The importance of keeping your skin healthy can't be overemphasized. It's the body's first defense against disease and
infection, and it protects your internal organs from injuries. It is, in fact, the largest organ in the body. The skin helps
regulate body temperature and prevents excess fluid loss, and it also helps your body remove excess water and salt.
Skin conditions can affect anyone -- young and old, men and women. Acne, psoriasis and eczema are just a few examples of
common skin disorders. The good news is that there are a number of simple ways to keep skin healthy and there also are now
many options available to treat skin conditions, if treatment is necessary.
If you think you may have a skin problem, or need to learn how to better care for your skin, consultation with a dermatologist
-- a physician who specializes in treating the skin and keeping it healthy -- may be in order. Skin problems can be difficult
to diagnose because many skin conditions share similar symptoms. An evaluation is key to effective treatment.
The Structure of Skin
To understand how to keep your skin healthy, it may help to learn about your skin's structure.
Skin is composed of two layers: the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin -- about the thickness of a piece of paper)
and the dermis (the middle layer). The thickness of the dermis is variable depending on the location. For example, eyelid
dermis is quite thin, but back dermis is about = inch thick. The epidermis has four layers: the stratum corneum, the granular
layer, the squamous cell layer and the basal cell layer.
* The stratum corneum or outer layer of the epidermis is the layer of skin that can be seen and felt. Proteins known as
keratin, a fatty, waterproof envelope, and flat corneocyte cells make up the stratum corneum. This layer is the barrier between
your body and the outside world.
* The granular layer produces protein and lipids (fat) for the stratum corneum.
* The squamous cell layer produces keratin for the stratum corneum and also transports water. Friction blisters occur in
the squamous cell layer.
* The basal cell layer is the lowest layer of the epidermis. This is where the skin cells are reproduced and give rise
to the more superficial layers of the epidermis. The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, arises from this
cell layer. Melanocytes, which produce melanin, or skin pigment, sit along this layer among these cells. Melanoma, one of
the two main groups of skin cancer, originates from these pigment-producing cells.
It takes about one month for skin cells to move from the basal cell layer to the top of the stratum corneum and slough
off. One to two layers of these skin cells are sloughed off every day.
The dermis is the deeper layer of skin. It is a diverse combination of blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles and sebaceous
(or oil) glands. The proteins collagen and elastin are found in the dermis. They provide support and elasticity to the skin.
The sun's rays can break down these proteins and, eventually, the skin begins to wrinkle and sag.
The subcutaneous layer, or subcutis, is a layer of fatty tissue that provides nourishment to the dermis and upper layers
of skin. It also conserves body heat and cushions internal organs against trauma. Blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands and
deeper hair follicles extend from the dermis into the fat (hypodermis).
Look Your Best--Limit Sun Exposure
Facial skin typically looks its best during a woman's 20s. As you age, your skin becomes thinner and often drier. Thinning
skin is a result of a breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. As it ages, skin loses elasticity -- especially if it has
been exposed to excessive sunlight -- and becomes more fragile and dry. However, there are a number of dietary and lifestyle
changes that you can make to help keep your skin healthy and young-looking.
Because exposure to the sun causes about 80 percent of the skin changes associated with aging, protecting the skin from
the sun is the single most important skin care practice you can adopt. Significant exposure to the sun will wrinkle and dry
the skin. Uneven pigmentation -- from freckles to small or large brown spots -- is another side effect of frequent sunning.
Melasma, commonly associated with pregnancy, is brought out by the sun and produces large brown patches on the forehead and
cheeks.
The most serious consequence of sun exposure is skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, making up nearly
half of all diagnosed cases of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Most sun damage occurs prior to the
age of 18, but skin cancer can take up to 20 or more years to develop; children who experience as few as two to three sunburns
are believed to have an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Primary care physicians are able to evaluate many skin conditions. They may be the first health care professionals you
discuss your skin problems with. However, dermatologists are physicians with extensive training in skin care and skin disorders.
Skin conditions can be difficult to diagnose because there are so many different skin problems and symptoms may be similar.
