Can You Spot Melanoma On Your Skin?
June 6, 2011 by admin · Leave a Comment
More than Skin Deep: MORE THAN ONE MILLION SKIN CANCERS ARE Diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org), and that number is rising. Melanoma rates in the u.s. have increased by at least 3% each year for the past decade, say statistics appearing in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Yet , despite widespread efforts to educate and raise awareness of the problem, a recent survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center (consumerreports.org) reveals that 31 % of Americans still don’t use sunscreen.
Despite what you might believe - it isn’t the purview of spa professionals or your local facialists to diagnose or treat skin cancer - they have been taught to spot potential melanoma and inform you of it. But don’t rely too much on someone else. ONLY YOU know your skin better than anyone and will be best able to recognize changes and differences in spots or moles.
Types of Skin Cancer
The three types of cell carcinomas referred to as skin cancers are, in order of severity: basal, squamous and melanoma Dr. Shawn Adhami, a Los Angeles based internist and founder of natural skincare line, Vivoderm describes each type.
Basal cell carcinoma “This is the most common skin cancer. It can be locally destructive, causing a person to lose parts of his or her nose, for example.”
Squamous cell carcinoma “The second most common type. In rare cases, it G ill metastasize and get into the nerves of the skin.”
Melanoma “This is the most rare and deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma gets into the skin, but then, if not caught early, it gets into the blood cells and spreads throughout the body. There’s no cure for melanoma, though some patients get better with chemotherapy.”
The bottom line is this: NO ONE is immune from the effects of the sun - if you are IN IT, you are suseptable to its damage.
USE SUNSCREEN - Zinc Oxide is beset as a pure natural sunblock.
STAY OUT OF THE SUN FROM 10 AM TILL 2PM - the worst damage is caused at this time.
COVER UP: Don’t expect that little amount of sunscreen you used five hours to keep you safe…keep covered with hats, glasses and appropriate clothing.
Identifying Age Spots and Sun Spots
November 19, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
As time goes on, we start to notice brown spots and freckles — “souvenirs of Florida” — on the backs of our hands and on other sun exposed areas like the upper chest and face. At first these brown spots are small and light colored, but eventually they become a cosmetic problem — an obvious sign of premature aging of the skin because of ultraviolet damage from sun exposure or from tanning beds.
By using modern high-SPF sunscreens like Ombrelle-60™ or Anthelios-60™ we can safely enjoy outdoor activities like gardening, golf and boating, and greatly reduce the rate at which our skin deteriorates. Patients who get into the habit of applying Retisol-A 0.01% cream (a prescription product which combines a retinoid and an SPF-15 sunscreen) to their faces every morning will usually see a considerable improvement in the appearance of their skin after 1-2 years, and if treatment is continued long-term patients will notice that their skin ages more slowly.
Hats and sun protective clothing can also slow down the rate at which “age spots” appear – and also reduce the chance that we will develop skin cancer. You can learn more about how to prevent sun damage, learn about the early warning signs of skin cancer and see photos of typical skin cancers at Skin Cancer Guide.ca.
The early warning signs of skin cancer include:
* new and unusual growths on the skin
* moles and freckles which have unusual colors or mixtures of colors
* moles and freckles with irregular borders
* growths on the skin which bleed, or which form an open sore which does not heal within a few weeks.
It is not too late for those of us who already have sun spots and age spots. I have seen many patients who had sun damage improve gradually over a period of 3-5 years simply in response to daily sun protection. For those who want more rapid and complete improvement in their sun damaged skin, one or two treatments with the Medlite™ laser can fade or eliminate brown “age spots” on the face, chest and hands within a few weeks.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, for example with the Cutera Xeo-600, can be used in cases where there is a background of tiny freckles and brown discoloration – sometimes erasing 20 years of irregular pigment with a series of 20 minute treatments! Where there is severe sun damage or when a person wishes the most rapid improvement (for example, if a daughter is getting married in two months) a medicine called Levulan™ is applied to the skin for one hour before treatment with the Cutera Xeo-600. Levulan™ is absorbed by cells in the skin which are misbehaving, and then is activated by light from the Xeo-600. The abnormal cells are shed from the skin over a period of 1-2 weeks, revealing fresher, healthier skin – and giving the patient a “fresh start”. What ever the type of spot – if you have concerns, or if you see changes in its appearance, it is important that you have it inspected by your family physician or dermatologist.
Benefits of Zinc Sunscreen and Moisturizers
August 29, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Zinc suncare has become a popular alternative for today’s health-conscious consumer. According to a popular East Coast-based suncare company, the percentage of zinc added to the product determines it’s SPF factor.
For example, 15% Zinc added equals an SPF of 15, and 20.5% of Zinc added equals an SPF of 30. As you can see the scale isn’t linear. Also, they claim that as a natural sunblock Zinc far surpasses any synthetic based product due it’s ability to stay on the skin for a longer time and physically not allow the sun’s rays to penetrate the skin.
Non-Zinc based sunblocks work by “attempting” to “absorb” the sun’s rays, whereas Zinc based sunblocks work by totally (physically) blocking them.
