Reflections on Beauty

Sunshine delivers a dose of vitamin D and brightens your spirits, but those ultraviolet rays can be deadly. Skipping the sunscreen could mean wrinkles, fine lines and brown spots, which can be treated with laser skin rejuvenation techniques. But short of avoiding the outdoors, how else can you protect your biggest organ besides slathering yourself in creams and lotions?

According to a new study from Rutgers University, that morning cup of joe may be the answer to your problem. Lead investigator Allan Conney, who directs the Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, explained that caffeine may guard against certain types of skin cancer. The compound, which helps millions of Americans wake up every day, may inhibit the activity of an enzyme called ATR.

Conney and his team conducted their study in mice, which were split into two groups – one of which was fed caffeinated water, while the other received regular water. The animals were exposed to lamps that emitted UVB rays and damaged the DNA in their skin cells.

The scientists discovered that the rodents that had consumed caffeine could more effectively get rid of damaged cells, lowering their risk of developing cancer.

However, when the mice were exposed to chronic UVB rays for an extended period of time, all of them developed tumors, regardless of caffeine intake. The team explained that this indicates that the ATR enzyme may work best at the pre-cancerous stage, before UV-induced skin cancers have had time to progress.

"Although it is known that coffee drinking is associated with a decreased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, there now needs to be studies to determine whether topical caffeine inhibits sunlight-induced skin cancer," Conney stated.

He added that although numerous human epidemiologic studies have connected caffeine to significant decreases in many different types of cancer, the protective mechanisms are still a mystery to scientists.

The National Cancer Institute reports that sunlight-induced skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S., producing more than 1 million new diagnoses each year.

Although the finding that coffee can protect skin is interesting, using sunscreen is still the tried-and-true method of warding off harmful UV rays. Products should be applied regularly in order to achieve optimal protection. 

As summer begins winding down, you may be tempted to spend as much time in the sun as possible before fall arrives. You might also be tempted to brush off sunscreen, thinking that a few hours outdoors won't do any harm. But the more you expose your skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays without protection, the higher your risk is of experiencing sun damage. Wrinkles, fine lines and red or brown spots can be brought on by failing to smooth on a protective ointment with adequate sun protection factor (SPF), a process that only takes a few minutes.

Over the years, many scientific studies have emerged, introducing innovative ways in which to fend off UV rays. One such research paper published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggested that eating grapes could potentially protect skin cells from experiencing sun damage, according to Fox News.

A team of scientists from the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council explained that this popular fruit contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which may stop the chemical reaction that leads to skin cell death and, consequently, damage. Additionally, drinking wine could have the same protective benefits.

According to biochemist Maria Cascante, "this study supports the idea of using these products to protect the skin from cell damage and death caused by solar radiation, as well as increasing our understanding of the mechanism by which they act," quoted by the news source.

However, using the tried-and-true method of applying sunscreen has proven to be a reliable way of keeping skin safe from harmful UV rays. Items that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can help reduce the amount of sunlight that penetrates the dermis, and many products are noncomedegenic.

Techniques do exist to address sun damaged skin for those who have developed wrinkles and fine lines as a result of UV exposure. There are many laser skin rejuvenation methods available at reliable medical spas, such as the Fraxel treatment, which addresses sun spots and other premature signs of aging.

Such procedures are safe, effective and minimally invasive. However, it's a good idea to protect your skin in the first place. Purchasing and applying a reliable sunscreen can help prevent the development of damaged skin and serious conditions such as melanoma, allowing you to look younger for longer. 

Walk down the sunscreen aisle of any grocery store or pharmacy and you'll most likely see a colorful array of products, each with labels spelling out the virtues of the brand. You know that protecting your skin is vital during the summer, but which bottle do you choose? What information should you pay attention to?

According to Consumer Reports, this whole process is about to get a lot easier. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it will be making some significant changes to sunscreen labels that will take effect in 2012.

Currently, FDA-approved products offer information on sun protection factor (SPF), which helps shield the skin from sunburn-causing UVB rays. Because some of these items also protect against UVA rays – which cause wrinkles and premature aging – they will be labeled "broad spectrum" next year.

Manufacturers of sunscreens that are classified as broad spectrum and have an SPF of 15 or higher will also be able to say on their labels that these products reduce the risk of early aging and skin cancer when used as directed. Items that are broad spectrum but have an SPF between 2 and 14 will not be able to carry this claim.

Additionally, the FDA will require labels to include water-resistance times, which tell shoppers how long the declared SPF will last while they are outside sweating or swimming. This time frame will generally be either 40 minutes or 80 minutes, and sunscreen labels will not be able to say that they are waterproof or sweatproof.

"Today's announcement will take a lot of the guesswork out of reading sunscreen labels," said Michael Hansen, a senior scientist at Consumers Union, quoted by the news source. "The FDA's introduction of a broad spectrum test and associated labeling will require the sunscreen makers to first prove that their product provides such protection, and further, it will weed out the sunscreens that make broad spectrum claims without any evidence."