Consultation with a dermatologist is recommended to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, and may be the more cost
effective means of diagnosing and treating skin disease.
Acne. This aggravating condition may be mild comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), moderate inflammatory, with pustules
(closed pus-containing pockets) and red pimples or severe (large cysts or nodules) and result in permanent scarring. Contrary
to popular belief, greasy foods and dirt do not cause acne. Acne is caused by genetic influences -- if your parents had acne,
you are more likely to develop it. Hormones, specifically male hormones called androgens, of which testosterone is the best
known, also play the other major role in acne's development.
Acne is a build-up of oil, microorganisms and dead skin cells in the hair follicles under the skin. When the hair follicle
ruptures, the rupture triggers an "acne cascade," which inflames surrounding tissue. Androgens are a major influence on acne
because they stimulate the hormone-sensitive sebaceous glands, which produce sebum. That's why you don't see acne before puberty.
In women, birth control pills can either aggravate or improve acne. This probably depends on your response to progestin --
one of the hormones used in many birth control pills. Greasy hair and skin products, perspiration, headbands and other things
that can plug up pores make acne worse, also called pomade acne. Stress may trigger acne flare-ups. Squeezing pimples can
make acne worse and more likely to leave scars.
* Rosacea. Most common in fair skinned women between ages 30 and 50, although can occur in all races. Rosacea can present
itself in different ways. It may appear as pink or red flushing or dilated blood vessels alone or with pus-filled bumps or
deeper red bumps. It rarely appears as cysts and rarely results in scarring. Rosacea may worsen with exposure to certain factors
such as hot or cold temperatures, sunlight, alcohol, spicy foods, stress and smoking. Chronic use of topical steroids on the
face may cause steroid rosacea. The cause of rosacea is unknown.
* Eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis, this condition causes an itchy, red, cracked, scaly rash that can occur anywhere
on the body, but most commonly around joints as well as on the hands, feet, face and the back of the knees, the neck, elbows,
wrists. It is hereditary and often occurs in those individuals who suffer asthma or hay fever. Cold, dry weather worsens the
condition; humid, warm weather may improve it. Adults may get a less itchy form called nummular eczema which tends to be scaly
coin-shaped spots on the arms and legs.
* Dandruff. Mistakenly attributed to dryness because of the flaking it causes, dandruff is actually caused by inflammation
in the scalp. The microscopic scales accumulate and then fall off in visible flakes.
* Hives. Called urticaria, hives are an allergic reaction. It's rarely clear what triggers hives. They can be stress-related.
These pink, itchy swellings are caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals in the skin. Eggs, chocolate, seafood,
nuts, milk and medications are occasional triggers of hives for some people, as are exposure to cold temperatures or infections.
Individual hive lesions generally fade in 24 hours or less. When hives develop in the throat, breathing can become difficult
and may be life threatening, and immediate treatment is required.
* Psoriasis. A chronic disease affecting about 2 percent of people in the U.S psoriasis causes the skin to become inflamed
with red thickened areas that become covered with flaky, silvery scales. The condition is not contagious; the ultimate cause
is not known, although it is thought to be an immunologic genetic disorder. Lesions can be triggered by stress, infection,
climate changes and medications. There is no cure for this condition, but treatments can reduce skin inflammation. The use
of topical steroid medications is the most popular treatment but the condition often returns quickly once the cream is discontinued.
Light therapy may also be recommended. There are also new topical medications such as Dovonex (calcipotriene) ointment and
Tazorac (tazarotene) gel, which offer new treatment options. Exciting new oral immunological treatments are being developed
that will revolutionize psoriasis therapy. Remission rates vary but can last several months or longer after light therapy.
Many treatments are available. -- Due to this immune stimulation, the uppermost layer of skin cells multiplies at an accelerated
rate. A normal epidermis is replenished about every 28 days, but psoriasis causes the skin cells to multiply so quickly that
it replenishes every two to four days. This new skin grows so fast the cells don't have a chance to slough normally. Psoriasis
typically appears on elbows, knees and scalp, but it can also arise on your lower back, buttocks, palms, soles and genital
region. Psoriasis can occur in areas of trauma such as severe sunburns or surgical scars. Psoriasis may be associated with
a specific type of arthritis, known as psoriatic arthritis.
