Calling all sports fans!

Sports Fans, What’s Your Strategy for Fall?


When the cooler weather arrives, football rivalries heat up, bringing fans to the bleachers.
You may think that cheering on your favorite team is a safe enough pastime, but sitting in the stands can be dangerous. The sun’s damaging UV rays can harm your skin, regardless of the temperature. The majority of the UV rays that hit the earth, in fact, are ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are present in about equal intensity throughout the year. Sun protection is a year-round commitment!

Excessive exposure to UV radiation is considered the main cause of approximately 90 percent of all skin cancers, and is also associated with eye damage, including cataracts; premature skin aging; and reduced immune system functioning. But you can stay safe during football season, and beyond, with The Skin Cancer Foundation’s guide to spectator sports.

Wear Sunscreen
You hear it all the time! Wear sunscreen. Choose a product with an SPF of 15 or higher, and some combination of the following UVA-blocking ingredients: avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Apply a full ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the entire body, including a nickel-sized dollop to the face, 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after sweating heavily. And don’t skip the sunscreen if it’s overcast: Up to 80 percent of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation) can penetrate clouds — and harm your skin.

Dress the Part
The more skin you cover, the better. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants protect the skin on your arms and legs, and are perfect for the changeable fall weather. If you’re worried about overheating, look for clothes made of breathable materials, like certain microfibers and specially-treated athletic wear. For cooler days, densely-woven, dark-colored fabrics (like deep blue denim) are heavy enough to keep you warm, and lightweight enough for comfort.
A baseball cap may announce your team affiliation, but a hat with at least a 3" brim all around (such as an outback or bucket hat) will protect your head, neck, and shoulders — the parts of the body that sustain the most sun damage, and the most common sites for precancers and cancers.

Cover Your Eyes
Between five and 10 percent of of all skin cancers occur on the eyelid, and UV radiation can also lead to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Protect your eyes with a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses. For the most sun protection, choose larger-sized frames that shield the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding areas, or a wraparound style with side shields.
Look for a pair of sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV radiation (the sunglasses’ tag or packaging should say this). Make sure your shades fit comfortably, and don’t slip down your nose!
If you’ll be watching a sport on a solid-color surface (like grass or Astroturf), brown-tinted lenses provide great color contrast and visibility.

Sit Strategically
If possible, sit in the shady section of the stadium or field — under an awning or overhang, if possible. If you can’t find a seat out of the sun, consider bringing a portable shade structure or an umbrella with you.
The more skin you cover, the better. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants protect the skin on your arms and legs, and are perfect for the changeable fall weather. If you’re worried about overheating, look for clothes made of breathable materials, like certain microfibers and specially-treated athletic wear. For cooler days, densely-woven, dark-colored fabrics (like deep blue denim) are heavy enough to keep you warm, and lightweight enough for comfort.

Read more at http://www.skincancer.org/

Repair and even reverse signs of sun damage!

Are you concerned about wrinkles, brown spots, and leathery skin? Following some simple guidelines from The Skin Cancer Foundation can help you repair and possibly even reverse these signs of skin aging, up to 90 percent of which are caused by the sun.

Overexposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) light can also lead to skin cancer and precancers like actinic keratoses (AKs). Since sun damage accumulates over time, it’s never too late to start a sun protection regimen.

Although most people know enough to wear sunscreen when the sun is beating down, “Protecting your skin from the sun does not end with the summer months,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, a New York City dermatologist and educational spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation. “By carefully practicing sun protection year-round, you can prevent further sun damage and may even reverse some of the damage already done.”

