If you are going outdoors make sure to use sunscreens generously. Even when it’s cloudy, 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds and go straight for your skin.

When using sunscreen, apply 20 minutes before going outside to give the ingredients time to activate and then reapply every two – three hours. Apply more often if you are engaging in water activities or activities where you are sweating excessively.

best types of sunscreen ingredients:

• Z-Cote^® or zinc oxide
• Mexoryl^®
• Titanium dioxide
• Parsol 1789 or avobenzone

other great tips:

• The waxy texture of a “stick” sunscreen on the face will prevent running into eyes.
• Use sunscreen in conjunction with protective clothing – wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves – for extra protection.
• Stay out of “peak-time” sun (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and utilize shady areas as much as possible.

what’s spf?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays protection. The factor ranges from 1 to 45 or above. The SPF of a sunscreen indicates the time period you can stay in the sun without burning based on your skin complexion. While the American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 15, we recommend an SPF of 30+ for ultimate protection. This chart provides recommended SPF by skin type.

Sunscreens alone are not enough! Be sure to use other sun protection measures such as wearing wide-brimmed hats and other protective clothing as well as avoiding the sun during peak times.

tanning – the skin’s response to injury

There is no safe way to tan. Let’s say this one more time: There is no safe way to tan. Chronic exposure to the sun – or the ultraviolet (UVA) radiation from tanning beds – can result in wrinkling, age spots or skin cancer. So tanning to improve appearance is self-defeating in the long run.

But here are some safe alternatives:

• Tinted sunscreens or moisturizers
• Spray-on tanning
• Sunless self-tanning products such as FAKE BAKE®

Free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic

Saturday May 5, 2007, 9:00am - 3:00pm

KU School of Medicine - Wichita

Event Sponsors: American Academy of Dermatology, American Cancer Society, Medicial Society of Sedgwick County, KU School of Medicine - Wichita

Blue Lizard^®

Available in many different sizes and formulas including Regular, Sport, Face, Kids, Baby and Sensitive.

Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with zinc oxide and zinc oxide/titanium dioxide ingredients. Regular, Sport and Face are very water resistant and Baby and Sensitive are both chemical-free and fragrance-free. This is a great sunscreen line for children. Visit Blue Lizard.

SkinCeuticals^®

Provides true broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

This revolutionary line contains Z-Cote, which protects skin from the damaging UVA rays proven to cause premature signs of aging. Uses fewer sunscreen ingredients, reducing the chances of irritation.

We offer all four formulas: Daily Sun Defense 20, Ultimate UV Defense 30, Physical UV Defense 30, Sport UV Defense 45. Our personal favorite is Sport 45 for active individuals because it offers high moisturizing, and does not sting eyes or leave white streak lines! Visit SkinCeuticals.

IS Clinical^®

A moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 20 that utilizes the latest sunscreen technology for superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

This breakthrough formulation offers clinically proven effective levels of powerful antioxidants and assists in the reduction of redness and inflammation associated with UV damage. This product is lightweight and designed to be worn under make up. Visit IS Clinical.

Content in this issue of SKINSIGHTS includes research and recommendations from: The Cancer Council and American Academy of Dermatology.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

I’m 25 and I spend a lot of time in the sun; am I at risk for skin cancer?

Yes. If you spend any time in the sun, you can develop skin cancer. Understand that some individuals have a higher level of risk than others.

Through regular self-checks you will learn what's normal for you and what may have changed. Be extra cautious, and do self-checks more often if your skin exhibits any of the following:

• A large number of moles
• Suffered sunburn in the past
• Fair skin that burns easily, freckles and does not tan
• Blue or green eyes and/or fair or red hair
• Diagnosed with skin cancer in the past
• A family history of melanoma

For those over 55, you are in the group that is most at risk. In fact, six in 10 people with melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) are over 55. The good news is that 95 percent of melanomas are treatable if caught early.

Okay, then when should I get a skin cancer check by a physician?

You should get an annual exam by a dermatologist. If you have been diagnosed with a skin cancer, you should see your dermatologist every six months for a check. Once you’ve been diagnosed with a skin cancer, you have a 50 percent chance of developing another cancer in the next four to five years.