5 Skin Cancer Myths

If it's sunny where you live, A) I'm envious, because it's at best spottily so in San Francisco but B) it's time for you to do an annual review of your skin protection strategy. After months of cold weather it might be tempting to race out into the rays without giving a thought to SPF, but remember that bad things could result—wrinkles and age spots at a minimum, and possibly skin cancer.

To help you brush up on the basics of summer skin protection Dr. Tina Alster, a Washington, DC-based dermatologist, reveals five common misconceptions:

Myth: If I wear a lot of sunscreen I won't get enough Vitamin D.

Truth: "While many people are Vitamin D deficient, exposing your skin to the summer sun unprotected is not the answer," says Dr. Alster. "You only need ten minutes of mid-day sun to produce enough Vitamin D for the day."

Myth: If my makeup or moisturizer contains SPF, I'm covered.

Truth: "These products provide good coverage for limited amounts of sun exposure, like what you get walking from your car to the office, but if you're planning outdoor activity these products probably won't be enough," says Dr. Alster. "When you're outdoors for an extended period you should apply at least a marble-size amount to your face and a golf-ball size amount to your body and reapply that at least every two hours."

Myth:  Waterproof sunscreen stays put in the ocean or pool.

Truth: "Waterproof sunscreen will only protect you while you're in the water," says Dr. Alster. "After you get out and towel off, you need to reapply." You probably know this one already, but it's always good to be reminded.  I know that I get lazy about reapplying SPF after I go for a dipl.

Myth: The chemicals in sunscreen are bad for me.

Truth: "Chemicals are only bad for you if you have sensitive skin. But now there are several sunscreens available that do not contain chemicals—look for ones that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients." Says Dr. Alster.

I have to add here that I disagree with the good doctor on this one—regardless of whether you have "sensitive" skin or not, the chemicals in sunscreen get absorbed into your bloodstream. Even though my skin isn't sensitive I only wear mineral sunscreens like the ones Dr. Alster describes, which sit on your skin to provide a physical block, rather than getting absorbed into it. You can learn which ones are the safest using the Environmental Working Group's Sunscreen Guide.

Myth: If none of my moles or freckles look funny, I don't need to see a dermatologist

Truth: "Everyone should have their skin checked once a year, every year, by a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer prevention and treatment," says Dr. Alster. She recommends you find a doctor using Avvo.com, a free website that offers ratings and reviews of doctors allover the US. And if you write a doctor review on the site in May, Avvo.com will donate $5 for every review to the Melanoma Research Foundation (because May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month).

More about skincare and Vitamin D:

Should You Skip Sunscreen? The Vitamin D Dilemma

Certain Sunscreens Could Cause Cancer