To help stop or even reverse sun damage to the skin:

- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Sunscreen is one of the keys to radiant, youthful-looking skin. Daily use may even lower your long-term risk of skin cancer. By reducing your daily sun exposure, sunscreen allows your skin time to heal and your immune system the chance to repair some existing damage.
- Exfoliate. The buildup of stratum corneum (the dead, outermost skin cell layer) can make skin appear blotchy and uneven. Also, remnants of self tanning products can collect in typically dry areas (such as the elbows), causing the skin to lose its luster and appear “dirty.” Loofahs, scrubs, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)* cleansers, and home microdermabrasion kits can remove dead skin cells, leaving skin looking smoother.
- Bleach the brown spots. Skin lightener does not actually make the skin white; it simply helps to lighten accumulations of unwanted color. Ask your dermatologist for details.
- Hydrate! Summer exposure to sun, chlorine, and salt water can dry out your skin — even the heels of your feet can be affected. Try a hand and body cream, and, for the heels, a moisturizing foot cream. A moisturizer with AHA or facial serum with hyaluronic acid can plump up dry skin around the eyes, making skin instantly appear less wrinkled. Continued use may help stimulate the production of new collagen, a protein that helps give skin its texture and appearance.

-Visit a dermatologist. Professional laser treatments can improve everything from blotchiness and discoloration to wrinkles. Photodynamic therapy — laser or intense pulsed light in combination with a topical solution known as Levulan — can remove scaly patches of actinic keratoses from your skin.

* These products can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Use with caution!

For more information about sun sensitivity and other additional information go to http://www.skincancer.org/

If You Can Spot It You Can Help Stop It!

WHY ARE SELF-EXAMS ARE SO IMPORTANT?

Did you know, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, afflicting more than a million Americans each year, a number that is rising rapidly. It is also the easiest to cure, if diagnosed and treated early. When allowed to progress, however, skin cancer can result in disfigurement and even death.

Who Should Do It
You should! And if you have children, begin teaching them how to at an early age so they can do it themselves by the time they are teens. Coupled with yearly skin exams by a dermatologist, self-exams are the best way to ensure that you don’t become a statistic in the battle against skin cancer.

When To Do It
Performed regularly, self-examination can alert you to changes in your skin and aid in the early detection of skin cancer. It should be done often enough to become a habit, but not so often as to feel like a bother. For most people, once a month is ideal, but ask your doctor if you should do more frequent checks.
You may find it helpful to have a dermatologist do a full body exam first, to assure you that any existing spots, freckles, or moles are normal or treat any that may not be. After the first few times, self-examination should take no more than 10 minutes – a small investment in what could be a life-saving procedure.

What To Look For
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Because each has many different appearances, it is important to know the early warning signs. Look especially for change of any kind. Do not ignore a suspicious spot simply because it does not hurt. Skin cancers may be painless, but dangerous all the same. If you notice one or more of the warning signs, see a doctor right away, preferably one who specializes in diseases of the skin.

The Warning Signs
- A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored
-A mole, birthmark, beauty mark, or any brown spot that:
changes color
increases in size or thickness
changes in texture
is irregular in outline
is bigger than 6mm or 1/4”, the size of a pencil eraser
appears after age 21
- A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode, or bleed
- An open sore that does not heal within three weeks

If You Spot It...
Don’t overlook it. Don’t delay. See a physician, preferably one who specializes in diseases of the skin, if you note any change in an existing mole, freckle, or spot or if you find a new one with any of the warning signs of skin cancer.

Protection Stops It, Too

About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Do not burn.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See your dermatologist every year for a professional skin exam.
Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.

Read more at http://www.skincancer.org/

Another Reason to See Your Dermatologist

Can you spot a potentially deadly melanoma? Chances are your dermatologist can.
A recent study showed that the majority of all melanomas (the deadliest form of skin cancer) were discovered by dermatologists.
Dermatologists detected more than 56 percent of the melanomas found in a survey of 126 skin cancer patients, according to the Archives of Dermatology. Through the use of full-body skin exams, dermatologists were also more likely than patients to detect melanomas at an earlier stage, when they are thinner, and more easily treated.

Read more at skincancer.org

What's your sun sensitivity?

Sun exposure can make some people literally break out in hives. Unfortunately, many people with sun-sensitive skin don’t even realize they’re at risk. Are you one of them?

