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While we all have different complexions, summer is a time when we have to be extra careful when exposing our skin to the sun. Here are tips to keep your skin in shape this summer.
1. Use Sunscreen. This is the most effective way in which to shield your skin from the sun’s rays. Use SPF30 sun block and apply it every 20 minutes.
2. Whether at the beach or sunbathing in your backyard pool, try to stay out of the sun when the heat is most intense, between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm.
3. Wear brimmed hats and light colored clothing to cover your arms and legs.
4. Do not use strong abrasives on your skin. Cleanse your skin with warm water and mild soap.
5. For sensitive skin, try not to use harsh products whose chemicals can cause irritation to your skin.
6. Use a moisturizer on your skin. You can use baby oil which will not only protect your skin put prevent it from becoming too dry.
7. When sunbathing, use the sunscreen particularly on the most sensitive parts of your body such as shoulders, back of your legs, and neck as these areas are most vulnerable.
8. Wear sunglasses when exposed to the sun to help protect your eyes.
9. Gently remove makeup with cotton balls so as to not to irritate the area around your eyes.
10. When bathing or showering, it is important not to completely rid your body of its essential oils. Therefore, don’t vigorously dry your body with a towel, but simply pat it dry and add moisturizer afterwards.
11. Before you prepare to shave your legs and underarms, use any of the shaving creams or lotion products available. The last thing you need is to expose your legs to the sun if they have razor burns.
If you follow these tips to keep your skin in shape this summer, you will no doubt avoid any further damage to your skin and be able to enjoy the summer activities you have planned.
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Showing posts with label sun and summer safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sun and summer safety. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The Link Between Tanning and Skin Cancer
The link between tanning and skin cancer is well known. Skin cancer is caused by sunburn, which is inflammation of the skin and the tissues beneath it caused by overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. These ultraviolet rays, when exposed over a long term, can cause basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. However, the most serious of all skin cancers is malignant melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. The cells just below the surface of the skin become cancerous and a tumor develops. Due to long-term exposure to sunlight, an ulcer may form and destroy the tissue.
Squamous cell carcinoma causes the underlying skin cells to become damaged and this leads to the development of a life-threatening tumor or lump. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, where there is no spreading of the tumor, the squamous cell carcinoma can spread throughout the entire body.
Malignant melanoma is the most serious of all types of skin cancer. This type of melanoma metastasizes throughout the body.
So too, there is a misnomer to think that cloud overage or wintry days will keep your skin safe from the UV rays that are ever present. To prevent any of these types of skin cancers to develop, it is important to use SPF 15 or higher when out in the sun. In addition, wear light protective clothing when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
Always check your body for any unusual moles or firm, fleshy, hard-surfaced lumps which seem to grow at a steady rate. The basal cell carcinoma will appear as a small, flesh colored lump, usually on the face, next to the eye, or on the side of the nose. The squamous cell will particularly show itself on that part of the skin which is constantly exposed to sunlight. The malignant melanoma may appear on any skin surface as a flat spot or bump accompanied by black or brown pigment.
While we know that direct sunlight is a major cause of skin cancer, there is another link to skin cancer as well. The use of tanning beds causes as much malignant melanoma as sunlight. Moreover, the UVA light used in sun beds can be responsible for all types of cancer.
While you can develop sunburn without sitting under the sun, the ultraviolet rays can still penetrate your skin. So too, if you are on the water or sand, the sun’s rays reflect off those surfaces and burn parts of your skin that you think are protected.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary on your skin, see your doctor to determine what it is by having a biopsy done to ascertain if it falls under any of the above categories. There is a link between tanning and skin cancer and the more you are aware, the better chance you will have of recognizing the signs of skin cancer before it can spread.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. The cells just below the surface of the skin become cancerous and a tumor develops. Due to long-term exposure to sunlight, an ulcer may form and destroy the tissue.
Squamous cell carcinoma causes the underlying skin cells to become damaged and this leads to the development of a life-threatening tumor or lump. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, where there is no spreading of the tumor, the squamous cell carcinoma can spread throughout the entire body.
Malignant melanoma is the most serious of all types of skin cancer. This type of melanoma metastasizes throughout the body.
So too, there is a misnomer to think that cloud overage or wintry days will keep your skin safe from the UV rays that are ever present. To prevent any of these types of skin cancers to develop, it is important to use SPF 15 or higher when out in the sun. In addition, wear light protective clothing when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
Always check your body for any unusual moles or firm, fleshy, hard-surfaced lumps which seem to grow at a steady rate. The basal cell carcinoma will appear as a small, flesh colored lump, usually on the face, next to the eye, or on the side of the nose. The squamous cell will particularly show itself on that part of the skin which is constantly exposed to sunlight. The malignant melanoma may appear on any skin surface as a flat spot or bump accompanied by black or brown pigment.
While we know that direct sunlight is a major cause of skin cancer, there is another link to skin cancer as well. The use of tanning beds causes as much malignant melanoma as sunlight. Moreover, the UVA light used in sun beds can be responsible for all types of cancer.
While you can develop sunburn without sitting under the sun, the ultraviolet rays can still penetrate your skin. So too, if you are on the water or sand, the sun’s rays reflect off those surfaces and burn parts of your skin that you think are protected.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary on your skin, see your doctor to determine what it is by having a biopsy done to ascertain if it falls under any of the above categories. There is a link between tanning and skin cancer and the more you are aware, the better chance you will have of recognizing the signs of skin cancer before it can spread.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Staying Fit for the Summer
While most of you have probably been working out all winter long through diet and exercise, the key now is to maintain both routines throughout the summer. Here are a few tips and suggestions on staying fit for the summer.
