By Elizabeth Siegel, Allure
Today is Earth Day, and I know what you're thinking: I recycle! I carry a tote! I'm vaguely aware of what a phthalate is! But did you know that the damage we're doing to the environment is responsible for deadly (and yes, probably unsightly) skin damage? Drew Shindell, a scientist at NASA Goddard Institute of Space Studies, says that there is a direct correlation between the thinning ozone layer and the increased prevalence of skin cancer.
[post_ads]At a recent summit on climate change and its impact on skin health, hosted by Neutrogena, Shindell explained that UV exposure is higher now than it has been since scientists began recording it. "UV exposure increases by about 33 percent for every 20 percent loss of the ozone layer." The result has been about a 33 percent increase in the incidences of skin cancer. And that means that more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year in the U.S.
I know what you're thinking: How is this possible? I wear an SPF every day—surely everyone else does, too. But they don't. Only about 20 percent of Americans use sun protection daily, says Steven Wang, director of dermatology at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. So here's what you can do: Keep wearing that sunscreen and make sure your friends and loved ones do, too. And if you don't already have a dermatologist, you can check out the American Academy of Dermatology's website for info on free skin-cancer screenings.
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[post_ads]At a recent summit on climate change and its impact on skin health, hosted by Neutrogena, Shindell explained that UV exposure is higher now than it has been since scientists began recording it. "UV exposure increases by about 33 percent for every 20 percent loss of the ozone layer." The result has been about a 33 percent increase in the incidences of skin cancer. And that means that more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year in the U.S.
I know what you're thinking: How is this possible? I wear an SPF every day—surely everyone else does, too. But they don't. Only about 20 percent of Americans use sun protection daily, says Steven Wang, director of dermatology at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. So here's what you can do: Keep wearing that sunscreen and make sure your friends and loved ones do, too. And if you don't already have a dermatologist, you can check out the American Academy of Dermatology's website for info on free skin-cancer screenings.
RELATED LINKS:
