Sun Protection Expert: Dr. David Leffell

Despite our belief that bronzed skin is beautiful, sun protection is essential to our long-term health. Sun exposure is actually quite harmful to our skin. Dermatalogist and author Dr. David Leffell took time out of his busy schedule to discuss the importance of sun protection with LoveToKnow Skin Care. After hearing what he has to say, you might want to rethink your definition of beautiful!

Meet Dr. Leffell

David Leffell, M.D., is board certified in both internal medicine and dermatology. However, he felt a calling towards skin care and is now a recognized leader in skin health and dermatologic surgery. Dr. Leffell developed the Yale Skin Cancer Detection Program. In addition, the doctor serves as Director of the Yale Medical Group. Dr. Leffell is included in the prestigious list, The Best Doctors in America.

About Total Skin

In addition to being a recognized expert worldwide and a favorite on the talk radio circuit, Dr. Leffell is also a published author. His well-received book, "Total Skin: The Definitive Guide to Whole Skin Care for Life," serves as an all-purpose reference book for people of all ages and all skin types. Despite its educational nature, the book is highly readable and down-to-earth.

Sun Protection Q & A

LTK: We have all heard that sunburns are harmful, but what about tans?

Dr. Leffell: A tan results when sun exposure stimulates pigment cells to produce pigment. This is actually the body's response to ultraviolet radiation injury. So not only is a tan a sign of exposure to the sun, it is actually an indication of how the body protects itself against this harmful influence.

LTK: Is it true than even one sunburn dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer?

Dr. Leffell: It has been suggested that a single blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the chance of melanoma later in life.

LTK: Are tanning beds a safe alternative?

Dr. Leffell: Not at all. I believe tanning beds are extremely unsafe as they use lightbulbs that simulate the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. In fact, I believe the increase in skin cancer in young people that we are seeing is due to the use of tanning beds, at least in part.

LTK: Aside from skin cancer, what other effects does the sun have on our skin?

Dr. Leffell: Ultraviolet A waves from the sun penetrate beneath the epidermis into the dermis. There they destroy collagen and elastin tissue resulting in fine lines and wrinkles which are signs of premature aging.

LTK: What should we look for in a sunscreen?

Dr. Leffell: A sun protection factor of 30 or higher and protection against Ultraviolet A waves. Sun protection factor refers to protection against Ultraviolet B waves only. It is important to read the label to ensure that the product provides protection against A waves as well.

LTK: What is the difference between UVA and UVB?

Dr. Leffell: UVA penetrates into the dermis and although it can also cause skin cancer, its primary effect is to cause premature aging of the skin. UVB waves typically are cancer-causing and have less of an effect on aging of the skin.

LTK: What is the correct way to use sunscreen?

Dr. Leffell: Sunscreen should be applied every couple of hours while active outdoors and after swimming. It is said that a shot glass full of sunscreen should cover the sun exposed parts of the body.

LTK: Aside from sunscreen, what other precautions should we take?

Dr. Leffell: Avoid the sun during the peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; wear a broad brim hat; wear sun protective clothing; apply sunscreen regularly; wear sun protective eyeglasses to prevent cataracts.

LTK: Once we have suffered sun damage, is there anything we can to counteract it?

Dr. Leffell: Not really. There has been a lot of talk about a morning after cream, a term that I coined many years ago; there has not been significant progress in this area though there are some promising products under investigation. With respect to premature sun damage, Retin-A is still the only proven product that can reduce some of the fine lines and wrinkles.

Moles and Skin Cancer

LTK: What are the warning signs that a mole could be cancerous?

Dr. Leffell: Any spot that bleeds, heals up and then bleeds again more likely than not is a basal cell skin cancer. Similarly any new bump that does not resolve after a couple of weeks or a mole that changes in color, shape, or signs should be checked out by a dermatologist. Similarly any mole that begins to itch or bleed should be immediately checked by physician.

LTK: Is skin cancer limited to any one demographic?

Dr. Leffell: Skin cancer appears to be increasing. One group of people of special concern are young women. It appears in my practice, as well as in the practices of others who specialize in skin cancer, that more and more people in their 20s and 30s are developing basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer.

LTK: What is causing this increase?

Dr. Leffell: Although the explanation for this is not well-known, it could relate to lifestyle as well as the use of tanning parlors. It is critical that parents of young children take special precautions to protect children against the harmful effects of the sun as the majority of sun exposure occurs in childhood. Because the genetic damage caused by the sun accumulates over time like compound interest, any protection that can be provided in childhood will pay off later.

More About the Book

LTK: Tell us about "Total Skin".

Dr. Leffell: "Total Skin" is a book that was written to provide reliable information to the informed consumer. It is not about looking younger quickly but about providing the knowledge to allow you to take good care of your skin and take steps to preserve and protect your body's largest organ. Since it was published in 2000 it has become widely recognized as the most reliable popular book on skin health. The information in it is still very much up to date.

For More Information

• About Dr. Leffell. You can learn more about Dr. Leffell, his publications, and his work at Total Skin MD. You can also email the doctor directly with any skin-related questions. He really answers!
• About Total Skin. You can find information about the book at Dr. Leffell's web site. You can also read reviews and buy the book at Amazon.com.