The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal

MAY 2014

The 2012 edition of The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal features medically reviewed, reader-friendly articles such as tanning, the increasing incidence of skin cancer diagnoses among young women, & the prevalence of melanoma among white males over 50.

Issue link: https://skincancer.epubxp.com/i/319518

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youthful complexion. With young peo- ple, who may not be concerned about the long-term prospects of skin cancer, you can appeal to their sense of appearance. The bottom line is that we need a culture change. Until we have accepted that a fne creamy complexion, rather than a tan, is an emblem of beauty, we have to muster all the resources we have available to protect young people from later skin cancer. We have to keep en- couraging them to opt against tanning, and we have to keep up the pressure, instituting policy changes (like banning indoor tanning). I would hope that if young people have role models as they are growing up, seeing their parents and celebrities like movie stars and sports stars being cautious in the sun, we can help them protect themselves against both photo- aging and skin cancer. Culture change is handed down through whole soci- eties, so we need each generation to demonstrate good safety habits to the next generation. M ention the word "sunscreen" and everyone sighs loudly, wondering, "Do I really need to wear that stuff?" Tooth brushing evokes a similar response from children, whereupon parents typically retort, "Well, you only have to brush the ones you want to keep!" Toothpaste and sunscreen have a lot in common. When you brush your teeth in the morning, you should also put on your sunscreen. One activity serves as mental reminder for the other. And, of course, you need to put sunscreen only on the skin that you want to keep attractive and cancer-free. Since we all want to keep great- looking, wrinkle-free, baby-fresh skin and avoid skin cancers, it is worthwhile to ex- amine how to make putting on sunscreen the highlight of your day. A wonderful way to incorporate sun- screen into your daily routine is to select a sunscreen-containing moisturizer. Sunscreen-containing moisturizers com- bine good aesthetics, minimal thickness or stickiness, and adequate sun protec- tion for limited outdoor activities. They are perfect for preventing the effects of cumu- lative everyday sun exposure. Adults get most of their sun casually—while driving to work, walking to the offce, sitting by an offce window, and taking out the garbage. Remember that the rays of the sun that cause aging (as well as skin cancer), known as ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, come right through window glass, so protection is necessary even when indoors or in a car. Select a sunscreen-containing moistur- izer with an SPF of 30+ and the words "broad spectrum" on the label (meaning that it protects against both UVA and the sunburn-causing UVB rays), and you will usually be providing your skin with the daily protection it deserves. However, sunscreen-containing moisturizers are not water-resistant, so they are not appropri- ate when you're swimming, sweating heavily, or outside for a prolonged period. Purchase a separate, higher-SPF, water- resistant sunscreen when you intend to engage in these types of activities. Remember to apply your sunscreen-contain- ing moisturizer and other facial treatments in the proper order. If you are using any topical prescription medications or cosmeceutical treatment serums, you will want to apply these frst. The sunscreen-containing mois- turizer is next, followed by your facial founda- tion, powder, and other colored cosmetics. 1 Prescription topical medications 2 Cosmeceutical treatment products and serums (an- tioxidants, vitamins, hydroxy acids, and other anti-aging ingredients) 3 Sunscreen-containing moisturizer with an SPF of 30+, or a separate moisturizer followed by a separate SPF 30+ sunscreen 4 Facial foundation, prefer- ably containing sunscreen for an added layer of protec- tion (please note that the SPFs of sunscreens and facial foundations can- not be added up, but simply provide a more complete protective flm together) 5 Facial powder (may im- prove sun-protective flter) 6 Other colored cosmetics (eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, blush, etc.) The Joy of Wearing Sunscreen Zoe Diana Draelos, MD Proper Order for Skin Care Product Application 25 References available on p. 95

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