CINCINNATI, OH — May 20, 2015 — May represents both Melanoma Awareness Month and the start of pool and tanning season. Dr. Jon Mendelsohn, Medical Director of Advanced Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, is on a mission to educate the community about the facts on skin cancer, and which sunscreens offer the best protection.
According to Mendelsohn, “For those questioning the need to wear sunscreen, there are several facts that cannot be ignored:
• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer
• 1 person dies every hour from skin cancer
• 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer
• A person’s risk doubles if they have had more than 5 sunburns
• Regular use of SPF15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of melanoma by 50%
• People who first use tanning beds before age 35 increase their risk by 75%.”
Says Mendelsohn, “Melanoma, is the most serious form of skin cancer, and is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells. A Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning, but can also develop from or near a mole. They are commonly found on the upper backs of men or women, or on the legs of women, but can be found anywhere on the body. The overall incidence of Melanoma is rising at an alarming rate, and more than 73% of skin cancer deaths are from Melanoma.”
He continues, “Excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most prevalent cause of melanoma. People in Southern regions, where the sunlight is more intense, are more likely to develop melanoma than those in Northern regions. Melanoma has also been linked to excessive sun exposure in the first 10 to 18 years of life. Other possible causes include genetic factors and immune system deficiencies.”
“Other than avoiding the sun altogether, sunscreen is still the best preventative measure that we have for all types of skin cancers – including Melanoma. A sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or above is recommended year-round for all skin types. The SPF number of 15 simply means that you can be in the sun 15 times longer than you can be without sunscreen without burning. Sun worshippers need to be aware that SPF protection does not increase proportionally with an increased SPF number. While an SPF of 15 will absorb 93% of ultraviolet radiation, an SPF of 34 absorbs 97%.
With so many brands of sunscreen available, selecting the right sunscreen can be difficult. In addition to wearing a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, choose a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA radiation. PABA, or para-aminobenzoic acid, was one of the original ultraviolet B (UVB) protecting ingredients in sunscreens. Today, PABA has been refined and newer ingredients such as glycerol PABA, padimate A and padimate O also protect against UVB rays.
Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, are the rays that penetrate deeper into the skin and are the culprits in premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. UVA-screening chemicals include oxybensone, sulisobenzone and Parsol 1789, also called avobenzone.
Look for a sunscreen that is “waterproof” or “water-resistant,” especially if you participate in outdoor physical activity. The FDA considers a product “water-resistant” if it maintains its SPF level after 40 minutes of water exposure. A product is considered “waterproof” if it maintains its SPF level following 80 minutes of exposure to water. If you participate in outdoor recreational activities including swimming, you may want to choose a waterproof sunscreen.
Sunscreens can be classified into two major types: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens contain special ingredients that act as filters and reduce ultraviolet radiation penetration to the skin. These sunscreens often are colorless and maintain a thin visible film on the skin. These sunscreens usually contain UVB absorbing chemicals and more recently contain UVA absorbers as well.
Physical sunscreens, most often referred to as sunblocks, are products containing ingredients such a titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which physically block ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Sunblocks provide broad protection against both UVB and UVA light. Physical sunscreen is recommended for individuals who have unusual sensitivity to UVR, or for anyone that has recently undergone any type laser surgery or chemical peel where fresh, new skin might be exposed.”
He concludes, “All of the sunscreens we sell at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center are approved by the American Skin Cancer Foundation, and we are offering a 20% discount to our Rewards Members throughout the month of May.”
Dr. Jon E. Mendelsohn is double board certified by both the American Board of Facial & Reconstructive Surgery and also the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. He serves as the medical director of Advanced Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center’s new, state-of-the-art facility located in the Rookwood Tower in Hyde Park. For more information, call 513-351-FACE, or visit www.351face.com.
