Summer Protection
Summer is finally here and the weather is perfect for going to the beach. After an endless winter and spring, the time has come again for walking out in the sun and having a good time outdoors. There are parties and trips to the beach and holidays waiting for the individual eager for fun and excitement. Care and worry left at home, it’s time to enjoy yourself. However, if you suffer from acne you may want to take some precautions before hitting the beach.
“Blotchy red and brown marks, wrinkling and the appearance of precancerous spots are all symptoms of damaged skin. You must always remember treating skin cancer is more expensive than buying sunscreen products. For the sunscreen to work effectively, it is best to rub it on before going outside.”
Protecting your Skin in summer
I’m sure that skipping the summertime beach fun is simply out of the question, but this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to be careful about it. Many people think that exposure to the summer sun is good for their skin since it tends to dry the skin and burn off pimples, but prolonged exposure to *ultraviolet radiation is not a good choice. Also, the sun simply burns the topmost layer of the facial and body skin. It does not deal with the true causes of acne and the so-called positive effects are only temporary. This means that pimples will be back as soon as the sebum starts clogging the pores again.
Walking around in hot weather is pretty much guaranteed to make people sweat. Sweat is bad news for acne and people suffering from this condition should refrain from wiping their face frequently. Sweat should be washed away gently with lukewarm water. Another bad news is that sun exposure and wind tends to dry out the skin. Again, this may seem a good way to prevent the accumulation of excess sebum within the pores, but it’s not that simple. Dry skin tends to crack and lesions heal slower. Exposure to wind is also guaranteed to replace the negative effect of the sebum with the negative effect of wind-borne dust. Pores will still get clogged, just not with sebum.
Another thing you need to be careful about is sunscreens. These lotions and creams may contain oil which is just as bad for the pores as sebum. It would be a poor trade off to avoid UV radiation by worsening the acne. Be careful about what type of sunscreen and after beach lotions you buy and stay clear from those rich in oil. And one final advice: watch out for the effect of salty sea water on your skin. Salty water and perfect skin don’t mix well at all. And that’s even before you get to think about sea water not being all that clean.
What can be done to help fight acne in summer?
For starters you can take care of your skin, make sure it is clean and free of sebum and dust in the morning and evening. If your lifestyle or job involves a lot of sweating, you may want to be even more careful about your skin. The ClearPores skin cleansing system is the perfect tool for this job. The deep washes use Salicylic Acid and SD Alcohol to keep both the surface of the skin and the pores clean and dry, while the herbal supplements kill bacteria. Finally, the protection cream acts as a shield on your skin and makes sure sebum, grime and bacteria don’t become a threat.
Skin Protection from the Sun
Why should you protect your skin from the sun? Here are the reasons why we should avoid basking in the sun too much. The sun’s rays can be very harmful to our skin. Although sunlight is actually beneficial in treating skin diseases, over exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, and skin cancers. It may also cause rash problems.
The ultra violet radiation (UVR) in sunlight is very harmful. Although, UVR mainly affects our skin and eyes and does not get very far inside our bodies it can severely damage us. The most serious effect of sunlight in our skin is the generation of cancer, the most serious of which is called melanoma. Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer nowadays.
Most skin cancers are linked to sunburn or prolonged exposure to the sun. Skin cells are damaged by the electromagnetic radiation that makes up sunshine (this is different from the radiation associated with nuclear energy). The dangerous rays contain UV radiation. This comes in three types: UVA, UVB and UVC. UV radiation can penetrate deep into our *cells and cause gene damage, the trigger for cancer. In the United States, more than one million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed every year. Meanwhile, melanoma cancer represents only four percent of all skin cancers, but accounts for more than 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths.
People most at risk of skin cancer are those with large numbers of moles or fair or freckled skin, and particularly those with light colored eyes and fair or red hair. People with these skin types also tend to burn before they tan. People with dark skin that tans easily are less at risk. People with black, Asian and Mediterranean complexions are least at risk. It is in this regard that health experts and medical practitioners alike are encouraging us to protect ourselves against the sun. Here are four simple ways that we can do so:
- Stay away from the sun especially in the middle of the day (approximately from 10 a.m. to 2p.m.) when the sun is at its hottest.
- Sunblock. Use sunscreen lotions or those with Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Using SPF 15 or higher is recommended.
- Cover up. Hats, sunglasses, sun visors and protective clothing will provide effective barrier to sunlight.
- Speak out. Help promote awareness regarding sun protection and the dangers of too much sunlight.
