Dr. Alex's Blog: Sunscreen Myths and Facts

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Sunscreen Myths and Facts

Myth

Sunscreen only needs to be applied in the summer.

Fact

Sunscreen must be applied every day year-round because sun exposure can damage the skin and occurs year-round.

Myth

Sunscreen does not need to be applied to children.

Fact

Sunscreen should be applied to children starting at 6 months of age.

Myth

UV tanning is safe.

Fact

UV tanning is as dangerous as sun exposure.

Myth

Sun exposure does not damage the skin.

Fact

Sun exposure leads to fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations, sunburns, pre-cancers, and skin cancer.

Myth

Sunscreens with SPF 15 found in many makeup products provides sufficient sun protection.

Fact

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreens with SPF at least 30 and with broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB protection).

Myth

Sunscreen is not needed when the sky is overcast.

Fact

Damaging ultraviolet light can penetrate through clouds, which is why sunscreen must be applied even on cloudy days.

Myth

Daily sun exposure is required to provide adequate amounts of vitamin D.

Fact

Adequate amounts of vitamin D can be supplied from the diet. Therefore sun exposure is not recommended as a source of vitamin D because of the dangers of ultraviolet radiation such as fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations, pre-cancers, and skin cancer.

Myth

Those with dark skin do not need sunscreen because they rarely burn.

Fact

Everyone must apply sunscreen because the sun can damage the skin even if you don't burn.

Myth

I do not need to use sunscreen because I wear a hat.

Fact

Dangerous ultraviolet radiation reflects off of soil, sand, water, snow, and asphalt. Therefore hats do not provide complete protection. Sunscreen is necessary.

Myth

Sunscreen is not necessary when driving.

Fact

Dangerous ultraviolet A rays can penetrate glass and lead to signs of aging. Therefore sunscreen should be applied when driving.

Myth

Sunscreen only needs to be applied to the face.

Fact

Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed surfaces of the skin including the face, ears, neck, arms, and legs.

Contact Dr. Alex for a free consultation: 818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com

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Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD was raised in Los Angeles, CA. He attended UCLA for college and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Biology in 1998. He received many accolades including Phi Beta Kappa, College Honors, Departmental Honors, Goldenkey International Honour Society, and Mortar Board National Honors Society.

In 2000, Dr. Alex moved to Nashville, TN to attend the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s distinguished Medical Scientist Training Program. With scholarships from the National Institutes of Health and the Canby Robinson Society, he graduated with an MD and a PhD. Dr. Alex completed his post-graduate training in Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Alex has had clinical training in dermatology at Vanderbilt University, UC Irvine, USC, UCLA, University of New Mexico, Veteran’s Affairs Hospitals in Nashville, TN, Albuquerque, NM, Long Beach, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, as well as in various private clinics in southern California. He is also certified in the injection of Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers as well as in the use of lasers for cosmetic applications.

Dr. Alex has done research for over a decade. His interest in research was sparked early in college when he worked in a nephrology lab. He then spent four years in a molecular biology lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA under the direction of Harold G. Martinson, PhD. His dissertation in graduate school was in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology in the laboratory of James E. Sligh, MD, PhD where he studied genetic factors involved in photo-aging of the skin and in non-melanoma skin cancer. He has given oral and poster presentations at numerous conferences including the American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology, and American Society for Human Genetics. He has publications in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, and Cardiovascular Toxicology. He is also a contributing author for the Textbook of Aging Skin.

Dr. Alex has held a number of leadership positions including University of New Mexico School of Medicine Resident Voice committee member, Committee of Interns and Residents member, Dermatology Interest Group Association president and founding member, Executive Board member of Vanderbilt Hillel, Vanderbilt University MSTP Physician Scientist Speaker Series Committee member, Vanderbilt University Careers in Medicine Interest Group member, Vanderbilt University MSTP Student Advisory Committee member, and Vanderbilt University Dermatology Interest Group president. He has also participated in numerous service activities including Miles for Melanoma, Sun Protection Project, Camp Discovery, Links for Locks, and the Shade Tree Clinic.

At Alex Eshaghian Medical, Dr. Alex is translating his research in photo-aging to his clinical practice. His passion is to prevent signs of aging in the skin to make patients look and feel their best.