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Posts Tagged ‘sunscreen’

Still Doubting the Safety of Sunscreen Ingredients? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, October 24th, 2011

On the heels the FDA’s new sunscreen label regulations in June 2011, a report was released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommending that consumers avoid products that contain retinyl palmintate and oxybenzone, two ingredients commonly found in sunscreen.

The EWG based their conclusion on a study of rats that were fed active sunscreen ingredients. In the July 2011 issue of Archives of Dermatology, a letter was published (Wang, MD, Lim, MD & Burnett) putting the findings from the animal study into perspective. They concluded that the length of time and application necessary to produce systemic oxybenzone levels in humans equal to those studied in rats is “essentially unobtainable.” The authors of the letter found that it would take a woman who applied sunscreen every day on her face, neck, hands and arms, 277 years to apply enough to even potentially lead to absorption sufficient enough to cause any systemic issue. I think most of us would agree that using any product in a manner which it is not intended can, of course, cause problems - just read the back of your aspirin bottle for example!

Based on public use for many years and the available scientific literature there is no evidence to support that oxybenzone in sunscreen contributes to hormonal alterations or any other significant health issues in humans. If there were any threats to humans, we would have seen them by now given their widespread use. The risk of skin cancer, which is known, documented and studied, far outweighs any hypothetical risk of using sunscreens topically. So, keep your skin healthy and continue to use your sunscreen!

 

Sun Protection that Doesn’t Miss a Spot: Notes from a San Francisco Dermatologist

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Forgetting to reapply sunscreen, especially when we are outside having fun, is the most common way to get a sunburn and sustain photodamage from UV rays.  Even if you are a committed sunscreen wearer, missing a spot, especially in hard to reach areas, is easy to do.

So what is the most complete way to protect yourself this summer?  Try the Heliocare pill!

Heliocare offers the unique properties of a natural fern extract (PLE) to increase the skin’s tolerance to the sun (decreasing sunburn response), it reduces skin cell DNA damage and scavenges free radicals helping to protect against sun-related effects and aging.  Because it is taken orally, it is effective in protecting cells deep within the skin layer.  Heliocare is taken daily and is active within half an hour of the first dose.

Over 12 years of research has confirmed the antioxidant and photoprotectant properties of Heliocare. It has shown that the PLE agent is effective when taken in capsule form or used on the skin.  It has also confirmed that the capsule form has no known harmful side effects.

My staff and I always grab a bottle when we go on vacation or when we will be outdoors for long periods of time because we know it makes a difference.  Application of your sunscreen lotion every two hours is still extremely essential, but you can protect your skin even further with this simple supplement.  Give your skin extra protection from the inside out with Heliocare!

 

A New Look for your Old Sunscreen: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Your sunscreen bottle may look different in the next year or two!  Earlier this month, the FDA issued new labeling regulations on sunscreens.  Below is quick summary of the new requirements:

  • Sunscreens may be labeled “broad-spectrum” if they provide protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
  • Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher can state that they protect again skin cancer if used as directed with other sun protection measures.
  • Sunscreens with an SPF of 2-14 will be required to have a warning stating that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.
  • The terms “sunblock”, “sweatproof” and “waterproof” are no longer allowed on sunscreen labels.
  • A sunscreen may claim to be “water resistant”; however, the product must specify if it offers 40 minutes or 80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Sunscreens that are not water resistant must include a direction instructing consumers to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
  • Sunscreens cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than two hours without reapplication.
  • Sunscreen manufacturers will have one year to comply with the FDA ruling; smaller companies will have two years.
  • The ingredients in sunscreens marketed today have been used for many years and FDA does not have any reason to believe these products are not safe for consumer use.
  • The FDA reiterated that sunscreen alone is not enough, and should be used in conjunction with a complete sun protection regimen, including seeking shade, wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunglasses.

