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Skin cancer prevention with Dr Ryan De Cruz
Dr Ryan De Cruz is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Founder of Southern Dermatology, and a Consultant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Skin Health Institute. We're...
Skin cancer prevention with Dr Ryan De Cruz
Dr Ryan De Cruz is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Founder of Southern Dermatology, and a Consultant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Skin Health Institute. We're excited to introduce Dr Ryan De Cruz to our Expert Medical Panel, bringing her expertise to our Solbari community. Read more about our Expert Medical Panel here. 95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Why is prioritising prevention so crucial in addressing these alarming statistics? Australia has some of the most devastating skin cancer rates in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with the disease by the time they’re 70. When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is definitely better than cure. While detection and treatment are crucial in our fight against skin cancer, the majority of skin cancers can be prevented by properly protecting your skin. Your skin will remember how much UV exposure you’ve had, even the mildest of sunburns, which increases your long-term risk of skin cancer. We know that even thin melanomas (less than 1mm thick) reduce life expectancy, and therefore the goal must be to prevent melanoma development in the first place. Can you explain the difference between UPF ratings for clothing and accessories and SPF ratings for sunscreen? There are two differences. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays) can penetrate fabric and reach your skin. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is based on the time it takes for UV-exposed skin to redden. UPF measures both UVB and UVA rays, while SPF measures only UVB.This important difference means that we are protecting ourselves against all the spectra of ultraviolet radiation that contributes to skin cancer and photo-ageing. Why do you recommend UPF 50+ clothing like Solbari as a more effective long-term solution to overall skin health compared to sunscreen alone? Sunscreen is not commonly applied adequately or frequently enough to provide true 50+ coverage. UPF 50+ clothing, on the other hand, guarantees consistent and reliable protection without the worry of missing spots or losing coverage throughout the day. Once UV damage has occurred, it cannot be fully reversed—anti-aging products, prescription treatments and laser therapies can only minimise visible signs like wrinkles and pigmentation. But nothing will undo the cellular damage caused by unprotected UV exposure. Investing in UPF 50+ clothing is a proactive and effective way to safeguard your skin for the long term, preserving its health and vitality while reducing the risk of skin cancers and premature ageing. Why are UPF 50+ clothing and accessories a smarter long-term investment for youthful skin than relying solely on expensive serums and treatments? The best skincare investment you can make is prevention—and that starts with shielding your skin from UV exposure. UPF 50+ clothing and accessories provide unparalleled protection, blocking at least 98% of harmful UV rays while eliminating the inconsistency of sunscreen application. Over time, unprotected sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, pigmentation and sagging skin, while also increasing the risk of skin cancer. Though serums, treatments and resurfacing lasers can improve the appearance of damage, they cannot reverse the underlying cellular harm caused by years of UV exposure. Combining UPF 50+ clothing and accessories with SPF50+ sunscreen offers a reliable, cost-effective, long-term solution for maintaining smooth, healthy and youthful skin. Prevention is not only easier—it’s far more effective.

Men's Health Week: Dr. Ryan de Cruz answers your questions on skin cancer
Hi, I’m Dr Ryan de Cruz. I’m a Consultant Dermatologist and Director of Southern Dermatology in Melbourne, Australia. With this week being Men’s Health Week, I’m here to talk about...
Men's Health Week: Dr. Ryan de Cruz answers your questions on skin cancer
Hi, I’m Dr Ryan de Cruz. I’m a Consultant Dermatologist and Director of Southern Dermatology in Melbourne, Australia. With this week being Men’s Health Week, I’m here to talk about skin cancer in men, and what we can do to encourage the men in our lives to be more sun-safe.

Skin Cancer Awareness with Dr Brooke Corbett
We caught up with Dr Brooke Corbett for Skin Cancer Awareness Month to chat about skin cancer facts, prevention and early detection.
Skin Cancer Awareness with Dr Brooke Corbett
We caught up with Dr Brooke Corbett for Skin Cancer Awareness Month to chat about skin cancer facts, prevention and early detection.

We've got you covered with Dr. Heba Jibreal
Dr Heba Jibreal is an Australian dermatologist based in Brisbane, completed her dermatology specialist training at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queensland Children’s Hospital. She holds dual qualifications as a...
We've got you covered with Dr. Heba Jibreal
Dr Heba Jibreal is an Australian dermatologist based in Brisbane, completed her dermatology specialist training at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queensland Children’s Hospital. She holds dual qualifications as a fellow of the Australian College of Dermatologists as well as the Jordanian Board of Dermatology.

