Choosing a Sunscreen

Buy a high-quality product with an SPF of 15 or higher; check its ingredients to make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection; and decide whether it works better for everyday incidental use or extended outdoor use. Look for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which guarantees that a sunscreen product meets the highest standards for safety and effectiveness. Once you choose the right sunscreen, use it the right way. But remember, you should not rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin against UV rays.

2 common myths about sunscreen use

If it's cold or cloudy outside, you don't need sunscreen.
This is not true. Up to 40 percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day. This misperception often leads to the most serious sunburns, because people spend all day outdoors with no protection from the sun.

80 percent of your sun exposure comes as a child, so it's too late to do anything now.It appears that this universally promoted idea was based largely on a misinterpretation. A recent multi-center study showed that we get less than 25 percent of our total sun exposure by age 18. In fact, it is men over the age of 40 who spend the most time outdoors, and get the highest annual doses of UV rays. And since adult Americans are living longer and spending more leisure time outdoors, preventing ongoing skin damage will continue to be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

A snscreen myth

Wearing sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency.There is some controversy regarding this issue, but few dermatologists believe (and no studies have shown) that sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency. Also, vitamin D is available in dietary supplements and foods such as salmon and eggs, as well as enriched milk and orange juice.

How much sunscreen should I use and how often should I put it on?

To ensure that you get the full SPF of a sunscreen, you need to apply 1 oz – about a shot glass full. Studies show that most people apply only half to a quarter of that amount, which means the actual SPF they have on their body is lower than advertised. During a long day at the beach, one person should use around one half to one quarter of an 8 oz. bottle. Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours. Sunscreens should be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal.

What Type of Sunscreen Should I Use?

The answer depends on how much sun exposure you're anticipating. In all cases we recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Many after-shave lotions and moisturizers have a sunscreen (usually SPF 15 or greater) already in them, and this is sufficient for everyday activities with a few minutes here and there in the sun. However, if you work outside or spend a lot of time outdoors, you need stronger, water-resistant, beachwear-type sunscreen that holds together on your skin. The "water resistant" and "very water resistant" types are also good for hot days or while playing sports, because they're less likely to drip into your eyes. However, these sunscreens may not be as good for everyday wear. They are stickier, don't go as well with makeup, and need to be reapplied every two hours.
Many of the sunscreens available in the US today combine several different active chemical sunscreen ingredients in order to provide broad-spectrum protection. Usually, at least three active ingredients are called for. These generally include PABA derivatives, salicylates, and/or cinnamates (octylmethoxycinnamate and cinoxate) for UVB absorption; benzophenones (such as oxybenzone and sulisobenzone) for shorter-wavelength UVA protection; and avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule (Mexoryl), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide for the remaining UVA spectrum.

Who can use sunscreen?

Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily. Even those who work inside are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day. Also, UVA is not blocked by most windows. Children under the age of six months should not be exposed to the sun. Shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect infants from the sun.

SPF, what's that?

Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. SPF — or Sun Protection Factor — is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Here's how it works: If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about five hours.
Another way to look at it is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 99 percent. They may seem like negligible differences, but if you are light-sensitive, or have a history of skin cancer, those extra percentages will make a difference. And as you can see, no sunscreen can block all UV rays.
But there are problems with the SPF model: First, no sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication. Second, "reddening" of the skin is a reaction to UVB rays alone and tells you little about what UVA damage you may be getting. Plenty of damage can be done without the red flag of sunburn being raised.
source- Skin Cancer Foundation

a lifestyle that can reduce skin cancer risks

Prolonged exposure to sunlight, besides other factors leads to skin cancer. In 2007 alone, 1,000,000 cases of skin (non-melanoma) cancer have been estimated, with nearly 2000 people being killed by the disease.
Though it is not always possible to change one’s job requirements to go out and travel in the sun, change in your “lifestyle” can be an answer to the deadly disease.
If you are an exercise freak, just add to it a cup of that refreshing coffee – and you are at the least risk of developing skin cancer!
Yes, by building up this healthy but simple habit, you may actually reduce your risk from the painful and killer disease. This combination of exercise and caffeine may help bringing in a revolutionary remedy to the growing skin cancer cases across the world.
Dr. Allan H. Conney of the laboratory for cancer research at Rutgers said,
With an understanding of these mechanisms we can then take this to the next level, going beyond mice in the lab to human trials. With the stronger levels of UVB radiation evident today and an upward trend in the incidence of skin cancer among Americans, there is a premium on finding novel ways to protect our bodies from sun damage.
And if you are a ‘caffeine-drinking runner’ and the new finding proves true for humans, then you are just the ideal example of the lifestyle that can effectively reduce skin cancer risks.
But again, that does not mean, you can take the liberty of staying unprotected under the sun for hours!

Early sunbed use boosts melanoma risk

People who use tanning beds do not protect themselves from skin damage from subsequent sun exposure, an international research group has concluded. In fact, use of sunbeds before age 35 substantially increases the risk of developing melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, the investigators found.

"Young adults should be discouraged from using indoor tanning equipment and restricted access to sunbeds by minors should be strongly considered," the Working Group on artificial UV light and skin cancer of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concludes in the March 1 issue of the International Journal of Cancer.

The group reviewed all studies done up until March 2006 to investigate the relationship between sunbed use and skin cancer.

Men and women who ever used sunbeds were 15 percent more likely to develop melanoma, the researchers found, based on 19 studies they reviewed. A review of seven studies found that exposure to tanning beds before age 35 boosted melanoma risk by 75 percent.

While three studies of a less-deadly type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, also found increased risk with sunbed exposure, research did not support a link with basal cell carcinoma, another common type of skin cancer.

Given that sunbed use has become widespread only relatively recently, and that both melanoma and basal cell carcinoma have a long latency period, the current study may not have been able to detect all potential risk, the researchers note.

Nevertheless, they say, current evidence is strong enough to suggest that tanning bed use causes skin cancer, especially if exposure to sunbeds occurs before the age of 35.

"The strength of the existing evidence suggests that policy makers should strongly consider enacting measures such as restricting minors and discouraging young adults from using indoor tanning equipment, in order to protect the general population from additional risk for melanoma and squamous cell skin cancer," the IARC group concludes.

Safer, sunless tanning increasing in popularity

Getting a tan can be easy and may appear to be healthy, but sitting out in the sun to get that tan raises risks of skin cancer and possible skin damage.
Now there are more sunless tanning products than ever, which are safer.
Sunless tanning has become a trend in South Beach, where the need to be a shade darker is an unhealthy obsession.

Products priced from $6.99 to $9.99 offer darker skin without the risks of real tanning and they can be bought at a local drugstore.
Every sunless tanner includes the only Food and Drug Administration approved ingredient for such products called dihydroxyacetone.

Whether the product is a spray-on or bottled lotion, it will always contain the same ingredient.
The majority of moisturizers require daily use for a week to see the full effect. Lauren Granado tested Sundial Adjustable Color self tanner twice in one day, choosing a darker setting the second time.

While the label on the product says that color will develop in two to three hours, Granado said she noticed no change.
"I think I look the exact same," Granado said.

In response, a spokesperson for Banana Boat said a small percentage of people don't have responses to these sunless tanning products.
"However, we have tested this product in 400 consumers and over 90 percent claimed they loved the color they got," the spokesperson said.
University of Miami dermatologist Dr. Leslie Baumann said exfoliating before applying any sunless product is necessary.

"So if you do not exfoliate, your skin has heaps and valleys of dead cells. The heaps will take up more color than the valleys," said Baumann.
The chemical reaction that results in the color change can also cause an unpleasant odor.
The odor eventually will fade and so does the tan but, with sunless tanning products, all you need to do is reapply.

Sunscreens are...

Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other effects of photoaging. They also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB.