Sun sensitivity is the increased sensitivity or abnormal response of the skin to sun or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light. Sunlight or tanning beds can trigger unusual skin reactions (such as burning more quickly than usual) in people taking common antibiotics, heart medicines, and other medications. Luckily, “It’s absolutely fine to take these medications, it is just that people taking these drugs may need to be extra diligent about sun protection,” according to Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, Vice President of The Skin Cancer Foundation.

While drug-induced sun sensitivity (also known as photosensitivity) can manifest in a variety of ways, most reactions are considered phototoxic or, less commonly, photoallergic. Phototoxic reactions typically appear as exaggerated sunburns, and occur up to 24 hours after exposure to the photosensitizing medication and UV light. The reaction is limited to sun-exposed skin, which can be itchy and sore. In severe cases, blisters may form.

Photoallergic reactions, which can appear all over the body, do not develop until one to three days after the substance has come into contact with the body, when the immune system mounts a response to the allergen. Photoallergies, like other allergies, tend to occur in previously sensitized individuals and are generally caused by topical medications or cosmetic ingredients such as musk ambrette, sandalwood and bergamot oils. Repeat exposure to the same allergen plus UV light can prompt itching, red bumps, scaling, and oozing lesions similar to eczema.

While there are many medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen), oral contraceptives, and antidepressants that may cause phototoxic or photoallergic reactions, the most common ones include antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides); diuretics (furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide); and oral and topical retinoids (isotretinoin, acitretin, tazarotene, and tretinoin).

Preventing Photosensitivity
“Photosensitivity will vary based on the individual,” Dr. Sarnoff explained. “Two people can take the same medication and one will have a reaction and the other won’t. The keys to preventing a phototoxic reaction are patient education and taking the proper precautions.” Photosensitive individuals should:

Seek the shade: If outside for any length of time, find a pavilion roof or large, leafy tree to stay under. Or, carry shade with you — bring a sun umbrella.
Wear protective clothing: All clothing provides some degree of sun protection; however, densely woven and bright- or dark-colored fabrics provide greater defense. Long sleeves and long pants cover more of the body, while a broad-brimmed hat helps protect the face, ears, and back of the neck. For all-day outdoor activities, consider specially formulated sun-protective clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor, a measure of the material’s sun-protective qualities) of 50.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30: For photosensitive people, the higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor, an indication of the product’s ability to screen UVB radiation), the better. Additionally, be sure the sunscreen contains some combination of UVA-blocking ingredients such as avobenzone, ecamsule (a.k.a. Mexoryl™), oxybenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Use the right amount of sunscreen: Most people do not apply enough sunscreen. People with heightened sun sensitivity should be especially careful to use at least one ounce (two tablespoons), including a nickel-sized dollop on the face.
Apply sunscreen one-half hour before sun exposure: This gives it time to fully absorb and bind to your skin.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, since sunscreen gradually breaks down in the sun and wears off. Also reapply immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.

Read more at skincancer.org

September is just around the corner!

That means we are almost ready to chose a winner for our monthly "facebook friend drawing"! Add us by the end of the month and you will be entered to win!

Full Body Skin Exams are very important!

Study indicates importance of dermatologist-initiated full body skin examinations (FBSE) in detection of melanoma.

Following a MedPage Today story, MedWire (8/21, Albert) reported that, according to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, "most melanomas found in a dermatology general practice setting are diagnosed as a result of a dermatologist-initiated full-body skin examination (FBSE) and not patient complaint."

For the study, researchers from North Florida Dermatology Associates conducted "a retrospective analytical case series of 126 melanoma patients attending a private dermatology practice in Florida."

The team noted that, "overall, 56.3 percent (n=71) of the melanomas were detected by the examining dermatologist whilst doing a FBSE and were secondary to the presenting complaint." Notably, "a greater number of the physician-detected melanomas were in situ and therefore at an earlier and more treatable stage."

In fact, "dermatologists were five times more likely to detect melanomas that were under one-mm thick than patients," the authors said.

Protect your hair in the summer!

