Welcome to the Remedy with Dr. Rani Whitfield, where medicine, music, literacy, and other hot topics meet. And today we're adding a little sun to that mix. May is skin cancer awareness month, and whether you're beach side, pool side, or just out on a morning walk, this episode could save your skin. Before we dive in, I wanna take a moment to shout out two incredible people my wife and I met while vacationing in Cabo, Vinny and Isabella. Isabella, the founder of Dolce Glow and SunneeBae Skin isn't just a skincare powerhouse with a massive following. She's genuine, kind, and full of love. She recently showed some serious support for our family by posting my wife and my sister in love's business on her social media page. That kind of gesture? It's rare, it's beautiful, and it meant a lot, especially to me. As a small way to say thank you, i'll be showing off Dolce Body Balm right here. I purchased and talking about how she's helping people glow the safe way. Let me say it plain black don't crack, but it can still burn, blister, and get skin cancer. Melanin is magic, but it ain't invincible. We're breaking it all down today. SPF, vitamin D sunscreen, spray tans safe sun hours, and why everyone, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, native needs sun protection. Here's the deal. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year. While people with lighter skin are more likely to be diagnosed, black and brown individuals are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, which makes survival harder. One study showed that five-year melanoma survival rate is 93% for white patients. But just 70% for black patients. That's not because our skin is weaker, it's because our awareness and access to care often lag behind. It's not just about sunburn, it's about smart skin. Don't let a myth leave you at risk. Enter SPF. That's short for sun protection factor and it measures how well your sunscreen blocks UVB Ray. The ones that burn and boost skin cancer risk. An SPF of 30 means you're 30 times more protected than going bare, but don't get it twisted. No sunscreen lasts all day without help. Swimming, sweating, towel drying; you gotta reapply every one to two hours at minimum. And don't skip the spots, people forget the ears, the lips, back of the neck, scalp, even the tops of your feet. Go for SPF 30 or higher. If your skin is light or extra sensitive, SPF 50 is a smart move. But remember, higher SPF doesn't mean more time in the sun. Use shade hats and your brain. SPF isn't a suit of armor, it's a seatbelt. Use it right and buckle up every one to two hours. So when's the best time to catch rays safely. Early morning before 10:00 AM or late afternoon after 4:00 PM Those are the safe sunlight hours. Midday ray between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM Packed the most damage. Now let's talk about vitamin D, one of the few vitamins that our bodies make. The sun does help your body make it, but you don't need to bake. Just 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight on your arms and legs a few times a week can do the job. If you have darker skin, you may need a little more, or you can talk to your doctor about food and supplement options. I personally take vitamin D 3 every day. For my black and brown listeners, this part's for you. Skin cancer can sneak up under your fingernails on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, and on your scalp. That mole that's changing colors, itching, bleeding, or growing get it checked out; don't ignore it. Don't wait for the sun to teach you a lesson. Let your skin speak now and listen closely. And if you're still chasing that golden glow, let me put you on game. There are safer ways to get that summer shine without frying your future. One of those ways, Dolce glow and SunneeBae Skin. Let's go back to Isabella, founder and CEO of both brands. Her skincare lines were created to offer inclusive, nourishing, and glow worthy solutions for all skin types. Whether you want a sunless tan or a clean hydrated canvas, she's literally got you covered. And trust me, this isn't just influencer hype. These products are the real deal, and they're available Online or at www.dolce glow.com and www.sunneebae skin.com. Please check them out! If you want to dive deeper into the science and stories behind sun damage, I've got two books that I recommend. First, The Melanoma Book by Dr. Howard Kaufman, an expert level comprehensive guide to preventing and treating the deadliest forms of skin cancer. A second book, Pale Girl Speaks by Hillary Ferguson, a raw and witty memoir from a melanoma survivor that'll make you laugh, cry, and rethink your relationship with the sun. Skin cancer doesn't care how smooth your skin is, how dark your melanin is, or how cute your beach picks look, it's silent. It's sneaky, it's deadly, and it's real. Now, what am I vibing to right now? 96 Degrees in the Shade by Third World, a classic reggae groove from 1977. It's more than just a summer anthem, it's a message, a song about resilience, pressure, and the burning need for truth. It's a cool down track with heat behind it. Before we wrap up, I do wanna play another track for you. Summertime.. Yep. That's me on the mic, guys and my son RJ in the pool, having the time of his life. I recorded that song a couple of summers ago for the vibes, but it's still got that energy A reminder to enjoy the moment, protect your peace and protect your skin. We made it for the vibes, but it just might save your melanin too. This is The Remedy with Dr. Rani Whitfield, where medicine, music, literacy, and other hot topics meet. And where summertime meets wisdom. Join me every Sunday for a new episode. You can find me on Spotify, apple podcast, or wherever you get your audio fixed. And remember, we're born looking like our parents, but we die looking like our decisions. Choose wisely. Protect your skin. And turn this one up just a little bit louder. It's Tha HIp Hop Doc. They call me H 2D. Come on y'all, let's get hip hop. Healthy, peace and blessings. It's your boy. I'm outta here. The content on the Remedy with Dr. Rani Whitfield is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance. Dr. Rani Whitfield is a licensed family physician, but the information provided on this podcast should not replace professional medical consultation.