Healthy Skins Guide and Tips

Different Skin Types Require Different Protection

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Getting out and about in the sun blows away the winter blues, makes us feel reinvigorated and ready to enjoy the great outdoors.

Next on the agenda is looking forward to getting away from it all with, for many of us, a holiday where the sun shines all day. Those that decide to stay at home will still want to get that ´looking good` effect that exposure to the sun can bring.

Sun also brings instant happiness.

Whatever your choice, precautions have to be taken to prevent ending the summer with sun damaged skin.

That damage can vary from burning to the signs of premature aging, such as facial wrinkles and fine lines, to fatal skin cancer.

It is just not worth the risk of trying to fast track that great looking tan by staying unprotected in the sun for too long.

There are essentially only two methods of protecting the skin from the harmful ultra violet rays emitted by the sun.

The first is to wear clothing that covers all of the body not forgetting a wide brimmed hat.

The second is to apply a sunscreen to all the areas of the body that will be exposed. For the vast majority of us the second option is our preference. It may take longer but we can still get that looking good buzz that a suntan brings us.

What is not generally recognized is that different skin types require sunscreens with the appropriate protection factor (SPF number) to suit.

It is also very important for those who will travel abroad for their holiday to know that the SPF´s of American sunscreen products differ from European sourced sunscreens.

Roughly speaking the American SPFs are around double the European for the same level of protection. For example a US sunscreen of SPF 16 has the equivalent protection of an SPF 8 European product.

If you have very pale skin and find that you burn but don’t tan it is best to stay covered up if you must go out in the sun.

There is no point in risking getting burnt or even skin cancer if you are not going to tan. On the plus side your type of fine skin will stay younger looking for a lot longer than those tanned skins.

Do remember to keep your vitamin D levels up. A little early morning or late afternoon sun will do you good and a vitamin D rich diet is a must.

A light skin tone that results in hardly a noticeable tan after an hour a day for several days accompanied by some burning requires extra precautions. Use a sunscreen with a high SPF number, at least 30-40 US, during the main summer months and avoid the risk of sun damaged skin by deciding you can live without a sun tan.

With skin that either doesn’t burn or is only slightly burnt after an hour in the sun at the hottest part of the day and gets a good tan after a weeks exposure, sunscreen protection is still necessary. When the summer begins cream up with a high SPF for a fortnight or so and then gradually lower the SPF to about 12-16 (US) as your skin takes on that golden look.

Do not be tempted to give up sunscreen protection altogether.

Take particular care with protecting children’s delicate skin, a high factor block is a must.

Most sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and protect it from getting burnt. The potentially harmful ultraviolet rays can still get through. The best protection is an ointment of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, both lie on the surface of the skin and reflect the rays of the sun. Unfortunately they look unsightly when applied and do not allow the skin to tan.

How To Have Desirable Pouty Lips

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:16:00 +0000

It has been reported that most people who are unhappy with some aspect their looks choose Angelina Jolie as their role model when first approaching their cosmetic surgeon for a procedure.

However, Ms Jolie has been lucky to have been born with natural good looks which include those fabulous pouty lips.

So what can be done to get those desirable lips ourselves?

If you have very thin lips you should try to give the illusion of fullness by applying makeup that accentuates them.

First of all outline your lips with a soft lip pencil using a color close to your natural lip tone. Just draw the pencil slightly along the outer edge of your lip line. Fill in the lip area with the pencil taking care not to create any harsh lines. Blot with a tissue and repeat. Then add a lip gloss of your choice.

There are special lip plumpers on the market that claim to have amazing results as they contain substances which causes slight stinging. This then causes a swelling reaction, which for a short period or until the next application can reflect in fuller lips.

If you are still not happy you should consider the following.

Botox and Fillers

Very popular with celebrities and in fact women of all ages. There is always adverse opinion as to the safety of these procedures but if done by a qualified specialist they work wonders.

However the downside is the cost and the effort of having to get it redone every 6 months or so. Also there are a few famous actresses that have not been able to resist the temptation to have more and more and as a result they end up with caricature lips.

Daily lip care

It is essential to keep lips moist and never let them dry out. Use a daily moisturizer and a lip balm. Beware of extremes of weather. Icy windy conditions can be just a harmful as hot sun.

The Early Symptoms Of Psoriasis On The Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Psoriasis is a recurring but non-infectious scaly skin condition with no known cause or prevention. It can strike both sexes, most usually between the ages of five to twenty five.

Skin Psoriasis Symptoms

The early symptoms of psoriasis can easily be missed. A red spot with a scaly surface slowly develops on the skin.

Others appear close by and eventually they cluster together to form deep red patches normally 2-3 inches in diameter covered in fine silvery scales. Some itching or a burning sensation is often present.

The disease can occur anywhere on the body, sometimes in scars or recent skin damage.

There are various symptoms associated with specific forms of psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis

The most common form of the disease, plaque psoriasis accounts for around 80% of all cases.

All areas of the body can be affected, including the knees, elbows, chest and back, palms, scalp, genitals and the soles of the feet. It can also attack the inside of the mouth, fingernails and toenails.

Plaque psoriasis is recognizable in nails by yellow scaly appearance accompanied by thickening, pitting and ridges. The skin in the vicinity of joints can crack and bleed.

Guttate Psoriasis

About 10% of psoriasis sufferers will have the guttate form of the disease. Initially it is a one-time occurrence of the disease triggered by a skin injury or a bacterial infection such as chicken pox, tonsillitis, sore throat or even a common cold.

It mainly differs from plaque psoriasis in that the sores tend to be smaller and the condition will usually clear up without treatment. It may reappear as a result of further infections.

Affected parts of the body include the trunk, arms and legs and, on occasion, the ears, face or scalp.

It generally only appears in individuals under thirty. Should psoriasis reappear in later life it is most likely to be the plaque type.

Pustular Psoriasis

Fortunately this form of the disease as only 5% of psoriasis sufferers will develop the distressing condition. Mainly affecting adults, the red sore patches develop very quickly, becoming swollen with pus before drying up after 48 hours.

The pus may reappear at intervals of a few days or weeks. As with guttate psoriasis, the trigger can be an infection, lesion or medication, even pregnancy.

The side effects can be fevers, chills, severe itching, weight loss and anemia and can be life threatening in older adults.

Inverse Psoriasis

A rarer form of the disease that is found in the armpits, the buttocks, groin, genitals and under the breasts, hence it is also known as ‘skin-fold psoriasis’, or ‘genital psoriasis’.

The symptoms differ in that they are smooth red patches of skin that are sore and inflamed. Overweight individuals and those who sweat a lot are more susceptible.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Also known as Exfoliate Psoriasis this is a rare but life threatening disease. A peeling red rash that seriously itches and burns may attack the skin surface over the whole body.

The skin can no longer prevent bacteria from entering the body or stop heat and fluid loss.

