Newswise — Today, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) reaffirmed its long-standing position that sunscreen is beneficial when used regularly and properly and in conjunction with wearing protective clothing and seeking shade. The Academy urges people to Be Sun SmartSM when outdoors by protecting themselves from the harmful rays of the sun.
"Scientific evidence supports the beneficial effects of proper sunscreen usage," said dermatologist Stephen P. Stone, M.D., president of the Academy. "While it is an important tool in the fight against skin cancer, sunscreen alone does not protect you enough. People shouldn't feel they can stay in the sun for extended periods of time just because they are wearing sunscreen."
More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Of these cases, more than 111,900 are melanoma, a cancer that claims nearly 8,000 lives annually.
"While health issues are complex and involve multiple factors, we know that ultraviolet (UV) rays are the primary cause of skin cancer and the solution is to avoid excessive exposure to the sun and other forms of UV radiation," stated Dr. Stone. "In fact, the United States Department of Health & Human Services declared UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources as a carcinogen in 2002."
If you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes, the Academy recommends that you generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. It is important to re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Dr. Stone noted that the average person requires one ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, to adequately cover the exposed areas of the body. He also emphasized that sunscreen should be applied at least 15-30 minutes before going outdoors in order to allow it to be completely absorbed into the skin.
The Academy urges people to Be Sun SmartSM by wearing sunscreen and:"¢Wearing protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible."¢Seeking shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m."¢Using extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn. "¢Protecting children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen."¢Getting vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun."¢Avoiding tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org.
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