As always, be sure to use a shot glass sized amount of sunscreen for your body and a large nickel size for your face.  Re-application is key!  Make it easy to remember by carrying sunscreen in your purse, bag and car.  If you don’t like to reapply a lotion form of sunblock, try the Colorscience Pro Sunforgettable Mineral Powder, a quick and easy way to touch up throughout the day.

For more details on the changes to sunscreen labeling, please visit the FDA’s website.

 

Nervous about using Vitamin A? Don’t Be. It’s Perfectly Safe! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

 

You may have come across the recent health warning issued by the Environmental Working Group that sunscreens containing the ingredient retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) could pose a cancer risk. This warning garnered significant media attention and has caused considerable confusion among the public.  However, an independent analysis published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology determined that including retinyl palmitate in sunscreens cannot cause cancer in humans, and in fact, “years of research suggests retinoids are helpful in reducing your risk of skin cancer.”

To be clear, retinyl palmitate (which is not the same as tretinoin, or Retin- A, a popular anti- aging cream)  when used in sunscreen is not an active drug ingredient, but rather a cosmetic ingredient.  Additionally, it can serve as an antioxidant to improve the product performance against aging effects of UV exposure.

The study done by the Environmental Working Group cited evidence from non- human testing on albino, hairless mice that retinyl palmitate may lead to the production of free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to skin cancer, or may speed up the development of tumors.  After reviewing the findings, the American Academy of Dermatology announced that there was “no conclusive evidence to indicate the combination of retinyl palmitate and UV radiation causes increased rates of skin cancer.”  The AAD also warned that since the mice used in the Environmental Working Group study are highly susceptible to the effects of UV radiation and can develop skin cancer within weeks of exposure with or without retinyl palmitate, extreme caution should be used when relating these findings to humans. 

So what’s the bottom line?  Lather up, and use your sunscreen freely.  Your skin will thank you!

 

Do Sunscreens Cause Cancer? Are they safe? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

The latest question on patients’ minds this summer is the safety of sunscreen.  A few websites have posted articles scaring people into questioning whether or not they should use sunscreen.  The bottom line is that sunscreens protect us from skin cancer and here’s why:

What do we know?

Numerous studies have looked at this issue, and none have confirmed any link between sunscreens and skin cancer. Some researchers have speculated that since sunscreens allow users to stay out in the sun longer they may increase the risk of skin cancer.  There have also been worries about physical sunblocks zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (micronized).  The worry is that these may pose a danger if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.  A large National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study found minimal skin absorption of titanium nanoparticles and this has been confirmed by other studies.  It is possible that inhaled nanoparticles may be risky.  So if you use a spray sunscreen keep it away from your face (spray on your hand and rub in) or hold your breath when you spray.

We do know that the sunscreens help prevent skin growths called actinic keratoses.  These are rough scaly patches that can develop into squamous cell cancer.  There  is less evidence that sunscreens protect against melanoma and basal cell cancer.  This may be because these two cancers are strongly linked to sunburn.  Your risk of melanoma doubles if you have had five or more sunburns at any  age or from just one blistering sunburn before the age of 20.  Basal cell cancer seems also to be linked to  the  amount of freckling and number of burns.  In other words excessive sun exposure definitely causes cancer!!

Given that we know the sun can cause cancer and the evidence is nonexistent that sunscreens cause cancer common sense should prevail. Use sunscreen!

Are sunscreens safe for the environment?

Unfortunately sunscreens are bad for the ocean environment!  They come off in the water and settle down to the coral reefs blocking vital UV radiation. What can you do?  I am a huge proponent of  light weight wetsuits and  UV protective rash guards used for surfing.  I always wear one when I snorkel or windsurf. It is easier to put one of these on your kids and yourself than to deal with suncreening your whole body and reapplication after swimming.  They come in cute colors and styles and are widely available.  You can bolster their UV blocking abilities by washing with SunGuard or a similar product.  They claim they are effective up to 20 washing  cycles or swimming dips!  Apply your sunscreen to your face and hands and cover up  the rest with UV protective clothing!! You save your skin and the ocean!

