• The skin doesn’t stop reacting to UV rays just because you’re older.
• As we age, the skin thins and loses elasticity, making it more prone to injury and slower to heal.
• The body is less efficient at repairing DNA damage caused by UV rays. That means older skin can get more seriously damaged more easily.
• The skin’s local immune defenses weaken with age, making it harder for the body to stop abnormal cells from becoming cancerous.
• Sun exposure can further suppress the immune response, especially in older adults.

Investigations have indicated that even in your 60s, 70s, 80s, or beyond, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours can prevent new damage, slow skin aging, and lower the risk of skin cancer.

Even though the foundation of sun damage is laid early, continuing to protect your skin makes a real difference later in life. So please do not let your guard down!

Why Is Skin Cancer Increasing?

In the 1990s, tanning beds became particularly popular; however, they have sadly been linked to an earlier onset of melanoma. Spending more leisure time outdoors without adequate sun protection is another contributing factor. Fashion and lifestyle preferences for tanned skin have also played a significant role.  Other factors include:

• Better detection
• Ozone depletion
• The US has a large population with fair skin.

Individuals who were brought up in states like Utah, Minnesota, and Vermont have a higher incidence of melanoma because there tends to be more recreation at higher elevations, and there is a larger population of fair-skinned individuals.

Melanoma-Specific Concerns

While melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, it causes the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. So even a modest rise in incidence has significant implications for public health.

Skin cancer usually develops decades after the initial UV damage, meaning that sunburn in childhood can show consequences later in life. One blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma later.

Because melanoma is treatable and curable, identifying it early is extremely important. Here’s how to spot it before it gets serious:

Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to identify suspicious moles or skin changes.

What you need to look for:

A – Asymmetry- One half of the mole does not match the other.

B – Border -Edges are irregular, blurred, or jagged.

C – Color- Multiple shades (brown, black, red, white, or blue) appear in the same spot.

D – Diameter- Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) but can be smaller.

E – Evolving- Changes in size, shape, or color, or starts itching, bleeding, or crusting.

It is essential to conduct regular skin checks, and while annual or semiannual examinations by a dermatologist are recommended, if you “see something- say something” to your dermatologist sooner rather than later!

What Sunscreens Work Best?

Many residents want to have guidance on what sunscreens to use. Sunscreen prevents sunburn, age spots, wrinkles, leathery skin, and other signs of photoaging. They can help skin look healthier and recover from damage more easily.

What sunscreens are considered to work best? For those interested in a list of recommended brands and types, artificial intelligence has reviewed many different sources of information and has come up with the list you see appended.

Conclusion.

Living in the Sunshine State of Florida offers much to be thankful for. While Engage Estero encourages you to enjoy the outdoors and the many fantastic attractions available, we also want you to stay safe from the risks of UV overexposure from the sun without proper protection. Have a safe and enjoyable time in paradise!

Appendix

Top Sunscreen Types & Best Picks (Source -AI*)

🧪 1. Mineral (Physical) Sunscreens

• Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
• Pros: Great for sensitive skin, starts working immediately
• Best picks:
  • EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – Lightweight, suitable for acne-prone/sensitive skin
  • Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50+ – Excellent for sensitive skin, kids, or post-procedure
  • Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On SPF 50 – Powder form, suitable for reapplication over makeup

2. Chemical Sunscreens

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octinoxate, oxybenzone, etc.
• Pros: Rubs in clear, lightweight, more “cosmetically elegant”

Best picks:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 100 – Super protective, non-greasy
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70 – Affordable, great texture
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 – Clear gel, excellent under makeup

3. For Sensitive or Allergy-Prone Skin

• Avoid: Fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and oxybenzone (can irritate some people)
• Best picks:
  • 🌿 Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🌿 CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30/50

4. For Kids

• Stick with mineral formulas
• Best picks:
  • 🧒 Thinkbaby SPF 50+
  • 🧒 Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 50

 Top 3 All-Around Sunscreens

1. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – best for face, sensitive skin, everyday wear
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 100 – super protective, great for outdoor days
3. Supergoop! Unseen SPF 40 – perfect for under makeup, invisible finish

*Engage Estero is not vouching for or benefiting from specific brands listed above. Always verify that a product’s ingredients are suitable for your individual needs.

Engage Estero provides this information as a service to readers and does not represent itself as a provider of medical advice. Always seek guidance from a medical professional about your specific needs and health.