When people think of cancer, most think of colon, prostate, breast, lung, etc. but one that is much more common than most probably think is skin cancer, and more importantly, the deadly one: melanoma. In an article from Webmd, it reported a study that said, “An estimated 9,730 people will die of melanoma in 2017.” Not enough people are wearing sunscreen, especially young adults, especially young women. Most lay out and tan without thinking much of it but over time, and usually it happens relatively quick, skin cancer becomes a problem when you just wanted a nice summer tan.
Who doesn’t want to look like a beach babe who spends most of their time laying out on the beach just relaxing? Well those beach babes have increased their chances of skin cancer multiple times (unless they spray tanned, of course). The problem is that, for me at least, I don’t even really think about it day to day and when it comes to actually trying to lay out by the pool or ocean, I personally don’t see it as a big deal to let my skin soak up some Vitamin D. However, too much of a good thing is often a bad thing, just as in this case as well. I know for me I have to start wearing sunscreen daily and making sure to apply a good amount when I am outside for an extended period of time and I hope we all have and will.
One fact I found alarming in my research of this topic was that “The risk of melanoma doubles with five or more sunburns, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation”. I didn’t realize how serious it was until I got deeper in the facts, I hope this statistic alarms you too. I have had plenty of sunburns throughout my life, not thinking much of it and honestly hoping for a tan after, but really I was increasing my chances of getting skin cancer, as I am sure many of you have as well. It’s cute to be tan, but not worth it.
And as a solution, I assumed sunscreen would be the quick and easy fix but the truth is that many sunscreens actually don’t help the chances of skin cancer, and can sometimes increase them. The problem is that “Sunscreens are designed to decrease your risk of skin cancer and allow you to enjoy the sun without worry. Unfortunately, most modern day sunscreens may increase your risk of cancer and disrupt the functioning of your hormones.” Zinc Oxide is the actual active ingredient that naturally sits on top of skin without sinking, which is more appealing to most when being out in the sun. Many sunscreens are composed of many strange types of chemicals that melt into skin, and all the “bad” chemicals in the sunscreen go into your skin and sunscreen, so be safe when buying sunscreen. “Micronized zinc oxide has the safety profile of traditional zinc oxide sunscreen and is as aesthetically appealing as modern day sunscreens”, claims Huffington which offers necessary advice when purchasing sunscreen.
Staying safe out in the sun is important because it may catch up to you. Properly protect yourself in the sun with safe sunscreen and plenty of time out of the sun. The beach babe look is cute for now, but won’t be so cute if it is masked by a preventable cancer.
