Summer skin care

James D. Lomax, MD
Posted 8/21/12

Winter is passing and many of us are now planning our summer vacations, trips to the beach and getting that nice “healthy” glow associated with a tan. Our exposure to the sun comes with a heavy …

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Summer skin care

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Winter is passing and many of us are now planning our summer vacations, trips to the beach and getting that nice “healthy” glow associated with a tan. Our exposure to the sun comes with a heavy price. This article will cover the effects of sun exposure, myths and facts associated with suntan lotions and potential danger signs of skin changes associated with cancer.

External changes associated with sun exposure

There are currently no recommendations on a safe level of total lifetime sun exposure. Genetic selection in human’s evolution over the millennia assisted human populations in adapting the skin pigment that provided for a healthy level of UV exposure in that environment. This partially explains the tendency toward darker-skinned populations in the sunniest tropical environments and lighter skin tones in less-sunny regions and for those who most need vitamin D for rapid bone growth, namely children and reproductive-age women.

There are many benefits to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure especially in the skin’s role in vitamin D production. Vitamin D has a wide range of positive health effects, which include strengthening bones and possibly inhibiting the growth of some cancer, along with positive effects for endorphin levels and general mood. Visual exposure of UV rays is important in preventing seasonal affective disorder.

Unfortunately, the positive effects of UV exposure also can be negated by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation that damages the skin cells. Your immune system increases blood flow that gives sunburn its characteristic redness and makes the skin feel warm to the touch. The damaged skin cells release chemicals that cause a painful burning sensation. Repeated damage to the skin leads to chronic skin changes, including the development of skin cancer (see Sun-related skin changes).

Myths and facts about the use of sunscreens

Despite advertising claims for sunscreen products, brand matters less than appropriate use of the product. Follow directions and check the expiration date. The following are new Food and Drug Administration guidelines:

Only sunscreens that offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays can advertise broad-spectrum coverage on the label.

Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer or prevent early skin aging.

Any claims about reducing the risk of skin cancer or early skin aging must be accompanied by other sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing and avoiding midday sun.

Sunscreens can’t be advertised as sweat-proof or waterproof.

Sunscreens that pass a water-resistance test can be labeled “water resistant” for either 40 or 80 minutes, as long as they also include instructions to reapply after 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every two hours.

There is no difference in effectiveness whether you use a cream, gel or spray. For dry skin, you may prefer a cream. Gels or sprays may work better for areas covered by hair. Parents generally prefer sprays to apply on children.

Is the use of suntan lotions enough?

Other things that we should do to protect ourselves from the summer sun:

Look for outside garments that have a high SPF rating. Cotton T-shirts only have a rating of 4. At minimum, wear garments that are dark and tightly-woven outside.

Stay in the shade when possible.

Use sunglasses with SPF ratings to protect your eyes.

If you are prone to sunburn, stay inside 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the UV radiation is the highest.

Wear a broad-brimmed hat.

Sun-related skin changes

• Pre-cancerous (actinic keratosis) and cancerous (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma) skin lesions, due to decreases in the skin’s immune function

• Benign tumors

• Fine and coarse wrinkles

• Freckles

• Discolored areas of the skin, called mottled pigmentation

• Sallowness—a yellow discoloration of the skin

• Telangiectasias—the dilation of small blood vessels under the skin

• Elastosis or premature aging - the destruction of the elastic and collagen tissue (causing lines, wrinkles and sagging skin)

Source: Mayo Clinic

Skin cancers

As we age, we develop skin lesions most of which are benign. Skin cancer lesions can present in similar ways, typically a new mole or skin lesion or a change in an existing mole.

Basal cell carcinoma appears in sun exposed areas as a small, smooth, pearly or waxy bump on the face, ears or neck, or as a flat pink, red or brown lesion on the trunk or arms and legs.

Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a red nodule, or as a rough, scaly flat lesion that may bleed and become crusty. Like basal cell, it generally appears in sun-exposed areas, but can occur anywhere.

Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump but can also be red or white. It may resemble a normal mole, but usually has a more irregular appearance. This is the most serious of skin cancers.

If you or someone else notice a new or growing skin change, it is important to see your private physician or dermatologist. Have your skin inspected annually.

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