So next time you wanted to ride the hype of sunbathing and tanning, remember that no amount of beauty can compensate for your life.
skin care for the Summer
Everybody wants to lie drowsily in the sun and let the summer rays turn the skin to a healthy and sexy looking dark brown. However, there are some health-related issues you should be aware of before spreading that beach towel. Sun exposure causes skin cancer, the most common type of cancer reported among the residents of the United Kingdom and USA. US authorities report that one in every three new cancer cases is skin cancer. The sun sends out ultraviolet radiation, most of which is stopped from reaching the Earth’s surface by the ozone layer.
The UV radiation that makes it past the ozone layer is strong enough to alter the DNA of skin cells and trigger, in time, the formation of carcinomas and melanomas. UV radiation is also responsible for sunburns and skin ageing. Children and people with fair or red hair or fair skin, who tend to burn rapidly in the sun, are more at risk than others and may develop skin cancer faster. They should be the first to use sunscreen and other types of protection against UV radiation (wearing long sleeves and hats in summer). Most cases of skin cancer could have been prevented by limiting the exposure to sun.
Many cases actually result from exposure to UV radiation during childhood and the teen years. This means that you should start protecting yourself early on and that parents should teach their children things such as staying out of the sun at midday, wearing protective clothing and putting on sunscreen. Protection is the key to preventing skin cancer. Many people believe that ultraviolet radiation is the strongest when it’s very warm outside, but heat comes from infrared radiation.
This means that you should be protected even on cooler days. UV radiation is at its highest level in summer, around midday, when the sun is high in the sky. If you like mountain climbing, then you should be doubly careful; UV radiation increases with altitude. A heavy cloud cover may block UV radiation, but thin clouds are not good enough for protection. Don?t rely on the fact that you can face the sun safely for half an hour or even an hour. You cannot feel UV radiation on your skin and you will not be able to tell when it’s no longer safe for you to be out in the sun.
The sun and skin cancer
There are three types of skin cancer, according to the type of tumors that develop on the skin. The most common and less dangerous types feature basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Approximately nine in ten skin cancer cases belong to these two types. The true dangerous type is the malignant melanoma cancer, which can be fatal if not treated early. Basal cell carcinomas look much like sores and form on the exposed parts of the skin: neck, shoulders, hands, and head. The carcinomas appear as raised, round bumps or flattened lumps of a reddish, pale or pearly colour. The carcinomas may be crusted and bleeding is frequent.
Squamous cell carcinoma features persistent red, scaling, thickened spots on the sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. The SCC may also grow in size and spread to other parts of your skin if it is not treated. In order to protect yourself, you should know what symptoms to look for. Most surface skin cancer cases can be treated with surgery if they are identified and brought to a doctor’s attention early on. However, if carcinomas or melanomas are allowed to grow, they will expand into the deeper layers of the skin and will connect with the lymphatic system. They will also metastasize and spread to other parts of the body, which may prove fatal. This is why you should always be careful to check for signs of cancer.
Any newly grown sore or reddish patch of skin that does not heal over a longer period of time (at least one month) is likely to be a carcinoma or melanoma, especially if you notice any bleeding. Any spot that does not stop itching, hurting or bleeding is also likely to be skin cancer. Also look for inflamed moles or moles that start to bleed or crust. Persistent ulceration of the skin that cannot be explained by your activities should also be suspected of being an early sign. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should go to a doctor as soon as possible. It’s better to be safe than sorry. The worst type of skin cancer lesions are malignant melanomas.
Melanomas look like moles, but grow to be bigger than any other moles you have ever seen. They develop in the outer layer of the skin, but can spread to other parts of the body and may be fatal if left untreated. You should see a doctor if you notice that one or more existing moles are growing in size. Melanomas also have a ragged outline, which is significantly different from the round and regular shape of common moles.
Stay safe
Knowledge is power. The more you know about skin cancer and its roots, the better you can protect yourself. Here are a few simple tips designed to help you in your quest to never experience skin cancer as long as you live. As stated above, avoid the sun when it’s high in the sky. This means that you should stay indoors, or at least in the shade, between 11AM and, say, 2PM. After 2PM it should be safe enough to venture outside. Still, you should always take advantage of shade, wherever you find it. Buy yourself a pair of UV protection glasses, if you don’t have one already.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat if you can’t cover your neck by some other means. Make sure the exposed parts of your body never get burnt; you may want to invest in a sunscreen solution with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to cover your hands and, if need be, feet. Use comfortable clothing that actually covers your body. Keep in mind that no sunscreen solution is 100 percent safe, so cover as much of your skin as possible. Be extra careful with babies and children. Their skin needs much more protection than that of adults. Avoid sunbeds and tanning lamps. Such devices simply negate any effort to protect yourself from exposure to UV radiation. And lastly, check you skin on a regular basis and see your doctor if you notice any unexplained changes.