* Stretch marks. During pregnancy, as a woman's skin stretches to accommodate her baby's growth, stretch marks may appear.
They are initially light pink or purple lines that eventually fade to white. Stretch marks are most often found on the breasts,
thighs, abdomen or hips. Stretch marks may also be caused by pubescent growth spurts or other rapid weight gain or muscle
build-up.
Skin Cancer
An early warning sign of severe sun damage is actinic keratoses. Most common in people over age 50, this
precancerous condition develops as a result of cumulative, extensive sun exposure and can lead to skin cancer, specifically
squamous cell carcinoma. Although actinic keratoses are usually more prevalent in older people, this precancerous growth is
appearing more frequently in people between the ages of 20 and 40, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Actinic keratoses appear as scaly red/brown bumps on the face, ears, neck, lips and forearms or on the backs of the hands.
These lesions may itch or feel tender, especially when exposed to sunlight.
There are two main groups of skin cancer: nonmelanoma skin cancer, the most common type of skin cancer, and melanoma (sometimes
referred to as "malignant melanoma" skin cancer).
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common forms of non-melanoma skin cancers, accounting for
about 95 percent of all new cases of skin cancer, of which there are about 1.3 million cases each year in the U.S. These types
of cancer start in the skin's basal cell layer or squamous cell layer. Men are at higher risk than women for basal cell carcinoma
and squamous cell carcinoma, according to the ACS.
Melanoma is the least common, but most aggressive of the three most common types of skin cancer. Melanoma originates in
the skin's melanocytes -- the cells that produce pigment, or melanin. Melanoma typically appears in or around a pre-existing
mole, but it may also develop on clear skin. It may be a flat, brown, black or tan spot or a raised bump. Unlike a noncancerous
mole, melanoma often is irregularly shaped.
More than 51,000 new cases of melanoma are expected each year -- about four percent of all diagnosed skin cancers -- but
it accounts for about 79 percent of skin cancer deaths, according to the ACS.
Anyone may develop skin cancer, but people with fair complexions are more susceptible to precancerous conditions and skin
cancer than people with darker skin tones. Darker skin has more melanin, which provides some natural protection against the
sun's damaging rays. In addition to fair skin, other risk factors for skin cancer include:
* exposure to toxic materials, such as arsenic
* radiation therapy
* chronic, non-healing or scarred skin such as long standing ulcers or severe burn scars.
* a family history of melanoma skin cancer or other conditions that are more likely to develop into skin cancer (such as
dysplastic nevus syndrome, see "Diagnosis" section)
* a personal history of skin cancer
* a tendency to freckle or burn easily
* lots of sun exposure throughout your life
* many sunburns as a child or adolescent
* outdoor summer employment during adolescence
* burns
Check Your Skin Regularly
Precancerous skin changes and skin cancer are easy to recognize and are often curable when
detected and treated in early stages.
The first step in detecting abnormalities that may be skin cancer begins with you. Examine your skin once a month for any
suspicious changes. Sores that won't heal may also indicate skin cancer or precancerous conditions that need attention.
The American Academy of Dermatology (ADA) has developed an easy-to-use method to evaluate your skin for melanoma. Look
for the ABCDs:
* Asymmetry. One half of the spot is not shaped like the other half
* Border irregularity. Poorly defined or "scalloped" border
* Color: Shades of tan, brown, black, and sometimes red, white and blue, vary across the spot
* Diameter: The spot is larger than six millimeters, the diameter of a pencil eraser
A condition called dysplastic nevus/melanoma syndrome can increase a person's risk for developing melanoma. A "nevus" is
a mole. These particular moles are often irregularly shaped and may be larger than other moles. They can appear anywhere on
the body -- sun-exposed, or not. This condition tends to run in families. A person with this condition may have many moles
on her body, or just a few. Researchers believe that a genetic predisposition for dysplastic nevus syndrome may exist.
