Tag: sun

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

June Timely Topics- Relaxation, Recreation, and Remembering

For many of us in the world, June is a welcome month. Warm, sunny weather, colorful flowers, the first day of summer. Students get a break from school, and travelers hit the roads and the sky. Lots of fun to be had, but also times to slow down, remember, and reflect.

Remembering June 6, 1944

First, people in the United States, Europe, and other Allied nations remember the events of June 6, 1944, the beginning of the end of World War 2.

Safe and healthy recreation

Here are links to posts that can help you enjoy the “lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer”

two people dangling their legs into a pool.
Don’t let water-related illness spoil your summer fun. photo from stock photo site- Lightstock.com- affiliate link

Don’t drink the water-how to avoid water-related illness

Safe and healthy cruising-keys to an enjoyable vacation

5 insect repellents to keep you safe this summer

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer – Nat King Cole (LIVE)

Relax with summer reading

My Reader Rewards Club is a great way to earn free books and Bibles for yourself, friends, and family! Your journey to earning free faith-based products starts HERE.
(When you sign up through these links, I can earn free books too.)

USE THIS LINK TO SIGN UP

As a member, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more. Earning points is easy—you’ll receive 25 points just for signing up!

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

I hope you enjoy some recreation, relaxation, and reenergizing this summer (even if it’s winter where you live). Please follow me here and subscribe to receive a message when I post something new. And follow on Facebook where I post new and old posts, and a weekly Friday Funny you don’t want to miss.

Dr. Aletha