Amongst the numerous causes are thought to be over exposure the to the sun, certain medications and drugs, infections or one of the other forms of psoriasis that has not had proper medical attention. Immediate hospitalization is necessary if erythrodermic psoriasis is suspected.

Psoriatic Arthritis

It is estimated that between one and three sufferers of psoriasis will develop arthritic symptoms in their joints when they reach the 30-50 age group.

It is also possible that attacks of conjunctivitis, a severe irritation of the eye accompanied by redness (also known as ‘red eye’ may be linked to psoriasis.

Why Have I Got Psoriasis And Can It be Treated?

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:09:00 +0000

What exactly causes psoriasis is not known.

Factors that are present and may trigger cases of the disease include medications and drugs, skin lesions and scars, sun burn, alcoholism, bacterial infections, colds and hereditary.

It may be a combination of these together with environmental factors, the immune system and a genetic disposition.

Despite intensive research the underlying mechanism that triggers psoriasis is still a mystery.

Psoriasis Treatment

For mild cases of plaque psoriasis and inverse psoriasis, creams lotions or sprays applied to the affected areas can prove safe to use and very effective.

An injection of steroids directly into a stubborn psoriasis patch is also an alternative.

In severer cases stronger and systematic medications or injections may prove effective.

Some oral medications may prescribed for certain cases but are not suitable, for example, for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy within three years.

If any form of psoriasis develops or is suspected, it is essential that qualified medical advice is sought without delay. Most cases of psoriasis can be treated without any side effects

Is Psoriasis Curable?

The short answer is psoriasis is not curable! It can disappear only to reappear weeks, months or even years later.

However, it can be controlled. Psoriasis is not contagious even if direct skin-to-skin contact is made for a duration, however it is possible that susceptibility to the disease can be passed on by a parent.

There are help and advice centers, with forums, located in most developed countries that can be contacted on line.

In the US the National Psoriasis Foundation will help in finding physicians who specialize in treating the disease from their extensive database.

Fishy Cure For Psoriasis

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Sufferers of psoriasis will do almost anything to find a cure for this unpleasant skin complaint.

One of the treatments being used today at some spas in Turkey is for the patients to immerse themselves or their affected limbs in the water with hundreds of Garra Rufa fish.

Anyone who has heard of the tiny fish will know that one of their nicknames is nibble fish given to them because they eat the affected and dead skin leaving healthy skin to grow. The treatment is painless but can be ticklish.

Although they are treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, in this way, there is no guarantee that it will be a permanent cure and many visits may be needed.

This treatment is also being used in some beauty salons to nibble away at the dead skin on clients feet.

Cold Sores - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:26:00 +0000

Few adults and teenagers will have escaped from suffering the embarrassment and discomfort of a cold sore. These unpleasant blisters and scabs that appear on the lips and adjacent skin are unsightly, difficult to cure and quite painful. In many cases the sufferer will experience a loss of confidence until the sore disappears.

Caused by a virus known as the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV1) that almost every human carries, cold sores are also known as ‘oral herpes’ or ‘fever blisters’.

Contrary to common belief cold sores are not solely caused, or are a result of catching a common cold. Among other causes are sun or windburn, nervous tension and anxiety attacks, digestive disorders and acidic saliva, allergies and various infections.

Early signs are an increased sensitivity on an area of the lips that will develop within a few hours, more often overnight, into a clear blister lasting for several days before bursting and leaving an unpleasant crusty scab.

The scab normally lasts for about a week before healing and leaving no visible sign of its presence. Despite the irritating and minor pain it is important not to fall for the temptation of scratching or otherwise interfering with the scab. If you do so it is likely that you will be left with an unsightly scar.

The HSV1 Virus is easy to spread and sufferers frequently find that as one cold sore goes so another arrives. At other times there may be an interval of months or even years before it strikes again but it seems that once there has been an infection there is every possibility that it will reoccur throughout a lifetime.

There is no known prevention and it is virtually impossible to remove but, at the very first signs of an irritant on the lip surface, the application of a proprietary ointment can lessen the size and duration of the infection or even stop the development of the blister.

Many consider that diet plays an important role in hastening the removal of a cold sore as acidic saliva may have caused the outbreak in the first place. Acidic saliva is a result of eating an excess of red meats, nuts and other high protein foods.

White meat, fish, beans and dairy products are rich in lysine, an amino acid that is essential to human health but cannot be manufactured in the human body. Among its many important functions is the prevention and healing of cold sores. Lysine is available as a supplement but should not be taken without qualified medical advice.

Apart from effective proprietary brands of ointments there are some natural home treatments that can speed healing.

Tea tree oil with sage, apple cider vinegar, vitamin e oil and even a cold used tea bag can sooth and encourage a return to normality.

On a final note do not be concerned by the use of the term ‘herpes’. Oral Herpes is a minor ailment that is not life threatening but oral sex should be avoided when suffering from cold sores. Genital Herpes (HSV2) is a sexually transmitted disease for which there is no known cure.

How to Get Rid of Unsightly Stretch Marks

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:20:00 +0000

It is a popular misconception that stretch marks appear on the abdomen only as a result of childbirth.

As many sufferers know only too well, stretch marks are not confined to women; men are just as likely to have them.

The common factor is the stretching and then the shrinking of the skin in the lower body area.

Being overweight as well as the later stages of pregnancy can cause stretching of the skin covering the stomach.

Getting rid of the excess weight by dieting or an exercise regime has just the same effect as giving birth, stretched skin gives place to the loose flaps of skin and creases we call stretch marks.

Both women and men sufferers can get rid of their unsightly stretch marks or at the very least make them considerably less noticeable.

The degree of stretching depends upon the elasticity of the skin and that in turn can be the result of inherited genes, be age related or simply due to the amount of exercise and quality of diet over a long period of time.

This is why some lucky mothers can have more than one child without any visible signs of stretch marks.

There are several courses of action open, some of which can be taken in tandem.

Before considering more drastic solutions, a twice-daily application of a good quality moisturising cream containing Vitamin E. massaged over the affected area will help the skin to regain some elasticity.

Mums to be should get into this routine at least three months before they are due in order to lower the chances of having prominent stretch marks for the first few months after the birth.

Massaging ‘cocoa butter’ into the stretch marks is also an effective treatment, not only is it inexpensive but has the added advantage of getting rid of the skin discoloration associated with the marks.

Emu oil is another product said to be effective as it has a high content of Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids essential for healthy skin.

Take advantage when the sun is shining by exposing the stomach area to the rays but take care to use a sunscreen containing added moisturiser and with a factor of at least 30 and don’t stay out too long and risk getting burnt.

Time spent in exercising the stomach muscles will tone up the underlying tissue and help in reducing the visible marks.

It may be that the unsightly marks just won’t go away or you have only recently started to take action to get rid of them and you have to go to a beach party or similar where you expect them to be noticed.

Apart from covering them up with a garment try carefully covering them with a foundation cream matching your skin tone.

