ASK THE EXPERT: DR. DORIS DAY ANSWERS THE SKIN CANCER QUESTIONS YOU WERE BEGGING US TO ASK

Can skin cancer appear in your belly button? Are UV nail lamps safe? Do you need annual skin cancer screenings, even as a teen? Renowned dermatologist Dr. Doris Day answers the surprising questions our community wanted to know.

Dr. Doris Day is a board-certified dermatologist, clinical professor of dermatology, best selling author, and nationally recognized media expert. Known for her thoughtful, practical approach to skin health and longevity research, Dr. Day has spent decades helping patients navigate everything from cosmetic concerns to skin cancer prevention and early detection. 

I've trusted Dr. Doris Day with my own skin for over 20 years. From helping me navigate pregnancy-related skin issues and inflammatory changes due to my Lyme Disease, to routine skin checks and everything in between, she's been one of the most trusted voices in my skincare journey. Always putting my whole health before anything cosmetic. So, she was the first person I turned to to answer YOUR questions. 

Every year during Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we hear the same reminders: wear sunscreen, seek shade, and get your skin checked.  

All important advice.

But what about other questions we don't usually ask, but want to know?

• Can skin cancer show up somewhere the sun never hits?
  
• Do we need to get checked more frequently as we age?
  
• And is there anything we can do today if we spent our teenage years chasing a tan (yes, I am guilty as a teen of the 90s)?
• Is there one miracle treatment to reverse damage? 
  

Dr. Doris Day spoke with me this month to answer the questions submitted by you, our Solara community, and some of her answers surprised us.

Q: CAN SKIN CANCER SHOW UP SOMEWHERE THE SUN BARELY HITS?

DR. DAY: "Yes. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that receive little sun exposure. One example that often surprises people is the belly button."
Let's pause there. The belly button? Probably not the answer anyone, including myself, expected. While UV exposure remains a major risk factor, Dr. Day explains that skin cancer is not limited to the areas we traditionally associate with sun exposure. She has also seen concerning lesions appear on the palms, under the breast area, and soles of the feet.

My key learning: When you're paying attention to your skin, don't limit your focus to your face, shoulders, and arms. Your skin is one big organ—and every part deserves attention.

Q: WHAT'S ONE SIGN OF SKIN CANCER PEOPLE COMMONLY MISTAKE FOR SOMETHING HARMLESS?
DR. DAY: "Many people assume melanoma is always dark, raised, or obviously abnormal. In reality, melanomas can be flat." She also shared another misconception: "Basal cell carcinomas may appear as a small pimple-like bump that people dismiss as irritation or acne that won't heal."
This answer stood out because it challenges what many of us think we're looking for. Not every concerning spot announces itself boldly and dramatically. Sometimes it's simply the spot that seems unchanged, or never quite heals. 

My key learning: If something feels new, different, or simply won't go away, it's worth bringing it to your dermatologist's attention.

Q: AS A CHILD OF THE 80S OR 90S, I TANNED A LOT. IS THE DAMAGE ALREADY DONE?

DR. DAY: "While you can't erase past damage, the skin can sometimes heal and regenerate. It's important to reinforce that it's never too late to protect your skin."
For many of us, this answer felt surprisingly hopeful.
None of us can go back and change what we did in high school. What we can do is make different choices today.

My favorite advice she gives, and why I personally trust her for my skin needs? “After decades in practice, I’ve learned that small, consistent treatments layered with strong skincare, nutrition, and movement make the biggest difference over time. There isn’t one magic procedure and there’s no fixed treatment or schedule that works for everyone.”
To prevent future damage, Dr. Day recommends regular skin checks, daily sunscreen use, hats, and protective clothing whenever possible.

And she shared what may have been our favorite quote from the entire conversation:

"Nothing looks better in your 60s than wearing skin protection in your 20s." ~Dr. Doris Day

Q: DO WE NEED TO GET MORE FREQUENT CHECKUPS AS WE AGE?

DR. DAY: “Annual skin checks are the rule of thumb for most people, but some individuals should be seen more frequently depending on family history, genetics, or if your dermatologist is monitoring something specific.

Q: ARE YOU SEEING MORE SKIN CANCER IN YOUNGER PATIENTS?
DR. DAY: "Skin cancers continue to be very common and I am actually seeing an increase in younger patients."

Many members of our community are surprised by this answer because skin cancer is often viewed as something that primarily affects older adults. According to Dr. Day, genetics, cumulative UV exposure, and lifestyle factors all play a role.

My key learning: Healthy habits aren't about perfection—they're about consistency. Small choices made repeatedly over time can have a meaningful impact.

Q: CAN UV NAIL LAMPS INCREASE SKIN CANCER RISK?

DR. DAY: "UV nail lamps do emit ultraviolet light. The risk from individual exposures is relatively low, but exposure is cumulative over time."
Before anyone cancels their next gel manicure appointment, Dr. Day also shared practical ways to help minimize exposure: Applying sunscreen to the backs of the hands before appointments or wearing UV-protective gloves with the fingertips removed can help reduce UV exposure during treatments.

My key learning: Simple adjustments often go a long way. No panic necessary.

Q: WHAT BODY PART REVEALS YOUR SUNSCREEN HABITS THE FASTEST?
DR. DAY: "The neck and chest area often reveal cumulative sun exposure and photo-damage." She also pointed to another commonly overlooked area: "Hands are another place you can often see sun damage because our hands are always exposed, even while driving."
We spend so much time focused on facial skincare that these areas often become afterthoughts.

My key learning: When applying SPF, don't stop at your jawline. Your neck, chest, and hands deserve the same (if not more) love and attention.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

One thing I've always appreciated about Dr. Day's philosophy is that it isn't rooted in fear, it’s rooted in awareness and empowerment.  She is one of the leading dermatological experts combining advanced longevity practices with skin expertise. Way ahead of her time.  It's rooted in awareness, practicality and never click bait or fear mongering. 
Awareness of your skin. Awareness of changes. Awareness of the small habits that add up over time. Whether you're scheduling an annual skin check, applying sunscreen a little more consistently, or finally asking the question you've been meaning to ask your dermatologist, every step counts.

A special thank you to Dr. Doris Day for sharing her expertise and to our incredible Solara community for submitting such thoughtful questions. I highly encourage you to follow Dr. Doris Day on Instagram @drdorisday if you are looking for sound and trusted skincare advice.

About Dr. Doris Day

Dr. Day is a clinical professor of dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center. Her success in this role has been recognized with the award for Dedication and Excellence in the Teaching of Dermatology. This honor, along with her continued affiliation with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, demonstrates that Dr. Day is dedicated to lifelong learning. She shares her knowledge by regularly lecturing nationally and internationally, both to her peers and to the public on the latest in aesthetic dermatology techniques. Her patients consistently experience the benefit of her commitment to maintaining both her academic and media influence.

Note: Dr. Doris Day, MD, conducted this interview in her capacity as a personal dermatologist and expert in the field. She is in no way endorsing Solara. Ask the Expert tips are for informational purposes only. Any product or medical recommendations are personal to those featured in this blog post and should not be taken as medical advice. Solara is not a medical provider. Always consult your trusted medical practitioner to determine the best routine and products for you.

XO - Stephanie DiPisa, Founder and CEO of Solara Suncare