Sunscreen Reduces Melanoma Risk

Part One of Our Sun & Skin Series

In December of 2010 the results of a landmark study were published by Adele C. Green, MD in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Green’s study showed that use of sunscreen cuts the risk of melanoma in half. This was the first study that used a randomized clinical trial to measure whether sunscreen use was effective in protecting against melanoma. Prior studies had been lab studies or retrospective studies that relied on the subjects’ memories of sunscreen use.

There were some very unique challenges to conducting a study of this type, as the research involved actively working with the subjects. Most case-controlled research is done by observing behavior and gathering existing data rather than actively intervening in people’s lives. Further, a placebo could not be used on the control group as this would subject the participants to dangerous levels of radiation. To address these issues, the test group was given sunscreen and trained its use while a control group of infrequent sunscreen users was asked not to change their existing habits.

The study was conducted in northern Australia, which is an area of high UV radiation and also boasts the world’s highest rate of melanoma. This allowed the researchers to conduct a study with minimal intervention, as environmental conditions were already in place. The study included 1600 participants; from 1992 to 1996 subjects used sunscreen as directed by the study, and in 1997 a ten-year follow-up study was conducted. There were 11 cases of melanoma in the test group (people who used sunscreen regularly, as directed) and 22 cases of melanoma in the control group (people who did not change their sunscreen use habits).

While this is the first study of its kind and more studies will likely be conducted, this is the first research to provide strong direct evidence that sunscreen helps prevent melanoma.

Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, Sunscreen Cuts Melanoma Risk in Half.

Related Reading

Part Two of Our Sun & Skin Series: Sunscreen & Celebrities

Part Three of Our Sun & Skin Series: Ten Tips for Keeping Kids Sun-Safe

Image Skincare Ultimate Defense™ SPF Products

Amae Plastic Surgery Center carries the Image Skincare Daily Defense line of SPF products to help protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet radiation. This next generation of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB moisturizers provide the ultimate in protection from the sun. Image Skincare Daily Defense features products for every skin type, including:

Daily Defense™ Universal Moisturizer SPF 30 for all skin types, normal skin and/or aging skin.

Daily Defense™ Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30 for dry/dehydrated, sensitive or Rosacea-prone skin.

Daily Defense™ Matte Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 30 for oily or acne-prone skin.

Daily Defense™ Moisturizer SPF 30 for all skin types and/or uneven skin color and tone.

Daily Defense™ Ultimate Preventive Moisturizer SPF 35 for all skin types. Designed for highly exposed skin, sports activities and post-treatment skin.

Image Skincare Daily Defense moisturizers use grape-seed derived stem cells to extend the longevity of skin cells, as well as Resveratrol to reduce the risk of free radical damage caused by the sun.

Paraben Free

All Image Skincare products are free of chemical preservatives like parabens. The use of parabens in cosmetics is controversial, as there are clinical studies suggesting that parabens have potential health risks. Image Skincare has removed parabens from its entire product line.

Good for Your Skin, Good for the Environment

Besides being paraben-free, Image Skincare products use no petrochemicals or other chemical preservatives and all fragrances are composed from 100% essential oils. Image products are not tested on animals and are produced with respect to the environment.