Everyone should ask these 4 questions

Everyone should see a dermatologist once a year. Spring is a great time to go, to get advice on sun protection and to have your skin examined before the beach weather begins. Here are five topics that you should discuss with your physician.
What Is My Skin Type?
Your skin type, which depends on the amount of natural protection your skin provides you, is a key factor when determining your risk of developing skin cancer. If you don’t know your own skin type, check out our skin type guide.
What Is My Risk for Skin Cancer?
Skin type isn’t the only thing to consider when determining skin cancer risk. Family history, childhood sun exposure, personal skin cancer history and other factors all play a part in determining your overall risk. If you’re not familiar with your family’s medical history, consider contacting family members to find out if there is a history of melanoma in your family tree.
Do I Need to Examine My Own Skin?
A monthly skin check is a crucial part of skin cancer early detection, although it should not replace a yearly professional skin exam. You want to be as thorough as possible, so follow our step-by-step guide.
What Should I Look For?
There are three major types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Each has different symptoms, and pose different risks. Learn to recognize the warning signs of BCC, SCC and melanoma.
Remember, the summer brings longer days and more intense sunlight, which adds up to more UV exposure. Check out our skin cancer prevention tips and stay sun-safe all summer.
source- Skin Cancer Foundation

Do you know what photoaging is?

Over time, skin ages and loses its youthful appearance. Wrinkles appear around the eyes, fine lines bloom around the lips, and age spots surface on the hands. While some of these factors are natural and unavoidable, many of the visible signs of aging are caused by the sun, and can be avoided.
Skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, or outermost layer; the dermis, or middle layer; and the subcutis, or basement layer. The dermis contains collagen, elastin, and other fibers that support the skin's structure. It is these elements that give skin its smooth and youthful appearance – and that are damaged by UV radiation (UVR).
The UVR that affects the skin is composed of two different types of waves, UVA and UVB. When UVR hits the skin, cells in the dermis scramble to produce melanin to the epidermis. This is the process that gives you a tan, which is really just your skin attempting to block the radiation from penetrating your skin.
UVB rays are shorter than UVA rays, and are the main culprit behind sunburn. But it is the UVA rays, with their longer wavelength, that are responsible for much of the damage we associate with photoaging. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, where they damage the collagen fibers. This damage causes increased production of abnormal elastin. The unusual amounts of elastin result in the production of enzymes called metalloproteinases. These enzymes, which rebuild damaged collagen, often malfunction and degrade the collagen, resulting in incorrectly rebuilt skin. As this process is repeated with daily UVA exposure, the incorrectly rebuilt skin forms wrinkles, and the depleted collagen results in leathery skin.
Repeated sun exposure can also cause what are commonly called age spots, or liver spots. They don't have anything to do with your liver, but have everything to do with sun. An ‘age spot' is actually a solar lentigo - a small bit of pigmentation caused by sun exposure. Age spots are usually found on the hands, arms, and face, and on the back in men.
The best way to combat photoaging is through prevention. Daily application of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to areas vulnerable to photoaging will not only help prevent photoaging, but can reverse some of the signs you might already have. And reducing your exposure to UV radiation will lower your risk of developing skin cancer or precancer.

Compliments of the Skin Cancer Foundation

Indoor Tanning Contributes To Increased Incidence Of Skin Cancer

According to a 2005 survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, 92 percent of the respondents understood that getting a tan from the sun is dangerous. Yet, 65 percent said that they think they look better when they have a tan.

In a quest to get a "sunless" tan, almost 30 million Americans visit indoor tanning salons each year. On an average day, more than 1 million Americans visit tanning salons. Of these, 70 percent are Caucasian girls and women between the ages of 16 and 49. More than 25 percent of teen girls have used tanning salons three or more times in their lives.

While many people believe that tanning at a tanning salon is a safer alternative to sunbathing, this is not the case, according to an article published in the December 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
"Indoor tanning is simply not safe," said dermatologist James M. Spencer, M.D., one of the authors of the article. "A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that there were 700 emergency room visits because of injuries like sunburns, infections, and eye damage from tanning bed use. In addition to these immediate injuries, tanning bed users have an increased risk of developing skin cancer, including the most deadly form, melanoma, in the long term."

An elevated skin cancer risk is one of the most serious side effects of indoor tanning. In one study that the authors reviewed, 106,973 women from Norway and Sweden were followed for an average of eight years. Overall, regular tanning bed use was associated with a 55 percent increase in the risk of developing melanoma, especially in women between the ages of 20 and 29.
"Indoor tanning is practiced solely for cosmetic reasons," Dr. Spencer said. "Individuals who utilize tanning beds are intentionally putting their health at risk."
Recently, medical organizations have been taking a harder look at indoor tanning. In March 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that no persons under the age of 18 use tanning beds.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (Association) fully supports this recommendation and encourages states to actively pursue legislation that protects children.
Specifically, the Association supports the following requirements for indoor tanning salons: No minor should be permitted to use tanning devices. A Surgeon General's warning should be placed on all tanning devices.

No person or facility should advertise the use of any ultraviolet A or ultraviolet B tanning device using wording such as "safe," "safe tanning," "no harmful rays," "no adverse effect," or similar wording or concepts."The volume of research we reviewed confirms that indoor tanning is a dangerous practice and poses great risks to a person's health," Dr. Spencer said. "There is no reason to participate in this activity."

More than 10,500 people will die from skin cancer in 2005. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer. Indoor tanning lamps can emit both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation at high levels and the new high-pressure UVA sunlamps can emit doses of UVA that can be as much as 15 times that of the sun, significantly increasing a tanning bed user's skin cancer risk.
"If you really want to look tan, consider using a sunless self-tanning product," Dr. Spencer said. "But remember to use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 with it."

About the Academy's Survey
The study results were determined by a random sample telephone survey conducted among a national probability sample of 1,013 adults comprising 505 men and 508 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households inthe continental United States.

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.

The SCF's view on tanning salons

Indoor tanning is big business, with tanning trade publications reporting this as a $2 billion-a-year industry in the United States. According to industry estimates, 28 million Americans are tanning indoors annually at about 25,000 tanning salons around the country. In fact, a recent study of more than 10,000 teens across the US found that tanning bed use was increasing, especially among adolescent girls.
This does not bode well for the health of the nation. In 1994, a Swedish study found that women 18-30 years old who visited tanning parlors 10 times or more a year had seven times greater incidence of melanoma than women who did not use tanning salons. In another study, people exposed to 10 full-body tanning salon sessions had a significant increase in skin repair proteins typically associated with sun damage, indicating that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from indoor tanning is as dangerous as UV from the sun. And in 2002, a study from Dartmouth Medical School found that tanning device users had 2.5 times the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times the risk of basal cell carcinoma . And yet, even with all this evidence, the tanning salons remain unrepentant.
The tanning industry relies on two misleading arguments: first, that since melanoma is mainly caused by sunburn, "controlled" tanning helps prevent melanoma by building up the protective pigment melanin; second, that UV exposure makes the skin produce vitamin D, which helps prevent breast, prostate and colon cancer, as well as other diseases.
Medical experts refute these arguments. They point out that our diet (especially vitamin D-rich foods such as dairy products and salmon) generally provides all the vitamin D we need. Furthermore, tanning to increase melanin is counterproductive. Tanning, like burning, causes genetic damage to skin cells. "You can't protect the skin by damaging it," said James M. Spencer, MD, director of dermatologic surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. "Tanning not only increases the risk for melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, but accelerates skin aging."
There have been several attempts made to regulate the industry, by physician groups as well as state and national congresspeople and the World Health Organization, with limited success. The FDA is weighing stricter controls over tanning devices, but has not yet instituted any changes. The tanning industry has fought all of these measures. "Tanning manufacturers and salon owners keep lobbying the FDA and state agencies to soften regulations, claiming that tanning is healthful," said Dr. Spenser.
Unfortunately, even when regulation has occurred, it hasn't solved the problems. "Regulation can't make tanning safe," declared Michael Franzblau, MD, clinical professor of dermatology, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco. "Banning salons is the only answer."
He should know, because he was instrumental in the passage of legislation regulating tanning facilities in California. The law, passed in 1988, unfortunately had no mechanism for registration of tanning parlors or collection of fees from owners. "Hence, there is no enforcement," notes Dr. Franzblau.
Some states require salons to provide UV-protective eyewear or have machine operators remain present throughout a client's session. Others require a sign on the booth warning people who always sunburn that tanning puts them at high risk for skin damage. Whatever the regulations, says Dr. Franzblau, there's no assurance they will be complied with. "I've taken teams of scientists into salons where not one requirement was being followed." Other studies have shown that tanning salons frequently exceed "safe" UV limits. The average salon patron in North Carolina was recently found to exceed FDA limits by 95 percent.
Is banning salons outright the only answer? Dr. Franzblau believes that eliminating tanning salons "would be 100 percent more effective" than regulating them. And it could save millions of lives.

source Skin Cancer Foundation

Modern methods of tanning

The first stage is the preparation for tanning. The second stage is the actual tanning and other chemical treatment. The third stage applies finishing to the surface.
Preparing hides begins by curing them with salt. In wet-salting, the hides are heavily salted, then pressed into packs for about 30 days. In brine-curing the hides are agitated in a salt water bath for about 16 hours. The hides are then soaked in clean water to remove the salt and a lime/water solution to loosen the hair. The majority of hair is then removed using a machine with remaining hair being removed by hand using a dull knife, a process known as scudding. Depending on the end use of the leather, hides may be treated with enzymes to soften them.