No matter what type of diet regimen you’ve been on, it may be a good idea to continue the diet until after the summer is over. Maintaining a healthy diet will enhance your ability to participate in all forms of sports and activities throughout the summer months. Also, your diet will afford you the opportunity to continue to eat light, healthy meals as opposed to fried, fatty, and heavy foods during the summer.
Summertime is synonymous with barbeques. No doubt you will have your fair share. Sticking to your diet will help you keep the pounds off, especially on those special occasions when outdoor barbeques entice you with foods and drinks which may add excess calories.
Continue your exercise routine throughout the summer. During the hot summer months, your body will fair much better in the heat if you are in good shape. No doubt, you may engage in running, walking, or other strenuous exercises. Therefore, continuing your exercise program will only benefit you in the long run. Whether you spend time in your garden, swim, or bike ride – any physical activity will enhance your health.
No matter what form of physical activity you choose, whether it's cycling, hiking, swimming, gardening or hitting the gym, make it enjoyable. In fact, turn it into quality time with family, or perhaps some quiet time to de-stress after a busy day.
Keep active and continue your diet regimen throughout the summer so that you will look your best at all those patio parties. After all, you’ve worked very hard over the long winter months to achieve your goals. Now is the time to stay that way.
No matter what type of diet regimen you’ve been on, it may be a good idea to continue the diet until after the summer is over. Maintaining a healthy diet will enhance your ability to participate in all forms of sports and activities throughout the summer months. Also, your diet will afford you the opportunity to continue to eat light, healthy meals as opposed to fried, fatty, and heavy foods during the summer.
Summertime is synonymous with barbeques. No doubt you will have your fair share. Sticking to your diet will help you keep the pounds off, especially on those special occasions when outdoor barbeques entice you with foods and drinks which may add excess calories.
Continue your exercise routine throughout the summer. During the hot summer months, your body will fair much better in the heat if you are in good shape. No doubt, you may engage in running, walking, or other strenuous exercises. Therefore, continuing your exercise program will only benefit you in the long run. Whether you spend time in your garden, swim, or bike ride – any physical activity will enhance your health.
No matter what form of physical activity you choose, whether it's cycling, hiking, swimming, gardening or hitting the gym, make it enjoyable. In fact, turn it into quality time with family, or perhaps some quiet time to de-stress after a busy day.
Keep active and continue your diet regimen throughout the summer so that you will look your best at all those patio parties. After all, you’ve worked very hard over the long winter months to achieve your goals. Now is the time to stay that way.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Avoid Dehydration This Summer
One of the problems some people face during the hot summer months is dehydration. Because this can lead to more severe problems, such as heat exhaustion, here are some ways in which you can avoid dehydration this summer.
During the summer months, especially when at the beach, shopping, or exercising, it is important to always have bottles of water and salty snacks on hand. Any form of exercise can result in loss of salt and water due to sweating. If the water is not replaced, you can easily become disoriented, nauseous, and feel faint. Another sign of dehydration is if your urine is dark.
On hot days, it is especially helpful to drink at least ten glasses of water a day to keep hydrated. This holds true if you are indoors, as well. You may be cleaning the house or working in your garden in the heat and not realize you are losing fluids. Take a break and drink a couple of glasses of water. Run a wash cloth under cold water and place it behind your neck. This will help to cool your body, as well.
If you find you are dehydrated, experts say it is important that you not gulp down any fluids. This can cause vomiting. Sip a glass of water slowly to avoid any further discomfort. If you are outdoors, find a shady area and rest until the queasy feeling goes away. In fact, place a cold wash cloth in a plastic zip lock bag and keep it in your purse or tote bag, just in case.
In addition, you need potassium in your system. During the summer, have a banana a day, as well as snacks or foods which contain salt. You may also need to maintain your electrolytes, and there are many over-the-counter energy drinks available which serve this purpose. Carry water or energy drinks with you, as well as snacks, if you plan on being outdoors on a very hot day, whether at the beach, your backyard pool, or even at the mall.
Avoid dehydration this summer by paying close attention to what signals your body is giving off. Dehydration can affect anyone, especially children and older adults. On very hot days, check your elderly neighbors to ensure they are okay. They are especially vulnerable during the summer months.
During the summer months, especially when at the beach, shopping, or exercising, it is important to always have bottles of water and salty snacks on hand. Any form of exercise can result in loss of salt and water due to sweating. If the water is not replaced, you can easily become disoriented, nauseous, and feel faint. Another sign of dehydration is if your urine is dark.
On hot days, it is especially helpful to drink at least ten glasses of water a day to keep hydrated. This holds true if you are indoors, as well. You may be cleaning the house or working in your garden in the heat and not realize you are losing fluids. Take a break and drink a couple of glasses of water. Run a wash cloth under cold water and place it behind your neck. This will help to cool your body, as well.
If you find you are dehydrated, experts say it is important that you not gulp down any fluids. This can cause vomiting. Sip a glass of water slowly to avoid any further discomfort. If you are outdoors, find a shady area and rest until the queasy feeling goes away. In fact, place a cold wash cloth in a plastic zip lock bag and keep it in your purse or tote bag, just in case.
In addition, you need potassium in your system. During the summer, have a banana a day, as well as snacks or foods which contain salt. You may also need to maintain your electrolytes, and there are many over-the-counter energy drinks available which serve this purpose. Carry water or energy drinks with you, as well as snacks, if you plan on being outdoors on a very hot day, whether at the beach, your backyard pool, or even at the mall.
Avoid dehydration this summer by paying close attention to what signals your body is giving off. Dehydration can affect anyone, especially children and older adults. On very hot days, check your elderly neighbors to ensure they are okay. They are especially vulnerable during the summer months.
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