Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act as sun blocks

Purchase Online Dermatologist-Recommended state-of-the-art Skin Care Products

Keep Your Skin Safe
Dr. Peppercorn was interviewed for an article on skin cancer after Senator John McCain was discovered to have malignant melanoma on his face. This interview was the basis for the article below which appeared on the international web site - MYPRIMETIME.COM. If you go to MYPRIMETIME.COM and enter "skin cancer" in their search engine, you will see the original webpage.

by Lauren Long

After Sen. John McCain was diagnosed with a second bout of melanoma earlier this month, the number of patients tripled in dermatologist Robert Peppercorn's Yuba City, Calif., office. They were waiting for skin-cancer check-ups.

Skin-cancer rates have risen to "epidemic levels" in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, which estimates that there will be 1.3 million new cases diagnosed this year. In fact, half of all new cancers among Americans each year are skin cancers.

The numbers climb despite the fact that prevention is no secret. Studies repeatedly show that the use of sunscreen reduces the risk of certain types of skin cancer.

While some of us have gotten better about slathering on the SPF 30 in July, most of us pack away the sunscreen come September. Don't, says Peppercorn. "People think that because the weather is cooler in the fall and winter they can't burn, but you can fry yourself every minute you're in the sun unprotected."

Skin cancer is the result of cumulative sun damage: The disease occurs at the point when damaged cells can no longer repair themselves.

Even minimal sun exposure „ a daily trip to the mailbox „ can cause enough damage over a lifetime to cause skin cancer. "And now we have to worry about the ozone layer being depleted, which allows more of the ultraviolet rays to get through," says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist in New York City.

If you think you're safe from the sun when driving in your car, think again. "Ultraviolet light is getting through car windows," says Peppercorn, adding, "People get more skin cancer on the left side of the face or on the left arm from driving."

Bottom line: Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine every day of the year.

Sunscreen Tips:

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act as sun blocks, and resist breaking down in the heat.
Sunscreens start to decompose after opening, so be sure to toss your sunscreen after one year.
Don't skimp on protection. Researchers have found that people under-apply sunscreen -- using only 50 percent of the recommended amount.