In this digital age, we have such a wealth of information at our fingertips that often we find ourselves seeking medical advice from websites and not our doctors. From DYI diagnoses and remedies to just plain incorrect information and advice about skin care, it’s easy to be led astray. Not all information you can find on your own is bad, but at Dermatology Consultants we pride ourselves in being able to sit down with patients and thoroughly discuss the facts about their skin and create a treatment plan that will work. Also, our Board-certified dermatologists and estheticians are happy to answer your skin questions during appointments.

There are some common myths that can be dangerous, though, and many are reinforced online. They include:

1. Myth: A base tan protects your skin. This is not true. All tanning is skin damage and can potentially lead to skin cancer as well as cosmetic issues like premature signs of aging and discoloration.
2. Myth: In cloudy or winter weather you can skip sunscreen. False, and potentially dangerous. Clouds do prevent some sunlight from being seen but do not block harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer. Sunscreen is a daily, year-round necessity.
3. Myth: Car windows protect us from sun damage. Windshields do block some sunlight, but the side windows do not block any UV rays. The bottom line is glass will not protect you from the sun.
4. Myth: 100 SPF sunscreen is twice as effective as 50 SPF sunscreen. 100 SPF is somewhat better than 50 SPF, but not enough to seek it out specifically. SPF 100 blocks roughly 99% of UV rays, while SPF 50 blocks roughly 98%. Furthermore, SPF 30 blocks roughly 97%. That is why we recommend at least SPF 30, but you don’t have to worry about using only SPF 100.
5. Myth: Dermatologists treat only cosmetic conditions. While we do offer cosmetic procedures, dermatologists can diagnose and treat well over 3000 general medical skin conditions including acne, eczema, lupus, psoriasis, rashes, warts, skin injuries and infections, skin cancer prevention and treatment, and so much more.

Learn more about these myths and facts to dispel them from Dermatology Consultants dermatologist Dr. Jozef Lazar.