![]() ![]() Andrew Alexis, chair of the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai St. "Skin cancers are less prevalent in nonwhite racial ethnic groups," according to Dr. People with lighter skin are more likely to get skin cancer from exposure to the sun or taking bulbs, but everyone with skin can develop it. Ow, ow, ow: Dealing with sandspurs, tar, jellyfish and other hazards of Florida beaches Myth #4: Sunscreen is for women Your best protection for infants under six months is to keep them covered up and out of the sun. Sunscreens are not recommended for infants, who are at more risk than adults from sunscreen side effects such as a rash. "Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go outside," Julian said, "Reapply it at least every two hours, and more often if you are sweating or getting in and out of the water." According to the FDA, an average-sized adult or child needs at least one ounce of sunscreen to evenly cover the body from head to toe. "That means a shot glass full to cover the full body, a fourth to a half teaspoon for the face," Julian said, adding that people should use more than they think they need to. ![]() Studies have shown that people using sunscreen frequently get burned because they don't use as much sunscreen as they should, or they don't reapply it, which drastically lessens its effectiveness. Myth #3: Once you slap on some sunscreen, you're good Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that filter out both UVA and UVB rays.Īs for higher SPF values, in 2011 the FDA called SPF labels higher than 50 "inherently misleading" as after an SPF of 30 there's not much difference in protection, the higher concentration of some ingredients could add health risks, and people may get a false sense of security from a high number and stay in the sun longer. "SPF values do not reflect a product’s ability to protect from UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply and are associated with skin aging and cancer," the EWG site says. The sun emits two three different types of UV rays and SPF rankings only measures how well a sunscreen blocks one of them: UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn and the most dangerous skin cancers. The Centers for Disease Control recommends using one with an SPF of at least 15, the American Cancer Society suggests 30 or higher.īut the SPF rating can be misleading. Sunscreens are rated for their sun protection factor, or SPF. The Food and Drug Administration has warned about some common sunscreen ingredients because of concerns that they may actually harm skin or disrupt the hormone system, such as oxybenzone (and some studies have suggested that oxybenzone may hurt coral reefs once it gets in the water). The nonprofit organization Environmental Working Group (EWG), which tests sunscreens every year, has found in the past that many sunscreens marketed for children were more harmful than helpful and actually scored too low to be fully effective. Many sunscreens sound good from the label but may offer little to no actual protection. Watch Video: Does the level of SPF sunscreen matter? What experts say is necessary Here are the biggest myths about sunscreen. At least two people die of skin cancer in the United States every hour, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they turn 70, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation.īut skin cancer is also the most easily preventable cancer, as long as you know what you're doing. The American Cancer Society estimates that 9,640 people will be diagnosed with melanoma of the skin in Florida this year. That smooth, even tan you got by the pool? That is, essentially, a radiation burn from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, and too much exposure can cause out-of-control growth of abnormal cells and may lead to the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. But you need to protect your skin while you do it. Some of us have to work outside for long periods of time, some of us enjoy long hikes or working in the garden, and some of us just want to touch some grass for a few minutes. You get exercise, you experience the beauty of the Sunshine State, and you reduce your stress. Floridians don't wait for summer.īeing outside is great. It's summertime in Florida, which means fun in the sun, cool drinks, and, possibly, skin cancer. Watch Video: Florida temps are rising, here are 10 tips to stay cool ![]()
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