Expert Insights: Sun Safety & Skin Health
Hyunji Schneibel, M.D.
Professional Background: What’s your area of expertise, and where do you practice?
Medical and surgical dermatology; Macon, GA
Common Myths: What’s one sun safety myth you wish would go away?
You can’t get sunburn on cloudy or rainy days
My Motto: What’s one thing you say on repeat in your practice & why?
Look as good as you feel! No need to compromise on your skin care and health by working with your board certified dermatologist.
Skincare Regrets: What’s one piece of skincare advice you wish you had followed earlier?
Wear sunscreen daily
Skin Cancer Wake-Up Call: What’s one fact about skin cancer that you wish more people took seriously?
Wear sunscreen daily
Sunscreen 101: What’s the most common mistake people make with sunscreen, even when they think they’re doing it right?
Don’t like how they feel. There are plenty of elegantly formulated sunscreens that are non-sticky and non-greasy. I recommend my favorites so they don’t have excuses!
Excuses Begone: What’s a common excuse people make for not wearing sun protective clothing—and how do you counter it?
As a mom of 2 busy boys I can run around with them without checking time constantly for reapplication!
Cather McKay, M.D.
Professional Background: What’s your area of expertise, and where do you practice?
Board-certified dermatologist in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Common Myths: What’s one sun safety myth you wish would go away?
That any tan is safe. When fair skin tans from the sun or tanning beds, it is a sign of damage to the DNA of skin cells. Those cells produce more melanin to try to protect themselves and over time that damage increases the risk for skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Reality Check: Why is “skin cancer is not cancer-lite” an important message?
More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. While most skin cancer is curable when caught early, there are still many deaths, particularly from melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Awareness is so important as many of these deaths are preventable with early detection and treatment.
My Motto: What’s one thing you say on repeat in your practice & why?
I talk to my patients about doing what they can on a daily basis to protect their skin from the sun. We can't change the sun exposure we've had in the past, but that's not a reason to give up on protecting it now. Every little bit adds up over time. I recommend making daily sunscreen on exposed areas a routine, and keeping broad hats by the door and in the car for easy access.
Skin Cancer Wake-Up Call: What’s one fact about skin cancer that you wish more people took seriously?
There is a lot of room for user error in sunscreen application— not using enough, sweating it off, forgetting to reapply— and no sunscreen is 100% protective even when perfectly applied. Sun protective clothing is fool-proof! I recommend utilizing sunscreen, hats, and sun-protective clothing to all my Florida beach-loving patients.
Sunscreen 101: What’s the most common mistake people make with sunscreen, even when they think they’re doing it right?
Not using enough. I see people at the pool or beach spray themselves in a cloud of sunscreen with very little actually getting onto the skin. I prefer using a cream or lotion for better coverage. It takes 1 oz, or a shot glass full, to cover the whole body. I also recommend applying it before going outside and giving it time to dry, because when you're already outside and sweating it's much harder for it to absorb.
Eric Parlette, M.D.
Professional Background: What’s your area of expertise, and where do you practice?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology (Fellowship trained and Board Certified), and Dermatology.
Common Myths: What’s one sun safety myth you wish would go away?
As long as you don't burn, you're not doing harm. Even tanning is bad. Tanning is the body's response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. The body is producing more melanin, making you more tan, in an effort to protect from more ultraviolet radiation damage. So, even tanning is bad!!
Skin Cancer Reality Check: Why is “skin cancer is not cancer-lite” an important message?
Skin cancer can be serious. More than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour. Invasive melanoma is the third most common cancer diagnosed among adolescents and adults (aged 15–39 years).
My Motto: What’s one thing you say on repeat in your practice & why?
"Do not tan." Tanning and burning—UV radiation damage—is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk of melanoma.
Skincare Regrets: What’s one piece of skincare advice you wish you had followed earlier?
Wearing sunscreen and sun protective clothing from childhood on. It not only reduces your risk of skin cancer, but it helps prevent visible signs of aging.
Skin Cancer Wake-Up Call: What’s one fact about skin cancer that you wish more people took seriously?
Skin cancer is a result of sun exposure. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer. And protecting yourself from the sun—i.e., tanning and burning—will exponentially reduce your risks the sooner you start.
Sun Protection Basics: Why is sun protective clothing just as important as sunscreen?
I would argue sun protective clothing is more effective than sunscreen. Sunscreen loses its efficacy as you sweat it off or it rinses off in the water. Sun protective clothing maintains its level of sun protection for the duration of wearing. I recommend a combination of both.
Sunscreen 101: What’s the most common mistake people make with sunscreen, even when they think they’re doing it right?
They do not apply it enough, and fail to reapply enough. I recommend reapplying at a minimum every 1–2 hours, and anytime you get in and out of the water.
Sun Protective Clothing: If sunscreen is like SPF for your skin, what’s the best way to describe the role of sun protective clothing?
Sun protective clothing is an added barrier of protection to prevent the ultraviolet rays of the sun from causing damage, tanning, and burning to the skin.
Excuses Begone: What’s a common excuse people make for not wearing sun protective clothing—and how do you counter it?