Tanning can be performed with either vegetable or mineral methods. Before tanning, the skins are unhaired, degreased, desalted and soaked in water over a period of 6 hours to 2 days. To prevent damage of the skin by bacterial growth during the soaking period, biocides, such as pentachlorophenol, are used.

Vegetable tanning uses tannin, this is where the name tanning comes from. Tannin occurs naturally in bark. The primary barks used in modern times are chestnut, oak, tanoak, hemlock, quebracho, mangrove, wattle and myrobalan. Hides are stretched on frames and immersed for several weeks in vats of increasing concentrations of tannin. Vegetable tanned hide is flexible and is used for luggage and furniture.

Mineral tanning usually uses chromium. In the raw state chrome tanned skins are blue and therefore referred to as "wet blue". Chrome tanning is faster than vegetable tanning (less than a day for this part of the process) and produces a stretchable leather which is excellent for use in handbags and garments. (Encarta, 2003)

Depending on the finish desired, the hide may be waxed, rolled, lubricated, injected with oil, split, shaved and, of course, dyed. Suedes, Nubucks, etc. are finished by raising the nap of the leather by rolling with a rough surface.

Got That Hot Feeling?

If you're out in the hot sun, or you're exercising on a hot day, it's easy to get heat exhaustion. Kids get heat exhaustion when their bodies can't cool themselves fast enough. A kid with heat exhaustion might feel overheated, tired, and weak.

Heat exhaustion can come on suddenly. A person may just collapse when playing soccer or tennis, for example. It can leave a person feeling really tired for days after it happens.
Heat stroke is a more serious heat-related illness and can cause a person to stop sweating, to have red, hot skin, and to have a high temperature.

The person might become uncoordinated, confused, or even lose consciousness. It requires emergency medical attention.
Be sure to tell an adult if you're hot and you have a headache or feel dizzy or nauseous (like you're going to throw up). The grown-up will want to get you out of the sun, give you liquids to drink, and take you to a doctor, if necessary.

The good news is that the sun doesn't have to be your enemy if you wear your sunscreen, drink your water, and take breaks when you start to feel too hot. And don't forget your sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun, they make you look so cool!

How Tanning Happens

The sun's rays contain two types of ultraviolet radiation that reach your skin: UVA and UVB. UVB radiation burns the upper layers of skin (the epidermis), causing sunburns.
UVA radiation is what makes people tan. UVA rays penetrate to the lower layers of the epidermis, where they trigger cells called melanocytes (pronounced: mel-an-oh-sites) to produce melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning.
Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin. But just because a person doesn't burn does not mean that he or she is also protected against skin cancer and other problems.

Are tanning beds safer?
Tanning salon owners say tanning machines are safer than outdoor tanning for two reasons: 1) they mainly use UVA rays, and 2) they offer more "controlled" UV exposure. However, we know now that UVA is a carcinogen, and studies have revealed that tanning salons frequently exceed "safe" UV limits. Study after study has shown that sunbed tanning increases the risk of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
The facts bear out: There is no such thing as a safe tan. However, there are safe alternatives in sunless tanners. Being informed about how to protect yourself from unwanted sun exposure is the best defense against skin cancer and photoaging.

Tanning is better than getting sunburnt..., right?

Both are dangerous, because both result from DNA damage to the skin cells. It is true that sunburn has been directly linked to melanoma – one blistering sunburn more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. It is usually thought that lifetime sun exposure is responsible for increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, while both intense, intermittent sun exposure – the pattern that is traditionally linked to melanoma – and lifetime exposure are believed to be involved in the development of basal cell carcinoma. However, studies have also shown a marked increase in melanoma incidence in people who have developed either squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Scientists are still trying to determine the exact exposure pattern behind the development of the different types of skin cancer, but it is safe to say that both burning and tanning play major roles in skin cancer.

Tanning Basics

What is tanning?
Tanning is the skin's reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When skin is exposed to UV rays, cells called melanocytes produce the brown pigment melanin, which darkens the cells of the epidermis. This darkening of the skin cells is the skin's natural – if imperfect – defense against further damage from UV radiation.
Is tanning bad for you?
The sun's UV rays damage the DNA of the skin's epidermal cells, triggering enzymes that race to repair the damage. However, these enzymes do not always repair the DNA successfully, and all this unrepaired damage can lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer. Also, repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause photoaging – wrinkles, sagging skin, and spots associated with sun damage.
Does all UV radiation harm my skin?
Scientists divide the solar UV spectrum into three wavelengths - UVA, UVB and UVC. Once, UVA and UVC were thought harmless, and only UVB was believed dangerous. UVC is still deemed no threat, since it is absorbed by the ozone layer. But UVA accounts for up to 95 percent of solar UVR reaching Earth. Though far less capable of causing sunburn than UVB, UVA is present during all daylight hours year round, while the amount of UVB in sunlight varies by season, location and time of day.
By the 1990's, scientists knew that UVA exacerbates the cancer-causing effects of UVB, and is the main wavelength behind photoaging. Recently, an Australian-U.S. study found that UVA may be more carcinogenic than UVB. It penetrates more deeply and causes more genetic damage in the skin cells (keratinocytes) where most skin cancers arise. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization now designate both UVA and UVB as causes of cancer.
Doesn't the melanin acquired through tanning actually protect my skin?
Darker skin does offer greater protection than light skin against sunburn and skin cancer. However, that applies only to people with naturally darker skin. Tanning, like sunburns, attacks the skin's DNA, producing genetic defects that may cause skin cancer.

Tackling men's excuses for not wearing sunscreen!

Men don't like to wear sunscreen . They complain that it feels weird, or makes them smell like a girl or a pina colada. But with skin cancer reaching epidemic proportions in men, it's time to tackle those complaints head on:
Complaint: "They smell flowery and feminine."
Answer: Look for unscented formulations. They are just as effective without the scent.
Complaint: "The oily base makes my skin feel greasy."
Answer: Water or alcohol-based lotions, creams, gels and sprays actually outnumber oil-based products. Try different types and brands to find out what feels right for you.
Complaint: "They make my hands slippery, which ruins my tennis game."
Answer: Try a sport sunscreen. They're designed to absorb quickly, without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.
Complaint: "When I sweat, the stuff runs into my eyes and stings."
Answer: Use a stick sunscreen on your forehead and around your eyes. It's easy to apply and stays put even when you sweat or swim. Never put sunscreen directly on the eye area. Protect the skin around your eyes with sunglasses instead.
source- Skin Cancer Foundation

Tips for Men

These tips are great for men who want to protect themselves form skin cancer, for example the one from Florida who comented on one of my previous posts.

Buy a hat. Not a baseball cap, but a hat with a brim, such as a cowboy, a bucket, or an outback. Wear it when you're outdoors for extended periods. Especially if you're balding or thinning on top.
Find a lip balm with an SPF of 15 and use it regularly.
Stop smoking.
Keep a bottle of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher in the glove compartment of your car. It will cut down on your trucker's tan — as will keeping your arm from dangling outside the window as you drive.
Ask your barber if he sees any moles or bumps on your scalp next time you go in for a trim. If he or she does, go to a dermatologist and have them checked out.

Source- The Skin Cancer Foundation

Five Sun Smart Tips for Men

Buy two pairs of sunglasses from a respected manufacturer that block both UVA and UVB rays. Keep the extra pair in your car.
Promise yourself that you will spend an extra five minutes shaving. Take the extra time either to apply pre-shave oil to soften your beard, or to wrap a warm, damp towel over your face.
Install window films on your car's side and back windows. They'll protect you and your passengers (and your upholstery) from UV rays, cut down on glare, and some types even reject heat.
Buy a new razor. Make sure it's a good razor. And change the blade often.
After shaving, apply an after-shave balm with an SPF of at least 15. If you can't find one you like, buy a separate sunscreen and apply it before the moisturizer. Don't forget your ears and all around your neck.

