Two very different reasons to protect ourselves from the sun

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In this article, I will discuss two videos that were specifically designed for a scientific study that was later published in the *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology* in 2014.

Both videos explain the different types of UV rays and the damage each can cause to the skin. They also provide a general overview of the different types of sunscreen. From this point on, each video takes a different approach. The first video explains the risks of developing melanoma, a potentially fatal form of skin cancer. The second, however, bypasses the topic of cancer and focuses on the cosmetic consequences of sun exposure, such as age spots, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, and rough skin. It emphasizes that using sunscreen starting in one’s youth can prevent any of these issues.

Teenagers are more likely to use sunscreen to prevent wrinkles than to prevent skin cancer

The study shows that American teenagers are more afraid of wrinkles than of cancer. The researchers reached this conclusion by showing one group of young people one video and another group a different one. A greater number of teenagers who watched the video focusing on aesthetic concerns began using sunscreen, compared to the other group. I find this an interesting finding, though on the other hand it’s not surprising given the importance of physical appearance at that age. Which video makes the biggest impact on you?

It seems that the topic of adolescence and sunscreen is trending, because another leading dermatology journal, JAMA Dermatology, has just published another article noting that the use of UVA lamps among adolescents is associated with risky behaviors. Those who use them drink, have unhealthy eating habits, are more promiscuous, use illegal drugs and steroids, and smoke more frequently than those who do not use UVA lamps. It seems that the approach to sun protection needs to be different for young people than for those in other age groups….