Q: I have had my share of fun in the sun, ending with a basal cell carcinoma. While on a snorkeling trip in Maui, the first mate shared her tanning secret. Desitin is the best sun block ever! Her doctor recommended she wear it and she has a beautiful tan. I have tried testing the Desitin to see if it really works by putting it on my face and legs but not my arms. Sorry to say the arms were toasted, as in winner of the lobster bake-off. Face and legs have a nice, even tan. There are a couple of side effects but no freckles, no age spots, and very soft, tanned skin. I use it regularly because I work outside. Just apply it once, when I brush my teeth in the morning and I’m good to go all day without burning. If it’s safe for a baby’s bottom, it’s safe all over. I’ve shared the tip with lots of people. It’s cheap and works great!
A: And now you’ve shared it with many others. Desitin was designed to treat and prevent diaper rash, as well as other minor skin irritations including scrapes, cuts and burns such as that from the sun. It works by forming a barrier when applied to the skin to protect it from irritating substances. The primary active ingredient in this product is zinc oxide, followed by mineral oil, beeswax, microcrystalline wax, dimethicone, magnesium sulfate, sorbitan sesquioleate, PEG-30, dipolyhydroxtysterate, phenoxyethanol, potassium hydroxide, propylparaben, tocopheryl acetate, and aloe leaf juice. There are also several inactive ingredients. In rare instances, some of the ingredients may cause an adverse reaction. The topical should be discontinued if a person’s condition worsens or if symptoms last more than 7 days. There is also an adult Desitin used as a moisturizer to treat and prevent dry, rough skin and minor skin irritations such as received from radiation therapy.
The US government has identified ultraviolet radiation rays both from the sun and from tanning booths as a cause of cancer in humans. In fact, it is estimated that the sun causes up to 90% of all non-melanoma skin cancers and other research links it to 65% of all melanomas. Each year, an estimated 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer occur in our country in the form of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. As if that weren’t enough, photo-aging or skin aging from ultraviolet rays leads to wrinkling, sagging and a leather-like texture to skin, along with liver spots on exposed skin. Ultraviolet rays appear to also weaken our immune system surveillance mechanisms. The answer– sunscreen, or other topicals such as the one you have recommended. While individuals with dark skin are not as high risk as those with fair-skin, they, too, should use a sunscreen. For sufficient protection from melanomas/skin cancers/photo-aging, every individual over the age of six months should use sunscreen every day if they are exposed to the sun. While there may be a haze in warmer weather, the sun’s rays can be extremely damaging as they filter through cloud cover. And for those individuals out in the wintertime with the sun overhead, the reflection off snow can be quite damaging. In fact, the World Health Organization has stated that fresh snow is a particular good reflector and almost doubles a person’s UV exposure.
So, readers, take heed as our writer did by wearing sunscreen. Stay out of the direct sun from late morning to early afternoon when the sun’s rays are most damaging. And while you’re at it, think of your eyes that can become extremely sensitive to the sun by wearing sunglasses. You will be glad you did, and your skin and eyes will thank you in the years to come.