Is there something wrong with self tanners?

The popularity of self-tanning products is surging, showing that Americans are becoming aware of the dangers of tanning. They're putting their money where their skin is.
Self-tanning products, or sunless tanning lotions, work by temporarily dying the top layer of the skin. The color slowly fades as the skin cells slough off, and usually disappear within a week unless the lotion has been reapplied.
That's a lot more healthful than a suntan, however, because while suntans also start fading after a few days, the harm done to the skin is permanent. Getting a suntan breaks down the DNA in skin cells, but using self-tanners causes no such damage. At worst, sunless tanning products present a minimal risk of irritant or allergic reactions.
Recent improvements in these sunless products have made the demand skyrocket. "They're easier to use than ever, the color appears more natural, and some lotions even contain sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF)," says Stanley B. Levy, MD, adjunct clinical professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.
But just because your skin is darker doesn't mean you're protected from UV rays. DHA in self-tanning lotions — the ingredient that darkens the skin — does offer some protection, equivalent to an SPF of about 2 to 4. That's barely any protection at all. When shopping for a self-tanner, make sure to look for one that has an SPF of at least 15. "And remember, even if the lotion contains such a sunscreen, the protection lasts only a couple of hours, not for the duration of the color change," notes Dr. Levy. "After two hours in the sun at most, you should put on more sunscreen."
Sunless tanning lotions come in light, medium, and dark tones. People with dry skin can buy brands with emollients or humectants added for softness and moisture, while people with oily skin may find that gel or alcohol-based products work better. And recently, ingredients such as vitamins, herbal extracts, antioxidants, and alpha-hydroxy acids are being added to some products in an effort to expand their benefits.
A last caution from The Skin Cancer Foundation: Don't be misled when products sound like self-tanning lotions — "Tanning amplifiers," "tan accelerators," "tanning promoters," "tanning enhancers," and worst of all, "tanning pills." Many of the products interact with the sun to create the tan, so they actually end up accentuating the damage done to the skin. The pills — which are commercially banned in the U.S. — are the worst. They contain the carotenoid chemical canthaxanthin (the same pigment found in carrots), and have been associated with hepatitis and urticaria, a condition that involves relentless itching and skin eruptions.
"Read the ingredients on the label of all these products carefully," says Dr. Levy. "Unless their active ingredient is DHA, they're not bona fide sunless tanners, and they could very well be harmful for your skin."

Be a sun smart woman!

Sun Protection and Makeup

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important things you can do to keep your skin looking younger, longer. But it doesn't mean you have to slop heavy, sticky sunscreen on your face every morning. You can get excellent day-to-day sun protection from your cosmetics.
Photoaging is caused by lifetime sun exposure — and that's not just the few days you spend at the beach every summer. Walking your dog, driving to work, and sitting in front of a sunny window are all examples of the type of sun exposure that you might not think of protecting yourself against — but over the years they can add up to wrinkling, leathering and other signs of aging, as well as skin cancer.
For this everyday exposure, cosmetics with the proper ingredients, applied the right way, can protect your skin.
First, select a sunscreen-containing moisturizer. Look for a product labeled "broad-spectrum" that has an SPF rating that is 15 or higher. The package, should include a list of active ingredients. Look for zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or ecamsule (Mexoryl) combined with octocrylene and avobenzone. These are the most cosmetically elegant, long-lasting broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredients found in moisturizers.
After cleansing your face in the morning, apply the moisturizer to your face, and also to your ears, neck, and upper chest. The latter are often-overlooked areas in terms of sun protection, but are equally susceptible to photoaging.
The delicate skin around your eyes needs protection as well, but most moisturizers are not recommended for use in the eye area. Eye creams that contain an SPF are available from some manufacturers, and should be applied during the moisturizing step of your morning routine.
Your second line of skin defense can be found in your foundation. When choosing a foundation, look for one with an SPF rating between 8 and 15. While this may seem like overkill, the truth is that most people do not get the most out of their sunscreen because either they do not apply enough of it, or they apply it unevenly. Two applications of cosmetics that contain a sunscreen will increase your chances of getting good protection.
Top off your foundation with powder. Your powder should be of the compressed variety, and applied with a sponge. The benefits of powder are twofold: The tiny pigmented talc particles it contains provide a certain amount of protection on their own, and applying a layer of powder will help both your sunscreen and your moisturizer stay put through the day. Once the sunscreen is off your skin — washed away by perspiration or your own skin oils, or simply wearing off — it won't protect you any longer.
Complete your routine with your usual makeup, and don't forget the lips. Lips have almost no melanin (the color is derived from tiny blood vessels beneath the skin) and so it's up to you to protect them. If you don't regularly wear lipstick, get in the habit of using a colorless lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher. If lipstick is part of your makeup regimen, avoid the super-shiny, high-gloss lipsticks with little pigmentation. These act like baby oil for the lips, directing damaging UV rays right to the area you're trying to protect. An opaque lipstick will provide better protection. Try to find one you like with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. If you're wedded to the wet look, apply the colored lipstick first, then top with a gloss for shine.
It's important to keep in mind that cosmetics should not be used as the sunscreen component of your comprehensive sun protection regimen when you are going to be out in the sun for a long time. For those times, you'll need a heavier, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of fifteen or higher, and you'll need to reapply it every two hours. If you're playing sports or swimming, find one that is water-resistant, and remember to reapply more often if you're sweating or after toweling off. And for your lips, definitely keep a lip-specific sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on hand, and reapply it every two hours, just as you would your regular sunscreen.
Cosmetics can go a long way in protecting your face against UV damage. But sunscreen is only one element of skin cancer prevention. Following our guidelines is the best way to protect your skin and help keep it looking youthful for years to come.

source- The Skin Cancer Foundation

Great tips for year-around protecction

Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors.
This applies to all outdoor activities: athletics, shopping, picnicking, walking or jogging, gardening, even waiting for a bus.
Choose a sunscreen with ingredients that block both UVB and UVA rays.
Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. The average adult in a bathing suit should use approximately one ounce of sunscreen per application. Not using enough will effectively reduce the product's SPF and the protection you get.
Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, scalp if hair is thinning, hands, and feet.
Reapply at least every 2 hours, more often if some of the product may have been removed while swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Choose a product that suits your skin and your activity. Sunscreens are available in lotion, gel, spray, cream, and stick forms. Some are labeled as water resistant, sweatproof, or especially for sports; as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or especially for sensitive skin or children.

Teens and Tanning Facts

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75 percent.
Nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the U.S. annually; 2.3 million of them are teens.
On an average day in the U.S., more than 1 million people tan in tanning salons; 70% are Caucasian women aged 16-49.
People who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
Occasional use of tanning beds almost triples the chances of developing melanoma.
New high-pressure sunlamps emit doses of UVR that can be as much as 15 times that of the sun.
The indoor tanning industry has an estimated revenue of $5 billion.
Up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. These changes can be seen as early as in one's 20's.

More Melanoma facts

MEN/WOMEN Melanoma facts

The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over age 50.
Skin cancer is the #1 cancer in men over age 50, ahead of prostate, lung and colon cancer.
Men over age 40 spend the most time outdoors and have the highest annual exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Melanoma is the third most common cancer in women aged 20-39.
The percentage of women under age 40 with basal cell carcinoma has tripled in the last thirty years, while their rate of squamous cell cancer has increased four-fold.

Surprising melanoma facts!

MELANOMA
Approximately 59,940 melanomas will be diagnosed this year, with nearly 8,110 resulting in death.


Incidence
Deaths
Men:
33,910
5,220
Women:
26,030
2,890

More than 20 people die each day from skin cancer, primarily melanoma.
1 in 59 men and women will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.
One blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.
While melanoma is uncommon in African-Americans, Latinos, and Asians, it is most deadly for these populations because it is more likely to develop undetected.
Survival rate for patients with early detection is about 99%. The survival rate falls to between and 65% or higher, depending on how far the disease has spread.
The cost of melanoma in the U.S. is more than $740 million annually.

