It’s not a new fact that wearing sunscreen is essential to protect our skin from UV radiation and prevent skin cancer, including melanoma.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, which is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths worldwide.

If you are a skin-conscious person, you might have heard that all you need to do to avoid melanoma is to wear sunscreen. But, is it true? Is wearing sunscreen the only solution to avoid melanoma?.

In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and discuss other measures that you can take to avoid melanoma. So, let’s begin.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in our skin. When melanocytes grow abnormally and form a mass of cancerous cells, it results in melanoma.

Overexposure to UV radiation, both from natural sunlight and tanning beds, is the major cause of melanoma.

Although melanoma is not as common as other types of skin cancer, it is the most deadly one. One out of every 40 people will develop melanoma in their lifetime, and an estimated 7,180 people will die from melanoma in 2021 in the United States alone.

What is sunscreen, and how does it work?

Sunscreen is an essential product that protects our skin from UV radiation. It works by absorbing or reflecting the sun’s rays, preventing them from penetrating into our skin to cause damage.

Sunscreens are available in different forms, such as lotions, gels, sprays, and sticks, and they come in different SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings.

SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects our skin from UVB radiation, which is responsible for sunburns and can cause skin cancer. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection the sunscreen offers against UVB radiation.

However, it’s crucial to note that SPF only measures protection against UVB radiation, not UVA radiation, which can penetrate deeper into our skin and cause skin damage without causing sunburns.

Therefore, it’s essential to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVB and UVA radiation.

Why is wearing sunscreen not enough?

Although wearing sunscreen is an essential part of sun protection, it’s not enough to avoid melanoma or other types of skin cancer. There are several reasons why.

Not all sunscreens are equal

As mentioned earlier, all sunscreens are not created equal. Some may offer broad-spectrum protection, while others only protect against UVB radiation.

Moreover, the effectiveness of a sunscreen depends on various factors, such as the SPF rating, the amount of sunscreen applied, and the frequency of application.

For instance, a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 may protect your skin from UVB radiation, but it doesn’t mean that you can spend all day in the sun without reapplying the sunscreen.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.

It doesn’t protect against all forms of UV radiation

Although most sunscreens protect our skin from UVB radiation, they don’t offer complete protection against UVA radiation.

UVA radiation can penetrate deeper into our skin and damage the DNA of our skin cells, leading to skin aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer.

Moreover, some sunscreens contain chemicals that can break down under UV radiation and produce free radicals, which can cause cell damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

People often apply sunscreen incorrectly

Another reason why wearing sunscreen is not enough to avoid melanoma is that most people apply sunscreen incorrectly. Many people don’t apply enough sunscreen, which reduces its effectiveness.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should use one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) of sunscreen for your entire body and apply it at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.

Moreover, people often miss applying sunscreen to certain body parts, such as the scalp, lips, ears, and back of the neck, which increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancer in these areas.

Sunscreen is not the only factor that matters

Although wearing sunscreen is essential to protect our skin from UV radiation, it’s not the only factor that matters when it comes to avoiding melanoma. Other factors that can increase the risk of melanoma include:.

Family history of melanoma
Frequent exposure to UV radiation, both from natural sunlight and tanning beds
Fair skin, red or blonde hair, and blue or green eyes
Having many moles or unusual moles
Having a weakened immune system
Smoking

Therefore, it’s crucial to take other preventive measures besides wearing sunscreen to avoid melanoma.

Other measures to avoid melanoma

So, what other measures can you take to avoid melanoma besides wearing sunscreen?.

Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun

The simplest and most effective way to avoid melanoma is to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. You should stay indoors or seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

If you have to be outside, you should wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats with brims, to cover as much skin as possible. Dark or bright-colored clothing that offers more UV protection is also a good choice.

Using tanning alternatives

If you like the look of a tan, you can use tanning alternatives, such as self-tanning lotions, sprays, or mousses.

These products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless sugar that reacts with the skin’s amino acids to produce a brown pigment called melanoidin, which gives the skin a fake tan.

Self-tanning products are safe and don’t cause skin damage or increase the risk of skin cancer. However, you should remember that they don’t offer any sun protection, so you still need to wear sunscreen if you’re outside.

Checking your skin regularly

You should check your skin regularly for any unusual changes, such as new moles, growths, or lesions, or any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of existing moles.

You should also pay attention to any spots that bleed, itch, or don’t heal.

If you notice any of these changes, you should see a dermatologist, who can determine whether the changes are benign or cancerous and take appropriate action.

Getting regular skin examinations

Regular skin examinations by a dermatologist are also vital to detect melanoma early when it’s most treatable.

If you have a history of skin cancer or other risk factors, such as fair skin, red or blonde hair, or numerous moles, you should have a skin examination at least once a year and more frequently if your dermatologist recommends it.

Living a healthy lifestyle

Finally, living a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and not smoking, can also reduce the risk of melanoma and other forms of cancer.

A healthy lifestyle can boost your immune system and make your body better equipped to fight off cancerous cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wearing sunscreen is an essential part of sun protection, but it’s not the only solution to avoid melanoma.

Sunscreen does not protect against all forms of UV radiation, and people often apply it incorrectly or miss applying it to certain body parts. Moreover, other factors, such as genetics, can also increase the risk of melanoma.

Therefore, you should take other preventive measures, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, using tanning alternatives, checking your skin regularly, getting regular skin examinations, and living a healthy lifestyle, to reduce the risk of melanoma and other forms of cancer.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so protect your skin and stay safe in the sun.