Moles and the sun: a bad combination
Between childhood and adolescence, sun exposure influences the number of moles that can appear on the skin as well as their size. However, the more moles a person has, the greater their risk of developing a skin cancer, since 35% of skin cancers actually develop from a pre-existing mole1. It is therefore essential to effectively protect children and adolescents from the sun to minimise the appearance of new moles. In addition, overexposure of existing moles to the sun influences the development of lesions that may turn out to be cancerous. It is therefore also important to adopt good habits to protect your moles from UVA and UVB rays, just as you do with your skin.
Protect your moles
To meet these particularly demanding needs, La Roche-Posay laboratory formulated the Anthelios range of sunscreens that combine very high UVA and UVB protection. Anthelios comes in a range of textures to meet the needs and expectations of the most sensitive skin. Looking for a fast-absorbing tinted cream, an ultra-light fluid gel, a smooth milk or a sunscreen specially designed for children's skin? Visit the sun diagnosis to find the protection best suited to you.
To help you stay vigilant and keep an eye on your moles, the Mole Checker developed by La Roche-Posay allows you to map your moles and monitor their evolution between dermatologists’ visits. Remember, the earlier skin cancer is detected, the greater the chances are of it being cured.
Good habits for high protection during sun exposure
As 50 to 70% of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UVA and UVB rays, it is essential to follow a few simple rules in addition to applying sun cream:
- Avoid exposing yourself to the sun between the hours of 12pm and 4pm
- Opt for shade rather than direct exposure
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours
- Reduce children's sun exposure as much as possible because their skin is much more sensitive than adults' skin. Clothes (hats, t-shirts and sunglasses) are still the best protection against UV rays
1 The Syndicat National des Dermatologues-Vénérologues (National Union of Dermatologists-Venereologists).