Sun
Changes hair color. Do you dye your hair? Excess sun exposure can fade hair color, leaving once-luscious locks dull, brassy and burnished.
Causes damage and dryness. Did you know that just like skin, hair can suffer sun damage? UV rays harm the hair and scalp, potentially leading to split ends, breakage, dryness and dehydration. Hair, like skin, is made up of proteins that require moisture to thrive. However, unlike skin, hair is dead. When hair’s moisture is gone, it must be replaced via treatments and conditioners.
May cause hair loss. A sunburned scalp may even trigger hair loss.

Chlorine
Changes hair color. Chlorine is an elemental gas found naturally in the environment. It’s also added to thousands of household and consumer products, drinking water supplies and swimming pools. Chlorine disinfects, killing germs and bacteria present in the water. When exposed to water or air, elemental chlorine breaks down into other chemicals, like hypochlorus acid or sodium hypochlorite. These chemicals can have a drastic effect on dyed hair, especially blond or light brown hair, causing a greenish tint.
Causes damage and dryness. Chlorine can damage the hair shaft, leaving hair rough, dry and straw-like. Why? Hair’s outer layer, or cuticle, is composed of dozens of inter-lapping layers. In healthy, undamaged hair, these layers stay flat and smooth. They reflect light and give hair a shiny, mirror-like surface. However, when hair is exposed to chlorinated water, chlorine penetrates the hair shaft and opens up the cuticle. This causes the layers to buckle or rupture, and no longer lie in a smooth pattern. Hair is unable to reflect light, and doesn’t appear shiny. Once the cuticle is disrupted, hair quickly loses moisture, and it can feel dehydrated and brittle.

Humidity
Causes frizz. Humid air is saturated with moisture. Especially if your hair is dry, damaged or chemically treated, moisture from the air can “penetrate the hair shaft, causing it to swell,” writes Wendy Korn for Prevention. The result is frizzy, hard-to-control locks.
Causes flatness. On the other hand, if you have fine, thin or straight tresses, moisture and humidity can have the opposite effect: They make your hair limp and greasy. Your scalp also produces more oil and sweat during hot, humid summer months, which can weigh hair down even further.

How to protect your tresses
Thankfully, you can still enjoy a day at the seashore or dip in the pool and maintain healthy hair. Here are some easy, effective options for protecting your hair from chlorine, sun and humidity:
Make a salon appointment for a trim at the beginning of summer. Trimming your hair decreases damage by “removing unhealthy ends before you hit the sun,” writes Lisa Kovalovich in Ladies’ Home Journal.

If you’ve had any chemical process, like coloring or straightening, avoid chlorinated water for at least a week. This will minimize interactions between chemicals in your hair and the chlorine.
Use hair spray or leave-in treatment conditioner with SPF before going outside. Quintessence Q-Sunshade Leave In Hair Conditioner and Scalp Protectant SPF 30 features broad-spectrum sun protection for the hair and scalp. It maintains shine, color and moisture. Pay special attention where the hair parts, along the temple and behind your neck and ears. These areas often get overlooked when applying sunscreen and are prone to sunburn.
Before you take a dip, wet hair using regular tap water. Your hair will absorb the tap water instead of the chlorinated pool water.

Don a swimming cap or wide-brimmed hat. A swimming cap keeps hair safe from contact with chlorinated water, while a hat protects your hair and scalp from UV rays and sunburn.
Set up an umbrella and rest under the shade instead of baking in the sun.
Keep frizz at bay using a smoothing serum with silicone.
If you’ve already swam in the pool and your hair has turned a greenish hue, here are several options:

To wash the chlorine out of your hair, try:
Alterna Life Solutions Clarifying Shampoo, which deep cleans without zapping your hair’s natural moisture or color.
Oscar Blandi Shampoo D’Alternanza Gentle Exfoliating Shampoo, which removes chlorine build-up and the green tint. Hair will return to its normal color after a few washes.
Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning mask into your routine, such as Alterna Hemp Repair Weekly Treatment. Featuring nutrient-rich hemp seed oil, amino acids, fruit extracts and UV protection, this treatment nurses your hair back to health. Damage is repaired, leaving tresses silky-smooth.

by Skincare-news.com team

The truth about tanning

Thirty years ago, few people knew about the dangers of the sun. Dr. Perry Robins created The Skin Cancer Foundation to educate the public and medical professionals alike about the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer.

