Use caution when celebrating the sun

Spring is upon us, and before you jump into the pool, you might want to consider what the enticing summer sun is doing to your skin.

Although many a bathing beauty can be found poolside starting this month, most are ill-equipped in the way of sunscreen. The rule of thumb is to get a sunscreen with the highest possible sun protection factor, or SPF.

Remember the good old days when people used to slather themselves in baby oil before laying outside? Look at some of those people's skin now and you can perhaps see why that type of dermal assassination is a no-no. Blotches, pigment patches and discolorations are the least of their problems. It's skin cancer that's becoming increasingly more common among prolific sun-bathers here and in other eternally sunshined states across America.

It's best to stay in the shade, according to local dermatologists. But if that's impossible, at least sport a sunscreen that won't let you fry.

Although expensive spa products tend to smell nice and carry a price tag that would suggest a better product, the local drugstore or Wal-Mart carries products that are just as effective and significantly more affordable. I ventured to SkinKlinic inside Mandalay Place, a local skin salon operated by well-qualified medical technicians, and was asked what type of sunscreen I used on my face. "What sunscreen?" I asked. One expert suggested Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free Sunblock, with an SPF of 45, which smells like it contains a hint of citrus. It retails for about $5 to $7, depending on where you buy it.

Dr. Saul Schreiber of Advanced Dermatology, 1700 E. Flamingo Road, said a summer tan is a sign that damage has already been done. He sells a line of sunscreen called Blue Lizard out of his office for $13 plus tax.

"I tell people to get the highest (SPF) number they can find," he said. "It's true that there is not that great of a difference in the higher numbers, however there is probably a range. If there's something that says it's a 15 sunscreen, it might not be accurate. In terms of its effectiveness, it could be an 8 or 9."

Candice Stewart, founder of the Skin Institute, 7905 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 107, says that there are different types of sun rays that can cause damage. Even short-term exposure, such as walking to the car, can do damage.

"There are UVA and UVB rays that damage your skin," Stewart said. "UVA rays damage your skin obviously, like a sunburn, but UVB rays damage it underneath."

The Skin Institute sells several sunscreen products, some with the most important protectant: zinc. Skinceuticals' line is $28 for the SPF 20, $34 for the SPF 30 and $29 for the Procyte line that has an SPF of 30.

"Skinceuticals and Procyte are two lines that have a sunscreen with zinc, which is the only thing that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Some people purchase the $300 dollar anti-aging cream, but I say just buy a $30 sunscreen," Stewart said.

Schreiber said trying to get the word across to kids is one of the biggest obstacles he faces when it comes to preventative measures because they can't fathom skin cancer in their futures.

"We're in a very sunny climate when people work outside for long hours or are out for a long time for recreation, but even minimal amounts of sun exposure will give you a significant dose of ultraviolet light," he said. "You really want to get the greatest degree of protection you can on a cumulative basis. But it's really hard to corollate something when we're 15 with something we have when we're 50."

Ellen Ziegler is the reporter for the Southwest View. Retail information appropriate for mention can be sent to eziegler@viewnews.com.