The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention Encourages Everyone to Protect Your Skin Today and Every Day

PRNewswire -- As millions of Americans prepare to enjoy the great outdoors Memorial Day weekend, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention reminds everyone to practice sun-safe behaviors - pack those wide-brimmed hats in the suitcase. The incidence of melanoma (the most fatal of skin cancers) continues to rise significantly, at a rate faster than any of the seven most common cancers.(1) In an effort to raise awareness about a health issue that is largely preventable: skin cancer, the Council is naming the Friday before Memorial Day Don't Fry Day.

"Many people believe skin cancer occurs after a lifetime of exposure, and yet, melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for young adults 15-29 years of age(2)," says Henry Lim, MD, Council co-chair. "In the last 30 years, the number of women under age 40 diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma has more than doubled while the squamous cell carcinoma rate has also increased significantly."(3)

"Any change in your skin, whether burned or slightly tanned, is a sign of UV damage," says Drusilla Hufford, former Council co-chair. "The good news is: you can protect yourself and your family members from skin cancer's main cause: too much sun. In the same way we teach kids to wear bike helmets, we can also teach them to wear wide-brimmed hats."

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers in the United States. More people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. Whether from the sun or an artificial light source, ultraviolet radiation is a carcinogen. According to a recent study, in 2006, in the 116 largest (most populous) U.S. cities, there were, on average, more tanning salons than there were Starbucks® coffee shops.(4)

Here are some simple ways to be safe in the sun. Remember, Slip, Slop, Slap®... and Wrap(5) and plan activities away from the midday sun:

- Slip on a shirt;
- Slop on sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher);
- Slap on a hat; and

- Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them from ultraviolet light.

For more information, including additional statistics and other resources, visit the Council's site: http://www.skincancerprevention.org/ The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is the united voice of 45 groups dedicated to reducing skin cancer morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Council members represent some of the nation's premier researchers, clinicians and advocates for melanoma and skin cancer prevention.

1. LAG Ries, D Melbert, M Krapcho, A Mariotto, BA Miller, EJ Feuer, L Clegg, MJ Horner, N Howlader, MP Eisner, M Reichman, BK Edwards (eds). National Cancer Institute, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2004: http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2004/.

2. U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. "Cancer Epidemiology in Older Adolescents & Young Adults," Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results AYA Monograph (2007): 53-63.

3. LJ Christenson, TA Borrowman, CM Vachon, MM Tollefson, CC Otley, AL Weaver, RK Roenigk. "Incidence of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas in a population younger than 40 years," JAMA (2005): 294: 681-690.

4. Katherine D. Hoerster, Rebecca L. Garrow, Joni A. Mayer, Elizabeth J. Clapp, John R. Weeks, Susan I. Woodruff, James F. Sallis, Donald J. Slymen, Minal R. Patel, Stephanie A. Sybert. "Density of Indoor Tanning Facilities in 116 Large U.S. Cities," American Journal of Preventive Medicine, no. 36 (March 2009): 3, 243-246: http://www.ajpm-online.net/article/PIIS0749379708009756/abstract.

5. Slip, Slop, Slap® is a registered trademark of the American Cancer Society.

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Prevent Fall Bleacher Burn

(ARA) - Many Americans’ favorite sports occur in the fall, encouraging individuals to spend more time outdoors free of summer’s scorching heat. But while the weather may seem cooler, many regions of the country continue to experience high ultraviolet indexes throughout the fall. In fact, even on gray, cloudy days, as much as 80 percent of UV rays can pass through the clouds.

Spectators, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike need to protect their skin from the unintentional damage they can receive while enjoying fall activities. Sun protection is especially important when spending significant time outside during sports games, hiking and other outdoor activities.

It’s a myth that the need for sun protection stops when fall starts. “Year-round sun protection is an important mindset to adopt in order to prevent premature skin damage that can lead to wrinkles, sun spots and some types of skin cancer,” says Dr. Elizabeth Hale, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine. “I always recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen anytime people are outdoors to help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. While UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and are especially abundant in the warm summer months, UVA rays are present year-round and can pass through clouds and windows. Sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats remain important methods to protect from overexposure during the cooler fall and winter months.”

“Coppertone’s Sport Faces SPF 50 Lotion and Sport Continuous Spray SPF 70+
are among the many Coppertone products that provide broad spectrum protection across the UVB and UVA range,” says Dr. Patricia Agin of the Coppertone Solar Research Center. To help protect against fall and winter sun damage, Dr. Agin recommends following these five suncare tips:

* Protect your Face – While arms and legs are generally covered during cool seasons, your face is one part of the body that can receive year-round sun exposure. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it to the face, neck and chest before leaving the house.

* Don’t Forget the Hands – If you aren’t wearing gloves, the skin on your hands is just as susceptible to sun damage as the skin on your face. Smoothing on a sunscreen lotion daily may help moisturize dry skin and can help protect the skin from unintentional damage, helping to prevent premature skin aging.

* You’re Never “Above” Damaging Sun Rays – Whether you are hiking up mountainous terrain or speeding down the slopes, the sun’s rays become stronger as altitude increases. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV exposure increases 8 to 10 percent for every 1,000 feet of elevation; therefore, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Skiers are especially susceptible to “goggle burn” as the snow reflects 80 percent of UV rays.

