SUN SMARTS
How to protect yourself against skin cancer, aging
When I was told last summer that I needed surgery to remove two different types of skin cancer, I was shocked. Since becoming a parent, I'm a diligent applier of sunscreen. Frequently getting burnt to a crisp in my youth, however, might've had something to do with it.
While it seems unfair to be punished for actions (not) taken decades ago, that's the way skin cancer works, according to Calgary dermatologist Dr. John Arlette, medical director at Dermapure and a clinical professor in the Department of Surgery, Cumming School of Medicine.
“Sun exposure has a cumulative effect. The more exposure you had when you were younger, the greater the risk when you're older. Repeated exposure is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer as you age,” affirms Arlette.
If like me, you burn easily, have had a lot of sun exposure in your life (golfers take note), work outside, previously had skin cancer or have a family history of skin cancer, you're considered to be at risk and should have a thorough skin cancer check performed by a dermatologist regularly.
Those not at risk ought to ask their family physician for a full skin analysis at their next physical. Meanwhile, you'll still need to keep your eye out for sun damage.
“If you see something new, growing or looks unusual, get it checked. Especially if something bleeds and isn't healing — that's the big sign,” warns Arlette.
We think we know how to protect ourselves from the sun, but far too many of us have relied upon sunscreen, giving us a false sense of security.
“The analogy I use is wearing a seatbelt when driving. The seatbelt won't necessarily protect you from a crash. Just because you apply sunscreen once, you can still get damaging effects from sun exposure. It needs to be applied on a regular basis and many forget,” says Dr. Andrei Metelitsa, a dermatologist at Beacon Dermatology.
A quick spray or a dollop may seem sufficient, but too often, enough product hasn't been applied to thoroughly cover our body. A haphazard approach to applying sunscreen won't grant you full SPF coverage. The nose, scalp, back of hands, tops of ears and feet are frequently overlooked areas.
When it comes to deciding which sunscreen to use, you'll want to ensure you're getting both UVA and UVB protection. UVA is associated with skin aging, whereas UVB rays are the ones that burn the skin.
Most dermatologists tend to recommend mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. But that doesn't mean your favourite drugstore brand can't give you adequate protection — if used properly.
“When it comes to performance, most store-based products perform the same as higher-end brands — if they have the same ingredients. However, we know higher-end cosmetic brands not only contain the right ingredients but also add in ingredients that make it feel and smell nice. If a product feels nicer, you're more likely to use it and integrate it into your skin care regime,” notes Metelitsa.
Have a few bottles of sunscreen lurking in your medicine cabinet? Be sure to get new product each season as sunscreen loses its efficacy over time. Using up older products will protect you better than not using any at all, but you'll want to be reapplying more frequently.
As important as sunscreen is, it shouldn't be the first line of defence for sun protection. Covering up with appropriate clothing and staying out of the sun's harmful rays will serve you better than counting on sunscreen.
“Sun protection starts with a hat or a house. The sun doesn't say, `I'll give you 30 seconds.' It's biting your skin every moment you're exposed to it,” says Arlette.
As for getting our required dose of vitamin D, we're putting ourselves at unnecessary risk when seeking the sun's rays unprotected, warns Arlette.
“We won't expose ourselves to other known carcinogens like cigarette smoke. We know what the sun does to you. Some of the changes
Sun exposure has a cumulative effect. The more exposure you had when you were younger, the greater the risk when you're older.
are revisable, some aren't. Vitamin D is not a valid argument for going out and having unprotected sun. It's easy and best to take a supplement,” he says.
As much as we might crave the sun's rays upon us, the risks of exposure are significant, even if takes decades for the consequences to appear.
“As Calgarians used to prolonged winters, we're always excited when it gets sunny outside. As dermatologists, we encourage people to enjoy outdoor activities, but at the same time, we have to be smart and responsible about our outdoor behaviour to minimize the risks for developing skin cancer in the future,” notes Metelitsa.
Products for protection and recovery: Anthelios from La Roche-posay contains titanium dioxide and offers SPF 50.
Beautycounter Countersun Daily Sheer Defence For Face contains zinc oxide with SPF 25.
Clarins has relaunched After Sun, a soothing balm enriched with antioxidants that help minimize the feeling of sunburn.
Soke is a multi-peptide treatment mask that can diminish the appearance of blotches and fine lines on the décolleté area, where the dermis is thinner and more prone to wrinkling.
Visit the Canadian Dermatology Association at dermatology.ca for approved products in their sun protection program.