 

Join us Friday, May 14th for Body Awareness Day! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Get your skin and body into summer shape with our latest special event!

On Friday, May 14th, we will offer 20% off all sunscreens, Tan Towel self-tanning products, body lotions and scrubs, vitamins and Heliocare (an antioxidant supplement that inhibits the formation of sunburn cells - great for vacations!).  The Clarisonic Body System with brushes and Silk’N home hair laser device will also be 20% off.

If you’ve been thinking of trying our Zeltiq fat reduction treatment or Body by Thermage, now is the time!  A very special package that combines Zeltiq sculpting treatments and a Thermage treatment to tighten the waist and abdomen area will be available for booking at a great price.  Please contact the office for more details.

Refreshments and representatives from our favorite companies will be available to you for questions and information.

Look forward to seeing you May 14th!

 

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Welcome, May!  One of my favorite months because the campaign to encourage people to get skin checks and think about their summer sun protection plans is in full force.  Keep these tips in mind for the months approaching and, of course, all year round too!

  • Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
  • Do not burn.
  • Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
  • Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.
  • Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
  • Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
  • Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
  • See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

And remember, if you notice any moles, freckles or red spots that are new, have recently changed or catch your eye as being unusual, do not delay in seeking medical evaluation.

 

Confused about Vitamin D? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

There is so much information circulating now on vitamin D, its benefits to your health and how one should go about obtaining it, that its no wonder people are confused.

Let’s start with why is vitamin D important to our health.  We have long known that vitamin D allows our bodies to absorb and use calcium, which is essential for healthy bones.  However, there are some recent studies that suggest it may also play a role in preventing certain cancers and diseases.  This information, combined with the fact that vitamin D levels appear lower among Americans today than 15 to 20 years ago (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition), have sparked the conversation on whether or not we are getting enough vitamin D for optimal health.

Some of the confusion is caused by the fact that vitamin D is produced by the skin following exposure to the sun’s UV rays (specifically UVB rays), yet we are consistently told to avoid the sun, tanning beds and to glob on sunscreen daily.

So, what is wrong with tanning or tanning beds to get our vitamin D?  As a dermatologist, I continue to recommend that my patients minimize their sun exposure, avoid tanning beds and always wear their sunscreen.  The potential risk for skin cancers and photo damage is too great to obtain your vitamin D through tanning.

Another argument against sun exposure for vitamin D is that the amount produced by the skin varies depending on time of day, season, latitude, age and skin pigmentation.  For example, UV exposure is unlikely to produce enough vitamin D in darker skin, so relying on the sun alone puts these skin types especially at risk for deficiency.  Also, the skin of the elderly has a reduced ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight.  Between November and February, UVB radiation is insufficient to produce adequate vitamin D for people living above 42 degrees north latitude, which includes Boston, northern California and other northern areas.

So how do we ensure we are getting enough vitamin D?  Diet and supplements remain the safest and most consistent way for people of all ages and skin types to get their Vitamin D.  Vitamin D can be found in fortified dairy products and cereals, orange juice, egg yolks, oily fish and dietary supplements.  Try to look for supplements containing vitamin D3, the form most easily absorbed by the body.

If you still feel that the sun is a good way to get your vitamin D,  it is important to realize that for lighter skin types, a few up to fifteen minutes of mid-day sun exposure on your forearms, a few times a week, would provide adequate vitamin D, so tanning will never be a safe or recommended option.

I support current recommendations from United States dermatology groups, which are 1,000 - 1500 IUs (international units) a day of vitamin D and 1000 mg of calcium for a healthy adult.  Check with your doctor to be sure this amount is appropriate for you.  This potential role of vitamin D and disease prevention is of great interest and I look forward to more information as further studies are conducted.

