Skin cancer prevention
Did you see our ad in Atlanta Parent’s December issue?
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta offers a variety of options to meet Atlantan’s skin care needs. From fat reduction and wrinkle reduction to treating various skin conditions, no matter what’s on your wish list, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to join us for our Cosmetic Day Wednesday January 11th for discounts on various products and services. For more infomation, please contact our office at 404-256-4457.
Study Emphasizes Sun Protection over Water Consumption for Beautiful Skin
We’ve all heard that drinking 8 glasses of water a day keeps your skin glowing and dewy. However, a recent investigation by the British Nutrition Foundation found that protecting your skin from the sun along with maintaining a healthy diet is much more important in achieving a healthy complexion and fighting the signs of aging.
While drinking water is important as part of adequate nutrition, forcing down 8 glasses a day to keep your skin hydrated may not be necessary. According to the BNF, “There currently appears to be very little scientific evidence relating to the effects of water consumption on skin hydration, and whether drinking more or less water actually has any impact on skin appearance.” Instead, eating a healthy range of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A, B, C, and E and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day are better actions to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
Unprotected sun exposure is a proven cause of skin cancer as well as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. This is one reason that legislation in California was recently passed that banned teens under 18 from tanning salons even if they had their parents’ permission. Sun exposure breaks down the support structures in the skin speeding up the aging process and producing fine lines and sunspots.
While it’s still important to regularly drink water, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta encourages our patients to take further measures to ensure the health of their skin and postpone the signs of aging from appearing.
For more information on anti-aging, skin cancer prevention or treatment, skincare, or dermatology contact us. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter with the latest in dermatology news and updates!
Be Sure to Add Skin Cancer Body Check to Your Fall Checklist
As the seasons change and fall begins to cool off summer, skin cancer and sun damage my be the last things from your mind. That’s why we wanted to make sure you added an annual skin cancer body check at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to your fall checklist.
Could Caffeine Be the Answer to Staying Bright-Eyed and Cancer Free?
Caffeinated beverages are an irreplaceable staple to many American morning routines. A new study performed by researchers from Rutgers and the University of Washington suggests that topical caffeine application could reduce the risk of developing melanoma.
According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. with a whopping one million new cases diagnosed annually. This fact, coupled with the unsightly cosmetic effects photoaging can have on the skin and its texture and the millions of dollars spent by Americans on treatments like laser skin resurfacing, Foto Facial® treatment, and chemical peels to reduce the appearance of photo damage, make it no surprise then that this study is not the first of its kind. › Continue reading
Actinic Keratosis: An Important Warning Sign to Protect Your Skin
We all know that the sun’s ultra violet rays can be especially damaging to our skin; causing us to wrinkle prematurely, destroying our skin’s elasticity, and even sometimes leading to the formation of skin cancer. Just as sunburn is visible, physical proof of sun damage, the formation actinic keratosis is tangible proof of sun exposure and often a precursor to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas.
Actinic keratosis, also known as a solar keratosis or sun spot, is a non-threatening, rough (sand paper textured), pinkish spot on the skin. Because the spots are so easily overlooked, they often go undetected for years before progressing to a true cancer which must be completely removed. Actinic keratoses are almost exclusively found on sun exposed skin (especially in fair skin patients with light eyes). Keratoses frequently appear in clusters on the face and forehead. While not all types of keratosis will lead to cancer, it’s vital to seek treatment from a dermatology specialist so he/she can destroy these cells before they are allowed to progress.
Individuals with fair complexions, hair, and eye color should be particularly vigilant about skin cancer screenings and ensure they have at least one annual skin cancer body check. “Fair” patients are those that frequently complain how they tan poorly and burn easily. Most insurance policies now allow a careful yearly exam to not only identify these precancerous growths, but also to find and identify abnormal moles which may be, or become, malignant melanoma.
Avoiding these abnormal growths is fairly simple: regularly shield your skin (i.e.- face, body, and neck) with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and avoid extended periods of sun exposure. Remember, avoiding the sun will also help prevent premature aging and wrinkling. If you’re concerned about getting enough sun for healthy vitamin D production, a simple blood test can determine whether a dietary supplement may be needed. The benefits of decreased exposure and enhanced sun protection measures far outweigh those of extended sun exposure.
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s board certified specialists remind you to protect your skin even throughout the winter months. Reflective agents like ice and snow can magnify the harmful effects of harmful UV rays. To learn more about skin cancer prevention or skin cancer treatments available at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta visit their website or continue to read their blog.
Calling All Sun Bathers- Deadly Skin Cancer Rates Soar For Generation Of Baby Boomers
If you’ve read any of our past blogs, you’ve probably noticed how adamant the professionals at Dermatology Associates are about protecting your skin from sun exposure. Hopefully readers will now heed their warnings- SunSmart, a UK based Skin Cancer research organization, has compiled findings which show that adults of the Baby Boomer generation are now five times more likely to develop Melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) than previous generations.
The UK group attributes this trend to the rise in popularity of low-cost package vacations and the introduction of tanning beds in the 1970’s. Baby Boomers, who as a group were in their 20’s and 30’s during this period, remember a culture where “burning before tanning” was the norm for everyone. Even more astounding, the study also found that of the Baby Boomer cohort, men in their 60’s and 70’s were seven times more likely to develop Melanoma than men of the same age 30 years ago.
The most important thing to remember about sun damage is that it is preventable. Wearing a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF for your complexion (no lower than SPF 15) and remembering to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours while outdoors are imperative. The information from this study isn’t just a call to Baby Boomers, this trend could very easily repeat itself with Generation X, Y, and Z’ers if proper preventative sun protection is ignored.
If you have a fair complexion with light hair, light eyes, freckles, or have lots of moles you are naturally more susceptible to sun damage. If you have a history of sunburn you are also at an increased risk for developing Melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. So, when it comes to sun exposure remember- lather with sunscreen and repeat!
To learn more about preventative skin care or to schedule a consultation with one of Dermatology Associate’s professionals, visit our website or call (404) 256-4457.
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