SKIN CANCER AWARENESS – PREVENT, PROTECT & DETECT
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, yet the most preventable. So why are 3.5 million cases still diagnosed annually? Perhaps young people believe they are immune from the ravages of the sun, or people living in cold climates feel they are under exposed. Whatever the reason, it’s time to reform and adopt safe sun exposure habits to prevent skin cancers including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or the potentially deadly melanoma.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and in its honor, BITB interviewed dermatologists across the country to learn firsthand of their tips for prevention, protection and detection.
Seek the Shade
One of the easiest ways to prevent sun damage is to stay clear of the sun when it is strongest. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that we “seek the shade” between 10am and 4pm. Not always such an easy pursuit especially when on vacation or just enjoying summer activities.
- “Try to sit in the shade; if you are in a boat, find an awning. Use an umbrella when you are outside. And always wear a (fashionable!) sun hat,” stated New York City dermatologist Lisa Airan, wh0 see patients at her private practice in New York City.
- “The worst hours to be on the beach or golf course are between 10am and 4pm,” stated Port St Lucie, FL dermatologist Gary Marder, who practices in Port Saint Lucie and Okeechobee, Florida.
Apply Sunscreen Regularly
In addition to seeking shade, sunscreen is a first line defense against burning and must be reapplied after swimming and exercise to remain effective. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 15 SPF for everyday use and SPF 30 or higher for extended outdoor activity.
- “I always tell my patients, ‘do what you can to be sun smart, but you have to live your life.’ Put sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher – broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage – on 30 minutes before outdoor activity. And remember to reapply. The number one reason that people have sun issues is that they fail to reapply every two hours,” stated dermatologist Michael Kaminer in Chestnut Hill, MA.
- “Make sure sunscreen has both UVB and UVA protection. No all do. The SPF is a measurement of UVB protection, which should be at least 30. SPF does not measure UVA. The sunscreen package must say ‘UVA protection provided,’” stated Dr. Marder.
Protect Your Skin
From antioxidants to t-shirts (they actually do help), additional barriers will help protect your skin from the sun.
- “Instead of avoiding the sun, we should start thinking about UV toxicity. That means applying topical antioxidants that have proven benefits like Idebenone, CE ferrulic, coffee berry and wearing sun protective clothing,” stated New Haven, CT dermatologist Lisa Donofrio.
- “Windows (and sunglasses) do protect from UVB, but they do not block UVA. If you have a history of skin cancer, you can get an Rx from your doctor for heavy tinted windows, which will greatly shield your skin while driving, stated Dr. Marder.
Which Sunscreens Are Best
With new FDA regulations in effect this summer regarding sunscreens, we will be encouraged to buy products with both UVA and UVB protection. Only products that have been tested for a minimum standard of UVA protection can claim to be “broad spectrum.”
- “I prefer non-chemical sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide that provide broad spectrum, UVA and UVB protection, over chemical ones because of potential skin sensitivity such as allergies and irritation. My fave is SKIN IS IN Antioxidant SPF 30,” stated dermatologist Tina Alster of Washington, D.C.
- “My recommendation is La-Roche Posay’s Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk because it has a high SPF number, provides great protection and is not too greasy,” stated Dr. Airan.
You’ve Overexposed, Now What?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any point in life. If you are suffering a burn, try to mitigate the damage with these suggestions.
- “If you get caught in the sun and know you are going to burn you can take 800 mg of ibuprofen, which will not only prevent the burn but prevent some of the damage….Also, it’s a fallacy that you should stop using retinoids if you are going in the sun. If you get too much sun, up your retinoids application and add a prescription topical steroid to decrease the irritation and prevent sunburn inflammation from wreaking havoc,” stated Dr. Donofrio.
Know the Signs of Suspicious Lesions
While self-exams are no replacement for annual skin exams performed by a doctor, they offer the best chance of detecting early warning signs of skin cancer.
- “If you see something new, go to your dermatologist. If you see something new AND dark, run to your dermatologist. Also, examine your spouse/partner. First of all, it can be fun, and second, it is proven to be the best way to identify new or changing lesions,” stated Dr. Kaminer.
- “To perform a self-examination, use your ABCDE’s,” stated Dr. Alster.
A=ASYMMETRY (irregular shape)
B=BORDER (should be smooth, not notched)
C=COLOR (should be uniform or one color, not an array of colors)
D=DIAMETER (should be smaller than the size of a pencil eraser)
E=EVOLVING (any lesion that is changing should be brought to the attention of a dermatologist)
Summer is nearly here and you’ll want to enjoy all the swimming, boating, golfing and playing it has to offer. Just take a few precautions and make sure you are sun safe. Remember to apply one full ounce of sunscreen to your entire body before going outside. In this case, an ounce of protection really is worth a pound of cure.
Photo Credit: clinique.com
ROSACEA REDUX – REDNESS REMEDIES
April is Rosacea Awareness Month. A common but often misunderstood skin condition, rosacea affects as many as 16 million Americans according to the National Rosacea Society, though many of those afflicted may not even realize it. Symptoms include redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead, small visible blood vessels on the face, bumps or pimples, and watery, irritated eyes. Unfortunately, there is no known cause of rosacea, nor is there a cure, but numerous treatments and products on the market today can help control the visible symptoms of the skin disorder.
