Yes! Some people actually have a real addiction to the pleasure of tanning. Studies show that the UV rays trigger the release of endorphins – morphine-like substances in the brain that block pain and heighten pleasure – resulting in a natural “high.” Just like smoking, this is a habit you will have to break if you want your skin to stand the test of aging and time.
The sun may be brighter, hotter and produce a painful sunburn faster from mid-morning to late afternoon, but that’s only half the battle. While skin burning UVB rays are at their peak between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., UVA rays or “aging” rays of the sun are present from sunup to sundown and require protection all day long. Your best bet is to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays every morning (yes, even on cloudy days) and reapply throughout the day. Find our lightweight, non-sticky and non-greasy broad spectrum sunscreen here.
When lips are dry and chapped, it is human nature to lick the lips for relief. In fact, a recent study found that the average woman will consume 8 pounds of lipstick in her lifetime from licking her lips. The problem is, while licking lips offers momentary moisturization, the act creates a wet/dry cycle that exacerbates chapping. Next time your lips feel dry, reach in your purse or pocket for a lip balm. For best results, look for a lip balm with UVA/UVB sun protection and proven antioxidants and skin conditioners.Hydrate, softens and protect your lips with ESSENTIALS Lip Shield SPF 25
Let’s talk about your skin. Medically known as melanocytic nevi, moles are small dark spots on your skin that appear predominately during the first 20 years of life. Hormones, sun exposure and genetics are all factors in the number, location and type of moles we each get.
Moles on their own aren’t necessarily dangerous; however, UV exposure can trigger malignant transformations, causing moles to become cancerous. The good news is that if caught early, melanoma is nearly 100% treatable. The best way to catch your moles before it’s too late is to map them.
Every year on your birthday, I recommend getting in your birthday suit and taking full body pictures. Compare them year after year, carefully checking for the ABCDE’s of melanoma.
A—Asymmetry: the spot isn’t symmetrical and may have an odd shape
B—Border: look for a border that isn’t sharp or defined
C—Color: the color is not uniform and may have different shades of red, brown or black
D—Diameter: the spot is the size of a pencil eraser or larger
E—Evolution: the spot is changing in size and/or shape
This may seem like a lot of work, but at the end of the day you are responsible for your health and well-being. Just like with breast cancer, most melanoma cases are self-diagnosed and not found in your annual exam. If you want a derm’s attention on your moles, make an appointment specifically for a mole evaluation. There’s not much money in mole checks … so while a great derm will make time for it, others will opt for more lucrative procedures like botox. And if you don’t feel your derm is taking your moles seriously, find a new one. There are countless great dermatologists out there who care about the health of their patients. ~Dr. Kathy Fields