The Dark Side of Tanning

With warmer weather finally here, it’s only natural for young men and women to head to the beaches or their local swimming pools to catch a few hours of sunlight. Having tanned skin often goes hand-in-hand with feeling more attractive and confident.

However, these pool and beach ventures can pose a serious risk to your health. UV radiation exposure from indoor and outdoor tanning is the leading cause of skin cancer. Individuals who tan indoors increase their risk of melanoma by 75%. While skin cancer is a prominent side effect of tanning, other risks are likely, such as burns and injury to the skin, premature aging of the skin, and immune system suppression.

Despite the risks and potential impact that tanning indoors and/or outdoors can do to your skin and health, young women and teens continue to pursue the bronze glow. A recent study showed 86% of tanners recognize that tanning beds could lead to skin cancer.

So why do people continue to tan despite the many health risks that are associated with indoor and outdoor tanning? In a recent survey, 35% of respondents felt peer pressure to be tan. This pressure might arise more intensely when special events are approaching, such as graduation, prom, galas, and even bathing suit season.

It is important that teens understand there are healthy alternatives to tanning. Spray tans, sunless tanning lotions and gels are great alternatives to traditional tanning. These products contain the chemical DHA which acts as a safe tanning ingredient when applied externally on the skin.

Fighting the sunlight’s dangerous UV rays with healthy alternatives to tanning will provide your skin with a more youthful complexion. But most importantly, it will significantly decrease your chance of developing skin cancer.

Think Skin Cancer is Rare? Think Again!

On May 14th, I participated in a free skin cancer screening at St. Francis Hospital. The participating physicians and I saw 171 people.

Out of those screened, 31 people had some form of skin cancer, either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Fifty-six others had actinic keratosis, a precancerous growth.

Twenty-four participants had atypical moles. Doctors also found possible melanoma on two people and suggested biopsies for another 53 participants.

And that was just in three hours!

Though skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer, it is also the easiest to prevent. Using sunscreen, reducing sun exposure, and getting regular check-ups are a few easy ways to lower your risk.

Remember, the earlier you detect skin cancer, the easier it is to treat.

As skin cancer awareness month comes to a close, don’t forget about the risks. Talk to your dermatologist about a skin cancer examination today!

Sun Protection Tips for Working Outdoors

On average, outdoor workers receive five to 10 times more sun exposure each year than indoor workers. For those who work outdoors more than indoors, you are at a greater risk for skin cancer.

According to SunSmart, there are five simple steps that will protect your skin and reduce your risk.

Seek shade! Limit your sun exposure by working in the shade, indoors, or when UV levels are lower, such as in the early morning or late afternoon.
Slip on sun protective work clothing.
Slap on a sun protective hat, such as a Scala or Wallaroo hat sold at Greenville Dermatology.
Slide on sunglasses, preferably ones with ultraviolet protection factor.
Slop on SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. It’s crucial to use sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Following these small but important points will keep your skin safe and diminish your risk of skin cancer and prevent you from being another skin cancer statistic.

For more information on sun protection and to schedule a comprehensive skin cancer screening, call Greenville Dermatology at (864) 242-5872.

Busting Myths on Acne! Myth 2 of 6

Myth 2: Tanning helps clear up skin.


BUSTED! While tanning may hide your pimples, it certainly does not help get rid of them. In fact, tanning may worsen your acne.

After a day in the sun your skin looks better because exposure to the sun helps to even complexion and dry up the surface of the skin, but the long-term damage isn't worth it. Not only are you exposing yourself to harmful UV rays that permanently damage your skin, leading to wrinkles, sun spots and skin cancer, but you are also irritating your skin when you are exposed to too much sun, which in turn aggravates acne.

Additionally, sun damage thickens your skin over time, which makes it harder to clear your pores of acne-causing bacteria. There is no evidence that sun exposure helps reduce acne, so why risk your skin's health? By wearing SPF 30 or higher every day, you are protecting your face from overexposure and the harmful effects of the sun.

If you suffer from acne, look for a sunscreen that is oil-free non-comedogenic, which means it doesn't clog your pores, or a moisturizer that doubles as a sunscreen.

It may be tempting to soak in the sun to disguise your acne, but the results are temporary at best. As I always say, sunscreen is your best ally. Not only does sunscreen protect your skin from premature aging but also prevents the sun from worsening your acne.

Schedule an appointment with me and we'll discuss sunscreen options that won't clog your pores or make you feel greasy. Call (864) 242-5872 today!

Don't forget about our Latisse® discount program going on now, just in time for the holidays! Patients who receive BOTOX® or JUVEDERM® until December 31 will be qualified to receive $100 off their purchase of Latisse®!

DWT: Breaking the laws of skincare

We have all heard about the risks of driving while texting but what about another DWT to consider...Driving While Tanning?

A recent report released from The Skin Cancer Foundation discusses the importance of protecting your skin from damaging UV rays even while in the car.

The report revealed that nearly 53 percent of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or drivers' side of the body. It is reasonable to assume that the increase in skin cancers on the left side of the body could be caused by the UV exposure one would receive while driving a car. If you're one of the over 200 million licensed drivers in the US, this should be of concern to you!

Car windshields are partially treated to filter out UVA, but the side windows of cars let in up to 63 percent of the sun's UVA radiation, and rear windows are not protected at all, leaving your backseat passengers completely exposed.

So be sure to keep sunscreen handy when you take long road trips and skip the sun roof AND the convertible.

For even more sun protection, be sure to wear a hat while driving, particularly one with a 3" brim or larger. We carry a wide variety of Scala hats, these hats offer built-in sun protection, while still looking fashionable. Come by our office to take a look at our selection or call for more information, (864) 242-5872.

Dr. Miller