The message is being heard.

Today, skin cancer awareness is at an all-time high. A recent poll by the research company GfK Roper showed that 58 percent of people are concerned today about skin cancer. Yet only 11 percent of people use an SPF 15 or higher daily.

We’ve known for years that ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun is a human carcinogen. Now, the World Health Organization has classified UV tanning devices (tanning beds and sun lamps) as among the most dangerous causes of human cancers – on par with other carcinogenic forms of radiation such as radon, solar UV, and plutonium.

The risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, increases by 75 percent when you use tanning beds before the age of 30.

In addition to the scientific evidence, there’s another reason not to tan: Fashion and beauty insiders agree that tanning is no longer in style. “I can’t remember the last time I saw a tanned model in my magazine or on the runway,” said Jane Larkworthy, Beauty Director of W.

The same goes for celebrities. From Nicole Kidman and Julianne Moore to Kristen Stewart and Amy Adams, smart celebrities are experts at protecting themselves from the sun.


They know that up to 90 percent of visible skin changes attributed to aging are caused by the sun. Tanning can begin to wrinkle, sag, roughen, and discolor your skin as early as in your 20’s.



Now is the time to change your attitudes about tanning as well as your behavior. Tanning as a life priority is over.

Article from http://www.skincancer.org/

Sunscreen explained!

The sunscreen aisle of a drugstore offers lots of choices, but which one is right for you? We show you how to find the sunscreen that best fits your lifestyle.

What Are Sunscreens?
Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other effects of photoaging. They also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB.

What Is SPF?
Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. SPF — or Sun Protection Factor — is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Here's how it works: If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about five hours.

Another way to look at it is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. They may seem like negligible differences, but if you are light-sensitive, or have a history of skin cancer, those extra percentages will make a difference. And as you can see, no sunscreen can block all UV rays.

But there are problems with the SPF model: First, no sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication. Second, "reddening" of the skin is a reaction to UVB rays alone and tells you little about what UVA damage you may be getting. Plenty of damage can be done without the red flag of sunburn being raised.

Who Should Use Sunscreen?
Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily. Even those who work inside are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day. Also, UVA is not blocked by most windows.
Children under the age of six months should not be exposed to the sun. Shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect infants from the sun.

What Type of Sunscreen Should I Use?
The answer depends on how much sun exposure you're anticipating. In all cases we recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Many after-shave lotions and moisturizers have a sunscreen (usually SPF 15 or greater) already in them, and this is sufficient for everyday activities with a few minutes here and there in the sun. However, if you work outside or spend a lot of time outdoors, you need stronger, water-resistant, beachwear-type sunscreen that holds together on your skin. The "water resistant" and "very water resistant" types are also good for hot days or while playing sports, because they're less likely to drip into your eyes. However, these sunscreens may not be as good for everyday wear. They are stickier, don't go as well with makeup, and need to be reapplied every two hours.

Many of the sunscreens available in the US today combine several different active chemical sunscreen ingredients in order to provide broad-spectrum protection. Usually, at least three active ingredients are called for. These generally include PABA derivatives, salicylates, and/or cinnamates (octylmethoxycinnamate and cinoxate) for UVB absorption; benzophenones (such as oxybenzone and sulisobenzone) for shorter-wavelength UVA protection; and avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule (MexorylTM), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide for the remaining UVA spectrum.

How Much Sunscreen Should I Use and How Often Should I Put it On?
To ensure that you get the full SPF of a sunscreen, you need to apply 1 oz – about a shot glass full. Studies show that most people apply only half to a quarter of that amount, which means the actual SPF they have on their body is lower than advertised. During a long day at the beach, one person should use around one half to one quarter of an 8 oz. bottle. Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours. Sunscreens should be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal.