If all else fails, or the oil based treatments seem to be taking too long and you want to get on with your social life without the embarrassment of an unsightly tummy then cosmetic surgery in the shape of laser treatment is likely to be the answer to the problem.

Be sure to get advice from a well qualified and experienced consultant before deciding on this course of action.

Getting rid of unsightly stretch marks and restoring the tightness of tummy skin comes at a hefty price - but then you’re worth it!

If none of these solutions appeal, be content in the knowledge that your stretch marks will likely fade as you age and may in time become almost unnoticeable.

What Are Skin Eating Parasites?

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:18:00 +0000

These infections must be candidates for one of the most distressing and embarrassing conditions that can befall humans.

Skin eating parasites can also be known as ‘flesh eating parasites.’

The worst of these parasites is contracted as a result of a bite by a sand fly, this parasite burrows into the skin where it lays its eggs and then remains to multiply and devastate the surrounding tissue. If untreated it can lead to loss of sight and eventually to an excruciating death.

There are various common forms of the parasite that infect the skin that can be picked up by contact with human sufferers, animals, plants or simply by proximity to an unclean environment or lack of personal hygiene.

These more prevalent skin parasites cause itching and discomfort that range from mild to acute and often accompanied by unsightly sores, some can even cause patches of permanent baldness.

Although the more severe skin eating parasites are infections that principally emanate from the tropics, where the sand fly is common, they have been found in more temperate climates, though fortunately only rarely.

At times we all give ourselves a good scratch because of some insect bite or minor itch, but if the itchy area spreads and particularly if outbreaks of small reddish bumps appear on the skin, then some form of treatment will be required.

In the less severe cases it is possible to get over the counter creams and lotions, such as calamine lotion, that will sooth and clear the problem.

At the same time, up your personal hygiene regime, change your underwear frequently, wash your bedclothes, check out your pets and their bedding and have your carpets, rugs, sofas etc., cleaned.

If the infection still persists then get medical advice, a dermatologist will have a more specialised knowledge of skin parasites than you can expect from a GP, but any qualified advice is better than none at all.

The extreme severity that some skin/flesh eating parasitic infections can cause, even in the fittest of people, is illustrated by the case of British television presenter Ben Fogle.

Ben is currently in the Antarctic with two colleagues preparing for a race to the South Pole.

He is known for being exceptionally fit having rowed across the Atlantic and is a regular marathon runner. He contracted a tropical skin eating parasite while filming in the Peruvian jungle.

The parasite caused an inch wide hole to break out on his forearm which if untreated would have spread across his body and led to his death.

His treatment at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London was described as having side effects similar to chemotherapy.

He was on an intravenous drip containing a toxic metal compound and underwent daily heart and blood tests. He looked in a bad way, walked slowly and in pain and was coughing.

Fortunately the extreme treatment was successful, he has returned to fitness and can take part in the grueling race.

It is important not to ignore the warning signs, particularly if you are staying, or have recently returned from a trip to a tropical country.

Even in the countries around the Mediterranean there are some nasty little parasites that attack and burrow under the skin, in many cases as a result of an unnoticed insect bite.

Psoriasis Treatment Options and Alternatives

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:17:00 +0000

One type of psoriasis treatment will not work for every person. It depends on the type of psoriasis you have and how bad of case it is. Bottom line, there isn’t a single best treatment that works to treat this skin problem for every single individual. There are factors to consider with each treatment.

Creams, ointments and even certain kinds of powders may be applied on the affected skin to treat psoriasis. These applications are often effective in containing the disease and prevent further spreading. It has been found that these kinds of treatment not control abnormal cell production that cause psoriasis and bring it down to normal levels. These local applications will also reduce swelling in the affected area.

Some common topical psoriasis treatment options include Salicylic acid, Dovonex, Athralin as well as coal tar and even corticosteroids. The latter is very often recommended for psoriasis treatment - mainly because they have strong anti-inflammatory properties and they will certainly help in bringing down any swelling and also reduce the unsightly red lesions that appear when suffering from psoriasis.

One of the advantage in using corticosteroids is what they might complement different kinds of psoriasis treatments. It is a good treatment even while the patient is suffering from chronic psoriasis. Still, you will need to find out whether the steroids should be used for a short period of time and where to be applied on.

In framing of considerable psoriasis statement the unsurpassable psoriasis discourse is using ultraviolet return and steady phototherapy with the latter involving exposing the longanimous’s injure to ultraviolet temperate wavelengths. It is indispensable to use ultraviolet light B or UVB and the reason for this is that it has greater strength in slowing effort psoriasis.

You may also use prescription or systemic medications in psoriasis treatment; especially, when the condition is moderate or even severe (in some instances). Some common systemic medications include cyclosporine and methotrexate as well as Accutane and even sulfasalazine which are effective in treating chronic psoriasis.

Included in the latest remedies for psoriasis are new options that are available to any psoriasis sufferers. Efalizumab and Alefacept are just a couple of the latest US FDA approved remedies that are available.

Natural or alternative psoriasis treatment which includes herbal remedies and acupuncture is preferred by some patients; in US it is believed that close to thirty-six percent adult patients use alternative psoriasis treatments. With no cure for psoriasis, the alternative treatments could potentially limit the distress caused to patients.

There is no one single psoriasis treatment method that suits all cases of psoriasis. In fact, the treatment recommended to you will depend on the form of psoriasis that you are suffering and also on its severity. Suffice to say, psoriasis treatment does not mean that a single treatment method will suit every instance of this skin disorder.

Which Skin Care ingredients you should look for?

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Few useful guidelines are: Do not buy product which contain animal by product. They usually are waste material from other industry!

Furs & leather industry their waste is: mink oil and Emus oil.

Fishing industry their waste is: Shark liver oil, Squalane and Caviar.

Squalane is good for your skin but it is also extracted from Olive oil, and that’s good Squalane!

Stay away of the oil industry product too: Petrolatum and Mineral oil! Petrolatum is used in many ointments as the carrier but if an alternative exist use it. Emulsion or Gels are better.

How to recognize a Gel or Emulsion: They always contain water, often the first ingredient on the label.

Also beware of “label dressing” some manufacturers will put an extensive list of ingredient on their labels but there is only so much room in the formula for those ingredients.

On your Skin Care label the first ingredient is almost always water. The water content of Cosmetics is between 40% and 90%. Most of the large manufacturers are averaging between 70% and 80% water. More active ingredients in the formula higher the risks of break down the formulator may encounter. Their motto is: keep it safe.

In my opinion the best ingredients (raw material or active ingredients) to look for are:

Peptides: often called Oligopeptides, Dipeptides, Thetrapeptides, Polypeptides, Peptides is the key word the prefix is sometime the indication of a patented structure

Olive oil: it contains fatty vitamins such A, E, D, F. and Squalane.

