Columbus 614-863-3222   |   Hilliard 614-345-0500
Columbus 614-863-3222  
  Hilliard 614-345-0500

28
Aug

Columbus Skin Care | Skin Cancer in Teens on the Rise

Although cases of skin cancer are on the rise, the number of teenagers using sunscreen has lowered. The doctors at Eastside Dermatology have noticed this increase, as more and more young people are coming in to be treated for skin cancer.

A study found that the percentage of high school students who wear sunscreen have gone from 67.7% in 2001 to 56.1% in 2011. That is nearly a 12% drop in one decade. Researchers at William Paterson University in New Jersey conducted the study.

Melanoma, the most dangerous of the skin cancer forms, has increased annually in men by 1.6% and 1.4% in women. You would think that as skin cancer cases rise, so would the awareness of teenagers using sunscreen. This, however, is not the case. This study indicates that there is a need for a greater drive to inform teens on the dangers of too much sun exposure.

In Australia, a public information campaign called “Slip Slop Slap” was held. In this event, free sunscreen was handed out at beaches. It was effective and helped increase protection from the sun and awareness of its dangers. Television ads are also showing beach goers wearing t-shirts and hats. “What we really need is to change the mindset that having this artificially tanned skin is attractive,” said Corey Basch, assistant professor of public health at William Paterson.

Although the amount of sunscreen use in teens is declining, the same goes for indoor tanning beds. From 2009 to 2011, the amount of teenagers using tanning beds dropped from 15.6% to 13.3%. Although it is on the decline, the decrease was too small to be considered significant.

Dr. Jeanine Daly, a dermatologist at North Shore-LIJ Health Systems said that she was surprised at the decrease in sunscreen use, despite all of the warnings about over exposure to UV light. She believes that the message that sun exposure can lead to skin cancer still is not getting through to teenagers, especially young girls.

When you are looking for a good sunscreen, make sure that it contains a physical sunscreen such as zinc or titanium dioxide as well as chemical sunscreen. Sunscreens with zinc are the best because they protect form both UVA and UVB rays. Also, remember that sunscreen doesn’t last all day. It should be re-applied every two hours. It also takes a lot of sunscreen to fully protected. A four to six ounce bottle that should last maybe one day at a beach will last a lot of people an entire season.

At Eastside Dermatology, we know how important taking care of your skin is and how dangerous exposure to the sun can be. That is why we offer to you Estion Sunscreen SPF 38. It was developed for people with sensitive skin, and is one of our hottest selling products. Estion Sunscreen SPF 38 is a creamy moisturizing sunblock that is PABA free. It is absorbed into the skin like silk and is made with Z-Cote, which is an ingredient that is amazing at blocking both UVA and UVB rays. This product is transparent, water-resistent, and unscented. Taking the initial steps to protect your skin is the best way to prevent long term issues.