The Drs: Addicted To Tanning
Are you getting the best Skin Cancer protection from your Sunscreen? The Doctors shared advice on finding the right products. But first, in a previous episode, The Doctors met a girl who said she was addicted to tanning.
She talked about tanning as much as twice a day, refusing to wear goggles, and knowingly putting herself at risk for skin cancer. Dr Travis Stork reported that Tori has switched to using Spray Tans since her appearance on The Doctors in her own health scare experiment.
The Doctors: Skin Cancer Sun Protection
Though preventable, Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US. Learn how Broad Spectrum Sunscreen works to protect you.
Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer in America, and to talk about prevention and health, The Doctors chatted with Meredith Dixon, a CVS nurse practitioner.
Meredith Dixon recommended limiting one’s sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is strongest. “But if you have to go outside, think about protection,” she said.
The Drs: Premature Skin Aging
Dr Andrew Ordon advised that tanning beds and sun exposure can prematurely age the skin. He suggested 100% UV protection sunglasses, as well as protective clothing and a wide rim hat for the beach. Umbrellas are another great way to get shade.
The Doctors: Alpha Hydroxyl Acids, Prescriptions & Skin Sensitivity
Alpha Hydroxyl acids in facial or skin care products will make skin more sensitive. That means you’re likely to burn or get a rash. Dr Ordon said reading the labels is important.
Dr Travis Stork said prescription or even over the counter medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Bleeding sores, scaly patches and other skin changes are important to note and report to a doctor.
The Drs: Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Meredith Dixon suggested a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, which should be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. “You really need to reapply the sunscreen. Every 1 1/2 to 2 hours, make sure you’re putting it out again.”
The Drs: UVA Vs UVB Rays
There are changes coming to sunscreen labeling. If your product says “Broad Spectrum,” it must provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays for maximum protection.
UVA rays will age the skin, whereas UVB rays cause sunburns. Broad Spectrum products with an SPF 15 or more can claim to reduce skin cancer risk as well as skin aging.
SPF: Sun Protection Factor
Dr Travis explained that SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which rates how well a product protects against UVB rays. Some products may have guidelines for how long the protection should last.
What Happened To Waterproof Sunblock?
Another new labeling change is that products can no longer claim to be:
- sunblock
- sweat-proof
- waterproof
That’s because sunscreens will always wear off over time. Meredith said that sunburns can always be prevented, thanks to knowledge and proper product usage.
The Doctors: Health Scares
Dr Travis recommended being honest and taking action. Let others help to hold you accountable and keep you on track for your health. Even making small changes can have an impact on your health. Dr Travis said it’s OK to make mistakes, and you shouldn’t let a health misstep get you off track.
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