Squalane: but make sure is from olive oil! Sharks liver oil Squalane is not good (for the sharks)

Shea Butter: a good natural emollient

Cocoa butter: another good natural emollient

Lanolin is also an excellent emollient. Lanoline is the only acceptable exception to animal by product.

Lanolin: does not destruct the animal. Is rather a by product of the wool industry is also called wool fat by farmer whom remove the lanolin from dumping the wool in hot water before selling it to the mill, The Lanolin will come on the top of the water, harvested and sold to the pharmaceutical industry Lanolin is an excellent emollient.

Vitamins are essentials to a healthy skin, vitamin C, also called Sodium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid, and other possible names. Some time dozen of definition will be use to describe Vitamins depending on their particular mode of extraction and provenance. If you do not know an ingredient please look it up, research it, it’s Your Skin!

Vitamin B5, Niacin amide, and also the Oil soluble vitamin A, D, E, and F.

If you do not see at least three of those ingredients in the product don’t buy it!

If you see animal by products, Petrolatum or mineral oil don’t buy it!

Michel A. Hegi, PhD.

Effect of Swine Flu Change Travel Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:13:00 +0000

Over the last week health officials globally have confirmed over 1000 cases of H1N1 swine flu in more than 20 countries. Authorities have reported the largest number of cases from Mexico followed by the USA (mainly in New York) and Canada.

The World Health Organization's current Pandemic Alert is at Phase 5 (out of 6), indicating limited human-to-human transmission of this particular influenza virus with the risk that community level transmission could still occur.

While the risk of exposure to the virus is currently low, we are monitoring the situation to
ensure that we can avoid unnecessary exposure for any Lenzing Group employee who has to undertake international business travel.

The authorities in each country are issuing regular travel guidance updates which currently recommend:

1. deferring all non-essential travel to Mexico until further notice.
2. deferring non-essential travel to areas of the US where person to person
3. transmission has taken place (eg New York City).
4. requesting individuals who are ill to delay travel plans
5. ensuring returning travelers who become ill seek appropriate medical care.

Although the situation is changing rapidly, all Lenzing Group travelers should observe the above general travel advice and should take into account the guidance of the authorities in the countries they are travelling to and from and defer travel if necessary.

Employees who have further questions about particular travel arrangements which might include visiting an infected area should contact their Local Human Resources team for direct advice.

In addition, any employee who is planning to travel to an infected area on vacation should contact their Local Human Resources team for advice prior to travelling and certainly before returning to work.

Mike Proctor
Global Human Resources Director

Why Hair Change to Grey

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:12:00 +0000

The Scientist research result that the chemical reaction caused the hair turn to grey by itself from inside to outer. Scientists may have to imagine why hair turns to gray, and their findings could open the door to strategies of new anti-gray.

This process begins when there is a dip in the level of enzyme called a catalase. The lack of catalase, will cause of hydrogen peroxide that naturally occurs in the hair can not be stopped. So hydrogen peroxide is formed on the hair, and because other enzymes that will modify the hydrogen peroxide also damaged and lack of supply, and the hair becomes gray.

Placing an inhibitor to prevent the chemical reaction have a big scenario on preventing of grayish process of the hair, the scientist write online the The FASEB Journal; including of Schallreuter Karin, professor clinical and experimental dermatology at England's University of Bradford. FASEB is the Federation of American Society for Experimental of Biology.

SOURCES: Wood, J. The FASEB Journal, 2009; online edition. News release, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

A wise man said about whiten hair as follows:

A head of gray hairs doesn’t mean one’s an elder.
Advanced in years, one’s called an old fool.
But one in whom there is truth, restraint, rectitude, gentleness, self-control —
he’s called an elder, his impurities disgorged, enlightened.

Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:10:00 +0000

Your Skin is should be health, if your skin is not health if your grasp will feel very harsh and not smooth. Your skin should be care with a special treatment, and for this purpose sometime need a doctor.

In vertebrate animals the skin is the body's largest organ. It is the interface between the body's internal structure and the environment, serving as a protective coat against mechanical injury. It also plays a vital role in Body Temperature regulation, sensory perception, and some immunological response.

The skin consists of a thin outher layer, the epidermis, and a much thicker inner layer, the dermis. Beneath the dermis is a layer of lobes of fat bound together by fibers extending down from the dermis. Between the epidermis and dermis is the basement membrane, to which both layers are attached.

Epidermis

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:09:00 +0000

The innermost or the inner skin layer of cells of the epidermis, called basal cells, have fibers fixed to intracellular structures, called desmosomes, that link the cells together. The basal cells divide rapidly, forcing daughter cells toward the skin surface. Basal cells also synthesize keratin, a protein found in hair and nails; synthesis continues in the daughter cells, so that keratin fills the cells near the surface. As dead surface cells are shed, they are replaced from below.

Although outer epidermal cells absorb water readily the deeper cells are watertight. The treelike melanocyte cells the deeper epidermis produce a dark brown pigment called melanin. The pigment is introduced into nearby cells through the “branch tips” of the melanocyte cells, units called melanosomes. A third type of epithelial cell, the Langerhans cell, functions in immune responses of the skin. The epidermis lacks blood vessel and obtains its nutrition from capillaries in the dermis. It is well supplied by nerve endings that branch between the epidermal cells.

Sweat Glands

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:09:00 +0000

Human skin contains very many sweat glands, with secrete a watery fluid. These glands are especially numerous in hairless regions such as the palms and soles. Their ducts also form dimples, lined with epidermal cells, that descend into the dermis and connect with gland cells. They are well supplied with nerves and respond to excessive heat by the secretion of sweat, whose evaporation cools the skin. This in turn cools the capillary blood in the dermis. Stimulation by the para sympathetic nervous system also causes secretion the “cold sweat” of emotion.

The so called apocrine sweat glands found in the arm pits and the public region are attached to hair follicles and secrete an odorless milky fluid. Bacterial action on this fluid produces the distinctive body odor of an animal. The mammary glands, or breasts, are large, modified apocrine glands.

Skin functions.

The skin protects against mechanical injury and attack by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites; its melamine blocks ultraviolet radiation. The skin controls body temperature in several ways, as well. Variable amounts of heat are lost through the skin by transfer from the dermis capillaries to the cooler epidermal cells, the amounts dependent on constriction or dilation of the dermal blood cells. Sweating cools the epidermis by evaporation.

The five distinct sensations arising from stimulation of skin nerves include touch, pain, heat, cold, and pressure. Other skin sensation, such as vibration, are composites of these basic sensations.

The skin responds to challenges to the immune system, as various allergy reactions show. Certain dermal cells release chemicals that cause changes in capillary diameter (redness and warmth) and permeably (swelling), and stimulation of nerve endings (pain)- all sign of inflammation.

