What can I do to protect family, friends and myself from the harmful effects of sun exposure?
It is most important to reduce sun exposure especially during the high-intensity periods between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It’s a good habit to apply a SPF 15 sun block on a daily basis year round and take oral antioxidants such as vitamin A, which regulates growth and activity of epidermal cells thickens the Dermis and increases elasticity. Vitamin C, which neutralizes free radicals stimulates collagen production. Vitamin E which moisturizes and repairs the epidermis. Vitamin B5, which aids in tissue repair and promotes healing. And Zinc which promotes skin healing and immunity, initiates DNA repair and replication, encourages cell division, and protects the capillaries.
As a majority of sun damage occurs before the age of 18, parents should protect their children by applying sun block, protective clothing and hats. Remember to educate your children on this subject as they get older. This will encourage healthy sun protection habits.
Find a good dermatologist too. Get skin checks once a year, or what is recommended by your doctor. Seeing an Aesthetician once a month is also good preventative care. We are able to help the skin rejuvenate and exfoliate any potential skin cells that could otherwise be harmful. A good Aesthetician will know when there may be something “suspicious” on their client’s skin and will know when to refer them to a dermatologist. As an Aesthetician I have found these suspicious cells on my clients, I immediately sent them to a dermatologist to have them checked. It is possible that their life was saved because these clients had them checked and removed. An example of good preventative care. However, the best preventative care is what was just mentioned. Also, remember you’re A, B, C, D and E’s:
A is for asymmetry- the shape is irregular with one side different from the other.
B is for border- typically notched or scalloped like an island with many inlets.
C is for color- melanoma is usually dark, blue, black red or brown, but tends to have more than one shade of color
D is for diameter- larger than a pencil eraser should cause concern.
E is for elevation- A melanoma usually starts out flat, but gradually becomes thicker and raised.
Also reviewed as 5280's favorite Aesthetician in October 2003.