Not All Sunscreens Are The Same

There are different types of sunscreen (and I don't mean just the SPF rating). They don't all work the same and you should be aware of how they protect you. This topic was discussed at a recent skin cancer screening clinic in Seattle. The quotes below are from a health column by Bob Condor in the Seattle P-I.

"The current data on sunscreens is the best protection comes from what are known as 'physical' sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc dioxide," said Abson. The other category of sunscreens are called "chemical" sunscreens, which means they metabolize with the skin to protect against skin damage. Abson said chemical sunscreens require 20 to 30 minutes before full effectiveness.
(Dr. Kim Abson, chief of dermatology at Swedish Medical Center)

Also, once again, sun block is not a skin cancer prevention cure-all.

In any case, dermatologists are quick to explain sunscreens are far from the end-all and protect-all. "The myth is sunscreens protect against all UV (ultraviolet) rays, A and B," said Dr. Brandith Irwin, who practices at the Madison Skin and Laser Clinic on First Hill. "That's just not the case.

And finally, Washington state has the highest rate of female melanoma in the country.

Here's a compelling statistic from a recent study released by Antioch University researcher Kate Davies. The rate of female melanoma in Washington is the highest of any state in the country. A possible explanation: We are more complacent about protection here in the gray, rainy Northwest. Many sunscreens block out UVB rays and sunburns but don't protect against melanoma.