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Skin is one of the most important organs in the human body, and it needs attention and care to stay healthy.
When it comes to skincare, less is more. Everyone’s basic skincare routine should include cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen.
What sunscreen works best when you’re sweating outside playing summer sports? Would the same one work for a day in the office? And can that stuff get expensive?
Besides a basic skincare routine, it’s important to notice changes in your skin. But what are normal skin changes versus something a doctor should see?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, and anyone who spends time in the sun is at risk. So how far should you go to protect your skin from the sun? Is tanning OK? What SPF should you use?
Get answers in Episode 41, as Dr. G and his guest, Ryan Freeland, MD, get into more detail on skincare and skin cancer prevention.
Guest
Myths vs. Facts
“If I put sunscreen on in the morning, I’m covered all day.” - Myth
You should reapply every two hours, especially if you’re out in the sun.
“I use an oil suntan lotion that says SPF 15, so I’m OK.” - Myth
Look for an SPF 30 or higher, no matter what product you use.
“Sunburn continues to burn your skin even after getting out of the sun.” - Fact
The burn process continues for at least for a few minutes after you’re out of the sun.
“You can have melanoma and not know it.” - Fact
Most skin cancer is not painful, and often melanoma goes undetected because it can be difficult to find—on your scalp, groin and under fingernails.
“I don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.” - Myth
You should apply sunscreen every day, as UV rays can still penetrate your skin even when the sun isn’t shining.
“A sunscreen with a high SPF means it blocks more UV rays, not that it protects my skin longer.” - Fact
The higher SPF will not last longer, it blocks a higher percentage of UV rays.
“If I have something that looks like a pimple that won’t go away, then I may have skin cancer.” - Fact
If there is something questionable — such as a pimple that doesn’t heal on a sun-damaged area — physicians often consider it cancerous until proven otherwise.
“I need a hat even if I’m using sunscreen.” - Fact
Double coverage is always better.
“Skin cancer doesn’t run in my family, so I don’t have to worry too much about sun protection.” - Myth
People with a family history of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, face a higher risk. But that doesn’t mean those with no family history have no risk.
“If I didn’t wear sunscreen as a kid, starting now won’t help protect against skin cancer.” - Myth
Put on the sunscreen. It’s better to start now than never.
"An 8-ounce tube of sunscreen should not last through your weeklong beach vacation." - Fact
Depending on how much time you spend in the sun. The recommended amount of sunscreen for a full body application for an adult is one ounce, or one full shot glass.
“You want to buy the highest SPF available for babies and young children.” - Fact
Keep the SPF high — at least SPF 30 but up to 120 — and routinely apply to children age 6 months or older. Keep children age 6 months or younger out of the sun.
Listener healthy OH-YEAH!
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