Metro Creative
Getting Your Skin Ready for Summer By Shelby Mertens
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s summer’s arrival inches near, it’s important to remember how to protect your skin from the sun’s rays before heading out to the beach. Skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the U.S., affects more than 3 million people a year. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day and one in five will develop it in their lifetime. Avoiding the sun all together is not feasible, but you can take measures to reduce your risk. Dr. Jerri Alexiou of Harrisonburg Dermatology said sunscreen can lower your chances of developing skin cancer by 40%. There is much debate about which SPF is the most effective, but Alexiou recommends using a sunscreen SPF of 30 or higher with broad spectrum coverage that protects against UVA and UVB rays. “Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours, and more frequently than that if you are
swimming or sweating,” she said. And sunscreen is not just for the beach. Alexiou warned that even running errands or being outside intermittently can put you at risk. “Any area of the body that is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is at risk for skin cancer, and the areas that get exposed daily, like our face, neck, and hands, are the areas that need sunscreen applied to them every day,” according to Alexiou. “It is important to use sunglasses, and also to protect lips with a lip balm containing sunscreen.” There are additional steps you can take for more protection. Alexiou suggests also wearing sun protective clothing called UPF, which stands of Ultraviolet Protection Factor, for any kind of outdoor activity. “Wearing UPF clothing is even more effective than sunscreen, since it provides consistent protection as long as it is worn and doesn’t rely on reapplication like sunscreen does,” she said. “There are so many great choices for UPF clothing, and I find that when you get them wet, they actually keep you cool as well.” Indoor tanning beds are among the most harmful activities for the skin. The artificial ultraviolet
radiation emitted from tanning beds have been identified as cancer-causing agents, called carcinogens, by the organizations such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Dermatologists will always recommend using self-tanning sprays and creams found in stores before ever laying in a tanning bed. Alexiou said the risk of skin cancer is increased with the frequency of tanning bed use. “More people develop skin cancer from tanning bed use than develop lung cancer because of smoking,” she said. “People who have ever used tanning beds have a 67% increased risk of developing a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Using indoor tanning beds before age 35 can increase your risk of melanoma by 59%.” It’s important to regularly examine your skin after time spent outdoors. According to Alexiou, the signs of skin cancer include “a mole that is changing shape, color, size or borders; a sore on your skin that won’t heal; a sore that looks different than all your other moles [the “ugly duckling” sign]; a spot on your skin that is growing very rapidly.” See a doctor immediately if you experience any of the signs.
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Mind, Body, and Spirit! We would like to announce the addition of Alexiss Walton as a new massage therapist to Skin and Zen! Check with us for current specials with Alexiss. By appointment only.
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Coty at 540-574-6204 or cgriffith@dnronline.com Marissa at 540-574-6208 or mlutz@dnronline.com Ivelisse at 540-574-6203 or iestes@dnronline.com
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