Choosing the right sunscreen may seem like a simple
process,
but at Suncoast Skin Solutions, we view it as a more
complex endeavor than others might. The old adage that ‘an
ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is nowhere more accurate
than in respect to sun protection.
Encouraging photoprotection is the leading preventative health strategy used by physicians involved in skin care. Although sun avoidance is to some minds, the ideal situation, we don’t practice ‘vampire’ dermatology at Suncoast Skin Solutions – the Bay area
is beautiful, and outdoor lifestyles are enjoyed by most of us. To
that end, the regular use of sunscreens represents a practical compromise. Their benefit in some types of skin cancer is clear:
studies show that sunscreens prevent the formation of squamous
cell carcinomas in animals.
The whole sunscreen industry has been plagued by confusing
terms and standards. Everyone has heard the term SPF, this is
the sun protection factor, which is defined as the dose of
ultraviolet radiation required to produce 1 minimal erythema
dose, enough to get your skin red, on protected skin after the application of 2 mg/cm2 of product divided by the UVR required
to produce 1 MED on unprotected skin. |
