5 burning questions about sun protection and skin cancer

July 5, 2019

Stephanie Savory, M.D. Dermatology

As we approach the heart of another Texas summer, many patients have questions about how to protect themselves and their family members from the sun's harshest rays. I recently completed a Q&A video series that featured answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about sun protection and skin cancer:

1. Does sunscreen block 100% of the sun's rays?

When shopping for sunscreen, the SPF, or sun protection factor, will help determine what percentage of the sun's rays will be blocked. While no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun's rays, in this video I discuss the levels of coverage you can expect from various sun protection products.

2. Can tanning, either indoors or outdoors, lead to cancer?

There are definitely many myths and risks associated with tanning. In this video, I'll separate facts from fiction before you head out into the sun or the tanning booth.

3. What should I be looking for when picking a sunscreen?

There are so many sun protection options, which is a good thing. But it can also be confusing. In this video, I'll give you some guidelines to help find a dedicated sunscreen that has high enough SPF and is also comfortable to wear on a daily basis.

4. Do you have to reapply water-resistant sunscreen? And if so, how often?

Many of today's sunscreens tout that they're water-resistant, but results can vary. It may be necessary to reapply, particularly if you're sweating a lot or getting in an out of the water. In this video, I'll discuss the scenarios that may require you to reapply sunscreen for full protection.

5. How can I tell if a mole or sunspot might be skin cancer?

The ABCDEs of melanoma detection can help you inspect skin lesions or moles that are suspicious. This video will walk through the easy-to-remember guidelines for identifying potential melanomas.

If you or a loved one has questions or concerns about skin cancer, you can make an appointment online or call 214-645-8300.

More in: Cancer, Dermatology, Prevention, skin cancer,, sunscreen