Fortunately, the earth's ozone layer blocks out the shortest wavelength of ultraviolet light, UVC.  Unfortunately, both UVB and UVA are still able to penetrate to the earth's surface.  Both UVA and UVB have been shown to increase one's likelihood of developing skin cancer.  1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. 

 

There are 3 common types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma.  Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and the least aggressive.  The most serious of the three, is melanoma.  Sadly, the number of new melanoma diagnoses continues to rise.  1 person dies every 60 minutes from melanoma in the United States. 

 

More than 90% of all skin cancers is caused by sun exposure (ultraviolet light).  We must educate from a very early age the importance of ultraviolet protection.  The best protection is alway provided by covering up: hats, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirts, long pants.  If this is not possible, we recommend proper use of sunblock.

 

There are 3 ingredients that stand above all others when it comes to best protecting against both UVB and UVA.  Those 3 ingredients are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and parsol 1789 (avobenzone).  Recently, a new photostablilizing additive has been introduced to both Neutrogena and Aveeno sunblocks.  This ingredient (Neutrogena's Helioplex and Aveeno's Active Photobarrier Complex) provides added benefit.