ASK AWAY! Common Q's And A's will change periodically,
and if we use YOUR QUESTION ON OUR SITE, we'll send you a
(drum roll, please)...FREE GIFT!!
So far, here are our TOP 4 QUESTIONS ASKED:
Q: I seem to burn no matter which product I use, and no matter how often I apply it. In the winter months, we do a lot of skiing, and in the summer, we're out hiking our local trails.
Short of giving up my life-style, what can I do to protect protect my skin?
Heidi K., Denver, Co.
A: Aside from the fact that you have altitude working against you, which will scientifically lead to a higher UV index, another thing MANY people DO NOT understand,
is that most sunscreens protect you ONLY from UV and UVB rays...UVA rays still penetrate deep into the skin, regardless of your Sun Protection Factor (SPF).
Many new products on the market today DO protect against UV, UVB AND UVA rays; watch for these when you shop for skin protection, and remember this rule of thumb:
IF YOUR SHADOW IS TALLER THAN YOU ARE, get OUT of the sun.
Also, avoid being outdoors between the hours of 10 am - 3 pm. Play smart.
Q: Can you get a sunburn when it's overcast outside?
~Candice, Age 11
A: YES. You most certainly CAN get a sunburn when it''s overcast out doors. Ultra Violet Rays show no weather preference; always wear
sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher. (And, see the question above. Most sunscreens do NOT protect against UVA rays, which not only cayse Melanoma, but also premature aging. Ew).
Q: Are tanning beds safe to use? I hear so much controversy over this, and it's hard to know what to believe! And, THANKS ELLE! ~Jenna W., Los Angeles, Ca.
A: Tanning beds are a sore subject for me...I used to be one of the 1 MILLION people PER DAY IN THE U.S. ON AVERAGE who baked herself...
Using a tanning bed more than 10 times a year made people seven times more likely to develop malignant melanoma than those who did not use tanning beds
as often...what does that tell you? The risk of melanoma was increased by 300% for those using tanning beds occasionally and by 800% for those using tanning
beds more than 10 times a year. Statistics arent good, Sister, and the proof is in the science.
Not to mention, it's shaped like a coffin. Just sayin'.
Q: I'm African American, so I dont need to worry about myself, but my fair skinned, Irish boyfriend, REFUSES to wear sunscreen. Can you tell it to him like it is, Ellie??
~Annonymous
A: I sure will tell him like it is! Right after I tell YOU like it is.
Blacks and Hispanics have the HIGHEST DEATH RATE from Malignant Melanoma. Why? Because they think they're immune; and Sister, you're not.
A Sun Protection Factor is just as important for your delicate skin as it is for your boyfriends (and yes, I'll address him in a moment). You need protection
of at LEAST SPF 15 each day, no matter your skin color. We're all under the same sunshine, and skin is just skin, regardless of our race. Please protect yourself.
Secondly, if you're fair skinned, freckled, have numerous moles and/or you burn easily, THEN LISTEN TO THE GODS...you're not meant to tan.
Q: How do I submit a question? A: Click the Contact Us tab at the top of this page!
Q: Can I submit a photo for your opinion? A: Sure you can! But, I'll tell you now..if you feel you need to submit a photo, then likely YOU NEED TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR. Trust your instinct.
Q: Can questions be annonymous? A: Sure...we're Sisters, aren't we?
xo