How Safe Are Your Cosmetics?

Did you know that there is little regulation and oversight into the ingredients inside of cosmetics, sunscreen, bath and shower items. Neither the Food and Drug Administration nor US Department of Agriculture really regulates them -- unless someone calls a problem to their attention. Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) has now begun congressional hearings -- the first in decades -- into cosmetics safety. At least three pieces of legislation would give the FDA more enforcement power over cosmetics. While one of the proposed measures might not force makeup to pass safety tests before it hits stores, a new law could require manufacturers to register their products with the FDA and give the agency recall authority if problems arise.

New FDA Guidelines For Sunscreen

The FDA has released new guidelines on sunscreen and how it's labelled. These guidelines will go into effect in June 2012. Here is a rundown of what to expect:

Products labeled "Broad Spectrum SPF" are indicative of a higher protection level from both UVA and UVB radiation. This means they have passed the FDA's broad spectrum test which analyzes the products UVA protection comparative to its UVB protection.

Use Claims: Only products with a Broad Spectrum SPF of 15 or above may state claim to protect against early signs of aging and skin cancer. Those with an SPF value ranging from 2-14 may only state claim to sunburn protection.

"Sunblock", "Waterproof", "Sweatproof": Gone are the days when you will see these three words on your sunscreen bottle. The use of these terms exaggerate their actual effectiveness.

Claims to water resistance: Labels must state either 40 or 80 minutes of effectiveness while either swimming or sweating.

All drug facts must be printed on the label

Having trouble finding the right product for you and your family? Your dermatologist can help you navigate these facts and more!

A New Threat To Your Teen's Health: Hand Sanitizers??

Many teenagers have found a new way to get drunk: alcohol-based hand sanitizers! Believe it or not, alcohol-based hand sanitizers typically contain at least 62% ethyl alcohol, which is strong enough to get teens far more intoxicated than a shot of vodka. Instructions to distill the cocktail are easily available online. What's more, teenagers can waltz into any neighborhood pharmacy and buy a liquid hand sanitizer without even raising any eyebrows. This practice is dangerous and has been linked to numerous hospitalizations, some even resulting in death. Alternatives such as, fiteBac SkinCare Germicidal Hand Softening Gel, exist and these safe alcohol-free preparations cannot be abused.

What To Do About Dark Circles Under They Eyes

Eyelid circles can be difficult to treat as people develop the appearance of darking around the eyes for multiple reasons. For some the skin is actually darker because of genetics, sun, or contant rubbing because of allergies. For others, thinner lighter skin shows dark blood vessels. Also, as we age, our eyelid sockets get wider and our eyes may appear sunken and have shadows. Treating this problem usually a couple of different approaches. For someone with dark circles from actual darkening of the skin here are some recommendations: wear sunscreen daily and use sunglasses. Eye creams that exfoliate, such as those that contain a retinoid or a gylcolic acid may be helpful.  Some chemcial peels are also designed to lighten the skin and can speifically be used around the eyes.

Your Skin Has Changed, Why Haven't You?

As we grow older, our bodies produce less moisture, drying out the skin, which then begins to lose its elasticity and its ability to protect the rest of the body. For many people, looking after the skin is not only a question of aesthetics, but it is also essential for one's health and well-being. Conditions that stress, clog or inflame your skin can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, burning, and itching. Allergies, irritants, genetic makeup, certain diseases, and immune system disorders can cause dermatitis, hives and other skin conditions. Our skin is always changing, with age, the seasons, our health and well being. In many ways, skin care is about timing. Speak to your dermatologist routinely to can help select the best skin care regimen for you.

Parabens: Friend or Foe?

Parabens are preservatives found in many cosmetic products. They have been proven to reduce bacterial and fungal growth in skin care preparations and cosmetics.  According to the American Journal of Contact Dermatitis, parabens applied directly to the skin have a low risk of causing a form of irritation known as contact dermatitis. This occurs in a very small minority of individuals.

There have been claims that parabens may cause cancer, influence estrogen levels, accumulate in tissues, and increase UVB-mediated DNA damage. These claims stem from research showing that parabens bind to estrogen receptors in certain types of breast cancer cells and the uterus of rats. Many of these animal studies, however, don’t apply to humans and their daily use. For example, one such study  examined breast cancer cells exposed to parabens in concentrations that were tens of thousands of times beyond what someone would be exposed to from cosmetic products. And, even if parabens do accumulate in tissues over time, this effect would  lead to levels in the body that are still far lower than the amounts of parabens used in the animal studies. This is the reason why the FDA continues to allow parabens in skin care and cosmetics products.

The potential bacterial or fungal growth and infection, and irritation from alternative preservatives is a far larger risk then any of the claims above. Still, paraben-free products are popular and available for those looking for other options.

Sunny Day With A Chance Of Extreme UV!

The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The Index predicts UV intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11+, where 1 indicates a low risk of overexposure and 11+ signifies an extreme risk. Calculated on a next-day basis for every ZIP Code across the US, the UV Index takes into account clouds and other local conditions that affect the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground in different parts of the country. With the summer weather upon us, the UV index for April 24th is 10, or very high! Make sure to follow the UV index throughout the summer season, and stay safe in the sun!

The Latest Summer Fashion Accesory: Your Skin!

Summer fashions that showcase bare arms and legs mean that skin care is more important than ever this time of the year. And with the great selection of moisturizers, sunless tanning products and sunscreens out there, adding a healthy glow to summer skin is easier than ever.

Sunscreen, Shade and Sunblock - What About My Vitamin D?

With the summer months approaching and more and more reminders for sunscreen being seen, many patients ask us, "don't I need sun exposure for vitamin D?" It's true. UV light converts cholesterol in the skin to vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones and can protect against various cancers, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

However, a fair-skinned person in shorts and a tank top can get sufficient exposure for vitamin D in less than 10 minutes on a sunny day. Darker-skinned people may need up to an hour to get the same levels. Wearing sunscreen reduces the skin's ability to create vitamin D; however, we can safely get it through many foods such as fish, liver, cheese and fortified cereals, and in multivitamins and supplements.Chose a safe route to get your Vitamin D and stay safe in the sun over the summer!

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/22/2160311/skin-cancer-usually-easily-treated.html#storylink=cpy

Now That The Skin's Covered, What About Your Hair?

Sanova dermatologists preach about sunscreen and the proper ways to ensure your skin stays protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays while enjoying some fun in the sun. But there is one thing most people often overlook or ignore when it comes down to sun protection – their hair! The scalp is just as susceptible to sun damage as any other skin on the body. As well, if you spend a good amount of money at a salon to professionally color or highlight your hair, why not protect it while its exposed for hours on end?

Hats do a great job protecting our hair and scalp, especially those with a wide brim. But for those of us who are not hat people, there are a few hair care products that can help protect the scalp. Check out some of the sunscreens made specifically for hair by Aveda, Kérastase, Phyto Plage, Pureology and more.