Skin care experts weigh in on the importance of properly protecting yourself.

Living in Central Florida has its many advantages including the favorable weather we enjoy for the majority of the year. But all that time spent in the sun can take its toll, especially when it comes to skin health. With skin cancer rates on the rise across the country, protecting the largest organ in the body should be top of mind for all, but unfortunately too many ignore the warning signs or brush off concerns for a later date. 

To help raise awareness about proper skin care and dispel some of the misconceptions out there we spoke with a few area dermatologists. While recent advancements and new treatments are certainly helping providers better care for patients, early detection remains crucial to avoid potentially dangerous outcomes. 

What are some of the biggest misconceptions you encounter with people’s view on skin health?
“I think people minimize the risk of what some of the lesions on their skin could entail, especially when it comes to melanoma. There needs to be an understanding that if a mole is changing or if it looks different, that is something that needs to be addressed because if it’s caught too late, it can spread easily to the lymph nodes and then metastasize to the body.”

–Dr. Rajiv Nathoo, Sun State Dermatology

“One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is that more is better when caring for our skin. Social media has popularized the idea of a 10-step routine as a requirement for healthy skin. However, in skin care, more is rarely better. The real cornerstones of skin health are simple: a gentle cleanser, a reliable moisturizer and consistent sun protection. If you’re dealing with specific issues like hyperpigmentation or acne, it is important to seek a dermatologist to help address your needs.”

–Dr. Nneamaka Ukatu, UFC Health

With many pre-teens and teens so heavily influenced by social media and viral trends, what type of advice do you give patients and their families so they are cautious about using incorrect or harmful products?
“A lot of the products out there that are being advertised to teens are just unnecessary. For instance, you don’t need a 13-year-old using products that are meant for anti-aging. As a dermatologist, we see a lot of patient complications such as allergic reactions to certain ingredients so we always encourage them to use products with the least amount of ingredients as possible. I tell kids using too many different ingredients can be confusing to your skin; the motto would be to keep it simple.”

–Dr. Tace Rico, AdventHealth

“You should avoid being influenced by highly advertised brands. Seek professional advice at a dermatology practice with skin care specialists for a personalized treatment plan. There is no substitution for expert care.”

–Dr. Michael Steppie, Associates in Dermatology

With Florida’s year-round sunshine, how do you advise patients to best protect themselves?
“Sun protection is about more than just a quick dab of cream. You need a SPF 30+ broad-spectrum formula, applied generously and reapplied every two hours. For the best defense, I always recommend supplementing it with UPF clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and seeking shade during peak hours.”

–Dr. Ukatu

“Sunburns are what we’re most concerned about. In children, you’re not going to see the signs of sun damage, but a sunburn is a maker of sun damage that is yet to come. And having multiple sunburns—at least five—is a risk factor for having melanoma later in life.”

–Dr. Rico

How much of a role does family history come into play with skin care issues?
“Family history is very important, especially when you combine that with sun exposure. Every variable adds on a risk factor, whether you’ve had a history of sunburns, the number of atypical moles you have; but family history is definitely vital as well. … Recent advancements in the field include molecular DNA testing for certain tumors to be able to analyze whether [a patient] is high risk or not. Early detection is a key, and when you do detect it using DNA testing you are able to prognosticate whether it’s a more advanced, dangerous cancer versus a less aggressive cancer.”

–Dr. Nathoo

How do less invasive procedures like mirconeedling and medical grade chemical peels help rejuvenate the skin’s appearance?
“These options are very effective and deliver remarkable results. Their ability to improve fine lines and renew the skin surface while also boosting collagen and elastin make it an affordable option that addresses varying concerns a patient may have.”

–Dr. Steppie