The Face of Georgetown
Skin care truths of Summer
July 16, 2011There are many myths and truths about summer skincare. From the myths about tanning beds and their safety to the effects of sunless tanners, summer is a time to be extra vigilant about exposure to the sun’s UV rays and to consider good nutrition and treatments to reverse signs of aging.
Below are some of the truths about summer skin care backed up by scientific study and explanation.
TRUTH #1: Tanning beds claim to be safe because they emit UVA rays that don’t burn your skin, but these ultraviolet rays do cause wrinkles and skin cancer.
BACKGROUND: Tanning bed users younger than 35 years old increase their risk of getting melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, by 75%.
If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product or bronzer.
TRUTH #2: Skin becomes loose, wrinkled, and leathery much earlier with unprotected exposure to sunlight.
BACKGROUND: Scientific studies have shown that repeated UV exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun's rays destroy the skin’s elastin and, thus, make the skin less elastic and more wrinkly.
TRUTH #3:Treatment for sun damaged skin includes chemical peels, lasers, and topical creams.
BACKGROUND:Chemical peels remove the damaged skin in favor of the newer, younger skin underneath. Laser treatment involves the use of specific light beams to remove sun-damaged skin (wrinkles, sun spots).
10 minutes of mid-day sun exposure produces ample Vitamin D for the day.
BACKGROUND: A diet rich in nutrients is a healthier way to get Vitamin D.
TRUTH #5: Combination SPF/makeup/moisturizers don’t provide enough UV protection for outdoor activity (particularly in the Summer).
BACKGROUND: Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen (a marble’s size for the face and a golf ball amount for the body) to render themselves protected with the SPF number on the bottle’s label.
Frequent sunscreen application is needed (at least every two hours if outside). Waterproof sunscreen will protect you in the water, but because some will rub off, it must be reapplied.
TRUTH #6: Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
BACKGROUND: People with fair skin (and therefore less skin pigmentation to protect against sunburn) are at greater risk for skin cancer. In addition, those who live closer to the equator or at higher elevations are at higher risk of developing skin cancer due to increased ultraviolet light exposure. If you go out in the sun, generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
TRUTH #7: Those with sensitive skin should look for physical (non-chemical) sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
BACKGROUND: These non-chemical-containing sunscreens do not irritate the skin and also have a wide range of sun protection (against UVA and UVB rays).
TRUTH #8:Skin cancer occurs in patients with dark skin as well as pale skin, so a good tan doesn’t protect you from skin cancer.
BACKGROUND: The 3 most common types of skin cancer (basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma) are related to cumulative sun exposure. Overexposure to the sun’s rays damages the skin’s DNA (the basic building blocks that form the skin). Since the primary cause of melanoma is overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, minimizing the time you spend in the sun is the best way to prevent it.
TRUTH #9: A single blistering sunburn in childhood can exponentially increase the likelihood of melanoma later in life.
BACKGROUND:Early detection is vital for prevention of pre-cancerous lesions developing into melanoma, so if you detect an unusual mole or other skin lesion, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early. People with a close family member who has developed melanoma are more at risk to develop the disease.
TRUTH #10: Photoaging is the term dermatologists use to describe skin aging caused by exposure to the sun’s rays.
BACKGROUND: The amount of photoaging that develops depends on a person’s skin color and his/her history of long-term or intense sun exposure. Without protection from the sun’s rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable (aging) changes to the skin.
Keep in mind, even as summer comes to a close, it is always important to be mindful of the damage of UV rays. In the case of aging and especially if you discover any unusual spots or lesions, seek out the care of a professional , board-certified dermatologist.
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Summer skin tips
June 13, 2011With Summer season on the horizon, it’s time to consider the effects of the sun, and alternative ways to revitalize your skin, keep it hydrated and maintain a healthy look—after all, your skin is the largest and most visible organ you have.
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause wrinkles, changes in skin pigmentation, and skin cancer. The ability of the sun to cause skin cancer is a well-known fact. The 3 main skin cancers are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer because it metastasizes more readily than the other skin cancers. It is believed that the amount of exposure of the skin to the sun before the age of 20 is the determining risk factor for melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and tends to spread locally, not metastasize. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, and it can metastasize, although not as commonly as melanoma. The risk of getting basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma is determined by a person's lifetime exposure to UV radiation and his or her baseline skin color. In general, the lightest skin tones are more susceptible to the development of skin cancers because fewer pigment cells are available to protect the skin from the sun. It is therefore vital, not only for maintaining general skin health and a younger look, that you utilize an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on a daily basis and reapply frequently when exercising or outdoors.
