“Dear Dr Seckel, I was recently diagnosed with melanoma and since then have been searching for a good sunblock for myself and my infant son.” - Lauren, Billerica, MA
Dear Lauren,
Sun exposure definitely increases the risk for Melanoma, especially in people who have a family history of melanoma.
Sun block is crucial and sun avoidance is very important especially for your children.
The best sun blocks today also contain the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. Studies have shown that these vitamins triple the effectiveness of sun block.
Check the back of the bottle of any sun block and make sure the block contains these vitamins.
You asked about a sun block made by La Roche Pussay. I have checked the company’s sun blocks and although they make excellent sun blocks I could find none that contain Vitamins A, C, and E.
One block that contains these Vitamins A, C, and E is Ultra Sheer Sunscreen with AO 7 by Coppertone. This block is hypoallergenic and has an SPF of 45.
Sun block alone is not enough for a person with a history or family history of Melanoma.
In Australia where Melanoma is very common people teach their children a saying: “Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap” - which means slip on a shirt, slop on sun block, slap on a hat, ands wrap around sunglasses.
Sun avoidance is very important especially for your children. 80% of sun exposure occurs during childhood and the effects on the skin are cumulative.
Current recommendations are that your children wear clothing such as a rash guard or wet suit when out in the sun.
I recommend you read chapter 4 ” How to prevent facial aging” in my book Save Your Face for a detailed discussion on sun avoidance.
Thank you for this important question. Visit my Boston Plastic Surgery Practice or read Save Your Face.
Boston, Massachusetts
Peabody, Massachusetts