15 Shades of Skin
Busting myths about tropical skin
By Nickky Faustine De Guzman
Published: August 13, 2013
Ah, the day is overcast so sunscreen isn’t necessary at all. Or is it?
Filipinos may think that they already know the ins and outs of skin and how to protect it. Our kayumanggi complexion may act as a natural sun screen but it does not mean we are not prone to having skin cancer, most especially when most of us succumb to skin whitening products, which lessen the melanin or pigment that protects the skin from harmful UV rays.
According to the World Health Organization, skin cancer incidences have been increasing in the past years. Currently, two to three million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year.
Skin cancer is caused by the cumulative effect of years of too much sun exposure. It usually starts as a change in skin appearance like a growth or sore that won’t heal. It mostly appears on the most exposed body area like the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands.
Non-melanoma skin cancer includes the basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). BCC is the most common. It almost never spreads to other parts of the body but it can cause deformity or dentures hence, it is sometimes called rodent cancer. SCC on the other hand, begins in the squamous cells, which are found in the tissues that form the skin surface, hollow organ linings, and the respiratory and digestive tracts. It appears on the skin as scaly and thick patches.
Malignant melanoma meanwhile is the least common among skin cancers but accounts for 75% of the deaths related to skin cancer. It is more serious because it can spread quickly. It may start as an existing mole or mark on the skin.
The ‘ABCDE’ of skin
Most skin sores, shiny burns, or pink growths can be mistaken for rashes, not knowing that they are already skin cancers. To review one’s own skin, follow the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color, Diameter, and Evolution). Once changes and irregularities are present according to the ABCDE rule, do not hesitate to have the skin checked by a dermatologist.
“Filipino males are more susceptible to skin cancer because they are not as vain as women who check their skin from time to time. The nature of their work also adds to it,” Dermatologist and Philippine Dermatological Society member Jasmine Jamora explains.
Meanwhile, there are actually many skin myths that Dr. Jamora wants to debunk. Here are some of them:
You can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day
Up to 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. Places situated on the higher areas have greater UV exposure. Countries with winter months should also have sunscreen because the snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays. In fact, there is a high skin cancer case in Portland, Oregon despite it being overcast for almost every day.
Skin cancer can only happen to Caucasians
While white-skinned people are mostly likely to develop skin cancer, the sun-kissed nationalities are not spared from developing the disease. According to the Philippine Cancer Registry (1983-2002), 625 patients out of 1607 have BCC. In fact, BCC is the most common skin cancer among Filipinos.
The most common types of skin cancer are not dangerous
While BCC and SCC are highly curable, they can cause extensive tissue destruction and disfigurement if not detected at the early stage.
Only the sun-exposed body parts can have skin cancer
Contrary to the popular belief that only the sun-exposed body areas are prone to skin cancer, it can actually appear anywhere in the body. African-Americans and other nationalities can also develop skin cancer in covert body areas such as the soles of the feet, genitals, and palms. BCCs are highly found in the head and neck while SCC and melanoma are often found in the lower body extremities, at least the local data show.
Children can never get melanoma
“Melanoma in kids may be rare, but if they have a family history or have a lot of moles, make sure to get a skin exam,” Jamora says.
Skin cancer is exclusive to the elderly
Anyone—children and young adults—can also be affected and infected by skin cancer. In fact, the rate of melanoma in young women increased in 1973-2004, hence, the importance of early detection and prevention.
Sun protection and sun damage myths
To avoid sun burn and cancer, avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is also very advisable to wear sunglasses, UV-protective clothing, and wide-brimmed hats. If one cannot hide from the sun, wear sunscreen with minimum sun protection factor (SPF) 30, half an hour prior to sun exposure and re-apply every one to two hours.
Wearing long sleeves provides enough sun protection
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a white shirt has an SPF of approximately 7 but it drops to 3 once it gets wet. To test the fabric, hold it up against the light and see if rays can pass through it.
A sunscreen with SPF 30 has twice the protection than SPF 15
UV protection from the sun’s rays does not actually increase in proportion to an SPF number. An SPF 30 screens 97% of UVB rays while SPF15 screens 93% of rays. A sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or greater to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. No sunscreen can provide 100% UVB protection but using greater SPF provides greater protection. The adequate amount of sunscreen is one shot glass for the whole body, when one failed to follow the recommended amount, the efficacy of the lotion is somehow decreased.
Sunscreen vs. sun block
Jamora explains that there is no difference between the two terms but ‘sun block’ seems an advertisement expression; one cannot totally block the sun’s UV rays.
Sunscreen causes Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient for strong bones and healthy immune system. However, small amounts of UV rays can still penetrate the skin even with sunscreen lotion. This is enough to help the body produce vitamin D but what is more advisable is to eat vitamin D-rich food such as fish and dairy products.
Eighty percent of sun damage occurs before 18
Studies show that people get less than 25% of their total lifetime sun exposure before the age 18, which means we get majority of sun damage later in life.
Some types of UV rays are safe
UVA rays, which pass through the window glass, can penetrate deeper into the thickest layer of the skin. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system and skin ageing. On the other hand, UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburn. All forms of UV exposure, whether from natural sunlight or artificial light sources found in tanning beds, are unsafe.
On base tan as skin protection and safety of tanning beds
A tan is a sign of skin damage from UV radiation. It accelerates the ageing process and risk of getting all types of skin cancer. Indoor tanning equipments produce artificial UVA and UVB, which is similar to the amount of radiation produced when under the sun, sometimes even greater. In the US, females aged 15-29 who have melanoma cases in torso are increasing.
