We sat down and talked with the specialists of O'Donoghue Dermatology to discuss some of the most current issues in dermatology today.

Dr. J Morgan O'Donoghue, Physicians Assistants Nathaniel Swartz, PA-C and Amy Fenenga, PA-C have a combined 35 years in the specialty of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. They gave us an insight into some of the most important topics in this interesting specialty.

Q: Oxybenzone is rumored to be an unsafe ingredient and is widely used in most sunscreens, what advice would you give to your patients when choosing a sunscreen with Oxybenzone?

A: Dr. O'Donoghue: I think the jury is still out in regards to Oxybenzone. I still believe the most effective ingredients to have in a sunscreen are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide which are inert minerals and have proven to be very safe. In our office we offer several Oxybenzone-free options including an oil-free SPF 30 and a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen.

Swartz, PA-C: The problem with these rumors is that they are using information from studies involving mice that received doses of these chemicals that a person would never receive from the normal use of sunscreens. Although Oxybenzone is most likely safe to use, I still think your best bet is to use a sunblock that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients and with at least an SPF 30.

Fenenga, PA-C: There were a few poorly done studies stating that Oxybenzone "could" be unsafe. The truth is it has been FDA approved since 1980. It is an excellent sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays and is cosmetically elegant. I recommend also wearing sun protective clothing and avoiding the sun between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Q: Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in the world;