Readers of this blog are well aware than many (if not most) Americans have insufficient to deficient levels of vitamin D. Other than prescribing oral vitamin D or vitamin D-containing foods, we doctors were left with prescribing a little sunshine. But, we know that exposing your skin to unprotected UVA or UVB light can increase [...]

Indoor tanning increases the risk for melanoma and should be avoided, according to investigators of a new case–control study from the state of Minnesota.
The study provides “strong evidence” that indoor tanning is a risk factor for melanoma, said lead author DeAnn Lazovich, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology and community health in the School of Public [...]

USA Today reports that “people who have ever used tanning machines were…more likely to develop melanoma than others, according to a study” published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
The Time “Wellness” blog reported that investigators “began with more than 2,000 individuals, half of whom had documented cases of melanoma, and half whom did not, and [...]

On the NBC Nightly News (May 25, 2010), NBC medical correspondent Nancy Snyderman, MD, discussed sunscreen use, disputing a charge made by an environmental group that sunscreens containing vitamin A may increase the chance of developing skin cancer.
After pointing out that the study to which the group referred was performed on mice, Dr. Snyderman stated, [...]

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to remind your children and teens about the importance of sun protection. “Even one blistering sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer. As few as five sunburns can double your risk of skin cancer,” Dr. Anjali Dahiya, a dermatologist at the Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center at New [...]

The Los Angeles Times reports that, according to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, “as many as a third of young people who use tanning beds may be addicted to the behavior.”
While “it’s unclear how or why tanning can become compulsive … exposure to UV light triggers production of brain chemicals called endorphins that [...]

The CBS Evening News reported, on July 28, that, according to a paper published online July 29 in The Lancet Oncology, tanning beds may “pose as big a risk as tobacco and asbestos.” Whoa!!! That’s a statement that got my attention.
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Absolutely! Sun exposure can cause sunburn, wrinkles, age spots, and contribute to skin cancer. But despite that, 31% of Americans say they NEVER wear sunscreen, even if they are outside for more than four hours. Say it ain’t so, Joe.
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WebMD Health News is reporting that four commonly used moisturizers promoted skin cancers in mouse studies. The moisturizers tested in the study were Dermabase, Dermovan (a wholesale-only product discontinued in 2006), Eucerin Original Moisturizing Cream, and Vanicream.
My Take?

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