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August is the height of the holidays, so now is the time to remind you once again of the dangers of UV radiation. Cosmo asked experts to comment on common myths about sunburn and skin cancer and provide simple guidelines on how to protect yourself.
Myths
I am in a safe zone (under 30 years old, I have no moles), I am not afraid of skin cancer
Indeed, melanoma often develops disguised as a mole or birthmark. The risk group primarily includes people with a large number of nevi (scientific moles) and fair-skinned people. But this
does not mean that others can relax. The absence of moles is not a guarantee of safety. Age is also not an indicator. Alas, skin cancer occurs even in children. And one more important point: a tumor can arise due to ultraviolet radiation that you received many years ago.
All moles must be removed
No! 99% of moles are absolutely safe. Do not plan any operations without a preliminary examination by an oncologist (we are talking about specialists from clinics and hospitals, but not salons). Only an oncodermatologist can approve the procedure, and he will certainly send the cut tissue for histological examination, even if the nevus is not suspicious.
I tan easily, my skin never peels off afterwards, so I don't need protection
Alas, also a myth. Everyone needs protection. According to the latest data from scientists, all the ultraviolet light that we caught in our life accumulates and after 50 years somehow affects our health. Prolonged uncontrolled sunbathing can cause basal cell skin cancer. Don't cut sunscreen off your must-have summer shopping list (and SPF foundation won't protect you, alas).
I have dark skin, so a low SPF is enough for me
It depends on why. If for walking around the city during the day, then 20+ is really enough, but if you go to the beach - only 50! And don't forget to renew the cream every 3-4 hours.
A solarium is a good preparation of the skin for tanning
Better to forget the road there altogether. The UV rays emitted by lamps (UVA) penetrate deep into the skin and can destroy its tissues. And in order not to get burned in the first days of vacation, follow simple rules: sunbathe only in the morning and in the evening, under an umbrella and with a protective cream. Don't forget your hat, glasses and SPF lip balm.
Skin cancer is incurable
We can cure like any cancer. The main thing is the stage of detection and the correct therapeutic measures, surgical and chemotherapy.
The risk of getting problems after sunbathing is significantly increased in people over 30, if they have previously abused tanning.
To summarize: timely diagnosis and good old-fashioned prevention are still our everything. Let's talk about it in more detail now.
See your dermatologist at least once a year, even if nothing is bothering you
Look for a clinic that uses the latest smart skin health monitoring technology FotoFinder. It combines dermatoscopy and high resolution full body photography for maximum accuracy. Moreover, experts will identify the smallest changes (if any) not only in moles, but also on the entire skin. Train yourself to undergo a complete "inspection" of the body every year, including skin, hair and nails.
Perform self-diagnostics. It is difficult, but possible
Set up three mirrors so that you can see yourself well from all sides, and examine the body, paying special attention to the feet, scalp and transitional epithelium (at the borders with the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, genitals). You should be alerted by new moles, red spots with peeling, ulcers, painful nodules, old moles that have changed: changed shape, color, size.
Find the protection that works for you, and don't get carried away with tanning
Planning a vacation by the sea? Remember that morning is the best time to make friends
skin with the sun. If you have just arrived at the coast, use products with an SPF of at least 30 (ideally 50). From 11:00 to 15:00, the insolation is too active: the rays (UVA and UVB) fall almost at right angles and penetrate the skin as deeply as possible - dermatologists do not recommend going to the beach during this period.
How to properly wash off sunscreens from face and body - read in our material.
