Protect yourself with Sheer Zinc sunscreen [Column]

The sun is shining, the heat is rising and many of us are headed to the nearest pool, lake or beach. Exposure to the sun can cause an increased risk for skin cancer. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over 2 million people are diagnosed annually.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer among Americans. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Choosing the proper sunscreen can help reduce or prevent sunburn and premature aging of the skin.

As you dive head first into the water, you may notice that your protective sunscreen washes off. Not reapplying can affect your exposure for skin cancer even more. While there are endless options of sunscreen, Sheer Zinc sunscreens have the most benefit for use during the summertime. If you’re sweating in the heat or swimming in the pool, you’ll want the proper sunscreen to stay on your skin. Apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater (for UVB protection) and zinc oxide (for UVA protection) 20 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours thereafter — more often if you are sweating or swimming. Aside from the benefits described below, sunscreens with zinc oxide will be slightly noticeable on the skin, which will help in reminding when to reapply.

Zinc oxide works by forming a barrier on top of the skin that protects the area from moisture and irritants. Zinc oxide works as a sunscreen by reflecting and scattering UV radiation instead of it getting absorbed into the skin as with chemical sunscreens. This prevents potentially damaging ultraviolet radiation from getting to the skin. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are considered physical sunscreens because they sit atop the skin and physically block the rays.

When choosing the proper sunscreen, you’ll want to find one with an SPF of 30 or greater. SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays, whereas SPF 15 blocks about 93 percent of UVB rays. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are not only best for those with sensitive skin, but they also do not burn your eyes after sweating or swimming, have a bad taste or cause pimples. While wearing the sunscreen, if someone can comment that they still see the sunscreen on your face, it confirms that the sunscreen applied is still on the skin and has not been absorbed. There are many sheer zinc sunscreen options that can be found at your local drug store. As a preventative measure, I recommend seeing your dermatologist once a year for a full body exam, and even more frequently if you are at a higher risk of skin cancer.

Dermatology Partners is a physician-led dermatology group with locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Its providers treat a full spectrum of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails as well as specializing in the detection and treatment of skin cancers, including Mohs surgery. The organization prides itself on its ability to offer patients immediate appointments so there is no need to wait weeks or months to receive care. To find out more about Dermatology Partners, or to book an appointment at one of their convenient locations, visit www.dermpartners.com or call 888-895-3376.

Dr. Daniel Shurman is a Board Certified Dermatologist and the CEO and co-founder of Dermatology Partners, which has 29 locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. He completed his dermatology training at Thomas Jefferson University. He is fellowship-trained in both Mohs micrographic surgery and procedural dermatology, and his research interests include medical genetics, antibiotics in dermatologic surgery and wound healing.

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