So why is skin cancer still on the upswing?
According to Health Canada, skin cancer rates have been increasing constantly over the past 30 years. In 2005 there were 78,000 new cases of basal and squamous cell carcinomas and 4,400 new cases of malignant melanomas. Yet most cases of skin cancer are preventable.
So, how can you protect yourself from skin cancer? The key is practicing safer sun. Read on and separate sun facts from fiction so you can keep yourself burn-free this summer, and reduce the risk of skin cancer in the future.
MYTH #1: Sunscreen is your first line of defense against sunburn.
TRUTH: Sunscreen and sun block should be used in addition to the biggest form of UV protection out there: avoidance.
• Try to stay indoors between the peak hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Cover up in garments that will shield you from the sun, including a wide-brimmed sun hat
• Wear sunscreen or sun block, but try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
Up to 70 per cent of skin cancer cases can be prevented by avoiding skin damage from UV rays, says the Canada Safety Council.
MYTH #2: Sun block and sunscreen are the same thing.
TRUTH: Nope.
Sun blocks create a physical barrier on your skin, using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect and scatter UV light off the skin surface so UVA and UVB rays can't penetrate and cause damage.
Sunscreens are absorbed into your skin, and use chemicals like oxybenzone, homosalate, octisalate and other filters to absorb UVA and UVB rays where they are deactivated and degraded by contact from organic chemicals in the sunscreen.
Sun blocks have a slightly greasier consistency than chemical sunscreens.
Some critics charge chemical sunscreens with endangering human health by disrupting the endocrine system, mimicking sex hormones, and causing DNA damage. But it is worth noting none of the major health organizations have taken a stand against chemical sunscreens.
When faced with the task of buying suncreen, the best choice is simply the formula that you know you'll wear everyday. Look for full-spectrum or broad-spectrum coverage that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
If you're a natural-foods, organic-cotton kind of consumer, try a sun block like Lavera Baby & Children Anti-Ageing Sun Milk SPF 20. (Lavera.com)
If you're a medi-spa aficionado, you may prefer an advanced chemical formula like Clinique Face Cream SPF 50 (Clinique.ca).
Page 1 of 2 – on page two: three more sunscreen myths busted!
