With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is America’s most common cancer.  About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Many of us may think, “I don’t get sunburns, so I won’t get skin cancer.”  Skin cancer is a sneaky and dangerous cancer.  Ultraviolet rays from the sun damage our cells and replicate mutated DNA that can ultimately change into cancer cells.  Skin cancer manifests on the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, in growths, lesions, and pigmented skin.  Skin cancer can present itself in places that have never even had exposure to the sun!

Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.  Shading yourself from the sun, wearing protective clothing including hats and sunglasses, and wearing SPF every single day are some of the easiest ways to prevent skin cancer.

Sun Protection Glossary:

UVA Rays: AGING rays. UVA rays are consistently strong throughout the year and are responsible for the appearance of skin wrinkling, discoloration, and loss of elasticity. These rays can penetrate clouds, glass, and the upper layers of skin causing damage to valuable proteins like collagen and elastin that give the skin its volume and structure. UVA damage is a threat to the skin year-round, even on overcast days, when you are driving, or when you’re indoors near a window.

UVB Rays: BURNING rays. UVB rays are stronger in summer, and in addition to being responsible for sunburns, they can contribute to skin cancer as well. They do not penetrate skin as deeply as UVA rays, but are also dangerous to the skin’s health.

Broad Spectrum Sunscreen – indicates that the sunscreen contains ingredients that effectively protect against both UVA rays and UVB rays.

SPF – Sun Protection Factor – The number tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to burn your skin when using a particular sunscreen compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. If you use an SPF 15 product exactly as directed (applied generously and evenly, and reapplied after two hours or after sweating or swimming), it would take you 15 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.

The UV ray filters found in sunscreens fall into two categories, Mineral-based (or physical) and Chemical.

Mineral-based (or physical) sunscreen – contains active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UVA & UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Chemical sunscreen – contains synthetic ingredients that penetrate the uppermost layers of the skin to absorb UVA and UVB rays before they can cause sunburn or other damage to the skin. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens can include avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene, which are ideal for water-resistant formulations used for swimming and outdoor activities.

SkinCeuticals offers several SPF 50 daily sunscreen options that are both highly effective and “cosmetically elegant.” This means they integrate seamlessly into your skincare routine without leaving your skin with a white cast or interfering with your makeup. Paraben free, fragrance free, non-comedogenic.

Mineral

• Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50: A weightless sunscreen with 100% mineral filters that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, while promoting natural radiance and a more even skin tone. This high protection zinc oxide mineral sunscreen also contains artemia salina, a plankton extract known to increase skin’s resistance to UV- and heat-induced stress. Great for all skin types including sensitive skin.
  • Tinted
  • Sheer

Chemical

• Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30: A moisturizing, lightweight, residue-free formula, Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 combines broad spectrum UV protection for dry, dehydrated skin skin with a potent blend of discoloration-correcting and hydrating ingredients for brighter, more even skin. The hydrating formula provides immediate and all-day hydration as it instantly enhances skin radiance, protects against UV-induced pigmentation, evens skin tone, moisturizes, and instantly brightens skin.

Mineral & Chemical Blend

• Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 – A daily sunscreen that helps soothe and hydrate sensitive and redness-prone skin. Clear Daily Soothing UV Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen helps to reduce the appearance of visible redness, improve skin texture and deliver all-day hydration. This sunscreen offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for all skin types.