2007 Skin Cancer Facts

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths each year.
One in 5 Americans and one in 3 Caucasians will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. A person's risk for skin cancer doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns.

Cause and effect

Darkening of the skin is caused by an increased release of the pigment melanin into the skin's cells after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes and protects the body from absorbing an excess of solar radiation, which can be harmful. Depending on genetics, some people can darken quickly and deeply whereas others do not darken much at all.

The ultraviolet frequencies responsible for tanning are often divided into the UVA (315 to 400nm wavelength) and UVB (280 to 315nm wavelength) ranges. UVB have higher energy than UVA waves and are therefore more damaging and more carcinogenic.

UVB
triggers creation and secretion of new melanin into the skin
is thought to cause the formation of moles and some types of skin cancer (but not melanoma)
causes skin aging (but at a far slower rate than UVA.)
stimulates the production of Vitamin D
is more likely to cause a sunburn than UVA as a result of overexposure, however moderate exposure can be healthy
is almost completely blocked by virtually all sunscreens

UVA
causes release of preexisting melanin from the melanocytes
causes the melanin to combine with oxygen (oxidize), which creates the actual tan color in the skin
seems to cause cancer less than UVB, but causes melanoma, a far more dangerous type of skin cancer than other types
is not blocked by many sunscreens but is blocked to some degree by clothing
is present more uniformly throughout the day, and throughout the seasons than UVB

Examining close relatives

When skin cancer is diagnosed, it is standard practice for physicians to recommend that close relatives be examined immediately for melanoma and for the presence of unusual or atypical moles. These moles are also called "dysplastic nevi." You can read more about atypical moles in some of my older posts of this month in this blog.

Here is a self examination example

Coupled with a yearly skin exam by a doctor, self-examination of your skin once a month is the best way to detect the early warning signs of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the three main types of skin cancer. Look for a new growth or any skin change.
What you'll need: a bright light; a full-length mirror; a hand mirror; two chairs or stools; a blow-dryer.
Examine head and face, using one or both mirrors. Use blow-dryer to inspect scalp.
Check hands, including nails. In full-length mirror, examine elbows, arms, underarms.
Focus on neck, chest, torso. Women: Check under breasts.
With back to the mirror, use hand mirror to inspect back of neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, buttocks, legs.
Sitting down, check legs and feet, including soles, heels, and nails. Use hand mirror to examine genitals.
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is especially hard to stop once it has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. But it can be readily treated in its earliest stages.

source- the skin cancer foundation

Skin self-examination

Examination Scheduling
Individuals with the Atypical Mole Syndrome can improve their chances of early detection by increasing the frequency of skin self-examination and by visiting a physician more often. The clinician may take photographs to document whether there are new moles or changes in older ones.

Melanoma in Children

Children in melanoma-prone families need special care, because familial melanoma is likely to make its appearance early in life. Even though these cancers usually do not appear until after adolescence, they may arise in much younger children who have a family history of melanoma. Most physicians, therefore, advise parents to make a point of studying a child's skin frequently from infancy on.
Physician examination should start at the age of ten and continue on a twice-a-year basis thereafter. Particular care should be taken at puberty and during adolescence when hormonal changes activate the moles. Here is some encouraging news: Because melanoma families are on the lookout for the disease and seek professional consultation early, the survival rate for familial melanoma is even higher than that for non-familial melanomas.

Moles in an Acive Stage

Moles in an Active Stage
Moles in people belonging to melanoma-prone families are subject to change at certain times of life. They may get larger or show alterations in color or elevation, so for those periods, they are described as being active. While the reasons for these changes are not fully known, there could be a hormonal component: Moles are more active at puberty and during pregnancy. Many — but not all — physicians advise high-risk individuals not to take hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.

Who are at a greater risk?

Family Syndrome
When atypical moles are found in an individual belonging to a melanoma family, the condition is known as FAMMM, standing for Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome. People with this syndrome are at the greatest risk of developing melanoma. In contrast, a research study found that those family members who did not have atypical moles were much less likely to develop melanoma.
Genetic Risk Factors
A mutation (alteration) in a recently discovered gene, the BRAF, may play a part in causing melanoma. In one study, this mutated gene was found in two-thirds of the melanoma cells analyzed. BRAF is called a "switch" gene, because it turns on to allow the cells to grow and divide. Mutations in this gene can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. The discovery is an exciting research breakthrough, but physicians and patients are still years away from reaping the rewards. Ultimately, the understanding of the BRAF gene could lead to the development of diagnostic tools and drug therapies. The mutations most commonly seen in familial melanoma occur in another gene, p53. When this gene is in its normal state, its main function is to give damaged cells time to repair themselves and not progress to cancer. However, when the gene is altered, it becomes unable to perform this function, and cancer can result. A number of gene mutations in addition to p53 and BRAF have been associated with familial melanoma. In the future, families might be screened so as to identify those members who are carrying a defective gene.

BE VIGILENT!

We are all at risk for melanoma. However, some people are more at risk than others. Heredity plays a major role. If your mother, father, siblings, or children (first-degree relatives) have had a melanoma, you are part of a melanoma-prone family. Each person with a first-degree relative diagnosed with melanoma has a 50 percent greater chance of developing the disease than members of the general public who do not have a family history of the disease. If the cancer occurred in a grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew (second-degree relatives), there is still an increase in risk compared to the general population, though it is not as great.
About one of every ten patients diagnosed with the disease has a family member with a history of melanoma. If melanoma is present in your family, you can protect yourself and your children by being particularly vigilant in watching for the early warning signs and finding the cancer when it is easiest to treat. -The Skin Cancer Foundation

Sun tips for men and women

Seek the shade.
Be aware, however, that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces can reach you even beneath an umbrella or a tree.

Never seek a tan.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is the skin's response to the sun's damaging rays.
Stay away from tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.
The UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning lamps is many times more intense than natural sunlight. Dangers include burns, premature aging of the skin, and the increased risk of skin cancer.

Protect your children and teach them sun safety at an early age.
Healthy habits are best learned young. Because skin damage occurs with each unprotected exposure and accumulates over the course of a lifetime, sun safety for children should be a priority.

Everyday sun basics

Cover up.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tightly woven fabrics and dark colors, such as deep blue and black, or bright colors, such as orange and red, offer more protection. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too. Water makes fabrics more translucent, so do not rely on a wet T-shirt.
A broad-brimmed hat goes a long way toward preventing skin cancer in often-exposed areas like the neck, ears, scalp, and face. Opt for a 3-4 inch brim that extends all around the hat. Baseball caps and visors shade the face but leave neck, lower face, and ears exposed.
UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.

They are called "tan-orexics" or obsessive tanners.
They are people who become addicted to the way they feel while getting that bronze glow.
NBC10 reported that people can become addicted to the tanning bed and can experience a "high" much like a drug addiction.

Some doctors have said it's a real problem and victims have said withdrawal is much like stopping heroin.
The addiction is not just because of the way they look with a tan, but they simply must tan a lot, despite being aware of the danger.

Tara Burtonis was stuck inside all day at work and her only sun exposure was fake. She spent 30 minutes, three times a week in a tanning bed.
"I was addicted to tanning," she said. "I think it physically makes me look better, but it's mostly for the feeling that it gives me."
A feeling that dermatologist Steven Feldman said people could get addicted to.
"Their skin looks terrible and it's wrinkled and I ask them why are they doing it? And they say things like, 'Oh, it just makes me feel so good,'" he said.
Feldman said people who are addicted experience a high much like drug addiction.
"The skin releases endorphins, feel good molecules, from skin cells when they're hit by ultraviolet light," he said.
When frequent tanners stop it's like taking their drugs away, Feldman said.
"
They get the shakes; they get sweaty," he said.
Burtonis felt withdrawal symptoms when she stopped tanning.
"I had nausea, vomiting, I felt jittery," she said.
It made her realize she no longer wanted to be tan -- she needed to tan.
"I definitely don’t feel as good," she said.

Unlike alcohol or drug addiction, tanning won't kill you, but it is the leading cause of melanoma, which kills 8,000 Americans each year.
Doctors said there is no easy cure for tanning addiction. The only thing tanners can do is spend more time in natural sunlight to feel better.
And use self-tanning lotions to safely get the look you want.

