Chances are if you are between the ages of 10 and 24 your next visit to the doctor will include a warning about the dangers of excessive sun exposure.

According to an article published this week by WebMD News, your doctor may give you (or your child) a gentle lecture about sun protection. The objective is for the doctor to appeal to your vanity to reduce sun exposure now and the risk of skin cancer later. ¹

The counseling sessions are a new recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. The independent group of experts reviews evidence and makes recommendations about preventive health services.

According to the new recommendation doctors should:

• Conduct appearance-based behavioral counseling for their fair-skinned patients.
• Warn them of the ill effects of too much sun on their appearance.
• Encourage sun-safe behaviors such as wearing sunscreen and hats.¹

Why focus on appearance?

Appearance is very important to that age group. However, because “The outcome of skin cancer is so far down the road for them it’s not terribly relevant,” says Virginia A. Moyer, MD, MPH, chair of the task force and professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Although the recommendation is for fair-skinned individuals between the ages of 10 and 24 – because that’s where the evidence is strong and the studies have been done – Moyer says of older and darker-skinned people, “We certainly aren’t telling other people to ignore this.” ¹

The new recommendation is published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.¹

1) http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/news/20120507/warning-youth-skin-cancer-with-vanity-appeal

According to Mercola.com, production of vitamin D3 in the skin varies by individual and depends upon several factors.

Each of the factors listed below can affect the production of vitamin D when trying to metabolize it naturally from the sun.
Skin color (including current tan level): Paler skin will hit an “equilibrium point” after about 20 minutes of exposure to UVB light, at which point vitamin D will no longer be produced. For darker skin, reaching this equilibrium point can take two to six times longer (or up to an hour or two), depending upon pigmentation.
Amount of time spent in the sun: A light-skinned person living far from the equator (such as in the UK or the northern U.S.) needs at least three 20 minute sessions per week, in bright midday sunlight and with few clothes. A dark-skinned person should be outside significantly longer and more often to get the same effect.
Weather conditions: Clouds can prevent some UV radiation from reaching the earth’s surface, but it is still possible to get sunburned on a cloudy day. This is especially true under light clouds, which can block infrared (heat) radiation but not UV radiation. Air pollution can also block UV radiation. This can be particularly true of cities surrounded by hills or mountains, which trap air pollution. Some types of ground cover reflect UV radiation, increasing its intensity even in deceptively shaded areas. These surfaces include sand, snow, and water.
Latitude: Sunlight is strongest at the equator, where the sun is directly overhead rather than at an angle. The UV radiation at the equator is about four times as strong at the equator as it is at the Arctic and Antarctic circles.
Altitude: UV radiation is also more intense at higher altitudes, because there is less atmosphere to absorb it. You will burn more easily at high altitudes — a fact that is often overlooked because it is usually colder at higher altitudes.
Season: Always start “priming” your skin early in the spring when the sun’s rays are still mild. In summer, avoiding being outside when the solar radiation is most intense is a good idea at most latitudes, to avoid sunburn. The winter is the time of year when you need to be most concerned about the amount of vitamin D you are receiving. Vitamin D levels can drop by up to 50 percent during winter months.
Time of Day: The optimal time to be in the sun for vitamin D production is as near to solar noon as possible. That would be between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. During this time you need the shortest exposure time to produce vitamin D because UVB rays are most intense.

You need to be very careful about the length of your exposure.  This may only be a few minutes for some. Once you’ve reached your equilibrium point your body will not make any additional vitamin D. Any additional exposure will only cause harm and damage to your skin.

1) http://www.mercola.com/

According to research published online April 18, 2012, in the British Journal of Dermatology, using the amount and sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreen recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is associated with little or no vitamin D production, suggesting that regular sunscreen use may lead to vitamin D deficiency.

The study demonstrated that the vitamin D serum level in the blood of the test subjects increased in an exponential manner with decreasing the thickness of sunscreen layered on their skin in response to UVB exposure. According to the researchers, “the results suggest that sunscreen use according to the current recommendations by the WHO may be re-evaluated.”¹

The use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of just 8 inhibits more than 95% of vitamin D production in the skin.²

Recent studies showed that following the successful “Slip-Slop-Slap” health campaign encouraging Australians to cover up when exposed to sunlight to prevent skin cancer, an increased number of Australians and New Zealanders became vitamin D deficient.²

The argument for safe sun exposure to facilitate natural vitamin D production is a growing one. SkinHealth Technology has developed a patented, new sensor that helps enable the user to get sun for vitamin D optimization without damage to the skin.

