FitSugar

Blame Your Family For Skin Cancer?

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:00:53 -0700

Wearing sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the harmful rays that can lead to skin cancer, but unfortunately, two new studies suggest that your risk could be inherited. One study found that if an identical twin had melanoma, it increased the other twin's risk as well. The second study showed that those who had a sibling or parent with skin cancer also had an increased risk of developing this disease.

I know this news sounds depressing, but keep in mind that although these studies prove that skin cancer can run in families, it doesn't mean you'll definitely develop it if a close relative has. It does mean that you should be extra vigilant about dousing on the sunscreen year-round, try to limit your sun exposure, and get your skin checked regularly by a dermatologist.

Has anyone you're related to been diagnosed with skin cancer?

Tanning Before 30 Triples Skin Cancer Risk

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:00:55 -0700

Tanned golden skin is seen as beautiful and healthy, so many fair-skinned ladies and gents use indoor tanning beds to get a quick sun-kissed glow. We've all heard that UV exposure from this fake sun can lead to skin cancer, but now new research has identified tanning as even more dangerous than first thought. International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and other sources of ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category, saying they are as deadly as arsenic and mustard gas. They add that anyone who's started toasting at the electric beach before the age of 30 has increased their risk for skin cancer by 75 percent. Tanning bed users are also at risk for eye cancer.

Previously, skin cancer rates were highest in people over 75, but now doctors are seeing more and more cases in women in their 20s. It's not just tanning beds you have to worry about, it's UV radiation from the sun too. So if you want a tan, go for bronzers, sunless self-tanning lotion, or spray tans. They'll give you the glow without the risk. If you do enjoy being out in the Summer sun, just protect yourself with sunscreen.

Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Want a Tan

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Unless you live in a cave, you are well aware that cigarettes cause lung cancer and tanning causes skin cancer. However, that doesn't stop people from smoking or baking in their bikinis on the beach. One main reason people continue to expose their skin to the sun without wearing any protection is that they want to have that nice healthy golden glow. You should know that when your skin tans, it means there has been damage to your skin. Tanning is your body's way of trying to protect itself from further UV exposure and damage. In other words, tanned skin is damaged skin, and the darker the tan, the more damage that's been done. Think of all the tans you've had over your lifetime. It all adds up and can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, and sun spots.

That's why it's critical that you wear sunscreen every time your skin is exposed to the sun. If you still want that kiss of a golden glow, fake it. Spray tans, self tanning lotions, and bronzers will give your skin that tanned look without the permanent damage.

Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Break Out

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:30:50 -0700

If you're regularly exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays, it can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, and sunspots. The obvious solution is to protect your skin with sunscreen. One problem though is that lathering your skin with SPF lotion can cause breakouts on your face, neck, shoulders, and back. For some people, it's so embarrassing that it makes them want to forget the sunscreen altogether. Remember though that not all sunscreens are created equal. To help prevent breakouts caused by sunscreen, read more.

First of all, if your skin is acne prone, you'll want to use a special sunscreen designed just for your face and another for the rest of your body. Go for an oil-free face lotion like the one shown that is specifically formulated not to clog your pores - the technical terms is noncomedogenic. If your body is prone to breakouts, choose an oil-free body sunscreen that's also noncomedogenic.

If you have acne lotion or topical medication you use, apply it to your clean skin first, and then apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out into the sun. As soon as you come inside wash the sunscreen off. If you've tried a certain brand of sunscreen, and it's caused pimples then try another one. It may take a few tries or a visit to your dermatologist for suggestions, but whatever you do, don't give up and forget the sunscreen. Your skin will thank you later.

Are UVA and UVB Rays Equally Harmful?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Sunscreen is a must for anyone who spends time outside. Your bottle probably mentions something about UVA and UVB rays. Since you care so much about your health, I thought I'd refresh your mind on the difference between the two.

UVA rays: These are less likely to cause sunburn than UVB rays, but they penetrate your skin more deeply. Watch out because UVA rays can go through windows, lightweight clothing, and even your car windshield. Prolonged exposure cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin in your skin, which is why UVA rays are responsible for signs of aging including wrinkles, saggy and leathery skin, and suns spots.