Every day sun protection tips

Sun-protection basics all year round to give your skin the best chance of long-term health:
Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors.
This applies to all outdoor activities: athletics, shopping, picnicking, walking or jogging, gardening, even waiting for a bus.
Choose a sunscreen with ingredients that block both UVB and UVA rays.
Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. The average adult in a bathing suit should use approximately one ounce of sunscreen per application. Not using enough will effectively reduce the product's SPF and the protection you get.
Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, scalp if hair is thinning, hands, and feet.
Reapply at least every 2 hours, more often if some of the product may have been removed while swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Choose a product that suits your skin and your activity. Sunscreens are available in lotion, gel, spray, cream, and stick forms. Some are labeled as water resistant, sweatproof, or especially for sports; as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or especially for sensitive skin or children.

Every day counts!

You are probably in the habit of packing sunscreen for a day at the beach or pool. But the sun is up there 365 days a year, and you need protection much of that time to reduce your lifetime sun-exposure total. Everyday exposure counts; you do not have to be actively sunbathing to get a damaging dose of the sun. Practice sun-protection basics all year round to give your skin the best chance of long-term health.

Wow- surprising data!

Did you know that 15 minutes of exposure per day over the course of a month will lead to 8 hours of beach-like sun exposure? Whether you're walking to the car or sitting by a window, daily activities put your skin at risk. In fact, on average a person receives 18 hours of incidental sun exposure each week! Whether you're intentionally bathing in the sun or just going about your day, unprotected sun exposure results are the same-from sunburn, wrinkles and freckles to skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, and sometimes even certain skin cancers.

One in five!

Did you know that incidental sun exposure from daily activities puts your skin at risk and may result in skin damage such as sunburn, wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, and sometimes even certain skin cancers? In fact, skin cancer is one of the few cancers where the cause of the majority of cases—excessive sun exposure—is known.
At current rates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and more than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year alone. However, practicing comprehensive sun protection can substantially lower skin cancer risk.

Self-Care

The following list I got from the Skin Cancer Foundation. They are the guidelines recommended to protect ourselves from skin damage.

Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
Do not burn.
Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

Even common moles can be dangerous!

Even common moles increase the likelihood of malignancy, provided they are numerous. The greater the total number of moles on the body, the greater the overall danger of melanoma, regardless of whether these moles are atypical or normal-appearing. People who have more than 60 moles are 15 times more likely to develop melanoma than are those with no moles, and individuals who have more than 100 moles are at 50 times the risk.

The first sign of skin cancer

Atypical moles are an important risk factor for melanoma. Sometimes, melanomas will begin within the mole itself. Dysplastic nevi usually have the following characteristics:
Shape: asymmetrical; a line drawn through the middle would not create matching halves
Border: irregular and/or hazy – the mole gradually fades into the surrounding skin
Color: variation and irregularity with subtle, haphazard areas of tan, brown, dark brown, blue, or black
Diameter: generally larger than 6 mm, but may be smaller
Location: most commonly on the back, chest, abdomen, and extremities; may also occur on normally unexposed areas such as buttocks, groins, or female breasts, as well as scalp
Growth: enlargement of a previously stable mole or appearance of a new mole after ages 35 - 40 should raise suspicion
Surface: central portion may be flat or raised, sometimes with tiny "pebbly" variations
Appearance: greatly varied; dysplastic nevi often look different from one another
Number: from a few to well over 100 dysplastic nevi may be present If any of these warning signs appear on your own skin or that of a friend or family member, consult a dermatologist right away. It could be the first sign of skin cancer.

Normal mole vs. Dysplastic nevi

Normal Moles Vs. Dysplastic Nevi
The average young adult has about 25 normal moles or growths. Generally, normal moles have the following characteristics:
Shape: symmetrical, round, or oval
Border: regular, sharp, and well-defined
Color: usually tan, brown, or skin color
Diameter: usually 6 mm (1/4 inch) or smaller — about the size of a pencil eraser
Location: often concentrated on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, trunk, arms and legs.
Onset: most often during early childhood through ages 35 - 40
Uniformity: resemble one another

Dysplastic Nevi Syndrome

Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles, which, although benign, resemble melanoma and indicate an increased risk. Those who have dysplastic nevi and a family history of melanoma have a 200-fold increase in risk of developing melanoma. Those who have dysplastic nevi but no family history of melanoma also have up to fifteen times greater risk of developing melanoma than the general population.
Research has shown that the risk of melanoma in members of families affected by atypical mole (dysplastic nevus) syndrome is 49 percent in persons 1-50 years old and 82 percent by age 72. People with “classic atypical mole syndrome” have the following three characteristics:
100 or more moles
One or more moles greater than 8mm (1/3 inch) in diameter
One or more moles that look atypical
If your doctor suspects the presence of dysplastic nevi, one or more moles may be removed by “excision biopsy,” a minor surgical procedure, for microscopic examination. It is not necessary to remove all dysplastic nevi. If moles show change or signs of melanoma, or if new moles appear after age 40, they may be considered for removal by your physician.

What's YOUR skin type?

Your skin type is one of the main factors in your risk for skin cancer. People with higher risk should take extra precautions when they are out in the sun.
Skin is classified according to two factors: the amount of melanin, and the reaction to ultraviolet light exposure.
There are six skin phototypes, going from light to dark. Individuals with skin types I and II face the highest risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers, while types V and VI are at the lowest risk. That is because those with more pigmentation have more natural protection from the sun. However, people with darker skin are nonetheless affected by skin cancer and should be cautious of the sun as well as having regular examinations by their doctor.
To get an idea of your degree of risk, rate yourself according to the following classification.
Type I: Is very fair, burns easily and severely and does not tan. Eyes are blue or green and hair is blond or red.
Type II: Is also fair and burns easily, but does get a minimal tan. Eyes are blue, hazel or brown, and hair is blond, red or brown.
Type III: Is somewhat darker and sometimes burns then tans.
Type IV: Is darker still, never burns, and always tans rapidly.
Types V: Is brown.
Type VI: Is black.
When determining your skin types, give careful thought to your medical history of tanning and burning. Sometimes, a person may look like a skin type III, but has a history of frequent burning that will place him or her a type II. If you are not sure, put yourself in a higher risk category rather than a lower one.

-The Skin Cancer Foundation

Self examination is the best prevention!

Coupled with a yearly skin exam by a doctor, self-examination of your skin once a month is the best way to detect the early warning signs of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the three main types of skin cancer. Look for a new growth or any skin change.
What you'll need: a bright light; a full-length mirror; a hand mirror; two chairs or stools; a blow-dryer.

Examine head and face, using one or both mirrors. Use blow-dryer to inspect scalp.
Check hands, including nails. In full-length mirror, examine elbows, arms, underarms.
Focus on neck, chest, torso.
Women: Check under breasts.
With back to the mirror, use hand mirror to inspect back of neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, buttocks, legs.
Sitting down, check legs and feet, including soles, heels, and nails. Use hand mirror to examine genitals.
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is especially hard to stop once it has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. But it can be readily treated in its earliest stages.
source- The Skin Cancer Foundation

What is PDT?

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
PDT may be used to treat lesions on the face and scalp. Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is applied to the lesions by the physician. Within the next 24 hours, the medicated areas are exposed to strong light, which activates the 5-ALA. The treatment selectively destroys actinic keratoses, causing little damage to surrounding normal skin, although some swelling and redness often occur.

Laser surgery for skin cancer information

A carbon dioxide or erbium YAG laser is focused onto the lesion, removing epidermis and different amounts of deeper skin. This finely controlled treatment is an option for lesions in small or narrow areas; it can be effective for keratoses on the face and scalp, as well as actinic cheilitis on the lips. Laser surgery is useful for people with bleeding disorders and is also used as a secondary therapy when other techniques are unsuccessful. However, local anesthesia is usually necessary, and some scarring and pigment loss can occur.

What is chemical peeling?

This method makes use of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or a similar agent applied directly to the skin. The top skin layers slough off, usually replaced within seven days by new epidermis (the skin’s outermost layer). This technique requires local anesthesia and can cause temporary discoloration and irritation.

