Hidden Risks of Indoor Tanning

Some mistakenly believe that indoor tanning is safer than the UV rays generated by the sun. This is a myth, and indoor tanning places a person at a substantial risk of developing a skin cancer. Tanning booths use both UVA and UVB rays. Both UVA and UVB rays damage skin cells by mutating genes that may possibly lead to a skin cancer. UVA rays are also responsible for skin aging and causes wrinkles and volume loss. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns. Indoor tanning increases a person’s risk of developing a melanoma when used before the age of 35. The risk increases by 1.8% with each additional visit to an indoor tanning booth.

Tips for avoiding irritation from your topical retinoid.

Although topical retinoid medications are the mainstay of treatment for acne, they often get a bad rap because of the irritation and peeling they can cause.  The different types of prescription topical retinoids, include e.g. tretinoin (brand names: Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova), tazarotene (brand name: Tazorac) and adapalene (brand name: Differin and Epiduo).

Here are some types to minimize your risk of irritation when using these products.

• Always use just a pea size amount of medication for the entire face.  Spot treating can cause us to use too much medication which leads to irritation
• Make sure to use the medication at night time
• Mix the medication with a moisturizer such as *Ultra Sheer from SkinMedica or *Dermal Repair also made my SkinMedica
• Make sure to stop your topical medications for 3-5 days prior to having any facial waxing or threading
• If still irritated decrease use to every other night
• For mature skin or when using retinol to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, it is best to use a product e.g. (*Retinol Complex from Skin Medica )that has a  unique patented MICROSPONGE® delivery system which provides gradual release of retinol over time to reduce irritation that is more commonly associated with prescription retinoids.

If you have tried all of the above and irritation still persists, it is best to call your health care provider.

* To find out more about the recommended products above please visit us at www.floridaskincenter.com

What is a dysplastic or changing mole?

A common mole or nevus is benign growth of pigmented cells. They can be present at birth, but most often they appear later in childhood. They usually occur in sun exposed areas. Common moles can be flat or raised, and can range in color from skin colored, to brown. Normal moles can start to change and become dysplastic or atypical. Sign and symptoms that a mole is changing include change in size, shape, or color. If a mole that was previously asymptomatic starts to itch or bleed, this can also signify change. The concern of having dysplastic or changing moles is that a small percent may progress to Melanoma skin cancer. It is important for a person who has had a changing mole in that past to have a skin check every 6 months because they are at higher risk to have further changing moles. A person should do self skin checks monthly using the ABCDE's.

Keloid

    A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that can occur after the skin is injured. This is a common problem in those of ethnic skin, and often runs in families. Symptoms include a thickened or raised scar that can be flesh colored or red in color. They can be tender or itchy, causing discomfort. Keloids are harmless unless they are causing symptoms or are of cosmetic concern. There are treatments that are successful at treating keloids to help reduce size and symptoms. Most therapies do require more than one treatment and include: Corticosteroid injections, Laser, topical medications, and in some cases surgical removal.

To Sunscreen or Not to Sunscreen: Recent Debate on Potential Dangers of Sunscreen Use

Everyone seems to be talking about sunscreen this summer and not all of it has been good. The Food and Drug Administration announced last month that it was investigating the potential risks of spray sunscreens due to a recent consumer report that stated using sunscreen sprays on children can be harmful because of the potential risk of inhalation of chemicals.

There has also been recent debate on a common chemical used in over the counter sunscreens called oxybenzone. The Environmental Working Group and other toxicology experts believe that oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage.  However, the American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) stance on oxybenzone is that it is a safe chemical and it is one of the only FDA approved ingredients that provides UVA and UVB protection.

So with all this debate surrounding sunscreen it can be hard to know what to do.  

One thing we know for sure, going out in the sun without any sunscreen protection will lead to sun damage and skin cancers.  

So what’s the bottom line?

• Use a sunscreen with a SPF of 30.  Anything over SPF 30 is not much more effective.
• Reapply. Reapply. Reapply.  And make sure to use at least 2 oz. with each application.
• Make sure the sunscreen provides UVA and UVB protection or states broad spectrum
• Choose lotions or powders versus spray sunscreens for a more evenly distributed protection especially in children

Below are two sunscreens that Dr. Badia and her staff recommend.  They are great for children as well as adults, are broad spectrum and do not contain oxybenzone.

Theraderm Platinum Protection Sunscreen SPF 43

This full broad-spectrum sunblock provides the highest range (SPF 43) of UVA and UVB sun protection. The micronized zinc oxide and octinoxate shield the skin from the sun's damaging rays without clogging pores or producing a white sheen.

• Does not clog pores or produce a white sheen
• Lightweight formulation is perfect for application under make-up
• Contains no Parabens, Oils, Fragrances or Gluten

Colorscience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

 

• Sunforgettable SPF 30 highly refined mineral sunscreen provides safe, non-irritating, UVA and UVB sun protection. The self-dispensing powder brush makes it easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day for continued coverage.

Seborrheic Keratosis

 A seborrheic keratosis is benign growth that can occur any where on the body, but is most commonly found on the back, chest, shoulders, and face. The often occur in multiple lesions. They present as raised, waxy, and almost warty in appearance. These lesions are rarely painful, but can often be itchy or irritating. A seborrheic keratosis is noncancerous and therefore doesn’t have to be removed, but if they are bothersome they may be removed electively.  

My skin feels rough in certain spots?

 Actinic Keratosis

    An actinic keratosis is rough and scaling patch that may feel like sandpaper. They are often better felt than seen. These lesions can occur on any sun exposed area. The most common places they occur are the face, scalp, ears, neck, shoulders, chest, forearms, and hands.
    An actinic keratosis is a form of “precancer.” If left untreated, a percentage may eventually turn into a Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These lesions are best prevented by limiting sun exposure and exposure to UV light. There are a variety of treatments for actinic keratosis’, such as cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), topical medications, and at Florida Skin Center we offer BLU-U therapy as well. BLU-U helps to clear existing sun damage, and treat underlying sun damage to help prevent more lesions from appearing. The procedure is done in the office my applying a medication on the area of concern for a period of time. The area is then exposed to a special light source which causes a reaction with the medication and targets the sun damaged cells.