Question:
on the news today they talk about a study that shows people using high SPF levels tend to stay out in the sun too long and thus it is bad. "They" also report that sunscreen is causing more problems because people are staying out too long. It was suggested that going into the shade was a good idea. I don't get why applying more sunscreen wouldn't work? If there is a time limit per day for sunscreen then maybe that should be made more clear on the bottle?
Answer:
As a frecklefaced, fair skinned, strawberry blond, in the 97th percentile of
likelihood to get skin cancer, I can tell you Bob sunburn prevention is a lifelong
occupation.
Yes, blistering sun damage as children sets up the skin for future problems. Having
had dozens of burns like that, I assure you my attention to prevention is acute. On
the advice of my Dermatologist, who knows full well no one (especially surfers) can
stay out of the sun completely, I attempt to do as much as I can to avoid further
burns:
1)Sunscreen - Maximum spf all over, and every time I leave the water.
2)Head covering, I use a Baseball hat.
3)Body covering. Shirts and long pants if possible, if not, as much as possible.
4)Get in the shade whenever possible, umbrella or out from under the sun.
5)Leave beach completely between hours of 10 am and 3 pm, if possible.
6)Yearly dermatological examinations.
7)Monthly self examinations of areas exposed to sun regularly
The gripe on using lotions is that yes, it lulls people into thinking they are
protected. Therefore they are inclined to stay out in the sun longer. Repeated
applications after sweating or immersion is always recommended.
How much you do is anyone's choice. I know a woman who had a small keratosis
removed from her nose at age 35. I don't think she's been near a beach since, nor
out in the sun much. I know another woman who had a large chunk of her calf removed
by surgery due to a malignant melanoma, who still sunbaths, but she keeps that leg
covered. She also continues to smoke though she has lost two close relatives to
lung cancer. She claims it's a quality of life issue. What's left of it.
