Keep Your Child and Yourself Safe From the Sun: Skin Care Tips With Dr. Vi

Dr. Vi

What’s the best SPF for you and your child? Should you be spray tanning? What should you keep an eye out for on your children’s skin? Dr. Vi of Comprehensive Dermatology addresses the hot topics of the sun’s effect on skin.

What’s worse: Obtaining a little color from laying out with sunscreen or getting it from a tanning bed?

Dr. Vi: Both are bad- both cause skin cancer and wrinkles. If you want a tan, use a sunless tanner with dihydroxyacetone (DHA). I like the one by Jergen’s (click here to purchase), but there are so many available now.

Is spray tan a healthier approach? Are there any known long-term side effects?

Dr. Vi: Spray tan is a healthier approach. The ingredient in spray tan is dihydroxyacetone and it is bound to the superficial layer of the skin. So, there is no real systemic absorption. We do not know if there are any real problems with inhaling the spray tan, so I prefer the rub-on sunless tanners (lotions).

How often should adults see a dermatologist for a total body mole inspection?

Dr. Vi: On average, once per year. If someone has a personal or family history of skin cancer, I may recommend skin checks every 6 months. A full skin check means that we look at all of your skin- from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet. Early detection of skin cancer is key to survival!

What are the signs a mole might possibly be cancerous and what should we be looking out for?

Dr. Vi: Any new or changing mole should be shown to your doctor. We say to look for the Read More…