Don’t Forget the Sunscreen This Summer

Choosing sunscreen protection can be a daunting challenge. Here at Florida Vein Care we carry MD Sciences because it is approved by the breast cancer society and the ingredients are safe. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are safe, natural ingredients. Zinc oxide protects against both UVA and UVB rays; titanium dioxide protects against UVB rays. These two active ingredients comprise MDSolarSciences mineral sunscreen — which are also free of chemical actives. When choosing a sunscreen, you should always pay close attention to both the active and inactive ingredients listed on the label. Any active ingredient posing the least threat to causing an allergic skin reaction is ideal. You also want to be certain that these active ingredients protect against both UVA and UVB rays. What to avoid are sunscreens that have Vitamin A (retinol or retinyl), Vitamin E, botanical additives (for scent) paba and oxybenzone are to be avoided as they may cause allergic reactions or worse. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) along with the FDA, have warned against the effects of retinol, a Vitamin-A derivative. Their research shows that this ingredient may actually accelerate skin cancer as well as the possibility that they impair the body’s endocrine system— the system in charge of producing and regulating hormones. The four main types of parabens included in most personal care products are: ethylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben. Because of the variation of names, it’s important to pay close attention to the ingredient list on beauty and skincare products. Parabens attach to estrogen cell-receptors in the body, mimicking this hormone. This is said to cause allergic reactions on the skin, skin irritation, reproductive problems, and toxicity in both the immune and neurological systems. Although significant research has yet to be conducted, the Breast Cancer Fund has also asserted that there may be a link between the types of parabens used in cosmetic products with cancerous tumors— concluding that they may raise the risk of developing breast cancer. MDSolarSciences does not include parabens in any product. Different SPF levels are used for everyday and outdoor activities such as athletes should choose a UVA/ UVB broad spectrum mineral sunscreen with relatively high SPF. Universally, everyone should choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Our recommended options for athletes: SPF 40 or SPF 50+ .

There are 3 basic types of skin cancer

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, and more people every year are developing melanoma. It has become so prevalent that it is the 5th most common cancer in men and women.