“It’s Never Too Early or Too Late To Protect Your Skin from UV Rays,” By Jacquelyn Matoian During the hot summer months, most of us like nothing more than a relaxing day at the pool or beach soaking up the rays. Our pale, winter complexions fade away as our skin shows off its latest golden tan. Unfortunately, we do not usually see the damaging effects the seemingly harmless sun can have on our skin until years later.  Up to 90% of the visible changes we commonly attribute to aging are in fact caused by unprotected exposure to the sun. Contrary to the popular belief that the majority of sun exposure in a person’s lifetime happens by age 18, in reality, only about 23% of lifetime sun exposure occurs by that age.

By age 40, about 47% of lifetime sun exposure has occurred. By age 59, about 74% of lifetime sun exposure has occurred. Finally, by age 78, about 100% of lifetime sun exposure has occurred (based on a 78 year lifespan). This means that no matter how old you are today, or what your previous sun exposure behavior has been, you can start to better protect your skin from harmful rays!   Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? In fact, one in five Americans will develop some form of the disease during their lifetime. There are several different types of skin cancers, all with different traits. Let’s briefly go over some of the most common types of skin cancer.   Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and tends to occur on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. This type of cancer grows in the basal cells, or deepest layers of the epidermis (top layer of the skin). For more information, visit skincancer.org/basal-cell-carcinoma.html.   Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and takes place in the upper layers of the epidermis. This type of cancer also normally occurs on parts of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, bald scalp, ears, arms, and legs. For more information, visit skincancer.org/squamous-cell-carcinoma.html.   Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. It usually first appears as an irregular, asymmetrical, mole type growth that continues to increase in size as time goes on. This type is the most deadly because it has the highest rate of spreading throughout the body and other organs if left untreated. When treated early, all of these cancers can be cured, so it is important to look for any visible changes to your skin, and have a professional skin exam every year.   Now that you know a little more about some of the most common types of skin cancer, let’s take a look at some recommendations from the Skin Cancer Foundation on how to better protect your skin.   1. Wear SPF 15 sunscreen or higher when you are out in the sun for longer than 15 minutes. With all the sunscreens on the market, it can get confusing as to which product is best for you. The Skin Cancer Foundation is here to help with its Seal of Recommendation. In order for products to earn the Seal of Recommendation, the manufacturer must prove that its product “safely and sufficiently aids in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin.” Look for the Seal when purchasing sun protection products.   2. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. The sun can have a damaging effect on our eyes and the skin around them over time. It can cause conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration (one of the major causes of vision loss for people over age 60), as well as prematurely age and wrinkle the skin around the eyes. People with fair skin and light-colored eyes have a higher risk for long-term damage to their eyes because they contain less of a protective pigment, melanin.  The best defense for your eyes is sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB light, in addition to HEV light. Sunglasses should be a large enough size to cover the eyes, eyelids, and skin surrounding the eyes. It’s also important to find sunglasses that feel comfortable on your face and do not compromise your vision in any way.   3. Apply sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget your feet, hands, neck, and ears!   4. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming, sweating, and toweling off to avoid burning.   5. Seek the shade between 10am and 4pm.   6. Stay away from tanning booths.   7. Cover up with clothing and hats.   8. Examine your skin, head to toe every month.   9. See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.   Following these tips will better protect your skin and help slow the visible aging process in years to come. Have fun this summer, and stay sun safe!    ~ Factual Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org) ~ Copyright 2009 Jacquelyn Matoian All Rights Reserved Jacquelyn Matoian’s Bio:  Jacquelyn has been working in the health and wellness field for over three years. Currently as a Health Promotion Coordinator for L&T Health and Fitness, a fitness and health management services company, she develops, implements, and evaluates health promotion programs, lectures, and health fairs for the Government Accountability Office Headquarters in Washington, DC. She also has a primary group exercise certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), as well as a personal trainer certification from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).  She left her home in Colorado to study at American University in Washington, DC, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration before going to work in the health and wellness field.  While working full time at the United States Postal Service Health Promotion Program, Jacquelyn earned her Master’s in Health Promotion Management from American University.  Jacquelyn is very passionate about the major health issues affecting the United States today. She hopes to make a positive contribution to the state of the country’s health in her career and everyday life. She strives to make positive health changes not only in the lives of the people she knows and loves, but in her own life as well.