Anne Arundel Dermatology > Skin Cancer Myths You Should Stop Believing

Skin Cancer Myths You Should Stop Believing

April 28th, 2017
By Anne Arundel Dermatology

You don’t burn so you won’t get skin cancer.

There’s no such thing as a healthy tan. Any change in your natural skin color is a sign of skin damage. Over time, being in the sun can lead to skin cancer.

If you have dark skin, you aren’t at risk.

Though naturally dark people have a lower risk of skin cancer than fair-toned people, this doesn’t mean they’re immune to skin cancer. Also, cases of skin cancer in people with dark skin tones are not detected until later stages, which is even more dangerous.

Teens and young adults don’t have to worry about skin cancer. 

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults, ages 25 to 29. Always check your skin and be alert to any mole changes.

A base tan will protect you from skin cancer.

A base tan only gives your skin an SPF of 3-4 and you are supposed to have an SPF of 30 for adequate protection. All tans can serve as a precursor to skin cancer.

You only get skin cancer on parts of your body that are exposed.

Skin cancer can develop on any part of your body. And if you develop skin cancer in one of these suspicious places: your genitals, palms of your hands, soles of your feet, underneath your nails, etc., it can be more deadly.

You won’t get skin cancer if you use sunscreen.

If you’re putting sunscreen on wrong, you are putting yourself at risk. Apply 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. Use an ounce of SPF 30 to cover your entire body. Reapply every two hours or every hour if you’re swimming and/or sweating.

You don’t need any more SPF than what’s in your cosmetics.

Some makeup offers SPF, but most people don’t wear enough to completely protect you. It is recommended that you use a sunscreen in addition to your cosmetics.

  • NaDerm-Blog
    Tretinoin and Retinol Which Therapy Should You Choose?
    Retinoids are popular skin care products that penetrate your skin and help boost its youthful...
    Read More
  • laser-hair-blog
    Laser Hair Removal and Different Skin Types (The Fitzpatrick Scale)
    If you’re considering removing unwanted hair, getting the most accurate information about today’s technologies is important....
    Read More
  • red-light-blog
    IPL Versus LED Red Light Therapy for Facial Skin
    Many skin rejuvenation products are available in today’s aesthetic dermatology market. You may have heard...
    Read More
  • Hair-Remova
    Hair Removal Techniques Explained
    Ahh, summertime – time for donning shorts and tank tops…and getting smooth legs and bikini...
    Read More