Filipinos may think that they already know the ins and outs of skin and how to protect it. Our kayumanggi complexion may act as a natural sun screen but it does not mean we are not prone to having skin cancer, most especially when most of us succumb to skin whitening products, which lessen the melanin or pigment that protects the skin from harmful UV rays.
According to the World Health Organization, skin cancer incidences have been increasing in the past years. Currently, two to three million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year.
Skin cancer is caused by the cumulative effect of years of too much sun exposure. It usually starts as a change in skin appearance like a growth or sore that won’t heal. It mostly appears on the most exposed body area like the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands.
Non-melanoma skin cancer includes the basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). BCC is the most common. It almost never spreads to other parts of the body but it can cause deformity or dentures hence, it is sometimes called rodent cancer. SCC on the other hand, begins in the squamous cells, which are found in the tissues that form the skin surface, hollow organ linings, and the respiratory and digestive tracts. It appears on the skin as scaly and thick patches.
Malignant melanoma meanwhile is the least common among skin cancers but accounts for 75% of the deaths related to skin cancer. It is more serious because it can spread quickly. It may start as an existing mole or mark on the skin.
The ‘ABCDE’ of skin
Most skin sores, shiny burns, or pink growths can be mistaken for rashes, not knowing that they are already skin cancers. To review one’s own skin, follow the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color, Diameter, and Evolution). Once changes and irregularities are present according to the ABCDE rule, do not hesitate to have the skin checked by a dermatologist.
“Filipino males are more susceptible to skin cancer because they are not as vain as women who check their skin from time to time. The nature of their work also adds to it,” Dermatologist and Philippine Dermatological Society member Jasmine Jamora explains.
Meanwhile, there are actually many skin myths that Dr. Jamora wants to debunk. Here are some of them:
You can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day
Up to 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. Places situated on the higher areas have greater UV exposure. Countries with winter months should also have sunscreen because the snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays. In fact, there is a high skin cancer case in Portland, Oregon despite it being overcast for almost every day.
Skin cancer can only happen to Caucasians
While white-skinned people are mostly likely to develop skin cancer, the sun-kissed nationalities are not spared from developing the disease. According to the Philippine Cancer Registry (1983-2002), 625 patients out of 1607 have BCC. In fact, BCC is the most common skin cancer among Filipinos.
The most common types of skin cancer are not dangerous
While BCC and SCC are highly curable, they can cause extensive tissue destruction and disfigurement if not detected at the early stage.
Only the sun-exposed body parts can have skin cancer
Contrary to the popular belief that only the sun-exposed body areas are prone to skin cancer, it can actually appear anywhere in the body. African-Americans and other nationalities can also develop skin cancer in covert body areas such as the soles of the feet, genitals, and palms. BCCs are highly found in the head and neck while SCC and melanoma are often found in the lower body extremities, at least the local data show.
Children can never get melanoma
“Melanoma in kids may be rare, but if they have a family history or have a lot of moles, make sure to get a skin exam,” Jamora says.
Skin cancer is exclusive to the elderly
Anyone—children and young adults—can also be affected and infected by skin cancer. In fact, the rate of melanoma in young women increased in 1973-2004, hence, the importance of early detection and prevention.
Sun protection and sun damage myths
To avoid sun burn and cancer, avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is also very advisable to wear sunglasses, UV-protective clothing, and wide-brimmed hats. If one cannot hide from the sun, wear sunscreen with minimum sun protection factor (SPF) 30, half an hour prior to sun exposure and re-apply every one to two hours.
Wearing long sleeves provides enough sun protection
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a white shirt has an SPF of approximately 7 but it drops to 3 once it gets wet. To test the fabric, hold it up against the light and see if rays can pass through it.
A sunscreen with SPF 30 has twice the protection than SPF 15
UV protection from the sun’s rays does not actually increase in proportion to an SPF number. An SPF 30 screens 97% of UVB rays while SPF15 screens 93% of rays. A sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or greater to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. No sunscreen can provide 100% UVB protection but using greater SPF provides greater protection. The adequate amount of sunscreen is one shot glass for the whole body, when one failed to follow the recommended amount, the efficacy of the lotion is somehow decreased.
Sunscreen vs. sun block
Jamora explains that there is no difference between the two terms but ‘sun block’ seems an advertisement expression; one cannot totally block the sun’s UV rays.
Sunscreen causes Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient for strong bones and healthy immune system. However, small amounts of UV rays can still penetrate the skin even with sunscreen lotion. This is enough to help the body produce vitamin D but what is more advisable is to eat vitamin D-rich food such as fish and dairy products.
Eighty percent of sun damage occurs before 18
Studies show that people get less than 25% of their total lifetime sun exposure before the age 18, which means we get majority of sun damage later in life.
Some types of UV rays are safe
UVA rays, which pass through the window glass, can penetrate deeper into the thickest layer of the skin. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system and skin ageing. On the other hand, UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburn. All forms of UV exposure, whether from natural sunlight or artificial light sources found in tanning beds, are unsafe.
On base tan as skin protection and safety of tanning beds
A tan is a sign of skin damage from UV radiation. It accelerates the ageing process and risk of getting all types of skin cancer. Indoor tanning equipments produce artificial UVA and UVB, which is similar to the amount of radiation produced when under the sun, sometimes even greater. In the US, females aged 15-29 who have melanoma cases in torso are increasing.
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