#10: Does Sun Protection Work?

Jul 8, 2024

Exploring the impact of sun exposure on skin health, the podcast delves into the risks of skin aging and various types of skin cancer. It discusses the importance of sun protection, the effectiveness of sunscreens, and the correlation between childhood sunburns and skin cancer risk. The host also addresses listener questions on topics like exercise programs and multivitamin usage.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Exploring the Effects of Sun Exposure on Skin Health

02:42 • 5min

Exploring Sun Exposure, Skin Aging, and Skin Cancer Risk

07:40 • 24min

Importance of Sun Protection and Listener Questions

31:25 • 3min

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Introduction

Health Tips: Check out my Instagram for daily health tips (@DrBobbyLiveLongAndWell).
If you can message me through my website, it allows me to respond to you. The podcast comment function gets to me but I cannot respond to you.

Take-home Messages

Enjoy the sun but protect your skin and eyes.
The evidence on sun exposure's health effects is moderately clear, but leaves some questions unanswered.

Impact of Sun Exposure on Health

Skin Aging: Studies show that UV exposure accelerates skin aging, causing wrinkles and pigmentation changes.
Skin Cancer: Types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma (most severe).

Who's at Risk for Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is quite common
Fair-skinned individuals are most susceptible, as are Australians likely due to fair complexion and high UV exposure.

Evidence on Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer

Studies show that childhood sunburns correlate with increased skin cancer risk later in life.
The evidence is somewhat less clear about the risk of sun exposure later in life for the development of skin cancer.
UV exposure from tanning beds also increases skin cancer risk significantly.

Challenges in Sun Protection

Effectiveness of Sunscreens: Sunscreens reduce aging effects and reduce sun burns. The evidence is not clearcut, but it appears that sun protection reduces the risk of melanoma, and likely other skin cancers as well.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of spf 30 or higher skin protection when outdoors.
Behavioral Factors: People using sunscreen might stay longer in the sun, offsetting protective benefits and making the evidence less striking on reduction in skin cancer. Men are less likely to use sunscreens.

Practical Sun Protection Tips

Types of Sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher recommended; mineral and chemical options available. The best sunscreen is the one that you will use regularly.
Application: Apply generously and reapply every couple of hours, especially in sunny and sweaty conditions.
Clothing and Accessories: Long sleeves, hats, and UV-protective sunglasses are effective approaches.

Protecting Your Eyes

UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Wear UV protective sun glasses

Conclusion
I protect myself with sun screen, clothing, and sun glasses. I also see the dermatologist yearly