Diagnosing Skin Cancer
There are five primary tests that health care professionals may perform if you have suspicious-looking
growths on your skin that could be skin cancer:
* Skin biopsy. After giving you a local anesthetic, a sample of skin will be taken for examination under a microscope.
You may feel minor discomfort -- a small needle stick and burning -- for a few seconds. Types of biopsies are as follows:
1. Shave biopsy. The epidermis and the upper part of the dermis are shaved off. This procedure is performed with local
anesthesia.
2. Punch biopsy. After giving you a local anesthesia, a sample of the entire thickness of the skin is taken (about 1/8
inch) with an instrument that takes a cylindrical core sample of the skin and a small part of the underlying fat layer.
3. Excisional biopsy. With a scalpel, a wider and deeper sample of skin with various amounts of the underlying fat will
be removed and then the wound is closed with stitches or staples. Excisional biopsy is used to remove or sample broad or deep
growths.
There are many new or refined treatment options available today for skin conditions. Consultation with a dermatologist
is recommended to determine which option is best for your condition as well as for recommendations about how to keep your
skin healthy. Here are a few treatment options for common skin conditions.
* Acne: Treatment can include topical or oral antibiotics and special creams to remove plugs at the opening of the oil
glands. Birth control pills can sometimes improve acne. When washing, you should use a mild soap and avoid scrubbing. Topical
benzoyl peroxide can help reduce bacteria, and retinoic acid can help unblock pores. Acne washes and non-prescription preparations
may also be helpful. When not treated, moderate and severe acne can cause significant scarring. Cosmetic treatment for scarring
includes chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. For deep, crater-like scars where laser resurfacing is ineffective,
there is soft tissue augmentation; this is a procedure in which the patient's fat (from another part of her body) is used
to correct the deep contour, or soft tissue fillers like collagen, hyaluronic acid or fascia lata may be used. Accutane, a
prescription medication, can provide long-term remission of acne in some people.
* Rosacea: Treatment includes avoiding dietary, environmental and emotional triggers known to cause flare-ups, as well
as practicing "sun safety" whenever possible -- cover up with sunscreen, wear light-colored, tightly woven protective clothing
and avoid the sun. This condition also can be managed with topical or oral antibiotics. Metronidazole, another prescription
medication, in cream, lotion or gel form is often used to treat the condition. Topical sodium sulfacetamide with or without
sulfur preparations may be prescribed for rosacea treatment. If rosacea isn't responding to these treatments, or if cystic
lesions form, tetracycline or other oral antibiotics usually controls it. You can reduce the redness of rosacea with make-up
foundation that has a green tint or by undergoing laser or electrosurgery treatment. These destroy the dilated blood vessels
which reduces the redness.
* Eczema: Treatment includes oral antihistamines for relief of the severe itching, as well as topical steroids to relieve
inflammation and itchiness caused by eczema. Protopic (Tacrolimus ointment), approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
in December 2000, is the first of a new class of drugs called topical immunomodulators (or TIMS) in over 40 years to treat
eczema. TIMS are steroid-free and are appropriate and effective for patients seeking an option to avoid the side effects associated
with steroids. Moisturizers are an essential part of eczema therapy but should be chosen carefully because they can inflame
sensitive skin. Petroleum jelly is an excellent bland lubricant for this condition. Newer therapies available include Protopic
(tacrolimus) ointment and Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream. These topical treatments affect skin's immune system.
* Dandruff: Medicated shampoos containing coal tar (Ionil T, T/gel, Pentrax), salicylic acid (X-Seb, Scalpicin), selenium
(Selsun Blue), zinc (Head & Shoulders, ZNP), Nizoral AD or sulfur (Meted or Sebulex) can help this condition. For best
results, buy two or three brands/types and alternate them. Prescription shampoos and topical steroid medications may be necessary
in difficult-to-treat cases.
* Hives: Antihistamines and (sometimes) oral steroids usually are prescribed to treat hives. Leukotriene inhibitors (oral
medications) that are used to treat asthma can also be used to help treat difficult cases of hives.