1) http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/28609
2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_health_risks_of_sunscreen

According to the Mayo Clinic, bruising easily is common with age and most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment. Some people are more prone to bruising than are others.  As you get older, several factors can contribute to bruising easily…

1) Aging capillaries. Over time, the tissues supporting these vessels weaken, and capillary walls become more fragile and prone to rupture.

2) Thinning skin. With age, skin becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion blood vessels from injury. Excessive exposure to the sun accelerates this process.  Use of sunscreen can help prevent skin damage associated with sun exposure.

3) Blood-thinning drugs. Aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) or medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix) reduce the blood’s ability to clot. As a result, bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.

Do not stop taking a medication if you experience increased bruising. Consult your doctor about your concerns.

And make sure your doctor is aware of any supplements you are taking — especially if you’re taking them while on a blood-thinning drug. Your doctor might recommend avoiding certain over-the-counter medications or supplements.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/easy-bruising/HQ00355

Getting ready for prom is an exciting time and having a flawless complexion is probably at the top of your “to do” list. If you are looking for model perfect make-up tips–look no further. Cover Girl/P&G Global Creative Design Director, Pat McGrath, selected her favorite shades this spring and developed three runway-ready looks that you can create at home.¹

The best make-up artistry in the world won’t help the embarrassment of those last minute stress blemishes that can pop up when you least expect it. If you’re down to the wire and are experiencing a break-out—not to worry. You can have clear skin in time for prom!  A new product—developed by a dermatologist–quickly reduces the redness and inflammation of mild, moderate and even severe acne!

AcneCare ClearTech™ Treatment is a fast-acting, one-step solution to those ugly, unwanted blemishes. This powerfully effective, yet gentle lotion helps heal acne and prevents further break outs. In fact, 95% of clinical trial participants showed remarkable improvements to their skin in seven days. Even better, 90% of them reported dramatic results in just three days!

Your beautiful skin will be the perfect palate for your new prom season make-up!

1) http://www.covergirl.com/makeup-look/makeup-trends?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=prom%20make%20up%20ideas&utm_campaign=CG+Evergreen+Spring+Looks+Engagement&utm_content=sdx1fEuJA|12280082318

A new study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings reports that between 1970 and 2009 melanoma increased in young women and men between the ages of 18 and 39.  Although men generally have a higher lifetime risk of melanoma than women, the researchers found the opposite trend to be true among the young adults. “We knew we would see an increase in rates among young women, but we were surprised we saw such a dramatic increase. This seems to be higher than what has been reported previously,” said Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Jerry Brewer in a teleconference.¹ The researchers believe this increase is due to tanning bed use and teenagers’ failure to heed warnings about the dangers of indoor tanning.

One thing that does seem to get the attention of this demographic is the wrinkling skin damage that is caused by tanning, and tanning beds in particular.  Another study published in the May 2010 Archives of Dermatology focused on this aspect of indoor tanning, rather than the health risks.  At the end of the study the half of the participants who were given materials to read that gave them alternative ways to improve their appearance had reduced their tanning habits.²

All this seems to indicate that even though young adults have sought to improve their self perceived appearance by tanning, they are even more concerned about looking wrinkled.  There have been other reports that show that when a dermatologist talks to young patients about sunscreen use, they have better luck getting them to use it if they address skin aging, rather than skin cancer.  So if the young tanners in your life haven’t responded to pleas to their mortality, try appealing to their vanity by recommending a lightweight daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

1)  http://healthland.time.com/2012/04/02/study-finds-dramatic-rise-in-skin-cancer-among-young-adults/?hpt=hp_t3#ixzz1r0cyFMP8

2)  http://healthland.time.com/2010/05/18/in-young-tanners-fear-of-wrinkling-is-worse-than-cancer/

Recently, Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a senior scientist at MIT was quoted in an article by Dr. Joseph Mercola, entitled “How Can Sunscreen Cause Alzheimer’s?” Seneff, a senior scientist at MIT who has a wealth of information about the importance of sulfur, explains:
“… depletion of sulfate supply to the brain is another important contributor to Alzheimer’s, and I further think that sulfate is supplied to the brain principally by sterol sulfates like cholesterol sulfate as well as their derivatives like vitamin D3 sulfate. Both cholesterol sulfate and vitamin D3 sulfate are synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, and it is theorized that the skin is the major supplier of these nutrients to the body. This is why I believe that excess sunscreen use and excess sun avoidance are another principal causative factor in Alzheimer’s disease.”¹

The argument for safe sun exposure for overall health is a growing one. The question is how much sun is too much?
SkinHealth Technology has developed a patented, new sensor that helps enable the user to get sun without damage to the skin.

