The article includes Dr. Patel‘s expert commentary on sun exposure and why its important to wear sunscreen.
How much you smoke, drink, eat, and exercise, whether you use protection during sex, how often you go out in the sun—it all matters.
How much time you spend in the sun
Even on the coolest day of winter or when it’s overcast and raining, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen or other forms of sun protection to shield your pores from harmful, dangerous rays. So when your doctor inquires about how much time you’re spending outdoors, they’re asking so they can understand your hobbies, habits and how much sun damage risk you’re exposing yourself to.
“Most people do not realize that they get sun exposure on a daily basis going in and out of their car, or going to get mail, as well as when they are actively outside whether for work or play,” explains Purvisha Patel, MD, a dermatologist in Germantown, Tennessee. “Skin cancer is caused by the sun, so getting patients to be compliant with sun protection is important and understanding their lives helps tailor their prevention techniques.”