It’s Not Just for Grown Ups: Young People Get Skin Cancer Too

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• July 1, 2015

Summertime is the season many people head outdoors and soak in the sun. But for many young adults, taking in too much sun can lead to melanoma.

 

According to a recent study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology, since the 1970s, cases of melanoma have increased 250 percent in children and young adults.

 

Michelle Tarbox, M.D., Texas Tech Physicians — Dermatology, said skin cancer is a disease that can happen at all ages and younger people should start taking care of their skin now.

 

“Many younger people and some older for that matter, like to get a tan or be out in the sun,” Tarbox said. “What they may not be aware of is that the risk of melanoma doubles with five or more sunburns, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. If you’re not protecting your skin early on, you may increase your chances of developing melanoma. With summertime here, it’s time to get smart about your skin.”

 

In the hot summer months, many people realize that they should use a sunscreen but aren't always sure when, where, how much and how often to use it.

 

“Choose a good broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA an UVB protection and a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to use daily in the summer,” Tarbox said. “Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and needs to be reapplied every two hours and after sweating or toweling off.”

 

Commonly overlooked areas include the tops of ears, back of the neck, the part of the hair on the scalp, tops of feet and backs of legs. Tarbox said a good rule is a teaspoon of sunscreen for the face and about one ounce (roughly golf ball sized) for the body.

 

“Choose a sunscreen that works with your skin type,” Tarbox said. “If you have oily skin, choose oil-free or mattifying formulas. For sensitive skin, use chemical-free sunscreen. Dry skin can benefit from a sunscreen with moisturizers.”

 

Sunscreen isn't your only tool to protect your skin from the summer sun. There are other sun smarts Tarbox gives to keep your skin safe these hot summer days.

• Wear a hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing. It is best to protect your skin from the sun and avoid direct contact during peak UV hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. When it comes to sun-protective clothing, not all garments are created equal. Your typical white T-shirt only packs a UV-protective factor of 5, but sun protection can be washed into clothes with SunGuard Laundry treatment, which increases the SPF to 30. Sun protective oral supplements are available and can help decrease damage from the sun including Heliocare, which contains powerful antioxidants derived from a tropical fern. It is important to emphasize that oral supplements do not replace sunscreen but can be used to enhance your sun protection routine.

• Soothe your summer skin. If sun damage has been done, you don't have to suffer the pain of a sunburn without help. Soothing cooling gels containing aloe can help as long as you are not allergic. If you are sensitive to aloe, you can take a page out of Cleopatra's book and apply a compress of cold milk or flax milk with a clean face cloth. Over the counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream also can be helpful with a painful sunburn. Biafine, a radiation dermatitis ointment, which requires a prescription, can be used for severe cases. Spritzing with spring water with healthy minerals can be a healthy "drink" for parched, sun-scorched skin. Additionally, many people can benefit from taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like Tylenol or ibuprofen. Make sure these medications are okay with your other medicines or medical conditions. When in doubt, ask your doctor.

 

• Repair the skin you wear. UV exposure causes damage to the skin that can show up as wrinkles, brown spots and roughness. Sun damage causes changes to the DNA of the cells and inflammation of the skin. Use good skin care that includes a diet rich in antioxidants with plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables, topical anti-aging products containing vitamin A derivatives or vitamin C and drink plenty of water. An over-the-counter or in-office salicylic acid peel or glycolic acid peel can help even out skin tone and prevent breakouts.

• Scrub your way to smoother skin. The hot, dry weather can mean that skin is dry and flaky, and humidity can cause pores to look larger. Even out your skin through exfoliating regularly with a gentle facial scrub or facial brush. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and improves how well your skin can take in moisturizers and topical antioxidants. Protect freshly exfoliated skin, as it can be more sensitive to the sun.

• Dry weather can be tough on your lips. Though it's tempting to go for cooling menthol or camphor based lip balms, these actually dry your lips out over time. Go for ingredients like shea butter, olive oil or bees wax and don't skimp on the SPF. UV rays damage your lips and can cause cancer just like your skin.

“Protect your skin and have fun this summer,” Tarbox said. “Remember, how you treat your skin now will affect it later.”