Topical medications for precancers

Medicated creams and solutions are especially useful in removing both visible and invisible AKs when the lesions are numerous. The patient applies the medication according to a schedule worked out by the physician. The doctor will also regularly check progress. After treatment, some discomfort may result from skin breakdown, but the risk of scarring is minimal.
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream or solution, in concentrations from 0.5 to 5 percent, is the most widely used topical treatment for AK. It works well on the face, ears, and neck. Some redness, swelling, and crusting may occur.
Another preparation, imiquimod cream, is used for multiple keratoses. It causes cells to produce interferon, a chemical that destroys cancerous and precancerous cells.
An alternative treatment, a gel combining, hyaluronic acid and the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac, also may prove effective.

Curettage and Desiccation

This is a valuable procedure for lesions suspected to be early cancers. To test for malignancy, the physician takes a biopsy specimen, either by shaving off the top of the lesion with a scalpel or scraping it off with a curette. Then the curette is used to remove the base of the lesion. Bleeding is stopped with an electrocautery needle, and local anesthesia is required.

Cyrosurgery

The most common treatment for AKs, it is especially effective when a limited number of lesions exist. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the growths with a spray device or cotton-tipped applicator to freeze them. They subsequently shrink or become crusted and fall off, without requiring any cutting or anesthesia. Some temporary redness and swelling may occur after treatment, and in dark-skinned patients, some pigment may be lost.

Treatment of precancers

There is no one best method to treat all skin cancers and precancers. The choice is determined by many factors, including the location, type, size, whether it is a primary tumor or a recurrent one, and also health and preference of the patient. For example, a treatment that has a high cure rate and is painless but leaves a large scar might not be preferred for a tumor on the face.
Almost all treatments can be performed in the physician’s office or in a special surgical facilities. Most skin cancer removal can be done using a local anesthetic. Rarely, extensive tumors may require general anesthesia and hospital admission. There are many effective methods for eliminating AKs. All cause a certain amount of reddening, and some may cause scarring, while other approaches are less likely to do so. You and your doctor should decide together the best course of treatment, based on the nature of the lesion and your age and health.

Types of precancer

Actinic cheilitisActinic cheilitis is a type of actinic keratosis occurring on the lips. It causes them to become dry, cracked, scaly and pale or white. It mainly affects the lower lip, which typically receives more sun exposure than the upper lip.
Arsenical keratosisFar less common, arsenical keratosis is an accumulation of keratinized tissue that at first resembles numerous small, yellowish corns. These arise most often on the palms, soles, and inner surfaces of the finger and toes, and then enlarge and thicken, sometimes increasing in number. Although rarely seen today, arsenical keratoses usually occur on patients who were at some time in their live exposed to arsenic, either contained in medication or from an industrial or environmental source.
Leukoplakia Leukoplakia is a disease of the mucous membrane. White patches or plaques develop on the tongue or inside of the mouth, and have the ability to develop into SCC. It is caused by sources of continuous irritation, including smoking or other tobacco use, rough teeth or rough edges on dentures and fillings. Leukoplakia on the lips are mainly caused by sun damage.
Bowen's DiseaseThis is generally considered to be a superficial SCC that has not yet spread. It appears as a persistent red–brown, scaly patch which may resemble psoriasis or eczema. If untreated, it may invade deeper structures.Regardless of appearance, any change in a preexisting skin growth, or the development of a new growth or open sore that fails to heal, should prompt an immediate visit to a physician. If it is a precursor condition, early treatment will prevent it from developing into SCC. Often, all that is needed is a simple surgical procedure or application of a topical chemotherapeutic agent.

One type of precancer

Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is the result of prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is a small crusty, scaly or crumbly bump or horn that arises on the skin surface. The base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, or a combination of these... or the same color as your skin. The scale or crust is horny, dry, and rough, and is often recognized by touch rather than sight. Occasionally it itches or produces a pricking or tender sensation. It can also become inflamed and surrounded by redness. In rare instances, actinic keratoses can bleed.
The skin abnormality or lesion develops slowly and usually reaches a size from an eighth to a quarter of an inch (2mm to 4mm) but can sometimes be as large as one inch. Early on, it may disappear only to reappear later. It is not unusual to see several AKs at a time. AKs most likely appear on the face, lips, ears, scalp, neck, backs of the hands and forearms, shoulders and back — the parts of the body most often exposed to sunshine. The growths may be flat and pink or raised and rough.

Precancer

What is Precancer?
A number of abnormal but relatively harmless skin growths constitute the early warning signs of skin cancer. These may be precancerous lesions, benign tumors that mask or mimic more serious ones, or malignant tumors that are at the moment just on the topmost layer of the skin. They are important to recognize, because they are a warning sign of potential skin cancer.
Precancerous Growths
Skin in a precancerous state is abnormal but not malignant. The term "precancerous" is used because these abnormal areas of skin are more likely to turn malignant than healthy skin. Precancerous growths are visible to the naked eye, and they look different from normal cells when they are examined under a microscope.
What is Early Cancer?
When malignant changes occur to the skin, but haven't spread beyond the top layer of the skin, they are called early cancers, or cancers in situ. A barrier called the basement membrane helps delay invasion by malignant cells deeper into the skin.
source-The Skin Cancer Foundation

No excuse!

While it's fun to be in the sun, letting it shine on unprotected skin is not wise.If you are going to spend much time in the sun -- be it fishing, boating, water skiing, biking, hiking or whatever -- you should take care to protect your skin.Skin cancer is one of the most common -- and dangerous -- types of cancer.The American Cancer Society reports melanoma rates in the United States have doubled in the past 20 years, with about 44,200 new cases of the skin cancer and 7,300 deaths being reported each year. Many scientists believe there might be a connection between sunburns and melanoma later in life.There's no excuse for not wearing sunscreen when spending time outdoors. It could help save your life.Some outdoors enthusiasts don't like the greasy feeling some sunscreens leave on their skin. There are non-greasy formulas available, including alcohol-based sunscreens.The Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. It should be applied every two hours.Wearing a hat and tightly woven clothing also helps protect skin.Sunglasses should be worn to protect your eyes. Research has shown that ultraviolet radiation from the sun can increase the likelihood of some cataracts. Have fun in the sun, but take time to protect your skin and eyes.

To Brian and Annie

Thanks Brian for your comment. DermAlert sounds very interesting. Anyone who checked it out please comment on what you thought.

Annie, also, thanks for your comment and the pics are quite shocking, I checked them out.

Malignant melanoma

Every year, approximately 3,000 Canadians are afflicted with malignant melanoma, and 500 of these die as a result of it. This cancer can spread rapidly to other organs in the body through the blood and lymph (the almost clear fluid that bathes body tissues), and this can lead to death. The incidence of malignant melanomas in men is rising faster than any other cancer. The death rate is also increasing for this particular cancer, with more men dying than women.
You should see your doctor if you have a mole, birthmark, beauty mark, spot, or sore that:
has irregularly shaped outline
changes colour or is dark black in colour
increases in size or thickness or shape
changes in texture
is larger than 6 mm
bleeds
itches or hurts
crusts or scabs
ulcerates or bleeds
fails to heal within three weeks leading to ulceration, scabbing or bleeding

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma
Over 90% of basal cell carcinomas occur in fair-skinned, blue-eyed individuals over the age of 40. The lesions form on sun exposed areas such as the eyelids, bridge of the nose, hands, or forearms. They appear translucent and red, with a rolled border. They usually reach 1 cm to 3 cm in size before they ulcerate and bleed. They often have a central ulceration. They are very slow-growing cancers, taking months to years to grow, and they never spread to other parts of the body. They can be cured with topical chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Since they are related to a lifetime of sun exposure, there is a 40% chance of new basal cell cancer occurring over a five-year period after initial treatment.

Skin Cancer Lesions

Actinic (solar) keratosis
Actinic keratoses are precancerous lesions that arise due to increased production of keratin (a tough, fibrous protein) in sun-exposed areas such as face, hands, neck and forearms. The lesion is scaly, flat, 2 mm to 2 cm wide, and has an irregular outline. It ranges from red to pink in colour and grows laterally. They can be itchy or painful, and the number of lesions often increases with age. It arises due to repeated sun exposure and usually occurs in people over the age of 40. About 2% of actinic keratoses can change into squamous cell carcinoma.


Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma lesions occur on the head, neck, and back of hands. 90 to 95% appear on sun-exposed areas. The lesions have irregular borders, are usually quite thick, range from red to brown in colour, and may ulcerate (form an ulcer). You are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma if you are fair-skinned, have blond or red hair, or work outdoors. Upon surgical removal of the cancer, the person is usually cured. However, in some case, it can spread to other organs in the body if not removed in time.