 

Test Your Sunscreen IQ: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Know enough about sunscreens?  Test your sunscreen knowledge by taking the following short quiz, recently published in the Skin Cancer Foundation Journal.  You may be surprised by how much you do or do not know about this important topic.  See answers at the end of the blog.

1. A sunscreen’s SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor, measures protections against the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.  SPF numbers indicate

a. How long the skin will take to redden in the sun when using the sunscreen, compared to how long the skin would take to redden without sunscreen

b. The percentage of active ingredients in the sunscreen

c. The number of hours you can stay out in the sun

2. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 protects against approximately 93 percent of the sun’s UVB rays.  A sunscreen with an SPF 30 protects against

a. 93 percent of the sun’s UVB rays, and 93 percent of the sun’s UVA rays

b. 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays

c. 100 percent of the sun’s UVB rays

3. If you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 20, and then apply another sunscreen with an SPF of 30, what is the total value of the SPF you’ve applied?

a. SPF 25

b. SPF 30

c. SPF 50

4. How many sunscreen ingredients are currently available in the US?

a. 12

b. 15

c. 17

5. Sunscreen ingredients fall into two broad categories, inorganic/physical and organic/chemical.  The two inorganic ingredients are:

a.  Titanium dioxide and cinoxate

b. Cinoxate and zinc oxide

c. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide

6. Doctors recommend applying one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the body 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and then again

a. After one hour outside

b. After one hour outside on sunny days

c. After two hours outside

7. Because children have delicate skin, sunscreen should not be used on babies

a. Under three months

b. Under six months

c. Under one year

8. For a sunscreen to provide adequate UVA spectrum protection, it must include one or more of the following ingredients:

a. homosalate, octinoxate, PABA, octisalate

b. avobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, ecamsule (Mexoryl)

c. cinoxate, ensulizole, octocrylene, Padimate O

9. Water-resistant sunscreen:

a. Has to be reapplied after 40 minutes in the water

b. Has to be reapplied after 90 minutes in the water

c. Does not need to be reapplied

10. When stored properly, sunscreen should last for how long after the manufacturing date stamped on the package?

a. 9 months

b. 1 year

c. 2 years

Hope you found this quiz fun and educational!  Check your answers below.

1=a; 2=b; 3=b; 4=c; 5=c; 6=c; 7=b; 8=b; 9=a; 10=c

 

Eyelids and Skin Cancer, an Overlooked Danger: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

Did you know that the eyelid region is one of the most common sites for non-melanoma skin cancers?  Recently, and article was published in the Skin Cancer Foundation Journal bringing attention to this important topic.

The thinness of the skin  around the eyes and the lack of proper sun protection, makes it very susceptible to skin cancer and sun damage.  Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most typical cancers we see in the eyelid area.

Generally on the body, non-melanoma skin cancers appear as spots or sores that don’t heal.  However, skin cancers in the eye area may present with a scar-like appearance or texture or as a mass or tumor-like growth.  These cancers must be removed to keep the cancer from spreading into other ocular structures and causing further damage.  If caught early, you can minimize the amount of tissue that needs to be removed to treat the cancer, giving a more pleasing cosmetic result.  The Moh’s micrographic surgery technique used for removal has a five year cure rate of 99 percent for basal cells and 98.1 percent for squamous cells.

The best way to prevent skin cancer in the eye area is to examine the area yourself often or take pictures on occasion for comparison and see if any changes have occurred.  If you notice any differences have them checked out by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Wearing sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of the sun’s UV rays helps prevent cataracts and skin cancers.  Broad-spectrum sunblock is also important on your eyelids.  If you find lotions too irritating, choose a dry sunblock and lightly dust it over the area.  We carry Colorscience mineral sunblocks and makeup that would be a good choice to protect the eyes.  They also make a product specific for the eye area called Colorscience Eyescreen that is silky, light and provides good protection.  Contact our office for more details.

 

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