Skin Disorder by Chemicals

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:08:00 +0000

Skin diseases that result from chemical and physical agent as well as infectious organism include contact dermatitis, sunburn, heat rush, and bunions, corns, and calluses. Contact dermatitis characterized by itching and burning sensations reddening, and blistering, ‘weeping’, and crusting of areas of the skin. it is an acute or chronic skin inflammation caused by skin contact with irritants such as chemical or poison ivy or with substances to which an individual is allergic, although the causes of the form of dermatitis known as eczema are often unclear.
Ultraviolet light causes erythema solare, or sunburn, signs of which can vary from simple reddening to blistering. The symptoms can range from simple pain in the skin to gastrointestinal disorder, malaise, and prostration. Miliaria (heat rush or prickly heat) is frequently seen in infantand obese adult. It is characterized by burning and itching and the aggregationof small blisters on covered areas during hot humid weather.

Bunions, corns, and calluses on the feet or toes result from pressure and friction due to body deformities or from poorly fitting shoes. When the skin is exposed to heat, electricity, radiation, severity of the burn, that is the depth of the skin layers destroyed and the area affected, a skin graft may be required.

Lesions on Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:07:00 +0000

The skin is subject to many disorders. They occur through the direct action of external agents or as symptoms of disease in other parts of the body. Susceptibility to skin disorders is modified and sometimes determined by genetic factors.

The appearance of abnormal changes, or lesions, in the skin is an important element in diagnosis and treatment. Various lesions can occur, not all of them disease related. A flat lesion of a color differing from surrounding skin is called a freckle. A papule is a solid, elevated but superficial mass, such as a rise mole or a wart. A wheal is a transitory lesion resulting from an allergic response, such as to an insect bite. A nodule is a solid mass that extent deeper, such as in certain tumors and cysts. A vesicle is a tiny blister filled with clear fluid, such as in early chicken pox. A bulla is a large blister, most often seen as the result of a burn. A pustule is an elevated skin area containing pus, as in the later chicken pox lesion. Purpura is a skin discoloration caused by deposits of blood or blood pigments within the skin.

The appearance of such lesions may be modified by secondary changes. These include scales or flakes of dead skin, as seen in psoriasis and dandruff; crusts, typically dried masses of material that have oozed out, as in impetigo, fissures, or sharp breaks, as seen in athlete's foot, ulcers, or destruction of one or more skin layers, exposing underlying tissue; scars, resulting from newly formed connective tissue replacing lost tissue; and lichinification, a thickened scaly area in which normal skin creases and lines are exaggerated. Lesions may be seen in several different diseases, any one of which may have several different lesions.

Dermis Layer

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:06:00 +0000

The strength of the skin is due to the fibrous dermis. An outer layer beneath the basement membrane consists of tiny “hillocks” called papillae. They contain fine collagen fibers and are well supplied with blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic structures. Beneath this layer is a far thicker one containing larger budles of collagen fibers running in several directions. The fibers, synthesized by fibroblasts, are made of cross-linked collagen and are strong and resistant to enzymatic attack. This layer also contains elastic fibers, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic structures as well as specialized nerve endings and the various skin appendages, including hair, sweat and oil glands, and nails.

Hair
Except for the palms, soles, lips, eyelids, nipples, and parts of external genitalia, the mammalian body is usually covered with hair. In humans the hair is often thin and short and not readily seen on much of the body. Hair follicles are lined by epidermal cells. They form by a dimpling of the epidermis into the dermis. As the cells fill with keratin, they adhere to one another and form hair, which elongates as new cells form at the hair base. Melanosomes find their way into the hair cells, giving them color. From the wall of the follicle an oil gland provides a protective hair coating. Plugged oil glands form black heads, and if these become infected they produce acne. Cold or fear can stimulate the tiny muscle attached to each hair follicle to erect the hair.

Skin Histology

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:05:00 +0000

The epidermis or cuticle (scarf-skin) is non-vascular, and consist of stratified epithelium. It is accurately molded on the papillary layer f the derma. It forms a defensive covering to the surface of the true skin, and limits the evaporation of watery vapor from its free surface. It varies in thickness in different parts. In some situations, as in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, it is thick, hard and horny in texture. This may be partly due to the fact that these parts are exposed to intermittent pressure, but that this is not the only cause is proved by the fact that the conditions exist to a very considerable extent at birth. The more superficial layer of cells, called the horny layer (stratum corneum), may be separated by maceration from deeper layers, which are called the rate mucosum or atratum Malpighii, and which consist of several layer of differently shaped cells. The free surface of the epidermis is marked by a network of linear furrows of variable size, marking out the surface into number of spaces of polygonal or lozenge-shaped form. Some of this furrow are large, as opposite the textures of the joints, and correspond to the folds in the dermis produced by their movements.

In other situations, as upon the back of the hand, they are exceedingly fine, and intersect one another at various angles; upon the palmar surface of the hand and fingers and upon the sole of the foot these lines are very distinct and are disposal in curves.

They depend upon the large size and peculiar arrangement of the papillae upon which the epidermis is placed. The deep surface of the epidermis is accurately molded upon the papillary layer of the dermis, each papilla being invested by its epidemic sheath; so that when this layer is removed by maceration, it presents on its under surface a number of pits or depressions corresponding to the elevations in the papillae, as well as the ridges left in the intervals between them. Fine tubular prolongations are continued from this layer into the ducts of the sudoriferous and sebaceous glands.

Epidermis or Cuticle (Scarf-Skin)

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:05:00 +0000

Epidermis is non-vascular, and consists of stratified epithelium. It is accurately molded on the papillary layer of the derma. It forms a defensive covering to the surface of the true skin, and limits the evaporation of watery vapor from its free surface. It varies in thickness in different parts, hard, and horny in texture. This may be partly due to the fact that these parts are expose to intermittent pressure, but that this is not the only cause is proved by the fact that the condition exists to a very considerable extent at birth. The more superficial layer of cells, called the horny layer (stratum corneum), may be separated by maceration from the deeper layers, which are called the rate mucosum or stratum. Malpighii, and which consist of several layers of differently shaped cells.

The free surface of the epidermis is marked by a network of linear furrows of variable size, marking out the surface into a number of spaces of polygonal or lozenge shaped form. Some of these furrows are large, as opposite the flexures of the joints, and correspond to the folds in the dermis produced by their movements. In other situations, as upon the back of the hand, they are exceedingly fine, and intersect one another at various angles; upon the palmar surface of the hand and fingers and upon the sole of the foot these lines are very distinct and are disposed in curves. They depend upon this large size and peculiar arrangement of the papillae upon which the epidermis is placed. The deep surface of the epidermis is accurately molded upon the papillary layer of the dermis, each papilla being invested by its epidermis surface a number of pits or depressions corresponding to the elevations in the papillae, as well as the ridges left in the intervals between them. Fine tubular prolongations are continued from this layer into the ducts of the sudoriferous and sebaceous glands.