* Psoriasis: There is no cure for this condition, but treatments can reduce skin inflammation. Topical steroid medications
are frequently prescribed, but the condition often returns quickly once treatment ends. UVB light therapy, sunlight, oral
and topical vitamin A derivatives, coal tar, anthralin and topical vitamin D derivatives often help. Tacrolimus (oral medication)
and new injectable medications used for treating arthritis, such as Enbrel (etanercept) or Remicaide (infliximab), seem to
be very effective for some individuals with psoriasis. For more severe forms of psoriasis, methotrexate, an immunosuppressant
drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions, is sometimes prescribed; this medication, which can be taken
by pill or injection, slows cell production by suppressing the immune system. Patients taking methotrexate must be closely
monitored to avoid possible liver damage and/or decreased cell counts. Pregnant women or those who are planning to become
pregnant should not use methotrexate.
* Stretch marks: There is no cure for stretch marks although topical retinoic acid and laser treatments may lighten them.
Treatment may not be worth the cost since it won't completely eliminate stretch marks. Topical camouflaging makeup provides
a quick cover up for stretch marks.
Skin Cancer Treatments
There are three primary kinds of treatments your health care professional may use to treat your
actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions) or your skin cancer:
* surgery, which removes the cancer, or destroys these abnormal cells
* chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill these abnormal cells
* radiation therapy, which uses x-rays to kill cancer cells
Most often, your health care professional will choose surgery. Common types of skin cancer surgery techniques include:
* Cryosurgery freezes the tumor, which kills it.
* Electrodessication and curettage. The provider cores out the skin cancer with a special tool and uses an electric current
to burn the tumor and destroy any additional tumor cells.
* Simple excision cuts the cancer from the skin in a football shape along with a border of some of the healthy tissue around
it.
* Micrographic surgery removes the cancer and is a tissue sparing technique. The specialized surgeon removes the cancer
and maps it out, then examines the skin under a microscope, only taking additional pieces if any cancer remains. This method
allows a complex repair to be done that day and know that the cancer is gone and that a second procedure will be required.
This type of procedure is used for recurrent skin cancers or on delicate areas of the face such as the nose.
* Laser surgery uses a highly focused beam of light to destroy the cancer cells.
Removal of large tumors creates large defects, so sometimes skin is taken from another part of your body and grafted over
the area where the cancer was removed.
Chemotherapy can be a topical cream or lotion placed on the skin to kill cancer cells, an orally ingested drug, or a drug
that is injected directly into the tumor, or a vein or muscle.
Radiation therapy shrinks tumors with x-rays aimed at the affected area from outside the body.
A more recent and less common technique called photodynamic therapy uses a certain type of light and a special (light-sensitive)
chemical to kill cancer cells.
Skin care starts with you. Many simple lifestyle changes -- such as improving your diet and learning basic skin care techniques
can help improve your skin's appearance. Discuss prevention tips with your health care professional, and consider these steps:
* good nutrition
* drinking six to eight glasses of water per day
* avoiding alcohol
* stopping smoking
* using sunscreen regularly
* avoiding sun exposure during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
* wearing protective clothing when outside.
Most health care professionals recommend a simple cleansing regimen as the best approach to keep skin healthy: a gentle
cleanser using warm, not hot water, no abrasive scrubs and, when necessary, a moisturizer with sunscreen protection. In addition,
you should gently pat your skin dry rather than rub it vigorously after a bath or shower to help avoid irritation and itching.
Dry Skin
Moisturizers for dry skin come in three preparations: lotions, creams and ointments. Lotions are least effective
at replacing and retaining lost moisture in very dry skin. But they disappear after application very quickly, making them
the most convenient to use, and possibly helpful for normal and oily skin. Creams are heavier than lotions and are therefore
more effective at sealing in moisture for normal to dry skin. Ointments, like Vaseline, are thick and are best for preventing
moisture from escaping from the skin, but you may find that they are inconvenient to use regularly. Health care professionals
advise women with very dry skin against using soap and also alcohol-based astringents (toners), which typically dry out the
skin.