"It's ugly. It's uncomfortable. It's too hot."
Now with stylish designs and more form-fitting clothing with breathable fabrics, these arguments can be put to the side. I think the responsibility is to inform patients of good, effective, and stylish brands—not just what they see at the sports, beach, boating, or fishing store.
Mohs vs. Traditional Removal: When is Mohs surgery the best option for treating skin cancer?
Mohs is indicated for skin cancers on cosmetically sensitive and functionally significant areas: the head and neck, hands, genitals, shins, and feet. It is also indicated for larger and more aggressive tumor types. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common types of skin cancer and the two most commonly treated with Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is not indicated for treatment of all skin cancers.
Wearing UV Protection: What’s one reason you personally choose to wear sun protective clothing?
Plain and simple—sun protective clothing is an excellent and simple form of sun protection. All you need to do is put it on!
Cabana Life Pick: What’s your favorite Cabana Life style & why?
I love the long sleeve rash guard. It is super comfortable and breathable. And, it's great protection and coverage for long days outside in the sun.
Say Anything: What do you want to share?
As a Mohs surgeon, I see skin cancer patients all day, every day. Almost all of my patients say they wish they had protected their skin starting in childhood, using both sunscreen and sun protective clothing. We now have great products that many of my patients didn’t have in their younger years. Let’s all normalize sun protection, live longer, and enjoy more youthful-appearing lives
Leela Athalye, M.D.
Professional Background: What’s your area of expertise, and where do you practice?
Dermatologist in Orange County, CA
Common Myths: What’s one sun safety myth you wish would go away?
No such thing as a safe base tan!
Skin Cancer Reality Check: Why is “skin cancer is not cancer-lite” an important message?
Skin cancer can spread sadly! We must find it early and treat appropriately
My Motto: What’s one thing you say on repeat in your practice & why?
Advocate for yourself and those you love!
Skincare Regrets: What’s one piece of skincare advice you wish you had followed earlier?
Reapplying sunscreen more often
Skin Cancer Wake-Up Call: What’s one fact about skin cancer that you wish more people took seriously?
Tanning beds increase your risk of melanoma 65–70% just one time before 30!
Sun Protection Basics: Why is sun protective clothing just as important as sunscreen?
It is added insurance!
Sunscreen 101: What’s the most common mistake people make with sunscreen, even when they think they’re doing it right?
Not applying enough or often enough
Sun Protective Clothing: If sunscreen is like SPF for your skin, what’s the best way to describe the role of sun protective clothing?
It is another layer of added protection
Excuses Begone: What’s a common excuse people make for not wearing sun protective clothing—and how do you counter it?
Maybe not knowing about it
Mohs vs. Traditional Removal: When is Mohs surgery the best option for treating skin cancer?
Depends on what cancer
Wearing UV Protection: What’s one reason you personally choose to wear sun protective clothing?
It is stylish and good for you
Cabana Life Pick: What’s your favorite Cabana Life style & why?
Hard to say! Love so many
Say Anything: What do you want to share?
Get your mammogram, Pap smear, colonoscopy, skin checked
Autumn Newman, DCNP
Professional Background: What’s your area of expertise, and where do you practice?
Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner practicing in Chattanooga, TN
Common Myths: What’s one sun safety myth you wish would go away?
A base tan is healthy
My Motto: What’s one thing you say on repeat in your practice & why?
When in doubt—get it checked out! Never feel silly for making an appointment to have something looked at. That’s what we’re here for!
Skincare Regrets: What’s one piece of skincare advice you wish you had followed earlier?
Do NOT use the tanning bed!
Skin Cancer Wake-Up Call: What’s one fact about skin cancer that you wish more people took seriously?
One tanning bed session increases your risk of developing melanoma by 20%!
Sun Protection Basics: Why is sun protective clothing just as important as sunscreen?
It’s easier to stay compliant with. You put on the shirt, dress, or whatever and go! You aren’t having to reapply sunscreen on sun exposed skin every 2 hrs.
Sunscreen 101: What’s the most common mistake people make with sunscreen, even when they think they’re doing it right?
Myth: You only need sunscreen in the summer or at the beach.
Truth: You need sunscreen every day, year round!
Sun Protective Clothing: If sunscreen is like SPF for your skin, what’s the best way to describe the role of sun protective clothing?
Your BFF! You put it on in the morning and don’t have to worry about it letting you down!
Excuses Begone: What’s a common excuse people make for not wearing sun protective clothing—and how do you counter it?
“I get too hot.”
All Cabana Life clothing is especially breathable and incredibly lightweight while being protective!
Wearing UV Protection: What’s one reason you personally choose to wear sun protective clothing?
I can’t reverse the damage done in my younger years but can protect it the best I can moving forward! One of the easiest ways to do that is wearing SPF and sun protective clothing.
Cabana Life Pick: What’s your favorite Cabana Life style & why?
That’s so hard to pick one favorite! I do love the 1/4 zip sports tops! You can wear them playing golf, festivals, on the boat, or just running errands! One of my absolute favs!
Carina Woodruff, M.D.
Professional Background: What’s your area of expertise, and where do you practice?
