Maximizing Skin Health and Beauty: Exploring Skin Care Concerns

Skin health and beauty are prominent in today’s society, driving a multi-billion dollar industry. As a family physician, I’ve seen various skin issues, some stemming from diseases, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions. Understanding skin layers and cells is helpful. Excessive sun exposure can lead to photoaging and increase the risk of skin cancer, emphasizing the need for UV protection measures.

Skin health and beauty- big business

Browse social media or news sites online and you notice skin health and appearance is a priority for most people. Sales for skin care products and services is a multi-billion dollar industry. If you’re on social media, you’ve probably seen posts from friends who are involved in direct-selling companies for skin care, maybe you are also.

As a family physician, I treated skin problems frequently. Some of them were due to skin diseases, but some resulted from lifestyle habits, other medical conditions, and even medical treatments. While some of these may be unavoidable, others are preventable.

Skin Deep- cells and layers

First, let’s take a deeper look at our skin, it’s more complex than you may realize. It has two layers-

the top layer, the epidermis

the lower layer, the dermis

Layers of the Skin diagram

The layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis), as well as an inset with a close-up view of the types of cells in the skin (squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes). Source: National Cancer Institute Creator: Don Bliss (Illustrator) This image is in the public domain and can be freely reused. Please credit the source and, where possible, the creator listed above.

Skin disease and trauma involve damage to one or both layers of the skin- the dermis or epidermis, or to the individual cells- squamous cells, basal cells, or the melanocytes-the cells with pigment that give our skin color.

Cancers can develop in any cell of the skin. Melanoma is cancer of the melanocytes.

(This photo is for illustration only and should not be used to diagnose a skin lesion. See a physician if you have a skin lesion that concerns you. )

photo of melanoma skin cancer

a melanoma skin lesion-Source: National Cancer Institute Creator: Unknown Photographer- This image is in the public domain and can be freely reused. Please credit the source

Ultraviolet light-an avoidable risk to skin health and appearance

Basking in sunlight may enhance your mood, but too much of it can damage your skin.

The signs of photo-aging are obvious to physicians-

  • yellowing of the skin complexion
  • dry and rough texture with wrinkling,
  • unevenly pigmented skin tone with dilated blood vessels.
  • stretched out
  • easy bruising

Visit this link from the Canadian Dermatology Association to see what photoaged skin looks like

Photoaging

Photoaging is premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), primarily from the sun but also from artificial UV sources, such as tanning beds. Besides aging, excess sun exposure can cause

  • Burns
  • Rash due to increased sun sensitivity when taking certain medications
  • Cancers- skin cancers are the most common type of cancer.

How to limit UV light exposure 

Learn more about the effects of sun exposure from familydoctor.org at this link.

What sun exposure does to our skin.

a cute monkey checks out his face in a mirrow

We all care about our appearance, including this cute monkey. Photo by Andre Mouton on Pexels.com

exploring the HEART of skin health

I appreciate your time and interest in exploring and sharing the HEART of health with me. And I especially appreciate your sharing my posts wherever you hang out.

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Dr. Aletha

How Bono and Eugene Peterson Found Common Ground

His theology met rock music when  U2 frontman Bono read the Psalms and wanted to meet Peterson, who had never heard of him. Eventually, the two men met and appeared in a film about the Psalms in 2016.

The Message was the second title in the history of NavPress to sell more than a million copies, eventually 20 million.

“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.

I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.”

 

Psalm 23, The Message

The Message (MSG)Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

 

 

Eugene Peterson meets Bono

 

Eugene Peterson has completed his “long obedience in the same direction.”

The Presbyterian pastor, best known for authoring The Message Bible, died October 22, 2018, at age 85, a week after entering hospice care for complications related to heart failure and dementia.

About his death, Peterson said,

“I have no idea how it’s going to work out. But I’m not afraid, I’ll tell you that.

I’ve been with a lot of people who are dying. I think those conversations are some of the best I’ve ever had. These are people who have lived a good life and who have embraced their faith. They’re not afraid.”

 

He was the author of more than 30 books, including the bestselling A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, where he explored discipleship and perseverance in the Christian life.

Peterson was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), taught at Regent College, and held degrees from Seattle Pacific, New York Theological Seminary, and Johns Hopkins University.

Peterson’s influence in the church extended long after nearly 30 years as pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland.

Bono meets Peterson

His theology met rock music when  U2 frontman Bono read the Psalms and wanted to meet Peterson, who had never heard of him. Eventually, the two men met and appeared in a film about the Psalms in 2016.

“As a songwriter it’s very clear to me that Eugene Peterson is a poet as well as a scholar. He brings the musicality to God’s Word that I’m sure was always there.”

Bono, Grammy award-winning artist and lead singer of U2.

“Bono is singing to the very people I did this work for. I feel that we are allies in this. He is helping get me and the Message to the very people Jesus spent much of his time with.”

Eugene Peterson, beloved author, pastor, and writer of The Message.
Find other books by Eugene Peterson at Bookshop.org.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that financially supports local, independent bookstores.

We believe bookstores are essential to a healthy culture and they are dedicated to the common good.

Bookshop.org donates a portion of every sale to independent bookstores.

Exploring the HEART of health and faith

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a world globe with two crossed bandaids

Doctor Aletha