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Sunscreen
Another hot summer, and another doctor telling you all the same things about sunscreen, right?
Well, maybe not.
Let me start by debunking a few myths that have gained popularity in recent years:
- First: Sunscreen causes skin cancer. This is absolutely not true.
- Second: Sunscreen can cause internal damage. Also false.
- Third: Sunscreen reduces your ability to form vitamin D.
OK, you got me on that one, but very little, and not enough to be significant. You get plenty of vitamin D from the food you eat, the supplements you take, and the 15 or more minutes a day you spend in the sun.
In fact, everything we know about sunscreen is positive: It can prevent cancer, reduce the appearance of aging, and has no negative side effects. Period.
So use a sunscreen with sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or greater. Apply it often and don’t skimp on the amount. Don’t let the sun spoil your fun this summer.
This is Dr. Bruce Feinberg. Be well.