Medical/Surgical Dermatology, with additional expertise in contact dermatitis/patch testing. I practice at Epiphany Dermatology and am an assistant professor at Texas A&M.
Common Myths: What’s one sun safety myth you wish would go away?
You do not need to wear sunscreen if you are indoors. If you're sitting near large windows or in a sunroom, UVA rays can still penetrate glass and contribute to skin aging. In that case, a broad-spectrum sunscreen or a tinted moisturizer with mineral SPF is a smart choice.
Skin Cancer Reality Check: Why is “skin cancer is not cancer-lite” an important message?
Many skin cancers, such as melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinomas and cutaneous lymphomas can be life-threatening. Even basal cell carcinomas, if left untreated for a long time, can cause disfigurement and functional loss.
My Motto: What’s one thing you say on repeat in your practice & why?
Everyone should have a full body skin exam! Many patients request evaluation of only a few lesions which they have noted are new or changing but often there is a large discrepancy between what lesions concern me as a dermatologist and which concern my patients. Plus, you can get skin cancers in areas where you cannot monitor yourself, such as your scalp or back.
Skincare Regrets: What’s one piece of skincare advice you wish you had followed earlier?
Not all skin cancers are related to UV exposure.
Sun Protective Clothing: If sunscreen is like SPF for your skin, what’s the best way to describe the role of sun protective clothing?
They'll mention that the options on the market are not cute or figure-flattering. But sun protective clothing has come such a long way in the last few years. There are so many brands with great offerings and Cabana Life is one of my favorites.
Mohs vs. Traditional Removal: When is Mohs surgery the best option for treating skin cancer?
Mohs surgery is a technique for skin cancer removal that limits the amount of healthy tissue that must be excised along with the skin cancer and has a very high cure rate because all margins are checked during the procedure. It can be expensive and time-consuming, so it is typically reserved for cosmetically sensitive areas like the face.
Kimberly Jerdan, M.D.
Professional Background: What’s your area of expertise, and where do you practice?
I wish people would stop thinking a base tan saves them before a vacation. There is no such thing as a healthy tan! And please no tanning beds!
Common Myths: What’s one sun safety myth you wish would go away?
You do not need to wear sunscreen if you are indoors. If you're sitting near large windows or in a sunroom, UVA rays can still penetrate glass and contribute to skin aging. In that case, a broad-spectrum sunscreen or a tinted moisturizer with mineral SPF is a smart choice.
My Motto: What’s one thing you say on repeat in your practice & why?
It's never too late to learn sun safe habits. I'm a dermatologist that grew up going to tanning beds in high school but quickly learned how unhealthy it was. If I can do it—so can you!
Skincare Regrets: What’s one piece of skincare advice you wish you had followed earlier?
You can always fake a nice sun-kissed glow with make up, spray tan, or self tanner.
Skin Cancer Wake-Up Call: What’s one fact about skin cancer that you wish more people took seriously?
I wish more people realized that skin cancer can also affect skin of color. Many of my skin of color patients are shocked when I tell them to wear sunscreen and ask them to do skin exams. I remind them Bob Marley died of an unusual mole on the bottom of his foot!
Sun Protection Basics: Why is sun protective clothing just as important as sunscreen?
I have found that most people, including myself, are very poor at reapplication of sunscreen. Sun protective clothing has been a game changer for me and especially helps me protect my kids during the sunny days where I can't get them to time out for reapplication of sunscreen. It has saved us many a sunburns, reducing our risks for skin cancer down the line.
Sunscreen 101: What’s the most common mistake people make with sunscreen, even when they think they’re doing it right?
People do not put enough sunscreen on and think sprays will be all they'll need for an 8-hour sunny day.
Sun Protective Clothing: If sunscreen is like SPF for your skin, what’s the best way to describe the role of sun protective clothing?
Sun protective clothing I believe is more predictive and protective than relying on sunscreen application.
Excuses Begone: What’s a common excuse people make for not wearing sun protective clothing—and how do you counter it?
I think many people believe sun protective clothing is not en vogue. However, I have a list of websites that sell sun protective clothing for my patients and many are impressed once they review it.
Mohs vs. Traditional Removal: When is Mohs surgery the best option for treating skin cancer?
I traditionally recommend Mohs for skin cancers of the face, neck, hands, and feet where tissue sparing is of utmost importance.
Wearing UV Protection: What’s one reason you personally choose to wear sun protective clothing?
I used to choose sun protective clothing for vanity's sake so that I wouldn't get "old lady sun spots" but now I do it for the health of my skin as I have come to dislike how painful and dry my tanned leathered skin can look.
Cabana Life Pick: What’s your favorite Cabana Life style & why?
A sundress cover up because it breathes well while protecting me.
Say Anything: What do you want to share?
As a "white Hispanic that tanned well" during a decade where everyone did tanning beds to get the "JLO glow," I am shocked at the number of skin of color people who think they are immune to sunburns, skin cancer, etc... Becoming a dermatologist has been eye opening for me to teach these populations that they too are at risk. I see myself as having to set an example now, even though my skin color can tolerate sun better than most. Once I changed my habits, you find that others around you follow suit with the wave to be more healthy.