* Be Sun Smart – UV rays are present year-round, reflecting off water, concrete and sand. The sun is the strongest between the hours 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some after-school sports take place when UV rays are strongest, so whether you are playing on the field or watching from the bleachers, it’s important to protect yourself from potential sun damage.

* Make Sunscreen a “Family Affair” – Most parents understand the need to protect their children from the sun. According to the 2008 Coppertone “Sun IQ” survey, 82 percent of parent respondents agreed it is important that their children use sunscreen with an SPF above 30. Unfortunately, these parents are not practicing what they preach as 45 percent were not using sunscreen themselves. To encourage healthy sun habits for the whole family, keep a bottle in the bathroom and next to the door for easy, on-the-go application.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Daily Tips To Protect The Skin You're In

(NAPSI)-While most people recognize the importance of applying sunscreen at the beach or the pool, many don't realize the value in wearing sun protection every day of the year.

Experts say about 80 percent of a person's sun exposure occurs during daily activities-walking to the car, sitting in front of a window-and that one year of incidental sun exposure is like spending a week at the beach without sunscreen.

To keep skin healthy and protected throughout the day, incorporate a moisturizer that contains SPF into your daily skin care routine, as hydration and sun protection are key elements for maintaining healthy skin.

Skin that is dry may be unable to perform its primary function, which is to protect your body from environmental damage, such as free radicals, pollutants and the sun's UV rays.

Additionally, skin that is dry has a difficult time renewing itself from sun damage, leaving it vulnerable to premature aging, including wrinkles and age spots.

Look for a nongreasy moisturizer with sunscreen, such as Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15, which combines the natural moisturizing benefits of colloidal oatmeal to soothe dry skin with Active Photobarrier Complex, a sun-protection technology that is specifically engineered to deliver very high, very broad and photo-stable UVA and UVB protection.

The moisturizer also contains rich emollients that provide 24- hour moisturization, leaving skin soft, smooth and healthy looking.

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Shining A Light On Sunscreen

NAPSI -Despite the flood of sun-protection information that is released each summer, many consumers still don't know as much as they should when it comes to choosing a sunscreen.

While sunscreen may already be a beach bag necessity, certain sunscreen technologies and ingredients will provide superior protection from the sun's harmful rays, so it's important to know what to look for when reading the label.

Sunlight contains the visible light we can see and ultraviolet (UV) rays that we cannot. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns as well as certain kinds of skin cancers, while UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging and the development of dark spots.

UVA can enhance the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays--the light penetrates windows and clouds and leaves no visible signature on your skin. Most consumers don't know that the SPF rating on the sunscreen bottle only pertains to UVB. That's why dermatologists say to look for a sunscreen label that specifically includes UVA protection. The FDA, however, is now working on new packaging regulations intended to help make labeling clearer.

Also, according to the FDA, sunscreens are neither perspiration- or waterproof. Sunscreens can be washed or worn off as a consequence of swimming or sweating, so consumers are advised to look for products that are water resistant or sweat resistant-FDA approved terms.

Another common misconception is that you can apply sunscreen once and be protected all day. "Ordinary UVA sunscreen chemicals break down as soon as they are exposed to light and become practically ineffective in about one hour," says Boston dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Dover. "It's not just full-spectrum coverage we need to be concerned with; the key is finding a product with UVB and UVA protection, but also one that lasts longer." Recently, new technologies including Dermaplex™ have been created to help keep the key sun-protection ingredients stable so they won't break down for hours and therefore don't need to be reapplied as often.

Sunscreens like the new Continuous Spray SPF 45 from Skin Effects™ by Dr. Jeffrey Dover use Dermaplex technology so it won't break down after sun exposure for up to five hours, allowing for full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Plus, it holds up against sweat and water, is hypoallergenic, sprays on easily and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Most important, sunscreens have an expiration date. Dermatologists recommend buying a new bottle every six months.

Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover is available at all CVS/pharmacy locations.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that we cannot see. It is these UV rays--both UVA and UVB--that can do the most damage to the skin.

Taking Better Care Of Your Skin Year-Round

(SPM Wire) Just as the hot summer sun can damage your skin, so too can the drier winter months and even the winter sun impact your skin.

Dr. Darrell S. Rigel, president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, says people don't realize the health threats associated with the glaring sun and cooler temperatures of the winter season. At times, the wind and sun combination is so harmful it can cause serious burns and skin conditions, such as eczema.

Healthy skin takes year-round maintenance -- here are some tips from Rigel that are especially helpful in colder climates:

* Moisturizer helps protect against harsh elements and is especially important when outside for any great length of time. It's best to apply moisturizer directly after a bath or shower to help seal in moisture and replenish the skin with the necessary water and oils.

* Wearing gloves is a simple and effective way to protect hands from the cold temperatures and dry air that triggers eczema

* Since snow reflects sunlight, the ultraviolet rays of the sun during the winter are just as intense, so when participating in winter recreational activities be sure to apply sunscreen even though the sun may not feel hot.

* Don't forget about the lips, studies show that only six percent of Americans are aware that ultraviolet rays can cause lip cancer.

For more information about healthy skin, visit http://www.asds.net/ online.