Hair Skin Health

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Hair health care have many different method and care for every specialist, basically your hair health is depend on your hair skin health. How to take care hair health from Doctor of course different with Salon expertise, this one is some advice from Hair Salon specialist on how to take care you hair:

Natural health and beauty is a good thing to know about in that it will help you learn the practical side of health.

Your hair, skin, and nails are often neglected when you are taking care of yourself. But they are also very important.

Natural health and beauty helps you find a beauty routine that will benefit you in all aspects. You should learn which natural health tonics you can drink and what their benefits are on your skin and overall internal and external health.

This way you can give all you body's features a boost. Junk food often damages the appearance and health of your skin. Your skin might look overly glossy or overly dry, but certainly not healthy.

Achieving natural health and beauty is also about reaching a state of tranquillity with yourself. It enforces the rules of life, which is to say that if you are healthy inside it will show on the outside. When you have or are deciding to start living a more natural, healthy way, you will need to know that you have to do the work.

There is no short cut around it. You are responsible for your own health; and if you do not take care of yourself, then no one else will.

Another thing to consider is that if you want the natural health and beauty products to work for you, then you have to use them. Don't waste money if you know that you are not committed enough to actually follow-through the prescribed plans.

Skin Diseases

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:59:00 +0000

Skin diseases can cause by many source, the sign that seen on the skin can just a reflection from other causes. Such as dengue fever disease, will arise in red speck on the skin.

The skin itself available in the surface of all the body. So the skin diseases related condition of affecting the human can cover the entire surface of the body and is composed of skin, hair, nails, muscle, and glands. The major function of this system is to act as a barrier against the external environment. The skin itself weighs an average of four kilograms, covers an area of two square meters, and is made of three distinct layers the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. There are two main types of human skin glabrous skin, the non-hairy skin on the palms and soles (also referred to as the "palmoplantar" surfaces), and hair-bearing skin.Within the latter type, there are hairs in structures called pilosebaceous units – each with a hair follicle and sebaceous gland – each with an associated arrector pili muscle. In the embryo, the epidermis, hair, and glands form from the ectoderm, which is chemically influenced by the underlying mesoderm that forms the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.

Skin diseases can only as sign of other illness and can also as skin diseases. But the changes of almost of all kind of diseases will merge on the skin, so people usually familiar to this ubnormal condition. If the symptom just show in short time, usually this is a sign of other diseases, but if show for long time, usually this is a skin diseases that can cause by many reasons.

Dermabrasion

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:57:00 +0000

Dermabrasion, or surgical skin planing, is a procedure in which the skin is frozen and then a specialized instrument is used to "sand" the skin. This abrasive or planing action improves skin contour as a new layer of skin replaces the treated skin. The new skin generally has a smoother appearance.

The procedure is performed by a dermatologic surgeon.

When Is Dermabrasion Used?

When dermabrasion was first developed, it was used predominantly to improve acne scars, pox marks and scars resulting from accidents or disease. Today, it is used to treat other skin conditions, such as tattoo scars, age (liver) spots, wrinkles and skin lesions.

Dermabrasion is not effective in treating congenital skin defects, most moles or pigmented birthmarks, or scars due to burns.

What Happens Prior To the Dermabrasion Procedure?

During the consultation, the dermatologic surgeon describes the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure and what results might realistically be expected. The doctor also explains the possible risks and complications that may occur. Photographs are taken before and after surgery to help evaluate the amount of improvement. Preoperative and postoperative instructions are given to the patient at this time.

How Does Dermabrasion Work?

Dermabrasion can be performed in the dermatologic surgeon's office or in an outpatient surgical facility. Medication to relax the patient may be given prior to surgery. The affected area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic cleansing agent and then your doctor will apply a special spray is applied that freezes the skin.

A high-speed rotary instrument with an abrasive wheel or brush is used to remove the outer layers of the skin and improve any irregularities in the skin surface.

What Happens After Dermabrasion?

After the procedure, your skin will feel as though it has been severely "brush-burned" for a few days. Your doctor can prescribe or recommend medications to help reduce any discomfort you may have, such as an over-the-counter pain reliever. Healing usually occurs within seven to ten days.

The newly formed skin, which is pink at first, gradually develops a normal color. In most cases, the pinkness largely fades by six to eight weeks. Makeup can be used as a cover-up as soon as the skin is healed.

Generally, most people can resume their normal activities in seven to 14 days after dermabrasion. Patients are instructed to avoid unnecessary direct and indirect sunlight for three to six months after the procedure, and to use sunscreen on a regular basis when outdoors.

Side effects are uncommon but they do occur. The most common side effects include:

* Uneven changes in skin color (temporary or permanent)
* Darkening of the skin (temporary or permanent)
* Formation of a scar
* Infection

Darkening of the skin usually occurs because of sun exposure in the days and months following surgery.

Care After Surgery

Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after the surgery. Do not take aspirin or any products that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for one week after the surgery. Avoid smoking, as advised by your doctor. You will have a mandatory appointment the day after your surgery and your doctor will provide more details.

Birthmarks and Other Abnormal Skin Pigmentation

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:56:00 +0000

Skin is just like the humans who wear it: It's not perfect. If everything went as planned, the body would produce just enough melanin and blood vessels would behave.

But that's not the case. There are birthmarks and other pigmentation disorders that affect many people. We've included some of the most common abnormalities here.

Remember: never self-diagnose! If you think you have one of these skin pigmentation abnormalities, make sure you visit a physician to receive an official diagnosis.

Birthmarks

As might be expected, this type of abnormal skin coloration will appear at birth or in just a few weeks following birth. It's important to remember that most birthmarks are non-cancerous, though a physician should examine your child if he or she is born with abnormally colored skin or develops birthmarks shortly after birth. Certain birthmarks described below can pose health risks.

Pigmented Birthmarks

The discoloration of the skin will appear smooth and flat. These spots are known by several names, including Mongolian spots -- bruised or bluish in color, typically appearing on buttocks; cafe-au-lait spots -- light brown; and typical moles, which are also called nevi. Moles should be monitored for bleeding, color, shape or size changes, or itching.

Macular Stains

These appear anywhere on the body, appearing as mild red marks, but they are not elevated. Macular stains are the most common type of vascular (from blood vessels) birthmark. These marks can come in two forms:

* Angel's kisses may appear on the forehead and eyelids, but will typically disappear after age 2.
* Stork bites will appear on the back of the neck and can last into adult years.

Because these marks are often mild, there is no treatment necessary.

Hemangioma

Hemangiomas are caused by many tiny blood vessels bunched together and vary in severity. Typically, this birthmark can be just that, a mark, or it can grow larger and larger until treated. Hemangiomas can grow very rapidly through the first year of a child's life.

There are two types of hemangiomas: strawberry hemangiomas, which are slightly raised, red birthmarks and can appear anywhere on the body; or cavernous hemangiomas, which are a deeper birthmark characterized by a bluish color.

Most hemangiomas will go away on their own; roughly 50% resolve by age five, 70% by age seven and 90% by age nine.

