Choose A Sunscreen With Key Ingredients, Say Dermatologists At Danbury Hospital

DANBURY — With all the types of sunscreens on the market today, how do consumers know whether they’re buying a good one?

First, make sure that the sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning that it protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Both of these rays can prematurely age skin, causing burning, wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of damage. Choose a sunscreen of at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, or higher if you’re particularly fair or prone to burn.

Next, make sure it contains some of the following ingredients: titanium oxide, zinc oxide, octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), and Parasol 1789. Choose a brand that is hypoallergenic.

That’s the first line of advice in the fight against skin cancer from several dermatologists at Danbury Hospital. Laurence Sibrack, chief, section of dermatology at Danbury Hospital, and hospital dermatologists Drs Maritza Perez and Jeffrey Knispel, spoke at a recent Medical Town Meeting sponsored by Danbury Hospital, “Be Sun Savvy! Stay Wise to the Risk of Sun Exposure.”

The doctors spoke on the topic of sun exposure to increase awareness of the risk of skin cancer, and to help people understand the early warning signs. “The only good tan is a tan in a can,” said Dr Perez, referring to self-tanning products. “Any tan is damage to the skin,” said Dr Knispel, “as the skin produces melanin to protect itself.” Dr Perez advises, “Never work on your tan.” Tanning salons are also bad for your skin.

Premature aging from the sun breaks down elastin and collagen fibers in the skin, and also causes freckling, wrinkling, dilated blood vessels, blotchiness, mottling, and worst of all, skin cancer. The only way to avoid the risk is to avoid the sun, especially at its peak times of 10 am to 2 pm each day.

Proper application of sunscreen is as important as the product itself, according to the doctors. They recommend applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going in the sun, and reapplying every two to three hours, more often if swimming or perspiring.

The incidence of skin cancer is very high in the United States as Americans spend more time outdoors. There are three kinds of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and the more serious melanoma. The first two are easily treatable if caught early.

That is why it is important to perform monthly skin checks on yourself, according to all the doctors. Many types of skin cancers develop from moles, so it is important to make sure their appearance does not change from month to month. Seeing the dermatologist once a year for a more thorough examination is also wise. Those who have a family history of skin cancer, have had several sunburns early in life, or have many moles and unusual growths are more at risk for problems.

The doctors also reassured people that in cases of skin cancer, new surgical techniques make it less risky to remove lesions. Mohs Micrographic Surgery, named for the doctor who pioneered it, helps remove cancer while conserving tissue in crucial areas, including the face and fingers.

“The message here is that cancer and sun damage are preventable,” said Dr Knispel. “Stay out of the sun as much as possible, use sunscreen, and see your dermatologist regarding a changing spot or mole.”