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There’s been a lot of, well, misinformation out there lately about sun protection. For instance, people have been asking me whether they need to wear sunscreen (if they want vitamin D). Um, YES! Wear sunscreen, sillies! To help clear up some of the confusion, I asked board certified dermatologist, Dr. Anne Chapas, for some of the most common myths (and the truth behind them). Read on to be illuminated!

MYTH #1: Twice the SPF is Twice the Protection

Remember, overexposure to sunlight is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. But the FDA is about to release recommendations for sunscreen labeling, which for the first time rates UVA protection and limits the UVB rating at 50+. The FDA’s intention is to protect consumers who might think SPF 100+ is twice as strong as a SPF 50 when in fact, it’s only a few percentages higher. The danger here being the potential to be lax with reapplication, resulting in a sunburn.

MYTH #2: The Chemicals in Sunscreen are Unsafe and/or Harmful

For patients that are concerned about potential chemical exposures, I advise them to wear a sunscreen with physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which stay on the surface of the skin as a protective barrier. Another trick is to buy children’s sunscreen, which generally has only physical blockers and minimal fragrance. Ones that I like and recommend are Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion, SPF 60+, 3, Vanicream Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, SPF 30 and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen, SPF 40.

MYTH #3: If I’m Wearing Sunscreen, I Will Not Get Enough Vitamin D

This is definitely a hot button issue today. Our bodies do need vitamin D to build and maintain strong and healthy bodies. Without vitamin D, the body cannot use calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are necessary for healthy bones. However, the American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend getting vitamin D from sun exposure (natural) or indoor tanning (artificial) because ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds can lead to the development of skin cancer. Instead, I recommend getting vitamin D from a healthy diet, which includes naturally enriched vitamin D foods, fortified foods and beverages, and/or vitamin supplements. This coupled with practicing sun protection offers a much healthier and safer alternative!

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As Oasis prepare to release what could be their final album, we’ve decided to pay homage to one of the greatest bands of all time by posting a series of their videos in the run up to the release of Time Flies… 1994-2009. Released on 12 January 1998, All Around The Work peaked at number one in the UK Singles Chart; it is the longest single e…

As Oasis prepare to release what could be their final album, we’ve decided to pay homage to one of the greatest bands of all time by posting a series of their videos in the run up to the release of Time Flies… 1994-2009. Stand By Me was the second single to be released from the band’s third album, Be Here Now, and peaked at number two in the UK charts in September 1997.

AGE: 14
HOMETOWN: Frisco, Texas

WHAT SHE’S WEARING: “I’m wearing a denim motorcycle jacket, a white lace shift dress, and a brown woven leather belt–all from Forever 21. For footwear, I have on basic black/white oxfords from Urban Outfitters and a thrifted shoulder clutch.”

AUSPICIOUS AUTHOR: “I am the Teen Fashion Writer for a local style magazine in my town called Frisco Style magazine. I currently have a fashion book in the works with the publishers at FSM, so right now I’m super busy beginning my book!”

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