Common Myths
Wearing sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency.There is some controversy regarding this issue, but few dermatologists believe (and no studies have shown) that sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency. Also, vitamin D is available in dietary supplements and foods such as salmon and eggs, as well as enriched milk and orange juice.
If it's cold or cloudy outside, you don't need sunscreen.This is not true. Up to 40 percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day. This misperception often leads to the most serious sunburns, because people spend all day outdoors with no protection from the sun.

Eighty percent of your sun exposure comes as a child, so it's too late to do anything now.It appears that this universally promoted idea was based largely on a misinterpretation. A recent multi-center study showed that we get less than 25 percent of our total sun exposure by age 18. In fact, it is men over the age of 40 who spend the most time outdoors, and get the highest annual doses of UV rays. And since adult Americans are living longer and spending more leisure time outdoors, preventing ongoing skin damage will continue to be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Buy a high-quality product with an SPF of 15 or higher; check its ingredients to make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection; and decide whether it works better for everyday incidental use or extended outdoor use. Finally, look for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which guarantees that a sunscreen product meets the highest standards for safety and effectiveness. Once you choose the right sunscreen, use it the right way. But remember, you should not rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin against UV rays. By following our Prevention Guidelines, you can lower your risk of developing skin cancer, while helping your skin look younger, longer.

Article from http://www.skincancer.org/

The Dangers of Tanning

In Woody Allen's classic "Annie Hall," Alvy Singer laments, "Everything our parents said was good is bad." He lists whole milk, red meat - and the sun. Obviously, the sun is not "bad," but the truth about sun exposure is much more complex than believed a generation ago. Ever since Coco Chanel declared tanning "in" in the 1920s, a suntan was seen as symbol of health, youth and status. However, recent studies on the relationship between the sun's ultraviolet rays (UVR) and our skin are changing the way we view that "healthy" glow.

What is tanning?
Tanning is the skin's reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When skin is exposed to UV rays, cells called melanocytes produce the brown pigment melanin, which darkens the cells of the epidermis. This darkening of the skin cells is the skin's natural – if imperfect – defense against further damage from UV radiation.

Is tanning bad for you?
The sun's UV rays damage the DNA of the skin's epidermal cells, triggering enzymes that race to repair the damage. However, these enzymes do not always repair the DNA successfully, and all this unrepaired damage can lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer. Also, repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause photoaging – wrinkles, sagging skin, and spots associated with sun damage.

Does all UV radiation harm my skin?
Scientists divide the solar UV spectrum into three wavelengths - UVA, UVB and UVC. Once, UVA and UVC were thought harmless, and only UVB was believed dangerous. UVC is still deemed no threat, since it is absorbed by the ozone layer. But UVA accounts for up to 95 percent of solar UVR reaching Earth. Though far less capable of causing sunburn than UVB, UVA is present during all daylight hours year round, while the amount of UVB in sunlight varies by season, location and time of day.

By the 1990's, scientists knew that UVA exacerbates the cancer-causing effects of UVB, and is the main wavelength behind photoaging. Recently, an Australian-U.S. study found that UVA may be more carcinogenic than UVB. It penetrates more deeply and causes more genetic damage in the skin cells (keratinocytes) where most skin cancers arise. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization now designate both UVA and UVB as causes of cancer.

Doesn't the melanin acquired through tanning actually protect my skin?
Darker skin does offer greater protection than light skin against sunburn and skin cancer. However, that applies only to people with naturally darker skin. Tanning, like sunburns, attacks the skin's DNA, producing genetic defects that may cause skin cancer.

Isn't getting sunburned more dangerous than getting tan?
Both are dangerous, because both result from DNA damage to the skin cells. It is true that sunburn has been directly linked to melanoma – one blistering sunburn more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. It is usually thought that lifetime sun exposure is responsible for increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, while both intense, intermittent sun exposure – the pattern that is traditionally linked to melanoma – and lifetime exposure are believed to be involved in the development of basal cell carcinoma. However, studies have also shown a marked increase in melanoma incidence in people who have developed either squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Scientists are still trying to determine the exact exposure pattern behind the development of the different types of skin cancer, but it is safe to say that both burning and tanning play major roles in skin cancer.

