Did you know that every year, 10,000 people in Hawaiʻi are diagnosed with skin cancer? As the most common cancer in the U.S., skin cancer affects at least one out of every five adults in their lifetime. The good news? Almost all skin cancers are preventable by being smart about sun exposure.
Here are five straightforward tips to help you stay safe under the Hawaiian sun.
1. Understand Hawaiʻi’s High UV Index
Hawaiʻi has a high UV index year-round. The daily UV index measures the intensity of solar UV radiation on a scale from 1 to 15, with 15 being the highest risk of overexposure. In Hawaiʻi, the UV index averages 6-7 in the winter and 11-12 in the summer. This means we are at constant risk for skin damage due to our proximity to the equator, where the sun’s rays are more direct. Sun overexposure can also increase the likelihood of developing conditions like melasma in Honolulu.
2. Choose Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
To protect your skin effectively, you need broad-spectrum sunscreen. Two types of UV radiation can harm your skin:
- UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin, reaching the inner layers and causing premature aging effects such as wrinkles and age spots. This type of radiation is present year-round, even on cloudy days, and can damage collagen and elastin fibers, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness over time. Protecting your skin from UVA exposure is essential for maintaining a youthful appearance. If you have specific skin concerns, like sun-induced melasma in Honolulu, consult Dr Tan, the best plastic surgeon Oahu has to offer for specialized skin treatments.
- UVB Radiation primarily affects the epidermis, the top layer of skin, and is a key contributor to sunburns. This type of radiation is most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and prolonged exposure can lead to skin damage, increased risk of skin cancer, and premature aging. Protecting your skin with sunscreen and clothing such as hats, long-sleeve shirts, and pants is essential to minimize the harmful effects of UVB rays.
Both types of UV radiation can damage your skin’s DNA and lead to skin cancer, discoloration, or melasma. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. When shopping for sunscreen, make sure it’s labeled as “broad spectrum” and has an SPF of 30 or higher.
3. Respect Hawaiʻi’s Sunscreen Regulations
Hawaiʻi takes sunscreen seriously. In May 2018, Hawaiʻi became the first state to ban over-the-counter sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate due to their harmful effects on marine life, including coral reefs. This ban, effective January 1, 2021, encourages the use of physical (mineral) sunscreens.
- Physical Sunscreens: These products utilize zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a barrier that effectively reflects UV light. Although they might leave a white cast, advancements in formulation are enhancing their cosmetic appeal. Many brands are now developing tinted options that blend more seamlessly with various skin tones. These mineral-based sunscreens are often praised for their gentle nature, making them suitable for sensitive skin, including skin affected by melasma in Honolulu.
- Chemical Sunscreens: These sunscreens often include ingredients such as avobenzone and oxybenzone that effectively absorb UV rays. However, following the recent ban, these chemical sunscreen options have become limited in Hawaiʻi. This change aims to protect the local marine ecosystem, which these chemicals have negatively impacted. As a result, many residents and tourists are now exploring reef-safe alternatives for sun protection.
4. Apply Sunscreen Properly
The best sunscreen is the one you actually use. It comes in various forms—creams, lotions, gels, sprays, sticks—so pick what suits you best. For optimal protection, apply about an ounce of sunscreen (about a shot glass full) to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
5. Follow the Five S’s of Sun Safety
Sun safety goes beyond just sunscreen. Here are five additional tips to protect your skin:
- SLIP on protective clothing like a t-shirt.
- SLOP on broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+.
- SLAP on a hat with a broad-brim
- SLIDE on a pair of quality sunglasses.
- SHADE yourself well whenever possible.
Consistent sun safety practices are essential to maintaining healthy skin. If you have questions or need personalized skincare advice, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery, where Dr. Tan, the best plastic surgeon on Oahu, can provide advanced treatments to repair your skin from the effects of sun exposure. Dr. Susan Tan and the team are here to help you protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sun.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (808) 636-9084 or email us.
Stay sun-safe, Hawaiʻi!