Skin care products and cancer prevention can streamline your daily routine. Beauty products and sunscreens that serve two purposes, as well as supplements that serve more than one purpose, can cut down on the time you spend getting ready in the morning and for bed. You no longer have to feel like you have a thick mask on your face whenever you leave the house.
Skin Cancer 101
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer. Over one million new cases are diagnosed every year. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common forms of skin cancer.1 These forms of cancerous cells begin on the upper layers of your skin and spread across the skin’s surface and eventually into the dermis. These tumors rarely spread, or metastasize, to other parts of your body.
Melanoma is a more dangerous form of skin cancer. It has a high potential of spreading internally.2 Melanoma is normally brown but may include hues of beige, pink, and black. The edges can be ragged or asymmetric.
What Can I Do To Protect My Skin?
If you have had skin cancer you know how important it is to protect your skin. If you have not had skin cancer, kudos to you for stepping up and making the right decision to take care of your skin now in the hopes of preventing skin cancer later.
Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important things you can do to keep your skin looking younger, longer.3 Cosmetics that contain the proper ingredients and that are used correctly can go a long way in protecting your skin.
Whether you shop at a department store or a discount store you will find a plethora of skin care products aimed at protecting your skin from the sun and other cancer causing agents. It can be overwhelming. In fact, if you do not know what to look for you will most likely not purchase the correct products for your skin.
The condition of your skin changes with age and with the seasons. Products that might be perfect for you during the summer may to oily during the humid summer months. As you age, you will need products that contain moisturizers.
Needless to say, all products should contain sunscreen. Skin care products and cancer protection is easier than ever. Sunscreen protection is available in all types of skin care products. Lotions, creams, moisturizers, foundation, powder, blush, and even eyeshadow contain sunscreens.
Several daily moisturizers contain sunscreen. They are easily located at department stores or online. Using these products will protect your skin from the sun and give you anti-aging benefits.
Parsol 1789 is a sunscreen agent that blocks a broader spectrum of ultraviolet rays.4 If you have light skin or spend a lot of time outdoors you will benefit from products containing this agent. There are other physical agents that also block the aging effects of the sun including zinc oxide and titanium.
Sunscreen: A Closer Look
The most important product in the fight against skin cancer and aging is sunscreen.
For everyday use you will want to choose a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. It should be labeled ‘broad spectrum’ and protect against UVA/UVB rays.5
The highest number of skin cancers occur on areas of the body that are normally exposed to the sun – the upper torso, the head, the face, the neck, the ears, the arms. You may not think of putting on sunscreen to get in your car and drive to work. However, the damaging rays of the sun can attack, even through clouds.
If you know you are going to be outside for over 20 minutes you are urged to put on a sunscreen with an SPF 45 or higher with UVA/UVB protection. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and more often if you perspire or are swimming.
The best sunscreens are water resistant. They are no longer called waterproof because you must reapply them, but they do stand up to the water for up to two hours.
Protecting Your Scalp
Not very many people consider protecting their scalp from the sun. Unfortunately, skin cancer is not so picky. Skin cancer on the scalp is often not diagnosed in the early stages because of its location. It is hidden by the hair.
Hair care manufacturers are now offering products that contain SPF. One of the best choices is light spray that is applied to the roots.6 There is an SPF cream formula for people who spend a great deal of time at the beach and at the pool.
A Necessary Warning
Keep in mind that some anti-aging and sun care products will not work well with all medications and medical conditions.
Accutane and other acne medications are adversely affected by the sun. Severe damage can occur to your skin if you expose your skin to the sun while on this medication. If you use an acne medication combat the effects of the sun with increased use of products containing a high level of SPF.
Microdermabrasion and other intense exfoliating techniques also leave your skin open to harm. Use topical SPF sun protection products when you go outdoors if you have microdermabrasion.
Anti-Aging Supplements
Anti-aging supplements are also available to protect your skin. Resveratrol is a super antioxidant found in grapes, pomegranates, roots, and other sources. It offers a wide range of effects to the human body – from stopping blindness cells to anti-cancer.
Skin care products and cancer protection can bring new life to your beauty routine. Many products exist that do double duty in protecting your skin and providing anti-aging properties. You can protect your skin and look beautiful without feeling like you have layers of products on your skin.
References
1 Skin Cancer: Basal and Squamous Cell. (2011). American Cancer Society, Retrieved from: www.cancer.org/Cancer/SkinCancer-BasalandSquamousCell/DetailedGuide/skin-cancer-basal-and-squamous-cell-what-is-basal-and-squamous-cell
2 Ibid
3 Sun Protection and Makeup. (2011). The Cancer Foundation: www.skincancer.org/sun-protection-and-makeup.html
4 Skin Cancer, op.cit
5 Sun Protection and Makeup. (2011). The Cancer Foundation: www.skincancer.org/sun-protection-and-makeup.html
6 Milweed Oil Tapped for Sunscreen and Other Products (2009 February 5) United States Department of Agriculture, Retrieved by: www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2009/090205.htm
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The content provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Our content is not medical advice you should seek a licensed physician or health professional regarding all health issues. SKIN-CANCER.ORG takes no responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, or application of medication which results from reading this site.