SUNSCREEN APPLICATION Q&A

QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SUN AND YOUR SKIN

HOW DO UVA AND UVB RAYS EFFECT US?
On UVA rays penetrate deeply into dermis, or inner layers of the skin, where there are no biological defenses, and cause the breakdown of blood vessels, resulting in premature aging of the skin. UVA rays are present in both cloudy or clear weather conditions. UVB rays are short to mid-wavelength rays that deliver all energy to the outer layer of skin, or the epidermis. UVB rays produce both sunburns and tans, stimulating melanin production for natural protection and healthy tans. Chemical sunscreens generally do not protect against UVA rays since they do not penetrate deeply into the skin to protect the dermis from the deep-penetrating UVA rays. Consequently, natural sunscreens provide a healthier alternative to skin protection because of its natural properties.  Australia has come up with an easy to remember phrase: SLIP, SLAP, SLOP.  SLIP on a T Shirt, SLAP on a hat and SLOP on some sunscreen.  Make sure your sunscreen is UVA/UVB protectant; apply it 20 minutes before going out; apply it every 2 hours even if using waterproof, more often if not.  Even if you are sweating, apply it every 2 hours. 85 percent of our exposure comes during a cloudy day, so don't let the clouds cloud your mind.  An spf15 or above is best.  To determine your protection, know the time it takes for you to burn and then multiply 15 (spf15) to that number. Usually thats about 150 minutes of protection.  But remember that no sunscreen is 100 percent effective.  Get out of the sun.  Using sunscreen doesn't give you a license to abuse the sun!  Wearing protective clothing and going indoors during peak hours (10am to 4pm) will reduce your levels of these harmful rays and contrary to belief, will encourage a healthy immune system.  And if your visiting a tanning salon, take note to a study reported in the international edition of the Miami Herald - that women who visited tanning salons once a month or more "increased their chance of developing melanoma by 55 percent."  And DON"T FORGET YOUR EYES.  Wear sunglasses!  An increased amount of eye damages have occurred in recent years.

DID YOU KNOW....
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18.  Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life." Skin cancer can take up to 20 years to develop.  Harmful UV rays are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes and closer to the equator. Then there is the amount of cloud cover, and the condition of the ozone layer.  For example, Florida received 150 percent more UV rays than Maine. The sun's harmful effects are also increased by wind and reflections from water and sand. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation reaches the earth and can cause skin damage.......One million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. (1 out of every 6 to 7 people gets some form of it); 7,500 of those case are fatal according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The Merek Manual states that this is the most common type of cancer in the world today (skin cancer).  According to Dr. I. William Lane in the book "The Skin Cancer Answer," it is estimated that 50 percent of people who reach sixty five will develop a form of it.  Darker skinned people have a lower incident of skin cancer, but they are too at risk.  But even with all these scenarios of how and why, the main culprit may be just to much exposure to the sun.  Our lifestyles have changed; activities and even fashion have played a role. Society has gone from swimsuits that covered to hardly covering at all.  And then there is the controversy of chemical sun blockers and synthetic preservatives.

WHAT IS THE LANGERHANS CELL?
This cell is in the epidermis (top layer of skin) which plays an important role in our immune system.  In the book, "The Skin Cancer Answer," the writer suggests that scientists indicate that UV radiation damages this cell and therefore causes a breakdown in the immune system that contributes to the development of skin cancers.

QUESTIONS REGARDING SKIN DAMAGE

SKIN CANCER: Spot It and Stop It!
In addition to a yearly skin exam by a doctor, self-examination of your skin every three months is the best way to detect the early warning signs of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma, the three main types of skin cancer. Here are some things to look for:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: When melanoma is detected at an early stage and treated, it is usually curable. Some melanomas are hidden - inconspicuously located on the body, covered by clothing or even hair. Be alert to irregularities in shape, edges, color and size. Those with fair skin, light hair and eyes, moles and freckles, and a family history of the disease are especially at risk.  Those who vacation burn or get intense sun exposure in spurts are also at risk.  The American Academy of Dermatologists suggest examining the ABCDs of skin changes:

Asymmetry: Most early melanomas are asymmetrical: a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.

