SKIN-DEEP SUN SAFETY

We all did it. Slathering baby oil and iodine on our smooth skin, hoping for a fast tan, taking midday sun baths, spending hours poolside, wearing as little as possible, save for the occasional dab of Coppertone lotion. And don’t forget the tanning beds.

Sunblock? The earliest version had an SPF of 2. Water-resistant sunscreen didn’t arrive until the late ‘70s. Most of us didn’t buy a bottle of sunblock until the mid-1980s.

Years of blistering sunburns and peeling skin took their toll. We’ve got more wrinkles than we should, freckles where we shouldn’t, and alarming rates of skin cancer. One in five Americans will get skin cancer before they’re 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, and it affects more people than all other cancers combined. Rates are skyrocketing.

And keep this in mind: a single blistering sunburn as a child or teen doubles your odds of later getting the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, according to the Foundation’s fact sheet.

Today, most of us have more respect for sun exposure than we did when we were younger. Sunblocks are better, we wear UV-blocking lenses and polarized sunglasses to protect our eyes and reduce glare, and we’re more likely to seek shade, not the glaring sun. But because May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to revisit sunsafe basics.

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY SAYS:

Exposure to UV light is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers. Stay out of indoor tanning beds, protect your skin outdoors by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing — including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection — and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothes.

For more effective sun protection, wear clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.

Skin cancer warning signs include changes in size, shape or color of a mole or other skin lesion, the appearance of new growth on the skin, or a sore that doesn’t heal. If you notice any spots on your skin that are different from the others, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, see a board-certified dermatologist.

Regular skin self-exams are important for people who are at higher risk of skin cancer, such as those with a personal and/or family history of skin cancer. About half of melanomas are self-detected.

A dermatologist can decide how often you need a skin exam, based on individual risk factors, including skin type, history of sun exposure and family history.

Chagrin Valley Dermatology

At Chagrin Valley Dermatology, our focus is on high-quality medical and cosmetic dermatologic care for the entire family. Every patient is evaluated and treated by Dr. Wahby, a board-certified dermatologist. We will work with you to create an individualized plan to keep your skin healthy and looking its best.