I guess melanoma maxxing was not available or didn't track well with focus groups, because that's in essence what you're doing,” said Dr. Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “You are accelerating and increasing the potential for skin cancers.”
The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It’s also the most common cancer in the United States.
Friedman says the only safe tan is an artificial one. But experts say using sunscreen, and even simply wearing a hat, are simple steps to help reduce the risk when you are outdoors.
“Those who are young, those who have an opportunity to make a positive impact on their skin really should make sunscreen and sun protection a part of their day to day,” said Dr. Jennifer Powers, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Johns Hopkins University.
This month, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a chemical compound called bemotrizinol in sunscreens. The compound absorbs ultraviolet rays and is a filter for both UVA and UVB rays. Click here to read more.