Border: The borders of early melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have smoother, more even borders.

Color: Common moles usually are a single shade of brown. Varied shades of brown, tan or black are often the first sign of melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colors red, white and blue may appear.

Diameter: Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles - generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser.

To look for skin changes, first examine your head and face by looking into a full length mirror and a hand mirror, both reflecting a right light. Check hands, including fingernails. In full-length mirror, examine elbows, arms and underarms. Focus on your neck, chest, torso and check under breasts. With back to the mirror, use a hand mirror to inspect the back of your neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, buttocks and legs. Sitting down, check legs and feet. Use a hand mirror to examine genitals.

75 percent of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas.  Basel and squamous cell carcinoma appear to result from chronic sun exposure, such as that of outdoor workers, and appear more in areas of the face and hands.  Squamous cell carcinomas are more likely to metastasize or spread from the primary site to other parts of the body.  These again, are the most curable.  By following the suggestions above, you are more often going to find it early. Allowing to go untreated, they can lead to death.

Malignant melanoma accounts to 5 percent of all skin cancers.  A main factor is intense, intermittent exposure to the sun such as that received by indoor workers who vacation in the sun.  50 percent of these melanomas develop from pigmented moles, particularly on the upper back and lower legs. It is very curable when detected early, but later there doesn't seem to be much hope for recover.  It is relatively resistant to treatments by drugs or radiation.  In fact, 2 to 3 percent of patients with metastasized melanoma survive for five years.

Article on Skin Cancer came from Women's Health & Fitness by arthor Laurie L. Dove; other materials came from various publications and resources.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET A BURN?
When applying oils to burns, wait until the "heat" has gone from the burn; vegetable oils applied to fresh burns can make them feel hotter. Use our Tea Tree Ultra Relief first, and then apply oils later in the week. Later, to prevent scarring, use a lavender oil and vitamin E mix to the area daily. You can also add Neroli and aloe vera gel. 

SUN DAMAGED SKIN
Sun damage can occur at any age, but the effects on the skin, especially premature wrinkling and pigmentation problems, become most apparent as we grow older. Prevention is the key. The most important measure to take is to limit your exposure to the sun, which is thought to be accountable for as much as 90 percent of skin aging. In fact, 70 percent of sun damage occurs without our even trying - while we ride our bike, walk our dogs, even drive our cars. These aging rays are present during all day light hours and tend to make us more susceptible to the shorter UVB rays that tan surface skin. Research shows that sesame oil decreases the impact of the sun's burning rays by about 30 percent. Olive, coconut and peanut oils, along with aloe vera, block out a good 20 percent. Helichrysum essential oil also screens ultraviolet rays (use a 2 percent dilution). The Xienta Institute for Skin Research in Pennsylvania reports that vitamin E in a 5 percent dilution not only reduces burning, but retards cell damage to underlying skin by decreasing oxidation. Phytotherapist Paul Duraffourd points out the cleansing virtues of carrot seed oil, as well as its positive effect on abscesses, ulcers, and even on epithelial cancers. Carrot seed oil can be used to treat cellular irregularities such as moles. A study done in 1990 shows that caraway is anti-carcinogenic when used topically. There is evidence that the same is true for citrus oils (which also have photosensitizing effects, so we are not recommending these oils for this purpose until more is learned about them). For a facial routine, follow the directions for dry skin. Sun-damaged skin also benefits from many of the suggestions for mature skin. - information came from the book, "The complete guide to aromatherapy." We have the items that are suggested for use.

RECIPES FOR MAKING YOUR OWN SUN PROTECTION

HOW TO MAKE A NATURAL SUN OIL?
You take 2 ounces of sesame oil, 2 ounces of calendula oil, 2 ounces of aloe vera gel, 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, and 8 drops of lavender and carrot essential oils. All of which we have here, but the aloe vera gel and vitamin E. Combine ingredients. Shake well before using. Remember, this will not provide much sun protection. It makes a good oil after sun exposure..