Tips on sunscreens
If you are willing to spend some money on a sunscreen, you should at least make sure you buy something worth your cash. The first thing to look for is the phrase “broad spectrum”. This means that the product can protect you from UV radiation of both type A and B. The second thing to look for is the Sun Protection Factor; the higher, the better. Buy products with SPFs of at least 15 to make sure you are well protected. If you are planning a trip to the beach, then you may also want a sunscreen marked “water resistant”, which is less likely to wash off in fifteen minutes. Remember that high SPF levels do not mean that you can stay in the sun longer. You will simply be better protected.
Summer skin rashes
Everybody loves to stay out under the warm and pleasant rays of the summer sun and in the midst of nature, but this is not always wise. Too much exposure to sun rays and nature may cause skin rashes. Although many people believe that rashes are simply allergic reactions, this is simply not true. The most common type of summer skin rash is the Sun Rash. Small reddish blisters appear on those parts of the skin that have been exposed to the sun for too long.
This type of rash is mostly confined to people whose skins are very sensitive and cannot stand harsh sunlight for long. The second most common type is Miliaria, or Prickly Heat. This type of rash is caused by exposure to high heat and humidity which obstruct the ducts of sweat glands located in the skin and triggers the eruption of small, red papules, accompanied by a prickling sensation.
Rashes may also be caused by chemical agents, such as the substances contained by cosmetics or drugs. Photo allergic Dermatitis is a type of rash caused by the reaction of chemicals found in makeup, perfumes, soaps or suntan lotions to prolonged sun exposure. Drug-Induced Photo sensitivity is the scientific term for rashes experienced by people who take blood pressure medicine, certain antibiotics and anti-Acne Products, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, birth control pills and antihistamines. Ever heard of the Poison Oak? I bet you have. This means you know that some plants can cause rashes and other skin problems. You would do well to stay away from Poison Sumac, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Primrose, Ivy, Stinging Nettles and Pencil Trees.
The best way to treat rashes is leave them alone. Once you are no longer exposed to the sun or to the toxic substances of plants, the rash will go away on its own. Above all, avoid scratching. Mild rashes go away in a couple of hours, but scratching is almost guaranteed to trigger an infection. If the rash is accompanied by fever or by unbearable itching, pay a visit to your doctor at once.
Fight Skin Problems with Sun Screens
When winter comes, it usually makes the most impact on your skin. The cold season makes your skin dry, brittle and flaky. Unlike the summer sun’s, the effects of winter are not as obvious because you are usually covered up with your winter clothes. Your dry and cracked skin becomes more of a problem when winter ends and you must once again don your regular clothes. Summer is usually the season in which you go out on the beach with your bikini or exercise outside with tank tops and shorts. However, wearing these summer clothes might become a problem if you do not have healthy skin.
Before summer comes, you can start rejuvenating your skin through constant exfoliation. This process involves removing the dead cells from your skin’s surface. It is a simple process, normally involving only a loofah or a piece of cloth rubbed against the skin. After this, you can apply lotions or *moisturizers to avoid drying your skin.
There are many ways of taking care of your skin during the summertime, yet the most effective is using sun protection products to prevent sunburn. These products usually have different Sun Protection Factors or SPF, which refers to the amount of protection it offers against the sun. Choosing the right SPF all depends on whether you have a fair or dark skin. The fairer your skin is, the higher the SPF that you will need. It is safe for everyone to use a sunscreen, which has 15 and above SPF. This will ultimately help in preventing the harmful effects of bright sun’s rays, like skin cancer.
When you apply sunscreens, it is important that you use more than enough to shield your exposed skin. You must always remember treating skin cancer is more expensive than buying sunscreen products. For the sunscreen to work effectively, it is best to rub it on before going outside. The reason for this is that the protection works better after fifteen to twenty minutes has elapsed from the time of application. You must also remember to reapply it after every two hours. When you sweat or go for a swim, the sunscreen becomes less effective, so you must lather up your body again, including your scars after you wipe yourself. The regimen discussed above is an effective way to take care of your skin and keep it healthy.
