04/14/2023

Friends of Franz Podcast S2 E16: Pocketful of Sunscreen with Dermatology PA Jamie Kim

Skin cancer has been named the most common cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five American people is estimated to develop skin cancer in their lifetime, with almost 10,000 diagnoses every day. Of the three major types of skin cancer being basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma, the highest rates of death are attributed to melanoma. With the vast majority of melanoma being due to excess ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight exposure and indoor tanning, it is imperative that we protect ourselves from UV radiation. But beyond cancer, UV rays have also been seen to assault the skin in ways such as sunburning and photoaging, as manifested by rhytides/wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. How can we protect ourselves from UV rays? What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays? What is Sun Protection Factor (SPF), and are higher SPF levels more beneficial? Do sunscreen ingredients cause cancer?

We are joined today by Jamie Kim, a board-certified physician assistant from Los Angeles, California, specializing in Dermatology. With over a decade of experience as a PA, she has worked at Kaiser Permanente and now at Skin and Beauty Center in Valencia, CA, where she practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She generously promotes skincare education online by highlighting the importance of sun protection through sunscreen application and the benefits of a holistic approach to wellness, such as nutrition and relaxation activities, as influenced by her Korean background.