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Shelley Osterloh ReportingIt looks like the storms are moving on and we are in for some sunny weather. But the dermatologists are warning us to stay out of the sun.
We've all heard it before, but as the Summer finally gets going, it's time to hear it again.
Douglas L. Powell, M.D., U of U Health System: "Stay out of the sun. Truly, truly, the things that people need to avoid are tanning. Staying out of the sun makes a world of difference."
Dr. Powell says you can easily see what effect the sun has.
Douglas L. Powell, M.D.: "And this sounds like a terrible example, but if you look at your grandmother's face and then compare the skin on her face to the skin on her stomach, you will notice that her face has a lot more wrinkles."
Other than hibernating indoors, there are safety measures we can take.
Douglas L. Powell, M.D.: "Now for those people who don't have a problem with sunscreens this is what I recommend, I say all right, I want you to use something that has an SPF of 30 or above."
And what's the bottom line, especially for teenagers who say that tanning beds are safe?
Douglas L. Powell, M.D.: "I disagree with that wholeheartedly. Tanning beds are not safe."
So enjoy the sun this summer, but treat it with respect and lots of sunscreen. Remember, Utah has the fourth highest rate of melanoma skin cancer in the country.