Reasons to treat hemangioma include problems with functions (such as sight, eating, hearing or defecation), ulceration or pain. Hemangiomas can be treated in different ways, each of which carries its own risks.

Corticosteroid medication, which can be injected or taken orally, is one option for treating hemangiomas. Risks associated with corticosteroid medication include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, poor growth, or cataracts. If corticosteroids fail, there are other medications that may be an option.

Certain hemangiomas can also be treated with lasers to stop them from growing. Risks associated with that treatment include ulceration and scarring.

In some cases, a hemangioma can also be removed with surgery. Other times, a combination of these approaches is the most beneficial treatment.

Port-wine Stains

Port wine stains are caused by abnormal development of blood vessels (capillaries) and last a lifetime. The port-wine stain (also known as nevus flammeus) appears as a flat, pink, red or purple mark, and occurs on the face, trunk, arms, or legs.

If you or your child has a port wine stain present on eyelids, this is thought to pose an increased risk of glaucoma, an eye disease associated with increased pressure in the eyes that can lead to blindness if it's not treated.

Physicians have tried many ways to treat port wine stains, including radiation, tattooing, freezing, dermabrasion, or sclerotherapy. Laser treatment is currently the only method that destroys capillaries in the skin without causing damage to the rest of the skin.

Port wine stains may be seen in certain medical disorders, including Sturge-Weber Syndrome, with symptoms that include port wine stains on the face, vision problems, convulsions, mental retardation and perhaps even paralysis; and Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome which may include symptoms of many port wine stains, varicose veins and/or too much bone and soft tissue growth. Each of these syndromes is very rare.

Albinism

Albinism, an inherited disorder, is caused by the absence of the pigment melanin and results in no pigmentation in skin, hair, or eyes. In albinos, their body has an abnormal gene, which restricts the body from producing melanin. There is no cure for albinism, and individuals should use a sunscreen at all times because they are much more likely to get sun damage and skin cancer. This disorder can occur in any race.

Melasma

Melasma (also known as chloasma) is characterized by tan or brown patches on the cheeks, nose, foreheard, and chin. Although this condition is typically termed the "pregnancy mask," men can also develop this condition. Melasma may go away after pregnancy but, if it persists, can be treated with certain prescription creams and some over the counter skin care products. Remember to consult your physician or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis of this condition before you choose to treat it yourself. If you have melasma, use a sunscreen at all times because sunlight will worsen your condition.

Pigmentation Loss As a Result of Skin Damage

If you've had a skin infection, blisters, burns or other trauma to your skin, you may have a loss of pigmentation in the affected area. The good news with this type of pigment loss is that it's frequently not permanent, and cosmetics can be used to cover the area.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. The cause of vitiligo is not known, but some possible causes include physical trauma or certain diseases such as diabetes. There is no cure for vitiligo, but there are several treatments, including psoralens (light-sensitive drugs) used in combination with ultraviolet A light treatment.

Sun Tanning

noreply@blogger.com (Hendra T Nugroho) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:55:00 +0000

un Tanning

But First, Some Sun History
It was over 400 years ago that Copernicus declared that the sun was the center of our universe. Throughout history, the human race has had a special relationship with the sun. Primitive societies in every continent have worshiped the sun as the god that provided warmth and made the crops grow.

Cultures changed over hundreds of years, class systems developed and the sun became a symbol of a different kind, one that clearly defined who you were. Skin color became that visible definer--one that separated working classes from the ruling classes, and the master from his servants. Pale skin belonged to the leisurely upper classes, while darker skin indicated a life of outdoor labor. The paler one's skin, the higher the class; men and women went to great (and sometimes unhealthy) lengths to be pale.

Women of ancient Greece and Rome used lead paints and chalks to whiten their faces. Unfortunately, this beauty treatment could cause death through slow lead poisoning.

By the mid-10th century, arsenic became the preferred skin whitener, once again with sometimes deadly results. Other methods of making the skin white were less poisonous: During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, women painted thin blue lines of their foreheads to give their skin a translucent look, and carried parasols or wore masks whenever they ventured outdoors.

These class distinctions found their way to America, where no Southern belle or Northern society debutante dare go out in the sun without her parasol to protect her delicate pallor. It wasn't until the 20th century that society began accepting bronzed skin.

Blame It on the French
Two French celebrities can be credited (or blamed) with the transformation from pale to tan. In the 1920s, as fashions were freeing women from confining clothes, thanks in part to designer Coco Chanel, she inadvertently gave the fashion world another new trend: While cruising from Paris to Cannes, she obtained a suntan, probably by accident.

At the same time fashions were changing, so were lifestyles. Women came out of the house to enjoy outdoor life, with hiking, picnics, lawn tennis and other "acceptable" yet still "feminine" activities. Soon, fashionable women everywhere threw away years of tradition to be tanned.

On beaches throughout Europe, women sunbathed, wearing decorative sun hats and shawls--not for protection, but as fashion statements. Brown and beige-tinted powders and creams were created to be brushed on the places the sun had missed. The fashion world featured clothes for women who wanted to flaunt their new tans; shoes were worn without stockings, and sleeveless dresses became stylish. Bathing costumes that had covered women's legs with bloomers now bared the leg, and swimming became an acceptable sport for women. The suntan had arrived as the symbol of wealth and leisure. A tan in the winter meant the bearer had enough money and status to afford a vacation to an exotic, warm climate.
By the 1970s, an entire generation had baked their bodies in the sun, totally oblivious to the fact that the sunburns they had acquired in their youth would develop into skin cancers 10 to 20 years later.

Recognizing the Dangers of the Sun
It wasn't until 1979 that the FDA concluded that sunscreens could help prevent skin cancer, and developed the first rating system for SPFs. In 1985, alarmed at the growing incidence of skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) became the first medical society to start a public education skin cancer campaign, warning the public about the dangers of overexposure to the sun. In 1988, the AAD held a consensus conference on photo aging and photo damage. The conclusion from that conference was that "there is no safe way to tan."

Indoor Tanning

The indoor tanning industry first became popular in the 1970s, and by the 1980s had taken hold in the United States. Today between 20,000 and 24,000 salons are listed in the Yellow Pages, claiming 22 million plus clients each year.

1997:
In a survey in Seventeen magazine, 2/3 of teens say they look better with a tan and feel healthier and more sophisticated, and 50 percent say they look more athletic.

1998:
A report from the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science questions the value of sunscreens, leading to national publicity. Some products promising UVA and UVB protection do not protect adequately against UVA and may give sunbathers a false sense of protection, the report says.

1999:
The AAD continues to urge Americans to use sunscreens, avoid sunbathing and cover up. It is estimated that more than 1 million Americans will develop skin cancer in 1999--7,800 of them from malignant melanoma and 9,800 dying from the disease. Yet despite these alarming figures, men and women still enjoy the tanned look. Just look around you on any warm summer day and you'll see them: the seekers of the sun.

