Dr. Whitney Hovenic, double board-certified dermatologist, skin cancer surgeon, and co-founder of SPOOGE, joins The Dr. Randi Show to explain why sunscreen is her number one anti-aging recommendation, and why the consequences of skipping it extend far beyond wrinkles.
Sun exposure accounts for an estimated 80% of skin aging. A single blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double the risk of melanoma later in life. Yet 64% of Gen Z respondents in a 2025 American Academy of Dermatology survey said they often forget to apply sunscreen. Dr. Hovenic discusses these findings, along with research showing that regular sunscreen use can cut melanoma risk in half.
She sees the consequences of sun damage every day, treating patients who wish they had protected their skin sooner. Those conversations helped inspire Spooge, a fun, playful brand with a serious mission: getting more people to wear sunscreen consistently. From its attention-grabbing name to its mineral formulas and approachable pricing, she shares how Spooge brings a fresh perspective to daily sun protection.
In this episode:
🔵Why Gen Z is still forgetting sunscreen
🔵Everyday exposure beyond the beach
🔵Bringing a playful approach to sun protection
🔵The Spooge collection and choosing your formula
🔵Protecting skin after aesthetic treatments
🔵Making sun protection part of every patient’s skincare plan
Whether you’re just beginning a skincare routine or have spent years investing in your skin, daily sun protection matters at every age.
Sponsored by NewBeauty💄
📱 Watch and Listen on Spotify: https://spti.fi/spooge
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://dub.sh/spooge
Episode FAQ
What inspired a dermatologist to create her own sunscreen line?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, Dr. Whitney Hovenic, a dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and co-founder of Spooge, shares how conversations with patients about past sun exposure inspired her approach to sunscreen. The discussion covers everyday habits, affordability, mineral sunscreen textures, and her personal experience developing products that people might enjoy using.
Why wear sunscreen if you only spend a little time outside?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, the guest describes discussing everyday sun exposure with patients who associate sunscreen mainly with the beach. She uses driving, walking to the mailbox, and sitting near windows as examples in those conversations, explaining why she treats sun protection as part of her own daily routine.
How does sunscreen fit into an anti-aging skincare routine?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, the guest recalls patients asking for a special serum and being surprised when she brings up sunscreen. In her approach to skincare, preventing future sun damage belongs alongside products and treatments intended to address existing concerns. She also describes discussing sun protection with patients investing in laser treatments.
How can wearing sunscreen become an easier daily habit?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, the guest shares that patients often tell her they dislike sunscreen’s smell, texture, or heavy feel. Her approach is to make sunscreen feel like an enjoyable skincare step. She describes choosing finishes she likes herself, including a dewy glow, and using playful Spooge branding to start conversations with younger audiences.
Can beef tallow or watermelon juice replace sunscreen?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, the guest discusses seeing social media posts promote watermelon juice or beef tallow as sunscreen substitutes. She rejects those substitutions and describes addressing fears about sunscreen ingredients in patient conversations. Zinc oxide is the mineral sunscreen ingredient she highlights during that discussion.
Why offer more affordable sunscreen in a dermatology clinic?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, the guest recalls patients who could not afford the higher-priced sunscreens available in her office. She says that experience helped inspire Spooge and its emphasis on accessibility. She describes accepting smaller business margins to keep the products within the price range the company had chosen.
What options are there for mineral sunscreen that feels lightweight?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, the guest describes Spooge’s The OG as an SPF 50 sunscreen with a lotion-like texture and a larger tube she envisioned people keeping in a bag. She describes Ghosted as an untinted option with a smoother, primer-like feel that can be worn under makeup. These are her descriptions of the products and her experience introducing them to patients.
What is the difference between tinted and illuminating sunscreen?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, the guest describes Spooge’s Dew Me as her personal daily favorite for light coverage, hydration, and a dewy finish. She describes Cheeky as a rose-gold illuminating sunscreen for the face and body, with a hint of sparkle. She says she sometimes layers the two because she enjoys the additional shimmer.
What are the most common mistakes people make when applying sunscreen?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, the guest identifies using too little sunscreen and assuming one morning application lasts all day as recurring issues in her patient conversations. She emphasizes both application amount and reapplication. As an example of her own habits, she says she carries sunscreen with her and reapplies before driving home, including on her hands.
Why discuss sunscreen with your provider after cosmetic treatments?
In this episode of The Dr. Randi Show, the guest describes making sunscreen part of conversations about maintaining results after cosmetic treatments. She recalls patients developing rashes after using products purchased elsewhere, which made it harder for her to identify the cause. In her practice, knowing which products patients use helps her discuss their routines and investigate concerns.
