Antinuclear

Important information for Australians about UV rdaiation

How many people does skin cancer affect and is it on the rise?

Unfortunately the incidence of skin cancer has risen in Australia over the past decades. From 1982 to 2007, melanoma diagnosis increased by around 50%, and in 2011, 1544 people died due to melanoma.

Over 434,000 people are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) in Australia each year, and two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70.

More than 2000 Australians died from skin cancer in 2011.

How effective is sunscreen at protecting the skin against sun damage?

Sunscreen is very effective at protecting the skin against sun damage providing it is high SPF, broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB), and applied correctly.

Studies have shown that many people do not apply enough sunscreen for complete protection. How much sunscreen should you apply?

Many Australians apply too little sunscreen, and forget to re-apply it every two hours. This usually means they get less than half the stated SPF protection.

In the laboratory, SPF values are determined based upon the application of 2 mg sunscreen per cm2. This equates to around 35 ml of sunscreen (or a medium sized shot glass) for an average adult.

Is it better to apply sunscreen before or after moisturise and make-up?…..

Is it necessary to apply sunscreen to areas that are covered by clothes or will the clothes provide sufficient UV protection?…..

How often should you re-apply sunscreen?……..

What does SPF actually mean and how do you choose the right factor?……

How does ultraviolet A (UVA) differ from ultraviolet B (UVB) and do you need to choose a sunscreen that protects against both?….

UVA has a longer wavelength of 320-400 nm, compared to UVB (290-320 nm), and accounts for around 95% of UV radiation reaching the earth.

UVA is present with relatively equal intensity throughout the year, whereas UVB varies by season, location and time of day. UVA can also penetrate through clouds and glass.

UVB is the main cause of sunburn and affects the upper layers of the skin. UVA penetrates more deeply and is the main cause of premature ageing. Both suppress immune function and play a role in development of skin cancer.

What do you think the future holds for skin protection?

We are only just realising how important it is to use a sunscreen with high UVA protection and research is continuing into ingredients that provide high protection, have greater photostability, and are low irritant.

Companies are also more aware that they need to develop products that are cosmetically elegant, for people to use them on a daily basis.

Where can readers find more information?

It is therefore very important that a sunscreen protects against both i.e. is “broad spectrum”.  http://www.news-medical.net/news/20131113/Sunscreen-application-and-skin-cancer-an-interview-with-Dr-Michelle-Hunt-Inner-Sydney-Dermatology.aspx

November 14, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, health