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What’s a myth and what’s real when it comes to avoiding UV rays
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Captain Cutaneum, the alter ego of mild-mannered Gilbert dermatologist Ruskin Lines, discusses sun protection in April 2006 with students at Lindbergh Elementary School in Mesa.
Leigh Shelle Robertus, Tribune
When it comes to sun protection, there’s more than meets the eye.
Tans may look “cool” and freckles “cute,” but both are markers of sun damage, says Dr. Ruskin Lines, a dermatologist in Gilbert.
In the form of his alter ego, the costumed “Captain Cutaneum” (which is Latin for skin), Lines regularly visits East Valley elementary schools to educate children on the dangers of skin cancer. He says it’s never too early to start learning about sun protection.
In fact, Lines says, how a person is exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays in their early years will set the stage for how healthy their skin will be later in life. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays over time can genetically alter cells and possibly lead to cancer, says Lines, not to mention produce brown spots and an aged appearance.
Lines says although skin cancer is a common problem, the public still isn’t quite up to speed on best prevention practices.
How well are you and your family prepared against the strong East Valley sun?
Lines clears up the myths and offers the following tips:
• Is it safe to tan at a tanning salon? “No,” says Lines. “A tan is damage to the skin,” he says, pointing out that ultraviolet radiation is ultraviolet radiation regardless of the source.
• Is sunscreen the best defense? Lines says sunscreen shouldn’t be the only option. “Shade is the best form of sun protection,” he says, recommending wide-brimmed hats and clothing. The time to be the most cautious is when your shadow is the shortest. That’s when ultraviolet light is the most intense, says Lines.
• How often should sunscreen be applied? Lines says a popular misconception is that sunscreen can last throughout the day. Not so. The chemicals in sunscreen degrade over time, says Lines. As a rule, sunscreen should be reapplied every couple of hours regardless of whether you take a dip in the pool.
• Are fair-skinned people the only ones at risk for sun damage? Lines says many olive-skinned types, who bronze easily in the sun, think they’re in the clear, when in fact, “they represent a large number of skin cancer cases.” The bottom line, for all skin types, is to be smart about taking care of your skin.
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