WFMY — This weekend is the unofficial start of summer! And if you’re already thinking about the beach and the pool, make sure you think about your skin too.

Dr. Daniel Pearce from The Skin Surgery Center joined The Good Morning Show this week to talk fact vs. fiction when it comes to skin cancer prevention and detection.

Pearce said when you’re picking out sunscreen, here’s what you should look for:

• Broad spectrum, blocking both harmful types of UV radiation, UVA and UVB
• If active or water activities, look for “water resistant”

“Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and immediately after swimming, even on a cloudy day,” said Pearce.

Pearce said the amount of sunscreen you use is key. Studies have demonstrated we don’t use enough. You should use 1 oz of sunscreen, which is about a shot glass full, to cover your body.

Pearce said also debunked some sunscreen myths. He said base tans are NOT healthy!

He added, the labeling of “sport” on sunscreens has not been evaluated by the FDA, but generally refers to being resistant to sweating. Pearce said you still need to reapply sunscreen every 60-90 minutes. He said the “sport” label gives folks a false sense of security.

Pearce said the most important thing is to find a sunscreen you actually like using. If you don’t, you are not likely to use it sufficiently well to protect yourself.

He also advises folks to avoid spending time in the sun during peak hours of UV, which is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sun protective clothing and hats are very cost effective options to protect your skin from the sun.

Pearce said when it comes to skin cancer, not all cancers will be symptomatic but frequently non-melanoma cancers are symptomatic.

The biggest thing to look for is change, particularly rapid change when it comes to moles and marks on your skin.

Pearce said it’s important to do at least an annual self-inspection. If you do it on your birthday every year, it’s easy to remember!

Pearce said basal cell carcinoma (most common human malignancy) is usually pearly or waxy bumps, often itching and bleed easily. Squamous cell carcinoma (second most common skin cancer) is often painful, red crusted plaques or bumps.

Source: Lauren Melvin, WFMY News 2

QualDerm Partners facilitated this media coverage for The Skin Surgery Center and Dr. Pearce.