Making Skin Look Younger
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) (AHAs, glycolic acid, lactic acid), antioxidants (vitamins A, E,
C) and vitamin A derivatives (Retin-A, Renova and retinol) in moisturizers are frequently promoted as products that can make
skin younger-looking. Here's what to expect from these and other newly available products:
* AHAs. They contain lactic acid (found in milk), fruit acids and glycolic acids (found in sugar cane). AHAs, like tretinoin
derivatives, work by peeling away dead and thickened areas of the skin. Cosmetic treatments containing highly concentrated
AHAs, known as chemical peels, have long been available from dermatologists. Prescription creams contain approximately four
percent to 12 percent concentration of AHAs and provide a superficial smoothing of the skin's texture. Over-the-counter (OTC)
preparations typically contain one percent active ingredient, which may provide a little improvement of scaly skin. Higher
concentrations of the active ingredients in OTC products are buffered and therefore neutralized to prevent peeling. These
OTC AHA products are not known to improve skin wrinkling. Improvements with these or prescription products last only as long
as the product is used. Long-term effects of AHAs are unknown. They can irritate the skin. Signs of sensitivity are redness
and burning.
* Antioxidants. Vitamins A, E and C are known as antioxidants. Their claim to fame as skin health aides is in their ability
to fight free radicals, the highly reactive molecules generated by oxygen, sunlight, smoking and pollution that can break
down the collagen fibers of the skin. Research is inconclusive about how effective antioxidants are for improving the skin's
appearance. Ingestion of large amounts of some of these vitamins can be toxic. High doses of vitamin A, when taken during
pregnancy, are suspected of increasing the risk of birth defects. Topical treatments of antioxidants can cause rashes, but
small amounts are probably not harmful for most skin types.
* Renova. This prescription cream is basically Retin-A in a moisturizing base that decreases the redness and burning associated
with Retin-A. The active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova is tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative. This skin cream is the only
product approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce fine wrinkling. You must use these products daily for
months to notice improvement, and it will probably last only as long as the cream is used. Renova and Retin-A may make the
skin sun-sensitive, so wearing sunscreen and protective clothing during treatment is important. Side effects include redness,
dryness and sensitivity. Oral or topical use of retinoids during pregnancy or while planning a pregnancy should be avoided.
* Botox injections. In April 2002, the FDA announced the approval of botulinum (or botulism) toxin type A (Botox. Cosmetics),
a prescription drug that may be used to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows.
Botox was used "off-label," without FDA approval, in the mid-1990s by some health care professionals for this purpose. Botulinum
toxin type A is a protein produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. When used as an anti-aging agent, small doses of
a purified, sterile form of the toxin are injected into certain facial muscles, which temporarily paralyzes and weakens them.
When the muscles can't contract normally, frown lines disappear. The treatment worked for up to approximately six months in
a placebo-controlled multicenter randomized clinical trial involving 405 patients. According to the FDA, Botox treatments
should not be injected more frequently than once every three months and the lowest effective dose should be used. The most
common side effects following injections included headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, nausea and droopy eyelids.
Less frequent adverse reactions (less than three percent of patients) included pain in the face, redness at the injection
site and muscle weakness. These reactions were temporary but could last as long as several months.
* Natural products. The pharmacological effects of materials such as seaweed and oatmeal, often used in face masks or peels,
are unknown. Papain, an enzyme found in papaya, is helpful in sloughing off dead skin cells, but can be expensive.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Reducing your exposure to the sun is the best way to keep your skin healthy. Here's why:
Sunlight consists of two main types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that damage skin -- UVA and UVB rays.
UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer. This type of sunlight intensifies during the summer and can do
more damage more quickly than do UVA rays. The epidermis absorbs most of the intensity of UVB rays. UVB rays cannot pass through
glass. UVC rays, another spectrum in sunlight, are also potentially harmful, but the ozone layer blocks them from reaching
the earth. UVA and UVB rays are present all year and are hazardous whether they are direct or reflected.
When the sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches the surface of the skin, the skin reacts by producing melanin -- otherwise
known as a tan -- to protect itself. UVA rays are milder than UVB rays, but because their wavelengths are longer, they penetrate
deeper through the skin's layers. UVA rays contribute to wrinkling the skin, as well as to the development of skin cancer.
