Dangers of Skin Cancer

Contrary to what you may believe, everyone is at risk of getting skin cancer. In fact, each time you step outside, you expose yourself to the harmful rays of the sun and as such, you're putting yourself at risk. Even more alarming, is the fact that so many people willingly increase their chances of getting skin cancer by spending an endless amount of time on the beach or lazing around next to the pool. When one considers that our skin is the largest organ of our body, it's hardly worth taking such a risk just for the sake of getting a tan. Remember, in many cases there may be no visible signs of skin cancer for at least a couple of years.

Undeniably, the ongoing depletion of the ozone layer hasn't helped matters either. In fact, we're now at an even greater risk that we were before to get one of the three forms of skin cancer which are Basil cell, Squamous Cell and Melanoma.

Our exposure to the ultra violet rays from the sun damage our skin cells resulting to skin cancer. We are quite familiar with how skin cancer manifests itself to our bodies. We get large sores or spots which may seem impossible to remove. Though these may seem harmless, they may be resistant to any treatment and will just keep on showing again and again. As with other types of cancer, cancer cells can really be aggressive, they just keep on coming around before you know it.

Even though there is such a high risk of getting skin cancer, we're fortunate enough to be in a position where we can prevent it. While it simply isn't possible to avoid sunlight completely, using skin cancer can greatly reduce the risk. In fact, there are literally thousands of products, including cosmetics, moisturizers and sun-block creams, which contain SPF (Sun Protection Factor). For the most part, SPF ratings start off at 15 for minimum protection, and go all the way up to 80 which is of course, maximum protection. If for example you use a product which has a SPF of 80, then you'll practically be eliminating all risk of skin cancer.

Of course, reducing the amount of time you spend in the sun is the first line of defense you should consider. Understandably enough, summer is everyone's favorite season because it's the time of year where you can get to enjoy lazing around on the beach, but bear in mind, doing so greatly increases the risk of you getting skin cancer. Remember, even going about your daily life in the sun carries a risk so whenever possible, wear a cap, wear sun glasses, wear suitable clothing and of course, use protection. In fact, you should even use an umbrella if condition allow for it.

Of course, as will all diseases, early detection is vital and as such, it's advisable that you examine yourself periodically for any strange spots or sores. In the event that you do notice something strange, contact a dermatologist immediately in order to establish if it's merely a skin infection, or if it's a form of skin cancer.

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Know What’s In Your Sunscreen? Ingredients Do Matter!

There is more to sunscreens than meets the eye. Here are a few tips you should keep in mind when selecting one:

1. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is not the only way to judge sunscreen. SPF gives an indication of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from ultraviolet-B light (which causes sunburn and skin cancer.) but tells you nothing about a sunscreen's ability to protect you from ultraviolet-A light (which causes wrinkles, and also has been proven to contribute to skin cancer). If you want protection against UV-A, be sure that your sunscreen includes avobenzone (Parsol-1789), Mexoryl, titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide.

2. Some sunscreens do last longer than others. UV light causes some sun screening agents to break down and lose their sun screening ability. Mexoryl, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide do not break down when exposed to any UV light, and so keep on protecting you from UV throughout the day.

3. Some sun screening agents stay on the skin better than others, and this is important if you will be sweating heavily or swimming. In general, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide stay on the skin longer that most other sun screening agents. To reduce the chance that titanium or zinc based sunscreens will look pale or white on the skin, choose products containing "ultramicronized" titanium or zinc, which is so fine that it is transparent to visible light but still does a good job of absorbing and reflecting ultraviolet light.

4. Sunscreens are available as creams, gels, and sprays. Creams are best for use on smooth skin, and some creams are prepared using water-resistant formulas so that the product will stay on the skin longer if you are sweating or enjoying water sports. Gels and sprays are preferred by some people, and in particular can be easier to apply than creams on hairy areas and on the scalp(which if you haven't noticed can burn too).

When choosing sunscreens for yourself, your family and your workers it is important to consider the cosmetic acceptability of the sunscreen, because if someone does not LIKE the sunscreen they will not use it. Thus, a nice sunscreen with an SPF of 30 which you are happy to apply daily will give you more actual sun protection than a higher SPF product which is too greasy or too white for your taste so is not used on a regular basis.

If you get into the habit of applying a sunscreen (or a sunscreen-containing prescription product like Retisol-A 0.01% cream) every morning, you can really slow the clock down, and even reverse some of the sun damage you have accumulated over the years.

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