Dermatologists recommend choosing broad spectrum products with an SPF rating between 30 and 50, according to the New York Times. There has been no evidence to date that any sunscreens with an SPF higher than 50 are more effective, experts said.

Although techniques such as laser skin rejuvenation to treat sun-damaged skin exist and have met with much success, it's better to protect your skin in the first place when venturing outside to enjoy the summer weather.

If you're planning to spend a lot of time in the sun this summer, consider having sunscreen in your pocket or bag at all times. Shielding your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can prevent sagging, wrinkles and damage, not to mention save your life by reducing your risk for deadly diseases such as melanoma.

There are many different brands of sunscreen on the market and choosing one that's right for you can help you enjoy your time outdoors even more. All products have a sun protection factor (SPF) that is a measure of how well it can block out harmful rays, according to the Melanoma Foundation.

However, you should be aware that sun protection does not necessarily increase with a higher SPF number. For example, if you had to choose between an expensive SPF 34 sunscreen and a cheaper SPF 15 product, you would probably be better off going with the latter.

An SPF 15 sunscreen – which is recommended by dermatologists for year-round protection for most people – absorbs about 93 percent of UV rays, only four percent less than one with SPF 34.

"All sunscreens need to be reapplied, so follow the guidelines written on the bottle," the Melanoma Foundation advised. "Remember, expensive sunscreens are not necessarily of better quality."

Using these products, wearing long-sleeved clothing and limiting your time in the sun can substantially decrease your risk of developing melanoma. This type of skin cancer, in which pigment cells in the skin grow uncontrollably, affects an estimated 1 in 34 people in the U.S. According to dermatologists, more than 73 percent of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma.

A recent study published in the journal Neurology has found that people who have Parkinson's disease might have a higher risk of developing this type of skin cancer.

Researchers from the National Institute of Enironmental Health Sciences reported that men with the neurodegenerative illness are twice as likely to have melanoma than men who don't. A similar observation was made among women, though to a lesser extent.

"One possible explanation for the link between Parkinson's and melanoma is that the two diseases may share some genetic or environmental risk factors," said lead investigator Honglei Chen.

In the meantime, while more research is being conducted on this subject, Americans should do what they can to protect themselves from skin cancer. Talking to a skincare professional can help them learn more about sunscreen and how to choose the best product to fit their needs.

Summer will officially be here in just a few weeks, and the American Academy of Dermatology is reminding sun-seekers to protect their skin while enjoying the weather. According to experts, using sunscreen is an effective way to prevent damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to deadly cancers such as melanoma.

Beauty trends wax and wane over time, and tanning is currently a popular activity for men and women alike. Too much sun without enough protection, however, might be asking for trouble. The Academy reports that more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year and that an estimated one in five Americans will develop the disease in their lifetime. About 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma, the incidence of which has been increasing over the past three decades.

This is the reason why skincare experts continually tell people to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors.

These products are regulated as over-the-counter drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are available in many different varieties. They contain at least one active ingredient that works to absorb, scatter or reflect UV light, such as oxybenzone. Some media reports have questioned the potential health risks associated with this compound, but FDA scientists say that it is perfectly safe to use.

"Contrary to recent reports, available scientific literature and decades of public use does not support a link between oxybenzone in sunscreen and significant health issues in humans," said Ronald L. Moy, president of the Academy. "The FDA has approved oxybenzone in sunscreen for use on children older than six months, and dermatologists continue to encourage protecting [kids] by playing in the shade and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen."

Other compounds commonly found in protective products include retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that may help counteract the aging effects of UV exposure. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are also found in many sunscreens, and generally leave a white residue on the skin that appears to vanish by converting into smaller nanoparticles, which enhances their ability to block UV light.

Although reliable techniques such as laser skin rejuvenation can help improve sun-damaged skin, protecting yourself with sunscreen in the first place is a good idea. Applying the product – and popping a bottle of it into your bag before heading out – can help everyone in the family stay safe while enjoying a little fun in the sun.

With summer just a couple of months away, it's likely that many families are planning fun vacations for when the kids get out of school. While buying a new swimsuit may be at the top of your list, experts say that sunscreen should be, too.

If you know you will be in the sun for more than 20 minutes, taking the time to apply sunscreen could prevent the development of serious diseases later on, according to the American Melanoma Foundation.

There are many choices available on the market today, but experts recommend using a product with at least SPF 15.

Chemical sunscreens are effective for most people. These tend to be colorless, form a thin film and act as filters that reduce the amount of UV radiation penetrating the skin. However, those who are especially sensitive to sunlight should opt for physical sunscreens, which are often visible when applied, do not easily wash off and work to physically block out UV radiation.

Although safe, effective treatments such as laser skin rejuvenation exist to address sun damage, making efforts to protect skin in the first place is a good way to go.  