UVA rays also are used in tanning booths. UVA rays in tanning booths not only inflict damage similar to sunlight, they
also may be as much as 20 times more intense in a tanning booth than the equivalent time spent in natural sunlight. UVA rays
also can pass through window glass.
Sunscreens
Sunscreens should be an important part of your skin health routine because they absorb or block UV rays. Sunscreens are
rated by how much sun protection factor (SPF) they offer. SPF calculations are based on laboratory comparisons of how much
sunlight will cause mild sunburn on the unprotected skin of a person with a fair complexion and on the same skin area protected
by sunscreen.
The effectiveness of a sunscreen is dependent on the types of sun protective chemicals used, the thickness of the cream
or lotions, and the amount of product applied to the skin, Not all sunscreens provide protection against UVA radiation. Ensure
that the sunscreen purchased states it provides UVA/UVB protection. While sunscreen use helps to minimize damaging sunburns,
it doesn't completely prevent burning.
A sunscreen with SPF-15 or greater should be used all year for all skin types. If you develop a rash or other type of allergic
response to a sunscreen, try a different brand or form (lotion vs. gel, or protective clothing, for example) or switch to
a sunscreen containing the active ingredients of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These products don't require chemical interaction
with the skin to be effective and provide a protective shield-like barrier screen and rarely cause rashes. All sunscreens
need to be reapplied after water contact or sweating.
For the best protection from the sun's harmful rays:
* apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure with careful attention to sun-exposed
areas such as the face, hands and arms
* apply lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect sun-sensitive lips
* avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when its rays are strongest
* wear a large (three inch) -brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your scalp and eyes
* reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, but you should apply it more frequently if you have been swimming or sweating
Try and use about 1 oz of cream, about one shot glass, to cover your entire body with each application.
* stay in the shade whenever you can
* limit the time you spend in the sun
* be aware that the sun's UV rays can reflect off water, sand, concrete and snow, and can reach below the water's surface
as well as burn on an overcast sky
* if you are taking an antibiotic or other medication ask your health care professional if it may increase your skin's
sensitivity to the sun and what you should do about it.
Don't forsake the sun altogether. Learn how to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and practice "sun safety"
whenever you can -- cover up with sunscreen and wear light-colored, tightly woven protective clothing and be sensible about
how much time you spend in the sun. These steps can help reduce your risk for developing skin cancer and keep your skin looking
its best.
1. When the skin becomes dry it needs water and oil to help rejuvenate it.
2. The skin is your body's first defense against disease and infection. It is the largest organ in the body. It helps regulate
body temperature and prevent fluid loss; furthermore, it helps your body remove excess water and salt.
3. The process of producing healthy new skin cells and removing or shedding old cells takes about 28 days.
4. As you age, your skin becomes thinner and often drier. Thinning skin is largely a result of a breakdown of collagen
fibers. As it ages, skin loses elasticity and becomes more fragile, especially if it has been exposed to excessive sunlight.
5. Because exposure to the sun influences how well your skin ages, protecting the skin from the sun is the single most
important practice in skin care.
6. Continuous exposure to the sun will wrinkle, dry out and age the skin, leaving it coarse. Uneven pigmentation -- from
freckles to brown spots -- is another side effect of frequent sunning.
7. The most serious consequence of sun exposure is skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, making up
nearly half of all diagnosed cases of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
8. Skin cancer can take up to 20 years or more to develop; it's important to remember that a person's average lifetime
sun exposure risk occurs before age 18.
9. Anyone can develop skin cancer, although people with fair complexions tend to be more susceptible to specific types
of skin cancer and precancerous conditions than people with darker skin tones.
10.The earliest warning sign of severe skin damage is the development of actinic keratoses. Lesions appear as scaly red/brown
bumps on the face, ears, neck, lips and forearms or on the backs of the hands.
SOURCES: Archives of Dermatology, November 2002
![[ Hi and thanks for visiting Us here at Freddies and Add Your Link ]](http://fredys.bizland.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/transform.gif)
bravenet.com
