Dermatologist tackles popular skin and sun myths

Friday, July 24, 2015, 7:23 PM - Among the many highlights of summer, sunshine and warm weather top the list.

But too much sunshine comes with risks to the skin -- burns being among the most common damage inflicted by the sun.

Various precautionary measures, including the use of sunscreen, are reoccurring subjects of debate, so Weather Network news reporter Kelly Noseworthy spoke with dermatologist Cheryl Rosen to find out more about some of the most common sun and skin myths.

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Rosen is a clinical researcher and the head of the clinical division at the Toronto western Research Institute.

"I would say that one of the [top myths] is the use of a base tan," Rosen says.

A base tan refers to the practice of tanning (commonly under an indoor-UV lamp) for a few sessions in order to protect against burning in the sun.

"It's a term that we don't use in dermatology, it's really seeking damage to prevent more damage," Rosen adds.

Frequent and repetitive exposure to ultra-violet radiation increases the risk of premature skin cancer and skin aging, as noted by the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. These risks remain whether UV-exposure occurs from sun exposure, or indoor-tanning lamps.

Another myth: sunbathers should skip the sunscreen.

"Canadians do not use as much sunscreen as one would hope, and it would be really great if more and more Canadians -- young people and old people -- would use more sunscreen and more methods of protecting their skin from the sun," Rosen tells Noseworthy.

Lastly, Rosen emphasizes that Canadians should not hide from the sun despite the risks associated with over exposure.

"One of the myths is that dermatologists are saying 'stay inside, don't go out!'" Rosen notes.

"No, we're saying 'go outside, enjoy the summer, do your kayaking, play tennis, but protect yourself as best as you can while you're outside.

Thumbnail image courtesy of Pexels. Stock images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Flickr.

SOURCES: The Weather Network | Mayo Clinic