Preventing Skin Cancer

Tanning is typically viewed as a healthy activity and a thing of beauty. Everyone seems to want the glowing appearance of sun-kissed skin. However, kisses from the sun can be dangerous and even deadly.

The American Cancer Association estimates one million Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer this year.

Skin cancer rates will continue to grow due, in part, to pollution, which has damaged the Earth's ozone layer. As a result, skin is more susceptible to being harmed by ultraviolet rays found in sunlight. However, taking precautions when being exposed to the sun can help prevent skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. It develops when skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight. There are three types of UV radiation, but only ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) are found on Earth.

Exposure to UVB rays can lead to skin cancer, but exposure to UVA rays is just as dangerous. UVA causes prematurely aged skin and penetrates the body's skin more deeply while also weakening the immune system. UVA, unlike UVB, can also penetrate through glass.

There are many indicators of sun damage. One sign is a tan. A tan is the skin's natural response to the sun's damaging rays. Other signs include sunburns, moles or the appearance of spots or marks on the skin.

There are numerous types of skin cancer and many are treatable. The most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma, which can lead to death. It is important to consult a doctor for an annual skin examination, especially if any signs of skin cancer develop.

There are many ways to prevent skin cancer. It is important to remember sun protection is needed yearlong, not just in the summer. Temperature is not an indicator of the strength of UV rays. Winter months are just was dangerous for UV damage, especially since snow is a reflective material. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially during the sun's peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest. Also, clouds do not protect the skin from the sun. Clouds block as little as 20 percent of UV rays, so it is important to take the same precautions on a cloudy day as one would take on a sunny day.

Sunscreen is an important tool in preventing sun damage and skin cancer. Doctors recommend wearing a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of a least 15. Look for a sunscreen labeled broad spectrum, which indicates the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to soak into the skin. Any area exposed to the sun- especially lips, ears, areas around the eyes, neck, hands and feet- should be covered. The recommended dose of sunscreen is a palm full. Sunscreen also should be reapplied every two hours and more often when swimming or sweating. Sunscreens are available in lotion, gel, spray, cream and stick form. It is commonly added to most cosmetics. Researchers recently have found perspiration makes the skin more photosensitive, so it is important to be extra precautious when exercising outdoors. Use a SPF of 30 or higher and reapply after 30 to 40 minutes.

Covering up is another important step to take toward preventing skin cancer. Wear long-sleeved shirts or long pants made of tightly-woven fabrics. Try to wear darks colors as well. UV rays can penetrate clothing made of light materials and light colors. Wearing a hat is a great way to cover the face and head. Hats should be broad-rimmed, covering not only the face, but the ears and neck as well. Baseball caps are useful, but are not effective in protecting the ears and the neck. UV rays also can damage the eyes by causing cataracts, so it is a good idea to invest in UV-blocking sunglasses with large shades.

It is important to avoid tanning salons as well. The lamps used in tanning salons still contain UV rays. Some researchers say tanning salons are more dangerous than exposure to the sun because the UV ray exposure in tanning beds is more concentrated.

Today, there are healthy options to obtaining the appearance of tanned skin. Many cosmetic companies have created bronzers and self-tanning lotions which use safe ingredients to temporarily darken the skin.