Many people living in Oregon ask, “Do I really need to wear sunscreen?” After all, the state is known for cloudy skies and long stretches without much sun. However, research and health data paint a different picture: sunscreen use is just as important here as in sunnier states—and perhaps even more so.
Oregon’s Surprising Melanoma Rates
While Oregon may not see as much sunlight as places like California or Arizona, it’s ranked 5th in the U.S. for melanoma incidence at one point. This unexpectedly high rate can be attributed to several factors. The state’s population includes many individuals with lighter skin tones, who are at higher risk for skin cancers. Additionally, Oregonians tend to engage in outdoor activities, exposing their skin to UV rays even when the sky is overcast.
Public health campaigns such as the War on Melanoma emphasize the importance of early detection and prevention through proper skin care and regular sunscreen use. These efforts are critical, as melanoma is often more treatable when caught early.
Understanding Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens
When selecting sunscreen, it’s essential to understand the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens.
- Physical sunscreens, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, create a protective barrier on the skin, reflecting UV rays. These are considered the safest choice for sensitive skin and reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation—brown spots or “sunspots” that many people want to avoid. They are also safe for children and babies, making them a good family-friendly option.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, but it takes about 20 minutes for them to neutralize the exposure. The downside? They can increase the risk of hyperpigmentation, leaving darkened areas on the skin that aren’t tans but instead sun-induced discolorations.
SPF Ratings: What Works Best?
Many people wonder if they need different SPFs for their face and body. The truth is that SPF 50 offers excellent protection—blocking 97% of UV rays. While higher SPFs, like 70 or 100, may sound more protective, the difference is minimal, with only about 1% more coverage. In fact, SPF 50 is sufficient for most people, and the focus should be on frequent reapplication rather than buying products with ultra-high SPF ratings.
Sunscreen wears off after a few hours, especially with sweating or swimming, so reapplying it every two to three hours ensures continuous protection. Applying it 20 minutes before going outside also allows it to bond properly to the skin.
Protect Your Skin from Melanoma Year-Round
Even though Oregon isn’t always sunny, UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage. Protecting your skin with sunscreen is a crucial part of preventing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Public health data show that consistent sun protection and early detection efforts are essential to reducing melanoma rates nationwide.
At Northwest Integrative Medicine, we recommend choosing a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and applying it regularly. Not only will this safeguard your skin, but it can also help prevent hyperpigmentation and sunspots. Stick with SPF 50, reapply throughout the day, and save money by avoiding products with excessively high SPFs.
Final Thoughts
Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your skin. Oregon’s surprising melanoma rates are a reminder that everyone can benefit from being proactive about sun safety, no matter where they live.
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- “Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2024. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
- “Melanoma Treatments and Mortality Rate Trends in the US, 1975 to 2019.” JAMA Network Open, 2022. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2799216
- “Melanoma of the Skin Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/statistics/index.html
- “Sunscreen May Reduce Risk of Melanoma.” CancerConnect, 2023. https://news.cancerconnect.com/melanoma/sunscreen-may-reduce-risk-of-melanoma
- “Incidence and Prevention of Skin Cancer in the U.S.” American Academy of Dermatology, 2024. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer