21 Jun 2014 Sunscreen smarts

by Katelin Whiddon

The body’s biggest organ is skin, and we have to do whatever we can to protect it! The sun is incredibly hard on our skin, and using sun protection will help keep us looking better and potentially living longer!

Let’s face it, we all have sun damage. From our early childhood outside playing to sitting too long at the pool without applying and reapplying sunscreen, we are continually aging and damaging our skin. There are several ways to protect our skin when we are outdoors, including sunscreen, protective clothing, eyewear and more. And this should go without saying, but avoid tanning beds at all cost.

Millions of people around the country crave tanned skin, but perhaps they would change their tanning method if they knew what the long-term effects of the sun could do to their skin. There are many varieties of self-tanners or natural spray tans that are a healthy alternative for a nice summer glow. A “suntan” is actually damaged epidermis, the skin’s top layer. Long-term effects of sun exposure can lead to early wrinkling of the skin, cellular damage, age spots and skin cancers, including melanoma, a very serious, aggressive and potentially fatal cancer.

Protecting the skin of our children is incredibly important! The vast majority of wrinkles are from sun damage (tanning and sunburns) before the age of 18. Most moles are present before the age of 30, and those who are exposed to more sun in their childhood are more likely to have a greater number present.

The American Academy of Dermatologists has an incredible website to teach the public about sun damage and skin cancer — visit listentoyourskin.org for more information and photos. Knowing the ABCDE’s of melanoma can save a life (see below).

It is recommended that you use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. Using sunscreens higher than 30 SPF are still safe, but may only give you a little more protection than SPF 30. Regardless of the SPF you are using, you should re-apply EVERY two hours and after swimming or sweating. Using a daily moisturizer or makeup with sunscreen will help to protect your face. Sun damage can even affect your lips, so be sure to snag a chap stick with SPF in it as well! Try to wear protective clothing when possible and try to utilize shade when you can to protect yourself from more of the harmful rays.

Children under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Always try to keep children in the shade and in cool clothing that covers their skin, especially at very young ages. After 6 months of age, sunscreens are considered safe for children. The safest sunscreens are those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because these do not penetrate the skin. These formulas are also less likely to cause skin irritation in these children with sensitive skin. These formulations, however, are generally not waterproof, so re-apply frequently with water activities and after sweating.

Did you know, your risk of developing melanoma DOUBLES if you have had more than five sunburns? Use your protective clothing and sunscreens, try to limit direct, unprotected sun exposure whenever possible and listen to your body.

Do a monthly exam of your moles and remember the ABCDE’s of moles — alert your doctor immediately with changes in a mole’s:

A (asymmetry)
B (borders)
C (color)
D (diameter — anything bigger than a pencil eraser)
E (elevation — raised moles)

Also, if there is a family history of melanoma, it is wise to discuss your personal risk factors with your healthcare provider.

A native of Conway, Katelin Whiddon is a family nurse practitioner at Central Arkansas Pediatrics. She and her husband, Daniel, have two daughters. A graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, she has her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.