Getting rid of dark spots
People want smooth, clear and even complexion. Naturally, nobody wants their skin to be synonymous to a Dalmatian unless they are trying to set a trend on that, to which I very much doubt if it would work. The sad truth is, even with regular cleansing, some people still develop dark spots, also called hyper-pigmentation by dermatologists. It is characterized by pockets of discolored skin that remain even after pimples or skin bumps have disappeared. Hyper-pigmentation can be caused by many factors that can be external or internal.
Among internal factors, we have certain illness such as Edison’s disease and some hepatic problems. If someone is taking too much iron, for instance, it can cause darker areas on the skin. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause also have a role to play. The deficit of certain vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamins A, E and B also can cause hyper-pigmentation. The common culprit is the increase in melanin that occurs after skin is inflamed or irritated, or too much exposure to the sun. People with darker skin tones such as South Asians and Latinos are more likely to face this kind of problem.
While persistent dark spots can be remedied at home, health experts advise people to FIRST check with a dermatologist to make sure that the spot is harmless and can be left alone in place. After that, there are simple ways to effectively eliminate dark spots in your skin. For some, simply applying creams and sun block might work. For others, they might require skin peelings. No matter what, it is best to consult with your dermatologists.
simple tips on how to get rid of persistent dark spots.
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Use sunscreen daily with SPF 15 or higher. It is always wise to block the sun that darkens our skin. This will also minimize our risk of acquiring skin cancers.
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Do not pick your pimples or zits since it will result to scarring.
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Pick up a product that contains mild hydroquinone since it is the main ingredient in most skin bleaches. If you cannot tolerate hydroquinone, try skin brighteners. Hydroquinone is usually used with glycolic acid and tretinoin.
Always remember that skin bleaching is not instant. It may take you three months to a year to fade the darkened skin depending on the type of your skin tone. Moreover, try not to abuse skin. If you have persistent skin problems like acne that leave scars, treat them immediately and stop the cycle.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
Tanning Salons
The social desirability of the tan is a modern phenomenon. The concept of having a tan without going outdoors became more and more appealing. People enjoy having a tan for innumerable reasons. Aside from cosmetic reasons of just having a good tan, people actually enjoy the therapeutic effects of tanning. It was actually the Europeans who started tanning indoors with sunlamps. The practice of harnessing ultraviolet light as a therapeutic exercise spread in Europe, particularly in sun-deprived countries, in the 1970s. This was long before the first indoor tanning facility was established in the United Sates in the late 1970s.
Since then, the professional indoor tanning industry in the US has grown substantially in the past 30 years. According to industry estimates, it has grown into a $5 billion industry with 28 million Americans tanning indoors annually at about 25,000 tanning salons around the country. The most popular device used in tanning salons is a clamshell-like tanning bed. The customer lies down on a Plexiglas surface as lights from above and below reach the body. However, indoor tanning units are alleged to have safety risks. While this is so, people - young women in particular - still patronize tanning salons.
The development of photo aging and skin cancer will take years to become apparent in these young tanners, while the perceived social value of a tan is immediately apparent. Tanning occurs when the skin produces additional pigment (coloring) to protect itself against ultraviolet rays. Overexposure to these rays can cause eye injury; premature wrinkling of the skin, light induced skin rashes, and can increase the chances of developing skin cancer. Even the indoor tanning industry admits ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer provided that it produces an actual burn.
However, industry spokespeople point out that the pattern of sun exposure that causes skin cancer, in particular melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, is not consistent with indoor tanning practices. For a given amount of UV light, the industry argues there is a difference between receiving the energy in many small doses that lead to a tan versus a few big doses that produce a burn. So protect yourself from the possible risks of skin cancer.
Take note of the following precautions when using tanning booths:
Limit your exposure to avoid sunburn. Always ask for information and further assistance concerning exposure limits for your age and skin type.
Use goggles to protect your eyes. Make sure the goggles fit snugly and check if the salon sterilizes the goggles to prevent the spread of eye infections
Consider your medical history. Avoid tanning devices when you are undergoing treatment for lupus or diabetes. You might also want to inform the salon if you are taking antihistamines, tranquilizers or birth control pills.
AcneZine - nothing works better to clear your complexion than the revolutionary Acnezine anti-oxidant. Clearpores - To clear and heal your skin, the best acne recovery system for life.Related acne information:
Acne quick tips - things you need to know about acne.
Self Help - explaining strategies to help prevent pimples.
Syndicated by ClearPores™ skin cleansing system and the ClearPores information center.
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