- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in both Canada and the U.S. There are more new cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year than the number of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers COMBINED!
- In the U.S. more than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
- One person dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every 57 minutes.
- Even on a cloudy, rainy day the sun’s rays are present…and damaging your skin.
- In 2009 the World Health Organization designated tanning beds “carcinogenic to humans” – the strongest classification for cancer causing substances. Other carcinogens in the same category include tobacco, arsenic and asbestos.
- People who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma by 75%.
- Tanned skin is damaged skin. The darker the tan, the more extensive the damage.
- More than 90% of the visible changes attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun. Most of this comes from day-to-day accumulation of repeated unprotected sun exposure.
- Contrary to popular belief, 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is not acquired before age 18. In fact, only about 23 percent of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18.
UVA, UVB, and SPF Explained
The sun’s ultra-violet (UV) radiation is comprised of three different wavelengths:
UVA (“aging”)
- the most prevalent and most damaging type of UV radiation
- penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin (dermis)
- causes skin aging (wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigmentation changes)
- is the primary cause of skin cancer
- is present with equal intensity during all daylight hours every day of the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass.
UVB (“burning”)
- penetrates superficially into the epidermis
- causes sunburn
- strength varies depending on season, time of day, and altitude. Is generally stronger between 10am-4pm.
UVC
- very dangerous, but absorbed by the ozone layer before reaching earth.
SPF refers to “Sun Protection Factor”, and indicates how long you can stay in the sun before getting burned by UVB radiation. For example, someone using a sunscreen with an SPF15 will take 15 times longer to burn than without the sunscreen. If that person typically burns in 10 minutes without sunscreen, it will take them 150 minutes (15 x 10 minutes) to burn while wearing it.
You should be aware that sunscreen with an SPF30 is not twice as protective as a sunscreen with an SPF15. Rather, when properly used, an SPF15 protects the skin from 93% of UVB radiation, while an SPF30 protects against 97% of UVB radiation.
Since SPF addresses only the UVB wavelength, it is important to note that no official rating system exists for the highly-damaging UVA rays. Even a very high SPF rating may not protect against UVA rays. Therefore it is critically important that the sunscreen you choose is labelled “broad spectrum”, and preferably includes one or both of the following active ingredients:
Zinc Oxide
Titanium Dioxide
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are minerals which protect against both UVA and UVB radiation, with zinc oxide being slightly more effective. They are not absorbed into the skin, and do not allow light to penetrate the skin – rather they reflect light off of the skin. Since they are not chemicals, they are non-irritating and are suitable for even the most sensitive skin. “Mineral sunscreens” are also referred to as “physical sunscreens”.
In the past, mineral sunscreens were very greasy and created a white cast on the skin. Nowadays, mineral sunscreens are lighter, cosmetically elegant, and blend well into the skin.
Patients often ask us what the best anti-aging product is for their skin. The answer is simple and definitive – sunscreen!! It is the easiest and best thing you can do for your skin everyday, and it’s never too late to start wearing it.
We have a great selection of mineral sunscreens available at Physician Skincare Centre and Pender Medi Spa. Here are a few of our favourites:
Dr. Bieg’s fave:
Viverskin Triple Protection Moisturizer SPF30 – chemical-free formula that combines moisturizer, sunscreen and powerful antioxidants for daily protection and anti-aging. Applies beautifully alone or under makeup. Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 10%, Titanium Dioxide 8%.
Sherri’s fave:
Obagi Rosaclear SPF30 – chemical-free, and formulated especially for skin that is prone to redness or rosacea. Lightly-tinted, and contains light-reflecting agents to diffuse blotchiness. Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 15.5%, Titanium Dioxide 2%.
Jenny’s fave:
Tizo Ultra SPF35 – formulated for extra-sensitive skin, sun-intolerant skin, and for those seeking maximum sun protection. Free of chemicals, oil, fragrance, and parabens. Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20%.
Meenu’s fave:
Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF50 – a unique powdered formula that is brushed onto the skin. Great for those who do not like applying traditional sunscreen lotions. This sheer formula is chemical free, oil-absorbing, anti-inflammatory, and can be worn alone or under/over makeup. Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 24.5%, Titanium Dioxide 22.5%.
Malvina’s fave:
EltaMD Clear SPF46 – calms and protects acne-prone skin. Lightweight and oil-free. Active ingredients: Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide 9%.
We can help you determine which sunscreen would be best for you.
Complimentary skin consultations are always available!