The Natural Vitamin D UV Activation Sensors take the guess work out of gauging the real-time intensity of UV light and answers the universal “how long should you stay in the sun without sun protection” question.

1) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/03/03/sun-screens-cause-alzheimers.aspx

Spring is here and with much of the country experiencing above normal temperatures people are enjoying outdoor activities extra early this year.  Experts in the medical field agree that spending a short amount of time in the sun (without sun protection) is actually good for you.  A certain amount of exposure to natural UVB light allows the body to produce vitamin D naturally. This critical nutrient is essential to overall health and the best way to obtain it is from the sun.

According to Dr. Oz, “Vitamin D boosts your immunity, promotes healthy neuro-muscular functions and helps protect you from some forms of cancer. The easiest way to reap the benefits of this nutrient is to spend 15 minutes in the sun a few times a week. Be mindful that sunscreen will prevent you from getting adequate vitamin D outdoors; try skipping sunscreen for just 15 minutes.” ¹

This is great advice, but with variables like time of day, time of year, geographic location, etc—it’s evident that 15 minutes in Maine is not going to equate to 15 minutes in Miami! So how do can you know when you’ve had enough sun to attain your vitamin D?

A small sensor that enables the user to identify when they have spent enough time–without burning–is now available from SkinHealth Technology. ‘Natural Vitamin D UV Activation Sensors’ adhere to clothing or skin. When the color changes from yellow to red–optimal vitamin D development has taken place and indicates it is time to apply sunscreen or seek cover.

SkinHealth Technology developed Natural Vitamin D Sheer Sunscreen as ‘step two’ and is designed to be applied to the skin as soon as the sensor indicates vitamin D optimization. The sunscreen immediately begins protecting the skin.

1) http://www.doctoroz.com

A study presented last month at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported that blood levels of vitamin D were “insufficient” in 78% and “frankly deficient” in 39% in patients treated for a fracture at a Missouri trauma center.

The researched group of 889 patients excluded those with known risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. As reported in the New York Times by columnist Jane E. Brody, vitamin D levels are often associated with bone health, but deficiency in this vital hormone (not really a vitamin) risks many other serious illness.¹ With potential ramifications as diverse as diabetes, heart disease and a host of cancers, it’s worth keeping your vitamin D level in check.

Vitamin D is difficult to attain through diet. In fact, only a handful of foods like mushrooms, oily fish and enriched milk or orange juice provide any vitamin D at all. Supplements can help keep your D levels up, but the best source of Vitamin D is the sun.

Skincare experts at SkinHealth Technology, LLC have developed a patented, new concept that enables you to attain vitamin D 100% naturally – without damage to the skin. To accurately gauge the necessary length of time in the sun, simply apply one of the Natural Vitamin D UV Activation Sensors to skin or clothing. When the sensor turns red and the sun symbol disappears —it’s time to apply sunscreen or get out of the sun.

1)   http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/12/reasons-to-place-a-bet-on-vitamin-d/

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, at least ten  percent of the general population are believed to have the genetic makeup that leaves them susceptible to psoriasis, but only two to three percent ever develop symptoms.¹   The first flare-up can be can be triggered by a variety of things, and at the top of the list is stress.

Some stress in life is expected and can even be useful, for example in pushing us to complete a task on time.  However, if you have become overwhelmed by the things you have to deal with in your life, that stress can take a toll on your health.  If you have a predisposition to psoriasis, you may experience the first outward symptoms at a time of increased stress.

In working to eliminate stress from your life it is helpful to take a step by step approach.  First, figure out where your stress is coming from.  Once you have identified the causes, you can formulate a plan to eliminate it.  Managing your time better, taking better care of yourself, and learning to control thoughts that cause you to worry may be part of the plan to avoid stress.  Exercise or meditation can also help you manage it.²

The National Psoriasis Organization has great information on dealing with psoriasis, including a webinar scheduled for March 20, 2012 on dealing with stress.  To register for the webinar, click here.

1) http://psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes
2) http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-topic-overview