There are several tips to help minimize the effects of the sun on your skin as well as prepare your skin for the Summer months and in to the Fall:
Tip #1: Load up on sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher. Layering several products (face moisturizer, makeup, sunscreen- each with SPF) boosts sun protection.
Tip #2: If you want a tanned look, apply self-tanners, bronzers, or go for a spray tan. Avoid tanning beds (they may not burn, but their ultraviolet rays have been associated with skin cancer and- gasp!- wrinkles).
Tip #3: Stay out of the sun during midday hours (10 am to 2 pm), when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Tip #4: When in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, ears and neck, a sleeved-shirt to cover your shoulders, and long pants.
Tip #5: If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade.
Tip #6: Consider a chemical peel, fractionated laser skin resurfacing treatment, or microdermabrasion to give your skin a healthy glow. These treatments also reduce the risk of freckles or keratoses from turning darker over the summer due to inadvertent sun exposure.
Tip #7: If you have spider veins on your legs, it’s likely too late to have them treated in time for summer. Schedule your treatment in the Fall/Winter NOW for next summer!
Tip #8: Change your skin care to compensate for the extra humidity (eg, substitute lighter lotions/solutions/serums in place of heavy creams).
As is always the case, it is important to seek out an experienced practitioner for advice and treatment. Be safe in the Summer sun—it will benefit you for a lifetime.
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Here comes the sun—Protect your skin
May 4, 2011The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. Why is this important? With the warm weather now upon us and the sun gaining strength every day, it is vital to be cognizant of protecting your skin from the effects of the sun.
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. If left unchecked, these cancer cells can spread from the skin into other tissues and organs. There are different types of skin cancer- all of which are caused or worsened by sun exposure. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Skin cancers may have many different appearances. They can be small, shiny, waxy, scaly and rough, firm and red, crusty or bleeding, or have other features. Therefore, anything suspicious should be examined by a board-certified dermatologist.
There are many misconceptions regarding skin protection. I have outlined what are among the most popular myths and truths here in order to provide information on what is safe and what is not. I urge you to be aware of the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. While we love the warmth of these brighter days—let’s love it safely.
MYTH: Tanning booths provide safe sun; in fact they are a good way to get ready for summer.
TRUTH: Most tanning booths claim to be safe because they emit UVA rays (not UVB rays) that don’t burn your skin. However, these same rays, while non-burning, are responsible for deeper dermal damage over time which contributes to wrinkles and skin cancer.
MYTH: Concerns over Vitamin D deficiency means I should not use sunscreen.
TRUTH: While many people are Vitamin D deficient, exposing one’s skin to the summer sun unprotected is not the answer. Only ten minutes of mid-day sun is actually needed to produce ample amount of Vitamin D for the day. For those who still want or need more, Vitamin D supplements as well as a diet with Vitamin D-fortified foods (milk, yogurt, cereals, fatty fish) are recommended.
MYTH: Makeup and face moisturizers that contain SPF are enough protection when heading outside.
TRUTH: These combination products are good if going to the office (with limited sun exposure), but if outdoor activity is planned, these products will only suffice if ample amount is applied (e.g., at least a marble’s size for the face and a golf ball amount for the body). Also, frequent application is needed (at least every two hours if outside). Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen to render themselves protected to the numerical amount printed on the bottle.
MYTH: Waterproof sunscreen keeps your skin protected after going in the water.
TRUTH: Just not true. It will protect you while in the water, but it is best to reapply after you come out because some will rub off in the water or when toweling dry.
MYTH: The chemicals in sunscreen are bad for me.
TRUTH: Chemicals are only bad if you have sensitive skin. But now there are several non-chemical-containing sunscreens that do not irritate the skin and also have a wide range of sun protection (against UVA and UVB rays). Those with sensitive skin should look for products that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
MYTH: During the summer I always tan, never burn; I’m not at risk for skin cancer.
TRUTH: Because the three most common types of skin cancers (basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma) are related to cumulative sun exposure, protection of the skin from the sun is imperative (regardless of skin type). In fact, skin cancers have been reported in patients with naturally dark skin as well as pale skin, so just because someone tans (rather than burns) doesn’t mean that skin cancer is not possible.
MYTH: I keep an eye on my skin, look for new or unusual spots; I don’t need to see a doctor.
TRUTH: Everyone should have their skin checked by a doctor once a year. And not just any doctor, but a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer prevention and treatment. It’s critical that people do their homework to find someone who can provide the best care. Avvo.com is a free website that offers ratings and reviews of all the doctors in the US, including dermatologists. And because May is skin cancer awareness month, Avvo is donating $5 to the Melanoma Research Foundation for every doctor review you leave on the site.
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