For example, a dermatologist may treat the redness associated with rosacea with a laser such as the Vbeam from Candela, which targets the small blood vessels that appear on the face. According to New York dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, “The Vbeam pulse dye laser is the industry’s ‘Gold Standard’ for treating redness and rosacea. It removes the extensive superficial network of veins and related redness of rosacea. Typically, three to six sessions are generally required at monthly intervals.”
Doctors also may prescribe topical medications or suggest a product regimen. Many of the beautymakers offer products formulated to soothe and counteract the redness of rosacea. Here are a few of our favorite remedies that are offered by leading beauty companies and available in-stores and/or online. When used in combination, the products in the following kits can help reduce redness and keep skin looking and feeling clear.
SkinCeuticals Comprehensive Redness & Aging Solution ($120) – The dual action of this kit’s two products—Redness Neutralizer and C E Ferulic—prevents oxidative stress and neutralizes the inflammation cascade of rosacea-prone skin. Redness Neutralizer works to prevent and correct redness by combating environmental triggers and protecting the skin’s barrier, reducing redness and flushing by 30%. C E Ferulic is a much recommended antioxidant combination that delivers protection against photoaging—neutralizing free radicals, helping build collagen, and providing antioxidant protection. The kit also offers 8x skin’s natural protection against UV-induced redness.
Clinique Redness Solutions Redness Regimen ($47) – Extra gentle and oil-free, this 3-product regimen is appropriate for use on skin facing mild-to-moderate redness. With consistent use and in as little as two weeks, the Redness Regimen can improve both appearance and comfort, quelling redness and blotchiness while maintaining skin’s moisture balance and helping to eliminate future flare-ups. The kit consists of Soothing Cleanser, Daily Relief Cream, and Daily Protective Base SPF 15, and should be used even after visible redness has disappeared.
Avène Antirougeurs Line ($124) – Formulated to respect the sensitivity of redness-prone skin by soothing and calming while gently cleansing, the key ingredients in Avène’s Antirougeurs Anti-Redness Dermo-Cleansing Fluid work to provide comfort and improve overall vein health. Following cleansing, the Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask can be applied. The ultra-soothing mask helps to repair and restore irritated skin and increases microcirculation. Finally, the Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate provides intensive treatment, exclusively formulated with medical-grade Ruscus Extract—clinically proven to target localized redness and visible blood vessels. These products are sold individually.
Glytone Redness Relief Rosacure ($111) - Glytone’s Redness Relief Rosacure is a 3-product system that has been specially formulated for skin characterized by intermittent or permanent redness. The first step is the Rosacure Cleansing Milk, which moisturizes and cleanses gently to remove makeup and impurities without causing irritation. The mild Rosacure Calming Tonic Lotion has been formulated to tone skin, soothe the symptoms of redness, and gently even skin’s texture. The final step is the lightweight Rosacure Cream Gel, especially gentle and effective in significantly reducing the redness, stinging, and itching associated with rosacea while also leaving skin fresh and healthy-looking. These products are sold individually.
WHY AM I STILL BREAKING OUT?
You look in the mirror and can’t decide what to treat first – wrinkles or A-C-N-E! You know the feeling. Why is this happening to me? You thought you were done with breaking out in college. As Beth Battaglino, RN, founder of HealthyWomen.org says, “Adult acne is real – you are not alone.”
Birmingham, Alabama Dermatologist Dr. Julie Harper sheds some new light on the science behind adult female acne; “Adult acne in women is incredibly common and it’s increasing. I see it in my clinic all the time, but I rarely see it in men. The good news is that if you wait until menopause, it will go away.” But who wants to wait that long?!
As Dr. Harper explains, there is a difference between adolescent acne vs. late onset acne. Adolescent acne is mostly about the T-zone. Adult female acne is what she calls U-zone that covers the cheeks, jawlines and chin area. It is characterized by deep-seated, tender, inflamed pimples. Causes are many, but among them are fluctuations in hormones; starting or stopping certain medications, such as birth control; family history; and stress.
And we all know, suffering from adult acne can impact self esteem, business presentations and social confidence. According to a study conducted among 1,000 adult readers of HealthyWomen.org, 65% report that their acne makes them feel awkward and embarrassed because they are adults. 43% of the women said they are most aware of their acne when they are meeting someone for the first time, and 29% reported they are most aware of it when at work. Acne can even make women avoid social situations, as 32% of the women have made an excuse to not attend an event due to a breakout.
One would think that adult acne would send women to the dermatologist at a remarkable rate, but surprisingly 57% of the women in the survey have NEVER seen a dermatologist for their adult female acne and are attempting to treat it themselves.
A visit to the dermatologist is recommended as there are many options for treatments. One of the newest therapies is ACZONE® , a topical treatment for acne vulgaris that has demonstrated positive results in women.
ACZONE® (dapsone) Gel 5% (Allergan) treats acne gently but firmly. It’s not a benzoyl peroxide (BPO), nor an antibiotic. It helps control acne in a gentle way to give you clearer skin. The most common side effects of ACZONE® Gel are dryness, redness, oiliness, and peeling.
Dr. Harper’s recommendation is to use it twice a day – just a pea sized amount all over your face, or the U-zone where you get breakouts. And don’t spot treat!
The results of ACZONE are impressive – in clinical trials, almost 48.6% of women had little or no acne after 12 weeks of use. For more information visit Aczone.com. Register for a FREE sample of ACZONE and find a dermatologist near you.
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