Derm Q&A: Let's Talk Eczema with Dr. Thivi Maruthappu
Dr. Maruthappu answers your questions about eczema; what eczema is, what causes it and more.
Derm Q&A: Let's Talk Eczema with Dr. Thivi Maruthappu
Dr. Maruthappu answers your questions about eczema; what eczema is, what causes it and more.

Dr Michelle Rodrigues answers your questions on melanoma
What are some risk factors that you may not be aware of? Are you at risk if a parent or sibling has had melanoma? Australian dermatologist Dr Michelle Rodrigues joins us for this Q&A.
Dr Michelle Rodrigues answers your questions on melanoma
What are some risk factors that you may not be aware of? Are you at risk if a parent or sibling has had melanoma? Australian dermatologist Dr Michelle Rodrigues joins us for this Q&A.

We've got you covered with Baokim Bonelli
"Skin is your largest organ and often dermatologic changes can be the first signs of systemic disease."
We've got you covered with Baokim Bonelli
"Skin is your largest organ and often dermatologic changes can be the first signs of systemic disease."

How do you find a good dermatologist?
This blog post will provide tips on finding the right skin doctor for your needs. Feeling confident and comfortable with your dermatologist encourages the likelihood that you'll make and keep your appointments.
How do you find a good dermatologist?
This blog post will provide tips on finding the right skin doctor for your needs. Feeling confident and comfortable with your dermatologist encourages the likelihood that you'll make and keep your appointments.

We've got you covered with Dr Jeriel Weitz
Dr Jeriel Weitz is a dermatologist trained in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology based in New York City. Dr Weitz joins us as part of our “We’ve got you covered” series...
We've got you covered with Dr Jeriel Weitz
Dr Jeriel Weitz is a dermatologist trained in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology based in New York City. Dr Weitz joins us as part of our “We’ve got you covered” series to learn more about her perspective on skin health and sun safety.

What to Expect at Your Dermatology Full-Body Exam
Your first full-body exam at the dermatologist is important, but it can also be nerve-racking. This blog post will explain what you can expect and how you can prepare so...
What to Expect at Your Dermatology Full-Body Exam
Your first full-body exam at the dermatologist is important, but it can also be nerve-racking. This blog post will explain what you can expect and how you can prepare so you feel more comfortable.

Melanoma Awareness with Dr. Afton Chavez
We caught up with Dr. Afton Chavez, MD, FAAD on Melanoma Monday to talk about all things melanoma.
Melanoma Awareness with Dr. Afton Chavez
We caught up with Dr. Afton Chavez, MD, FAAD on Melanoma Monday to talk about all things melanoma.

We've got you covered series: Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam
We sat down with Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam to talk about skin cancer, prevention and detection.
We've got you covered series: Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam
We sat down with Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam to talk about skin cancer, prevention and detection.

We've got you covered series: Dr. Jessica Duarte
Proudly funded by Cure Cancer. We’ve sat down with Australian skin cancer researcher Dr. Jessica Duarte to ask a few questions around her incredible research and sun safety.
We've got you covered series: Dr. Jessica Duarte
Proudly funded by Cure Cancer. We’ve sat down with Australian skin cancer researcher Dr. Jessica Duarte to ask a few questions around her incredible research and sun safety.

We've got you covered series with Dr. Anita Lasocki
Melbourne dermatologist Dr Lasocki joins us for our "We've got you covered" series to share her perspective and recommendations relating to skin cancer prevention and sun safety.
We've got you covered series with Dr. Anita Lasocki
Melbourne dermatologist Dr Lasocki joins us for our "We've got you covered" series to share her perspective and recommendations relating to skin cancer prevention and sun safety.

Dermatologists recommend sun protective clothing
This blog highlights that the primary cause of skin cancer is the cumulative exposure to the sun. Sun protective clothing with a high UPF rating provides consistent protection from UV...
Dermatologists recommend sun protective clothing
This blog highlights that the primary cause of skin cancer is the cumulative exposure to the sun. Sun protective clothing with a high UPF rating provides consistent protection from UV radiation. Dermatologists outline in this blog why they prefer sun protection clothing with a UPF 50+ rating.