UVB rays: These are responsible for tanning your skin, but they also cause sunburn. UVB rays are the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer. These rays also go through windows, and it doesn't matter if it's cloudy - you're still at risk for exposure.

Although both types are responsible for different health risks, they're equally harmful to your skin. So if you're planning on enjoying the day outdoors, lube up with a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays 20 to 30 minutes before heading out. Reapply at least every two hours.

Summer Health Tip: Apply Sunscreen When You're Nude

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:00:00 -0700

When applying sunscreen, you want to make sure you cover every inch of your exposed flesh to protect yourself from sunburn and skin cancer. If you apply lotion when you're already dressed, you tend to miss spots since you want to avoid getting lotion on your clothes. I highly suggest applying sunscreen before dressing, to ensure that every part of your body, neck and feet included, is protected. Not only will you be fully protected from the sun's harmful rays, but you'll also avoid those bizarre streaky blotches on your skin that you get when you accidentally overlook certain spots. Remember it takes an ounce to cover your body completely. For a visual reference, that is about the size of a shot glass.

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How the Alphabet Can Prevent Skin Cancer

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Most of the more than one million cases of skin cancer that are diagnosed in the US each year are considered sun-related, and of those, almost 11,000 people will die each year. That's a lot of deaths that could be prevented if people just took care of their skin by wearing sunscreen and doing skin self-exams. Check yourself for suspicious-looking moles, and if you find something odd, make an appointment immediately with a dermatologist.

If you're not sure what you should be looking for - this is where your knowledge of the alphabet comes into play - follow the A,B,C,D,E rule. To learn the rule, just read more.

A for asymmetry: A mole that, when divided in half, doesn't look the same on both sides.

B for border: A mole with edges that are blurry or jagged.

C for color: Changes in the color of a mole, including darkening, spread of color, loss of color, or the appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple or gray.

D for diameter: A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter.

E for elevation: A mole that is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface.

Check your skin often and look for these changes in your moles. Also be on the lookout for oozing, bleeding, itchiness, tenderness, or a mole that grows quickly. If detected early enough, the mole can be tested and removed if it's cancerous.

To protect yourself from future sun damage, remember to apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside, reapply it every two hours to prevent sunburn, and keep your skin protected at all times.

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Sunshine, Sunscreen, and Skin Cancer

FitSugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

It's almost officially Summer and that means spending more time outside. Do you know your facts about the sun, sunscreen, and skin cancer? Take this little quiz to find out. It could save your skin and maybe your life.

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Take the quiz

Are Base Tans Healthy?

FitSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

It's a common belief that before heading to the beach or the tropics, you should take a trip to the tanning salon to get a base tan. Even though it seems like a good idea to prepare your skin for sun exposure by hitting the electric beach, according to the Mayo Clinic, there's no proof that a few sessions at the tanning salon will prevent an outdoor sunburn. Keep in mind that ultraviolet light, whether from the sun or a sunlamp, damages your skin. Any change in the color of your skin is a sign of damage from UV radiation. Repeated exposure increases the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer.

So skip the tanning trips and once you head to warmer climates, be sure to protect your skin with a broad spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it at least 30 minutes before you head outside, and reapply it every two hours.

When It Comes to Sun, What's Your Skin Type?

FitSugar — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Spring means spending more time outdoors, and how easily you burn depends on your skin type. Check out the chart below from Mayo Clinic to see where your skin falls.

The sun's UVA and UVB rays can penetrate and damage all skin types, increasing a person's risk for skin cancer. Even people with types 5 or 6 are at risk, and often develop skin cancer on the palms, fingers, or other lightly pigmented areas of their bodies. So tell me . . .

Skin Type	Skin color	Reaction to sun exposure
Type 1	Pale white skin	Always burns, never tans
Type 2	White skin	Burns easily, tans minimally
Type 3	White skin	Burns minimally, tans slowly
Type 4	Light brown or olive skin	Burns minimally, tans easily
Type 5	Brown skin	Rarely burns, tans easily and darkly
Type 6	Dark brown or black skin	Rarely burns, always tans

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