Question 1

What Is Comprehensive Photoprotection? Why It Is the Best Prevention?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive photoprotection is the best preventive strategies. It does not rely on one protection method. It emphasizes multiple different steps of protection against UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources.

These steps include:
1. Avoid excessive sun exposure and stay away from tanning booths.
2. Seek shade.
3. Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.
4. Use sunscreens.
5. Take oral supplements

Interview With the Expert

Dr. Henry Lim explains what is the comprehensive photoprotection strategy and why so many people have a difficult time to avoid excessive amount of UV exposure.

Question 2

Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?

Accepted Answer

The scientific and clinical data is very clear on this issue. Sunscreens when used properly definitely prevents sunburn and skin cancers.

Interview With the Experts

Dr. Henry Lim

Dr. Darrell Rigel

Question 3

Controversy #1: Sunscreen and Systemic Absorption

Accepted Answer

There were two studies conducted by the FDA in 2019 and 2021, which showed that sunscreen use at the maximal usage level can lead to systemic absorption of some the UV filters in the blood.

Watch the Interviews with the Experts below to hear their take on this issue.

Dr. Henry Lim

Dr. Adam Friedman

Question 4

Controversy #2: Sunscreen and Nanoparticles

Accepted Answer

Nanoparticles are defined as any particles smaller than 100nm in size. For the physical sunscreens, nano-sized TiO2 and ZnO are needed to create sunscreen that does not have the white opaque appearance. There was some concerns regarding the whether these tiny sized particles will penetrate the skin and get absorbed into the body.

Watch the Interview With the Experts

Dr. Adam Friedman

Question 5

Controversy #3: Sunscreen and Coral Reef

Accepted Answer

There were a few laboratory studies showing a potential that sunscreens may be harmful to coral reefs. Although these data were not complete or even regarded as flawed, Hawaii has banned sunscreens that contain Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.

Watch the Interview With the Experts to learn about the real truth

Dr. Adam Friedman

Dr. Darrell Rigel

Question 6

Controversy #4: Sunscreen and Endocrine Disruptor

Accepted Answer

There were a few animal studies linking oxybenzone, one of the commonly used sunscreen filters, to potentially disrupting endocrine regulation.

Watch the Interview With the Experts to learn about the real truth

Dr. Adam Friedman

Question 7

Benefits of Oral Supplements

Accepted Answer

Recent studies have shown that oral supplements are helpful to reduce skin cancer and prevent sunburn.

There are two major oral supplements, Polypodium Lucotomas and Niacinamide

Interview With the Expert

Dr. Henry Lim discusses the benefits of Polypodium Lucotomas

Dr. Henry Lim discusses the benefits of Niacinamide

Question 8

Do We Need A High SPF Sunscreen?

Accepted Answer

Sunscreen with a high SPF offers more UV protection. However, there is a debate contending that the maximal SPF value of any sunscreen should be limited to SPF 60. One of the benefit for the cap is to ensure that people don't just rely on sunscreen as the sole protective modality.

Watch the Interview With the Experts to hear the potential downside of this cap.

Dr. Darrell Rigel

Question 9

How Should People With Dark Skin Protect Themselves?

Accepted Answer

Compared to people with lighter skin, people with darker skin, such as Asians, African Americans and Hispanics, have a different types of melanin in their skin. They are more protected from the harmful UV radiation, but they are more prone to hyperpigmenation (dark pigmentation) induced by UV and visible sun light.

Interview With the Experts

Dr. Henry Lim

Question 10

Never Use Indoor Tanning Devices

Accepted Answer

The tanning industry markets their services by tapping into our society’s misguided notion that tanned skin is attractive and sexy. They promote the idea that tanned skin conveys an impression of wealth and affluence.

The reality is that tanning beds and lamps emits a very high level of UV radiation. It is very potent in causing DNA damages and skin cancers. In fact, tanning bed use is the leading cause of melanomas in young adults.

No one should use a tanning booth. Anyone who has a personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers must not use a tanning booth. If you have had any form of skin cancer, you should definitely tell your children and siblings to avoid tanning beds.

Interview With the Experts

Dr. David Fisher discusses physiologic basis about tanning and why it is a bad idea to get a tan.

Question 11

What Sunscreens Do the Experts Use?

Accepted Answer

There has always been controversies surrounding sunscreens. The bottomline is that sunscreens are safe and effective in preventing skin cancers.

Patients always want to know what sunscreens do dermatologists use.

Watch the Interview With the Experts to hear what they use. Some are the answers are funny and surprising.

Dr. Henry Lim

Dr. Adam Friedman

IV. How Can I Prevent Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers?

What Is Comprehensive Photoprotection? Why It Is the Best Prevention?

Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?

Controversy #1: Sunscreen and Systemic Absorption

Controversy #2: Sunscreen and Nanoparticles

Controversy #3: Sunscreen and Coral Reef

Controversy #4: Sunscreen and Endocrine Disruptor

Benefits of Oral Supplements

Do We Need A High SPF Sunscreen?

How Should People With Dark Skin Protect Themselves?

Never Use Indoor Tanning Devices

What Sunscreens Do the Experts Use?