Skin cancer facts

All of the following play a role in determining your risk of developing skin cancer:
the total amount of sun received over the years
the number of sunburns or tans you have had
your skin type
your family history
the environment you live in

Nearly 50% of people over the age of 65 have or have had some form of skin cancer. Almost all skin cancers are preventable. There is some good news however: 95% of all skin cancers are curable with removal if they are found early enough.
Light-skinned individuals are most at risk of developing skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (non-melanoma skin cancers). The lesions usually show up on sun-exposed areas such as backs of legs, arms, neck, face, and scalp.
These cancers are usually not metastatic. This means that, typically, they don't spread to other parts of the body and are cured upon removal of the lesion. Nearly 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and 30% are squamous cell carcinomas.
Malignant melanomas are more serious, as they can quickly spread to other organs in the body and can result in death. They account for 2% of all skin cancers.
It takes about 10 to 20 years or more for skin cancers to develop, which means that a cancer discovered in your 50s may be due to sun exposure in your early 20s.

The facts of sunburns

The Facts
Sunburn is a kind of radiation damage done by the sun. It's by far the most common form of radiation damage. While most people know radiation is dangerous, they voluntarily expose themselves to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) light of the sun on a regular basis.
Radiation can provoke cancer, and the popularity of sunbathing has brought a steady climb in new cases of skin cancer and actinic keratosis, a precursor to skin cancer. Actinic keratosis and all types of skin cancer, particularly nonmelanoma types (basal and squamous cell cancer), are directly linked to sun exposure. Exposure in early life is especially relevant. Many people get the bulk of their sun exposure during childhood, and it's been shown that even one childhood sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. However, sunburn is not required to damage skin. A tan is also clear evidence of UV skin damage.
In Canada, skin cancer is still fairly rare in people under 40. The amount of UV radiation is more variable in northern than southern latitudes, so the total dose received accumulates more slowly. In Australia, where people are exposed to far more UV light from an early age, skin cancer is a disease that more often strikes people in their 20s and 30s.
The depletion of the ozone layer has raised the degree of exposure, but not by as much as sun-worshipping habits. Regardless, the extra cancer cases from the ozone effect mostly haven't had time to develop yet.
If it weren't for skin cancer, sunburn would be a minor health problem, with only the most extreme cases requiring hospital treatment. As it is, any sun or other UV exposure, including a gentle tan, increases the risk of skin cancer.

Are YOU at risk?

Could you be at risk for skin cancer? It depends on your genes, your lifestyle, and your environment.
Skin cancer is usually caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as from sunlight or tanning beds. The UV light damages genes in your skin cells. If enough damage occurs, the cells may begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to skin cancer. UV light may also make it harder for your immune system to detect and destroy skin cancer cells.
To get an idea of your own personal risk, consider two things: the amount of UV light you're exposed to, and how much protection you have from UV light. The greater the exposure to UV light, and the less protection you have, the greater your risk.

Things that can increase your UV light exposure include:
working at outdoor jobs
sunbathing
participating in or watching outdoor sports
using tanning beds or salons

Things that reduce your protection from UV light include:
having fair skin that burns easily (darker-skinned people have more melanin, a skin pigment that helps protect skin from UV light)
living close to the equator, at a high altitude, or being outside on days where the UV index is higher (greater risk of sun damage)
having health conditions (such as HIV) or taking medications (such as cancer or transplant medications) that suppress the immune system, since these decreases the body's ability to find and destroy skin cancer cells
Other factors that increase the risk of skin cancer include severe sunburns, excessive X-ray exposure, arsenic poisoning, or burns from radium. One particular type of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, has some extra risk factors, including a family history of skin cancer, large numbers of moles, or unusual moles.

Self-examination

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. Most types of skin cancers are preventable, and when skin cancer occurs, cure rates are high if it is diagnosed and treated early. If allowed to progress, though, skin cancer can result in disfigurement and even death. This is why regularly examining your skin (for example, once a month) is essential, especially because a skin cancer lesion often won't hurt or feel uncomfortable, so it's easy to overlook. It is also important to have your skin examined by your doctor at least once a year, especially if you are over the age of 40.
How to conduct a monthly skin self-exam:
Start with the head and end with the feet.
Look at the scalp, the face, the neck, beneath facial hair, on the trunk, the armpits, the hands, the finger webs, the toe webs, the nail beds, and the soles of the feet.
Use a mirror to examine your back and the skin between the buttocks.
It is important that you see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice a mole, birthmark, beauty mark, spot, or sore that:
has irregularly shaped outline
changes colour or is dark black in colour
increases in size or thickness or shape
changes in texture
is bigger than 6 mm
bleeds
itches or hurts
crusts or scabs
ulcerates or bleeds
fails to heal within three weeks, leading to ulceration, scabbing, or bleeding

Actinic keratosis - a warning sign!

Actinic keratosis is an early warning sign of skin cancer. These rough, scaly skin lesions are found on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over time. Although they are not considered to be a form of skin cancer, they can turn into skin cancer if they aren't treated promptly.
Like skin cancer, actinic keratosis is caused by too much exposure to UV light, such as from sunlight. People with fair skin that burns easily are at a higher risk of actinic keratosis.
How can you tell if you may have actinic keratosis? Check your skin, especially any sun-exposed areas, for rough, scaly lesions that may be skin-coloured, red, pink, grey, or brown. The lesions are often covered with a crust. Actinic keratosis is often found on the face, scalp, ears, neck, arms, and hands. If you notice anything that fits this description, or any other skin changes you're concerned about, check with your doctor.
If your doctor diagnoses actinic keratosis, there are a number of treatment options. Surgery can be used to remove the lesions, either by cutting out the lesion, using liquid nitrogen to "freeze" the lesion, using a laser to destroy the cells of the lesion, or using bursts of electricity to dry out the lesion and make it easy to remove. Medications, such as fluorouracil and imiquimod, can be applied to the skin to help clear up the lesions. Photodynamic therapy, which uses a special light source in combination with medication, can also be used to treat actinic keratosis.
How can you prevent actinic keratosis? The same way you can protect yourself from skin cancer - by avoiding exposure to UV light and monitoring on your skin. So using sunscreen, avoiding the peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm), covering up with clothing and sunglasses, and doing monthly skin self-exams can all reduce your risk of actinic keratosis, or help catch it early if it does develop.

Safe tan

If you want to stay safe but still love that tanned look, you may want to try a sunless tanning product (also called "self-tanning" products). These products, which usually come as a cream or a gel, contain a dye that binds to dead skin cells, producing a tanned colour. The colour usually wears off in about a week when the dead skin sloughs off. Sunless tanning products need to be applied regularly in order to maintain the colour. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the product to avoid transferring it to other areas of the body. Some products also contain sunscreen, but the sunless tanning product on its own does not protect you from the sun.
Regular skin examinations are another tool in the fight to prevent skin cancer. The Canadian Dermatology Association suggests that everyone should perform a monthly skin self-exam. This will help you become more familiar with your own skin so that you can notice changes and have them checked out by a doctor. See "Spotting it early" for hints on what changes to watch for. You should also have your skin examined by a doctor every year.

A few safety tips

Here are a few sun safety tips that will let you enjoy your time outdoors safely:

Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Choose one that protects against both types of UV light (UVA and UVB). Look for a product that's approved by the Canadian Dermatology Association (you'll see their logo on the package). Some products combine a moisturizer and sunscreen in one for added convenience.
If you can, schedule outdoor activities before or after the peak sun hours of 10 am to 4 pm.
Cover up - use a hat, sunglasses, and clothing that will cover as much exposed skin as possible (for example, opt for longer pants, long sleeves, or a longer skirt). "Wrap-around"-style sunglasses are ideal because they let in less light than other styles.

Spend time in shaded areas or under umbrellas during the peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
Babies under one year of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Protect the baby from direct sunlight using an umbrella, a stroller cover, or clothing and hats.
Find out whether your medications increase your risk of sunburn. Certain antibiotics and acne medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Birth control pills can lead to darker skin patches on the cheek and forehead areas when these areas are exposed to the sun. If you're taking any of these medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist.