May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and I am reflecting on the many people I know who have been affected by this cancer, including me. I have had three skin cancers (fortunately caught very early and small) removed. One from my face, two from my body.
My first experience with skin cancer, was when I lost my 24 year old cousin, Terry, to Malignant Melanoma. She and I were born a few months apart, she was a medical student at the time, someone with a very bright future in front of her. The cancer spread and took her quickly. I would like to tell you I never sunbathed after that, but I did. After she passed away I began to have regular check ups though. At age 25 I had my first skin cancer removed from my leg.
At a certain age, and after my third bout with skin cancer, I decided I really had had enough of the sun and made the choice to ALWAYS wear sunblock, always. I apply it religiously to my face, neck, chest, and in arms.
Sunscreen facts:
1) USA Today reports 31% of Americans they polled, say they never wear sunscreen, even when in the sun for 4 hours or more!
2) Most instructions on sunscreen labels recommend reapplying sunscreen "frequently", but the definition of "frequently" is vague. A common instruction is to reapply sunscreen after 2-4 hours in the sun. Sunscreen should be applied 20-30 minutes prior to going in sun.
3) Sunscreens should be used daily if you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes. Most people will receive this amount of sun exposure while performing routine activities.
4) Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of symptoms of premature skin aging, including wrinkles.
5) The most effective sunscreens (SPF30 or more) contain a combination of micro zinc and titanium dioxide. These are considered "Sun Blocks." Look to PPI's Parasol SPF 30 day moisturizer for this protective combination.
6) Dermatologists recommend a SPF 30, applied every two hours for maximum protection. SPF30 sunscreens filter out 97% of sun's harmful rays. Also, don’t assume that SPF 60 will protect you twice as long as 30. Unlike the vast variation between SPF 5 and 15, the difference between 30 and higher numbers is minimal.
I did an informal survey of friends on Facebook, asking them "How many of you wear sunscreen daily?"
The consensus was, most only wear sunscreen when they now they are going to be out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. I'm hoping all my friends (even darker skinned friends, Charlie:), will protect their skin, by applying sunscreen every single day before they leave their homes. Thank you for participating in my informal survey, Kathy P., Laura U., Terrie B., Donna Maria CJ., Charlie G., Karen B., Nicole R., and Sheila K.
Yikes! You ratted me out Kelli! I promise to do better. Thanks for the reminder!!
Posted by: Donna Maria @ Indie Business | May 22, 2009 at 10:01 AM