Costco Connection - June 2007

for your health

DANN ILICIC

Protect skin from the sun

ACCORDING TO THE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The organization points out that many cases can be prevented by simple steps.

Exposure to the sun can also cause premature aging of the skin. Think wrinkles, lines, age spots and leathery texture. You can try to avoid exposure completely or simply don sunblock or sunscreen whenever there’s a need to stop or minimize the sun’s damaging rays.

Although people know they should apply sun protection products before going to the beach or a park on a sunny day, there are other times when that need may not be readily apparent. Even a cloudy day presents risks; UVA rays can penetrate the cloud cover.

And here’s something you might not have considered: A recent medical study, conducted at St. Louis University, establishes a link between men who spend a lot of time driving and an increase in skin cancer, specifically left-sided skin cancers. Although many cars come with windshields that filter harmful UVB rays (which cause sunburns) and UVA rays (which can penetrate deeper into the skin), side windows tend to filter UVB rays only, leaving the driver’s left arm and face vulnerable. Using sun protection, even while driving, is recommended.

Sun protection products come in all forms—lotions, oils and sprays. Some sprays contain no oil or alcohol, dry almost instantly and require no messy rubbing. Rob Takeuchi, of KINeSYS Pharmaceutical, suggests looking for a “broad-spectrum sunscreen” and adds, “The best sunscreens use Parsol 1789 or a physical block like titanium dioxide.”

Follow the directions for whichever product you buy. If you have any doubts about what to use for your type of skin, ask your pharmacist or physician. And, as Takeuchi says, “Don’t be shy, reapply.”—Steve Fisher