Are tanning beds safer?
Tanning salon owners say tanning machines are safer than outdoor tanning for two reasons: 1) they mainly use UVA rays, and 2) they offer more "controlled" UV exposure. However, we know now that UVA is a carcinogen, and studies have revealed that tanning salons frequently exceed "safe" UV limits. Study after study has shown that sunbed tanning increases the risk of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.

The facts bear out: There is no such thing as a safe tan. However, there are safe alternatives in sunless tanners. Being informed about how to protect yourself from unwanted sun exposure is the best defense against skin cancer and photoaging.

Read more about the article here.

Source: www.skincancer.org

How to hit the beach the sun-safe way

The screech of seagulls. The pounding surf. As your summer daydreams grow insistent, you grab a towel, fill up the cooler and set out for the golden sand…
Haven’t you forgotten something?

Right. Sun protection. Before a day on the beach, you need strategies to keep from returning browned or burned by harmful solar ultraviolet rays (UVR). Here’s our five-step plan to make sure your next beach trip isn’t just fun, but also sun-safe.

1. Choose the Right Time

The sun is most intense between 10 AM and 4:00 PM, so why not try an early morning or late afternoon trip? You’ll avoid the crowds (and traffic) and have the beach more to yourself. And you’ll get to enjoy the calm of daybreak or a stunning sunset.

2. Dress for Defense

Skimpy swimsuits may be in, but leave too much of you out. Other clothing can better shield you from UVR. Recent research shows that the right clothing offers even more protection than sunscreen.

Always wear a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses on the beach. Ladies, the tiny swimsuit might be fine in the water, but wear a sarong or another cover-up when you’re on the sand. Men, try knee-length board shorts and a long-sleeved T-shirt.
Tightly-woven fabric best protects the skin. Hold clothes up to the light. If you can see through it, UVR can penetrate it. Darker-colored and brightly colored fabrics (say, oranges and reds) are more sun-protective than pastel or pale ones, especially white T-shirts. And looser-fitting clothes surpass tight clothes that stretch a lot, allowing light through.

Today, many manufacturers offer special UV-absorbing clothes, from swimsuits and shirts to hats and pants. This clothing will usually have a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, indicating how much UVR it absorbs. A fabric with a 50 UPF, for example, allows only 1/50th of the sun’s UVR to pass through.

You can also sun-proof your own clothing. Look for household laundry products containing special UV-absorbing agents that allow you literally to launder UV protection into garments. They can raise the UPF of a white cotton T-shirt from approximately 5 to as high as 30.

3. Pack Sunscreen

Broad-spectrum sunscreen is a core part of any sun safety regimen. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays are the main causes of premature aging and skin cancer, so you need a good broad-spectrum sunscreen featuring ingredients that block or absorb both UVA and UVB. While cosmetics containing sunscreen are fine for incidental everyday exposure, for a long beach stint you need a separate, durable, water-resistant sunscreen. In addition to an SPF of 15 or higher – which guarantees good UVB protection – look for ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, MexorylTM, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are ideal against UVA. Apply two tablespoons to all exposed body parts 30 minutes before you go outside. And bring the bottle with you.

4. Claim the Best Spot on (or off) the Sand

Find a spot that’s covered — under a tree or pavilion — or make your own shade with a large beach umbrella. Today, umbrellas made with special sun-protective fabric provide a minimum SPF of 35.

5. Before You Fry, Reapply

When you’re having a good time at the beach, it’s easy to forget that sunscreen eventually breaks down or wears away in the sun. Even if the sunscreen says “long-lasting” on it, never assume you are safe all day after applying it once. Reapply at least every two hours and immediately after swimming or heavy exercise.

There you have it. Follow this simple action plan, and you’ll have a whale of a day but leave the beach unscathed.

For a list of sunscreens, clothing, beach umbrellas, and other sun safety items that have received The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, visit the Web site

Source: www.skincancer.org