All higher end Zinc based sunblock products contain in addition to Zinc, essential oils like, extra virgin olive oil, Jojoba oil, etc. None of the natural oils will clog pores when used properly as they mimic the skin own oil barrier closest.
Thus, Zinc concentrations in sunscreen and moisturizers match that of the SPF or “Sun Protection Factor.” High SPF formulas are water resistant, safe for children of all ages, block both UVA and UVB rays, and thoroughly moisturize while they protect your skin. These natural, physical barrier sunscreens are made with zinc oxide instead of chemicals.
SPF will remain strong after 40 minutes activity in the water or perspiring. For optimum protection, reapply sunscreen frequently, especially when in and out of the water.
According to the Environmental Working Group’s Safe Cosmetics Database, Zinc-based sunblocks are some the world’s safest and most effective sunscreens.
Benefits of Zinc Sunscreens and Moisturizers:
* Stays on the skin when you sweat or play in the water
* Won’t run and drip into your eyes when you sweat
* Allows your skin to breathe
* Is strong and effective enough to protect you from extreme conditions
* Low to no irritating ingredients.
Some Zinc-based sunscreens use micronized zinc as their sun-screening agent. Zinc Oxide is a mineral that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties and is considered the safest and most protective sunscreening ingredient. While non micronized zinc oxide leaves a strong residue on the skin, like white paint, micronized zinc oxide creates the same barrier in a form that appears far more transparent and less whitening when rubbed in.
Micronized zinc oxide is produced by high temperature processing of minerals that contain zinc. Some brands contain micronized zinc oxide, combined with an inert ingredient derived from silica. The result is a naturally protective product to protect you from the sun’s damaging rays.
Other sunscreens on the market contain chemical agents that do not provide broad spectrum protection, and many even contain chemical ingredients that are known toxins. So, be sure to read your label carefully!
What is the difference between “Physical Barrier” and “Chemical” Sunscreens?
Physical Barrier Sunscreens form a film on top of the skin that reflects or scatters UV light. Most physical barrier sunscreens contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
UV light is divided into three wavelength bands: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA and UVB are the two that reach the earth and Physical Barrier sunscreens are effective at blocking both.
Chemical Sunscreens differ from physical barrier sunscreens as they absorb UV rays before they can do any damage. Usually, single chemical ingredients protect against either UVA or UVB, but not for both. So for broad-spectrum protection, you would need to choose a chemical sunscreen containing more than one active ingredient, most often two or three. Chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the skin, are more likely to cause irritation or allergy, and can degrade over time.
Links to some helpful web sites regarding sun protection.
- The Environmental Working Group’s “Special Investigation on Nanotechnology & Sunscreens”
- The Environmental Protection Agency’s “Sunwise: The Burning Facts.”
- The “Cosmetic Safety Database” – for safety and efficacy of all your personal care products
- Learn more about skincare on the EWG’s Cosmetic Database.
Zinc Sun Protection and UV Rays
August 7, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measurement of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn and is thought to contribute to some types of skin cancer.
Example: If your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for approximately 150 minutes (a factor of 15 times longer). This is a rough estimate and depends on skin type, the intensity of sunlight, and the type of activity. But SPF isn’t quite that simple. The scale is not linear: SPF 30 actually only blocks 5% more UVB radiation than SPF 15. For best protection, experts do recommend a minimum SPF rating of 15, and applying sunscreen generously and frequently.
The SPF rating only tells you only about UVB protection, not about harmful UVA rays. UVA is the wavelength of sunlight that penetrates deeper into the skin without causing surface burning, but has the potential to release free radicals and perhaps cause skin melanoma and photo aging. Always choose sun protection that is broad spectrum - blocks both UVB and UVA wavelengths. Just because a sunscreen has a high SPF, it does not mean you are being protected from damaging UVA rays.
Zinc moisturizers and sunblocks with high levels SPF (15 or more) are broad spectrum: strong enough to prevent burning for a reasonable length of time with the power to block UVA radiation — something that many higher SPF products cannot match!
UVA Protection
UVA: Long-wave solar rays of 320-400 nm. Penetrate the skin more deeply (into the Dermis, 2nd layer of skin); cause photo aging, actinic damage (wrinkled, leathery, variously pigmented skin); and can contribute to skin cancers including melanoma. Rays are the same strength year-round.
UVB: Short-Wave solar rays of 290-320 nm. Penetrate only the epidermis; cause sunburn; and considered to be the main cause of basal and squamous cell carcinomas, as well as a significant factor in melanomas. Different strengths depending on Sun’s location, and can be lessened when deflected by clouds.
UVC: Reflected by the Ozone layer, does not reach the Earth.
Critical Wavelength: an international rating system for UVA protection. The point at which the sunscreen allows 10% of the rays to penetrate is defined as Critical Wavelength. A sunscreen with a critical wavelength over 370nm is considered by the FDA to provide excellent UVA protection.
Links to some helpful web sites regarding sun protection.
• The Environmental Working Group’s “Special Investigation on Nanotechnology & Sunscreens”
• The Environmental Protection Agency’s “Sunwise: The Burning Facts.”
• The “Cosmetic Safety Database” – for safety and efficacy of all your personal care products
