SUNSCREEN CAUSES MELANOMA
FALSE! Many patients worry that instead of preventing this deadly form of skin cancer, sunscreen can actually cause the disease. However, there are NO studies to support this notion. In fact, a recent groundbreaking study found that regular sunscreen use reduced the incidence of melanoma by 50-73%!
Of the seven most common cancers in the US, melanoma is the only cancer whose incidence is actually increasing, and about 86% of melanomas can be attributed to UV exposure from the sun. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF 35 daily and avoiding artificial UV exposure from tanning beds are the best defenses against this deadly disease.
SUNSCREEN IS ONLY NEEDED WHEN GOING TO THE BEACH OR GOLFING
FALSE! Patients regularly assure me they wear sunscreen when at the beach or golfing. While this is great, research has shown up to 78% of sun exposure comes incidentally (driving, walking to the car, etc). SPF 35 sunscreen is needed every day, rain or shine, to prevent harmful UV damage. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the neck, ears, chest, and hands. Many people neglect these areas, and these spots are the first to give away signs of aging.
Stay tuned for Part Two of Debunking Sunscreen Myths, when Naples plastic surgeon, Dr. Kent Hasen, addresses concerns regarding the chemicals in sunscreen.
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