Skin cancer, a global health problem
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, and its incidence has grown alarmingly in recent decades. According to the World Health Organization, each year between 2 and 3 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 132,000 cases of melanoma skin cancer are detected worldwide. Non-melanoma skin cancer affects the basal or squamous cells of the epidermis, while melanoma skin cancer originates in melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment that gives the skin its color.
One in three cancers diagnosed in the world is a skin cancer and, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, in the United States alone it is estimated that one in five people will develop some type of skin cancer during their lifetime. The main cause of this type of cancer is excessive, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from artificial sources such as tanning booths. UV radiation damages the DNA of skin cells and alters their normal growth and division, causing mutations that can lead to malignant tumors. The risk of developing skin cancer increases with the number and intensity of sunburns suffered throughout life, especially in childhood and adolescence.
How to protect yourself from the sun with the right sunscreen
To prevent skin cancer and other harmful effects of UV radiation, such as premature aging, spots or allergies, it is essential to protect yourself adequately from the sun. One of the most effective methods is the use of sunscreen, which acts as a barrier that filters or reflects part of the UV radiation that hits the skin. However, not all sunscreens are the same nor are they suitable for all skin types. It is important to know what the Sun Protection Factor (FPS or SPF) is and how to choose the most suitable one for each skin type and situation.
What is Sun Protection Factor (FPS or SPF)
The Sun Protection Factor (FPS or SPF) is a numerical value that indicates the level of protection that a sunscreen offers against UVB radiation, which is responsible for sunburn. SPF is calculated by multiplying the time it takes for skin to burn without protection by the time it takes to burn with protection. For example, if a person has skin that burns in the sun in 10 minutes without protection, and uses a cream with SPF 15, they can be exposed to the sun for 150 minutes (10 x 15) without burning. This means that sunscreen with SPF 15 filters 93.3% of the UVB radiation that reaches the skin.
However, the SPF is not an absolute or fixed value, as it depends on several factors, such as the type of skin, the amount and way of application of the cream, the time and place of exposure, the intensity and the angle of radiation, humidity, wind, sweat, water, sand or clothing. For this reason, experts recommend applying sunscreen half an hour before going out in the sun, reapplying it every two hours or after each bath, and using a sufficient amount to cover the entire surface of the skin. According to dermatologists, about 2 milliliters of cream should be applied for every 2 square centimeters of skin.
How to choose the right SPF for your skin
The right SPF for each person depends on their skin type, which is classified according to phototype, a concept based on skin, hair and eye color, ease of burning, and ability to tan. The phototype was determined in 1975 by dermatologist Thomas B. Fitzpatrick of Harvard University, and is divided into 6 categories, from phototype I (very light skin, blonde or red hair, light eyes, burns easily and does not tan ) to phototype VI (very dark skin, black hair, dark eyes, does not burn and tans a lot).
In general, the lighter the phototype, the higher the SPF should be. Thus, for phototype I and II skin it is recommended to use an SPF of at least 50, for phototype III and IV an SPF of at least 30, and for phototype V and VI an SPF of at least 15. No However, these values are indicative and may vary depending on exposure conditions, such as time of day, season of year, altitude, latitude or the presence of clouds or snow. In addition, it must be taken into account that SPF only measures protection against UVB radiation, but not against UVA radiation, which is responsible for skin aging and can also contribute to the development of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, that is, it protects against both UVB and UVA radiation. This is indicated by the symbol UVA surrounded by a circle or by the acronym PA followed by one or more + signs.
Enjoy the sun safely and responsibly
The sun has many health benefits, such as the synthesis of vitamin D, improving mood or strengthening the immune system, but it can also be very harmful if adequate protective measures are not taken. Skin cancer is a serious disease that can be largely prevented by avoiding excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun. Therefore, it is important to use a sunscreen suitable for your skin type and situation, and follow the recommendations of experts, such as avoiding the sun in the middle of the day, wearing clothing, a hat and sunglasses, and periodically checking your skin. skin in search of possible suspicious lesions. Enjoy the sun safely and responsibly, and take care of your skin as it deserves.