Staying indoors might be the best way to avoid damage to the skin, but it's no fun. After all, most people want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine after a tough winter. Wearing sunscreen and dressing appropriately can help, but catching too many rays can lead to spots, wrinkles and sagging. These, in turn, can make a person look a lot older than they actually are.

Luckily, for those who have enjoyed tanning a bit too much, there are technologies that can help, such as Fraxel laser treatment. Dermatologists and skin care specialists are swearing by this tool to treat a variety of skin conditions, not least of which is sun damage.

Experts say that the procedure is safe and comfortable, as well as versatile enough to allow multiple body areas to be treated simultaneously in one session. Lasers penetrate the skin to help fade spots and fine lines, leading to a fresher, younger appearance.

Beautician Phillipa Hodgson told the Inner West Courier that her respect for Fraxel laser treatment began when she saw so many men and women experience significant improvements.

"I could see the effect these treatments had on their confidence and poise," she said, quoted by the news source. 

It turns out that Mom may have been right: sunscreen is just as important for a day at the beach as volleyballs and sandcastle buckets. People who don't protect their skin before catching some rays are at risk for severe sun damage. Although this can be addressed with laser skin rejuvenation, developing an aggressive condition like melanoma could be dangerous and life-threatening.

Research published in the journal Archives of Dermatology reports that this disease is the most lethal form of skin cancer. Studies have shown that melanoma is most commonly diagnosed among Caucasian women between the ages of 15 and 39 who live in higher socioeconomic neighborhoods.

When the researchers looked at the incidence of melanoma based on financial security, they found that the most significant increases occurred among young women in the highest three levels of socioeconomic status.

"Interventions should target girls and young women because they have experienced a significantly greater increase in disease burden," the authors wrote in their paper.

Those who are looking to avoid sun damage and skin cancer may want to protect themselves with light, long-sleeved clothing and plenty of sunscreen. The sooner these preventive measures are taken, the better, as most people get 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure when they are young, according to eHealthMD.

Life sure can be tough on skin. Not getting enough sleep gives you dark circles. A poor diet can lead to breakouts. And then there's the sun, a source of light, warmth and … sagging skin.

Isn't aging bad enough without having to deal with these issues? The good news is, there's plenty of hope for those who wish they could get some youth back into their skin. According to an ABC 7 interview with plastic surgeon Craig Vander Kolk, all it takes is making a few lifestyle changes.

Perhaps Popeye made spinach his nutritional go-to for good reasons. The deep green vegetable is chock full of lutein, which can boost skin elasticity by 38 percent, the news source reports.

While regularly washing your face helps keep it clear, not overdoing it is important because this can strip the skin of its natural oils.

As for sun damage, there's no need to live the life of a vampire if you make sure to slather on a protective sunscreen.

In the end, it might be a good idea to talk to a qualified professional who can discuss safe, minimally invasive ways to revitalize damaged skin, such as Fraxel laser treatment.

Your skin will thank you for it. 

Fractional thermolysis, which made its debut in 2004, has been taking the cosmetic skincare field by storm during the last several years. Laser treatments target the gamut from wrinkle and fine line reduction — the original FDA indications for the devices — to elimination of all kinds of scars such as burn, surgery and/or acne scars, stretch marks and even melasma.

Ablative vs. Non-Ablative: What’s the Difference?

Fractional skin resurfacing with the new-generation ablative devices is the hottest development, although the non-ablative ones are a mainstay. The non-ablative devices are great for mild to moderate wrinkling and photoaging, and fairly close to eliminating most acne scarring over a series of 4-6 treatments that are only a bit uncomfortable followed by roughly 3 days of redness. It’s that reduced downtime, compared with more invasive treatments that require a week to 10 days from work & social obligations, that makes the non-ablative lasers so appealing in our patients’ busy lives.

The biggest difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers

Ablative laser treatments are more severe and can cause epidermal burning. Recovery time is longer and can extend up to 4-6 weeks. However, ice pick and boxcar acne scars respond well to ablative treatments, as do deeper wrinkles. For patients with older skin or those with a great deal of sun damage, the ablative laser may be best, even with the more significant downtime. We utilize excellent topical anesthetic creams and our ablative lasers have built-in cooling capacity to make the procedure more comfortable.

How does a non-ablative laser compare?

A non-ablative laser is less invasive and conducts heat deeper into the dermis, essentially bypassing the top layer of skin to treat the skin tissue beneath. This deep-placed heat causes the collagen to rebuild, making the non-ablative laser a good choice for under-eye lines and wrinkles, other more superficial facial wrinkles, as well as shallow scars.

Essentially, the less aggressive the laser, the more treatments are required to get the best final result. If you need to quickly get back to work and/or social activities, having more treatments with a non-ablative laser would be best.

Here at Reflections Center for Skin & Body in New Jersey, we have the Gold Standard in ablative and non-ablative treatments—the Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Re:Store Dual. In this way, we can offer the Best of the Best, whether you need an ablative or non-ablative treatment.