Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens

We now know the skin's own photoprotection mechanisms are usually not sufficient to protect against ultraviolet radiation for the sun. This UV radiation can result in damage like sunburn, changes in DNA, cell death or cell abnormalities.

Sunscreen therefore is of critical importance. There are 2 basic types of sunscreen: chemical and physical lotions.

Chemical screens are capable of absorbing UV rays and quenching the radiation so it cannot damage the skin.

Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, reflect reflect the UV rays, similar to a mirror.

Whether you choose a chemical or physical sunscreen, make sure the preparation protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays, to ensure you get the maximum sun protection.

Vitamin A Supplements To Reduced Melanoma Risk?

Research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology suggests vitamin A supplements may be linked to a reduced risk of melanoma. When analyzing melanoma risk among 69,634 people, participants who took vitamin A via supplements were noted to be about 40% less likely to develop melanoma than those who did not.

20% Of Body Piercings May Become Infected

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, researchers have found that the wildly popular fashion statement, body piercing, is relatively safe, although about 20% of piercings become infected. Patients with piercings in a variety of areas, including the ear, nose, mouth, nipple, navel and genital area of both men and women, were examined. Researchers found that infections, although treatable, were the most common complication. Allergies and scarring were also observed.

Dose-Response Link Between Tanning And Skin Cancer

According to a study published online Feb. 27 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, using tanning beds, especially in high school and college, is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. There was a significantly higher risk of basal cell carcinoma skin cancer associated with the use of tanning beds more than six times per year compared with no use during high school/college compared with use at ages 25 to 35. Furthermore, researchers found that incremental increases in use of tanning beds of four times per year significantly increased a patient's individual risk.

Is Your Salon Putting You At Risk?

Gel Manicures are a popular item offered at many salons around the country. However, the UV lamps used during this process can put users at significant risk. Gel manicures require a client to put hands under UV lamps for up to 10 minutes. Reports of women developed non-melanoma skin cancer on their hands after such exposure to UV lamps have been documented in medical literature. Make sure your pick-me-up isn't putting you at increased risk!

New Treatment For Advanced Skin Cancer Almost Doubles Survival

A new therapy, recently approved for use in Europe, has shown a significant effect in the treatment for melanoma by almost doubling survival times in patients with advanced disease. According to an international study, patients given the drug vemurafenib (Zelboraf) gained several extra months of life, living an average of 16 months, compared to the average nine months that patients survived on conventional treatment. Prior to the development of vemurafenib, there had been no new drugs for the treatment of melanoma for more than a decade.

A Goji Berry A-Day Keeps The Wrinkles Away

Goji berries are an indigenous fruit in the Ningxia Hui region of Northern China. These berries are full of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants and said to be the reason why people in this region have 16 times as many people 100 years old or older than other parts of the country. The explanation: they eat Goji berries everyday! An incredible compliment to your skin anti-aging regimen. Goji berries can be eaten or found in a number of skin care preparations.

How Good Is Your Access To Cancer Care?

According to a study published in the February issue of the Archives Dermatology, counties with more dermatologists have lower rates of deaths from melanoma. In examining 2,472 US counties, researchers found that having 0.001 to one dermatologist per 100,000 people in a county was associated with a 35% lower rate of melanoma deaths. Get to know the dermatologist in your area, and make sure you get you skin screened regularly.

Is This The Beginning Of The Unfashionable Tan?

As London Fashion Week begins in the UK, a miraculous turn of events seems to be taking place. The directors of the leading modeling agencies, including Storm, Elite, Next, Premier Model Management, Models 1, FM, Nevs, Oxygen, Union, First and D1 have all agreed to a zero-tolerance approach to sunbed use for all of their models or those wishing to join their agencies. This comes as a direct response to new data showing the dangers of indoor tanning beds and the significant increased risk of developing melanoma skin cancer associated with their use.


Why should the Fashion Industry's support of Cancer Research UK's initiative to put an end to indoor tanning come as such a shock? What makes these two agencies such strange bed fellows you ask? How does the Fashion Industry influence tanning behavior?

Actually, many researchers believe that the tanning attitudes of the 20th and 21st centuries came as a direct response to cues from the fashion industry in the 1920's. This is the time that Coco Channel announced to the world that it was "chic to have a tan!" Prior to this time, a tan was associated with the working class and outdoor laborers - not the image the fashionista's of the day were striving for.

My own research on tanning attitudes in the early 20th century found that articles and advertisements promoting the fashionable aspects of tanned skin were more numerous in women's fashion magazines in 1928 and 1929 compared to 1927 and 1920. As the number of ads promoting tanned skin rose, those promoting pale skin (by bleaching or protection) seemed to diminish in this same period.
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19846688)

The power of the Fashion Industry is truly incredible. With the ability to dictate style and profoundly effect on human behavior, we are no longer talking about what will be 'in' next season. As dermatologists and skin cancer specialists, we commend this bold direction and thank them dearly for their support in our fight against skin cancer - the most common type of cancer that now effects human beings. Above all, we look forward to seeing next season's introduction of the unfashionable tan!

Good Luck Austin Marathoners!

Sanova Dermatology wants to wish all runners participating in the Livestrong Austin Marathon and Half Marathon this weekend the best of luck in your race! While many of you might be thinking bout pace times and hydration, please remember to protect your self while outdoors for long periods and wear sunscreen. Sunburns will slow you down!