How to Properly Protect Yourself Against Skin Cancer and Premature Aging
Photo: CN Digital Studio1/5What do you think is the most common skincare sin that teens commit?
Not using sunscreen! Teens are notorious for spending long times in the sun without protection.
What types of sunscreen would you recommend for acne-prone skin?
Check for things that say oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means they don't clog the pores. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and I'd also recommend an SPF of at least 30.
Photo: courtesy of Peter Thomas Roth2/5Are there extra precautions teens can take in addition to wearing sunscreen?
You can layer mineral makeup powder that contains zinc and titamiun as second form of protection on top of your regular SPF. I wouldn't use mineral makeup as your main sunscreen, but it's great for layering.
Should sunscreen be reapplied even if you're going to spend most of the day inside?
You don't need to reapply it if you're going to be indoors, but if you're sitting near a window or will be in a car, you should reapply every two hours.
Photo: CN Digital Studio3/5What areas of the body do people most commonly neglect when applying sunscreen?
Their neck, chest, ears, back of the neck, and their hands. You can also sunburn on your scalp. Use a spray sunscreen to protect that area.
At what age should someone begin getting checked for skin cancer?
We recommend age eighteen and above on an annual basis, but younger teens should come in if they have a history of skin cancer in their family or have been to tanning beds.
Photo: courtesy of Neutrogena4/5How often should teens be checked for skin cancer?
We recommend a self skin examination once a month at home and once a year with your dermatologist. Go to AAD.com to find out how you can get a free skin cancer screening.
What are some warning signs that a spot should get checked out right away?
Learn the ABCDE rule. A stands for asymmetry, B stands for border irregularity, C stands for color changes, D stands for diameter, and E stands for evolution.
Photo: courtesy of Jergens5/5Besides skin cancer, what are the repercussions of not wearing SPF?
Premature aging, like lines, wrinkles, and sun spots!
Often, people go to tanning beds to get a "base tan." Is this ever a good idea?
There is no safe tan out there and tanning beds can kill you. When you tan in a tanning bed, you're at a higher risk for developing the bad kind of skin cancer, melanoma. Sunless tanner is the only thing I'd recommend to get some color.
