevention can help save life.
To get the facts about sunscreen and check what you see on social media, visit websites of reputable organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Melanoma Research Foundation or talk to your health service provider about options that are best suited for your skin and lifestyle.
Remember: your skin depends on you.
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Wear the sun protection campaign
This educational resource was created with the support of Kenvue, a healthy member of the Corporate Advisory Council.
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