June 8, 2008
How To Avoid Skin Cancer And Sun Damage
What if you were informed that you could save ten years on your skin’s appearance by simply using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged contact with the scorching, hot sun? While healthy skin is usually hereditary or health-related, there’s no doubt that sun damage leads to skin tightening, deep wrinkles, skin discoloration and even skin cancer. You can’t prevent aging entirely, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to effective skin solutions!
Sun damage isn’t just manifested in sunburns or blisters. There are other effects that are more subtle but just as dangerous in the long run. For instance, deep wrinkles, dryness, freckles, mottled pigmentation and skin transparency are a few symptoms of sun damage. A yellow discoloration, known as “sallowness”, Telagiectasias, known as the dilation of small blood vessels beneath the skin, or Elastosis, known as the damaging of the elastic tissue that causes lines and wrinkles are telltale signs that skin solutions should be sought. Worst case scenario, pre-cancerous lesions appear as a result of the skin’s diminished immune function, which may also lead to full-blown cancer.
The number one cause of skin cancer is UV rays from the sun, although tanning beds are found to be just as harmful. Cumulative sun exposure causes basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, which make up 95% of all cancers. The good news is that this type of sun damage can be treated with some success if detected early. On the other hand, frequently severe sunburns in childhood is closely linked with the development of melanoma (a deadly skin cancer) later in life. Some researchers also believe that exposure to X-rays, burn scars and certain chemicals may also contribute to skin cancer, premature wrinkles and skin discoloration.
Skin cancer is usually detected via a biopsy, where the dermatologist takes a skin tissue sample and examines it beneath a microscope. Often times, the cancerous tissue can be removed and no other treatment is necessary. In some cases, basal cell or squamous cell cancer is treated by Mohs surgery, which cuts out chunks of the cancer. Electrodesiccation and curettage is a fancy name for the physical scraping away of the skin cancer cells, as well as electrosurgery to remove any trace of sun damage. Like any skin treatment, cryosurgery and laser therapy are both viable options. Drugs like Retinoids can also help restore a natural balance.
What should you do?
To minimize the risk of sun damage you should formulate a summer skincare plan in warm weather for both you and your children. Its a good idea to familiarize yourself with an introduction to sun protection and skin care techniques in general.