2000:

The skin cancer rates are still growing, but the sun worshipers are still out there or still tanning at the tanning salon all year 'round. The effects of sun exposure are becoming an increasing concern due to the decline in the earth's ozone layer. The ozone layer screens out the most harmful of the ultraviolet rays, but is becoming thinner all over the world, and holes that fluctuate in size have developed in various places. This situation increases the risk of skin cancer and of sunburn.

2001-2002:
Some people will never learn. I live in Florida, where there are skin-cancer treatment centers almost on every corner (or it seems that way). Students here are taught to use sunscreens and to wear caps. The rest of the world comes here to tan. Florida's number one industry is tourism, and our sunshine is one of the reasons that people come to visit. I can always spot tourists: They are the ones with the sunburns. The rest of us have learned the hard way. I had my first precancerous spot removed from my face this month (April 2002); my dermatologist said it was from all the years of tanning as a teenager. I had skin cancer removed from the same area in 2003, again from years of tanning. (Darn.)

2003 -2007:
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen--every 2 hours when outdoors, or more often if you are in the water. Wearing an SPF of 15 or 20 is even better! Thirty works, too. (If it is raining ... OK, none is needed.)

Safe Tanning?

All ultraviolet rays in sunlight--both U V A and UVB--are harmful to the skin, and the amount of damage depends on the length of time you stay unprotected in the sun. Long exposure to the sun may inflame your skin and cause it to swell. Even longer exposure results in burning, with blistering and peeling and possibly heatstroke, which causes the temperature-regulating mechanism of your body to give up, which can make you very sick. For more on heatstroke, see the First Aid section.

Of course, the most serious danger of sun tanning is the risk of skin cancer, which is higher in pale-skinned people. As you know, skin cancer has increased significantly in the last few years, and this is almost entirely due to our obsession with a tan. Sunblocks are a necessity.

Another long-term hazard is wrinkles, which are caused by the sun destroying the collagen in the skin. A sun tan ages the skin, and there's nothing you can do to reverse it. Instead, protect your skin with the sunscreens in strong sunlight. If you really must get a tan, use common sense and learn all you can about sunscreens. Tan gradually over a period of time, with short sessions of exposure to the sun. Use at least a number 15 or 20 SPF. But NO amount of tanning is safe for your skin.

(May 2003 update: I tanned a lot as a teen and into my 20s. I have had four precancerous lesions removed from my face; luckily, no scars were formed. The dermatologist said it was from all those years of the sun--I didn’t use a sunscreen then. Later in that same year I had developed skin cancer on a small spot on my face from years of tanning. I have a small scarred area there now forever to remind me. Save your skin now and it will look good for life.)

Why Use a Sunscreen?

Sunscreens block the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. You will find that each sunscreen has an sun protection factor (SPF) that is equal to the amount of time you can stay in the sun without burning. So, if you are sitting in the sun for 10 minutes and you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 10, you can sit in the sun for 10 X 10 minutes without burning. Very pale-skinned people should use a very high SPF or a total sunblock.

Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days and when you don't plan on spending much time outdoors. Make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays (referred to as "broad-spectrum" sunscreen). If you are going to be outside for a while, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. If you'll be in the direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 30. If you'll be playing sports, make sure the sunscreen is waterproof and sweat-proof.

The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Avoid spending a lot of time outside during this time period without wearing a sunscreen.

When you can, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants or skirts, and a hat with a brim. OK, you’ll look like a geek and be hot in the sun, but you will not burn.

Wear sunglasses that provide almost 100 percent protection against ultraviolet radiation.

Reflective surfaces such as snow and water can increase the amount of UV radiation to which your skin is exposed.

Be aware that certain medications--such as antibiotics, some antidepressants and medications used to treat acne--can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Ask your health-care provider or pharmacist if your medications might have this effect on you.

Skin Color

The color of you skin is determined by the amount of melanin it contains. This substance called melanin protects the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. A tan is visible proof that your skin is being damaged. When the ultraviolet radiation of the sun hits your skin, it stimulates cells known as melanocytes, which make the brown pigment called melanin. The melanocytes respond to the sun by making even more melanin to protect your skin from the sun. The melanin acts sort of like a barrier for the skin's cells, and can give people the brown tint that is a suntan. We can't possibly tell you that getting a tan is safe, when it is not. Here as some examples of skin colors:

Fair skin
If you have fair skin, your hair is light-colored or red and it is always hard for you to tan. (Your skin can also be freckled.) You tend to burn easily and quickly.

Olive skin
Your skin, hair and eyes are all brown or dark brown. You tan quickly without burning.

Black skin
Your skin, hair and eyes are very dark and you don't burn easily. Black skin can burn in strong sunlight.

Knowing your skin type will help you decide how long you can safely expose yourself to the sun without burning. If you have dark skin, you will be able to stay out longer than someone with pale skin, and you will burn less easily.

Long-term Effects of the Sun

Melanin can only protect your skin so much. If you continue to be exposed to the sun, the UV radiation can eventually damage your skin. That damage shows up on fair-skinned and olive-skinned people as:

brown age spots

freckled skin

blotchiness and uneven skin tone

skin cancer

sagging skin that looks older than it is

WRINKLES AND MORE WRINKLES

and brown age spots too!

First Aid for Sunburns

Symptoms of sunburn usually appear within a few hours after exposure and up until 24 hours after exposure, and peak within 2 to 3 days.

Most sunburns are first-degree burns that cause the skin to become red, warm and tender to the touch. Second-degree burns are a more serious burn, and can cause severe swelling, reddening, pain and blisters. Blisters are a sign that the burn has gone deeper than just the surface layer of the skin, and has caused damage and the release of fluids from the cells in the lower layers of the skin. This results in bad blisters and breaks in the skin where bacteria and other organisms can enter. This is not a good situation; a person with a burn this bad should get some medical attention.

Symptoms:

pain

redness

swelling

occasional blistering

When a large area has been exposed, a sunburn can cause headache, fever, nausea and fatigue.

Action:

Take a cool bath or shower.

Apply an aloe vera lotion several times a day. Many have lidocaine which will numb the pain.

Leave water blisters intact to speed healing and avoid infection. If they burst on their own, remove skin fragments, then apply an antibacterial ointment on the open areas. Cover with a sterile gauze bandage.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen.

Drink plenty of fluids; sunburn dehydrates the body. Eating high-protein food will help with tissue repair.

Consider a product containing benzocaine (an anesthetic). Topical anesthetics can cause allergic reactions in some people, although this is not very common.

If your sunburn begins to blister or if you experience immediate complications (like rash, itching or fever), call your health-care provider.

About this Author

Ken Chisholm's expertise in health care, orthopedics, surgery and nursing spans well over thirty years. He holds multiple board certifications in these areas. Ken has a passion for empowering people to be more educated and involved about their health and to become more aware and active in the health care environment.