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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Teaming Up To Prevent Skin Cancer

NAPSI-With more than 1 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year, people could be doing more to protect themselves.

In addition to applying sunscreen, there are a few quick, easy steps everyone can take to prevent the incidence of this disease.

One important precautionary step is performing monthly self-examinations.”Self-examination is an extremely simple and effective tool, yet highly neglected by most Americans,” said Dr. Darrel S. Rigel, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. Coupled with an annual visit to your dermatologist for a full-body skin cancer screening, monthly self-examinations are the best way to help prevent and detect skin cancer.

When performing a self-examination, do so in front of the mirror, paying close attention to the areas of your body directly exposed to the sun, including your face, arms and legs as well as your hands and trunk, which are also susceptible to harmful sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer.

Dermatologists recommend keeping track of your moles, freckles and birthmarks, noting any changes in shape, size or color and the appearance of any other visible irregularities.

According to dermatologists, performing a self-examination is simple when keeping the ABCD rule in mind:

• A is for ASYMMETRY: Onehalf of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.

• B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.

• C is for COLOR: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of red, white or blue.

• D is for DIAMETER: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ? inch-the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger.

In the event that you do notice any changes, you should consult your dermatologist right away.

In addition to an avoiding the sun, an important first line of defense against skin cancer is sun protection. Choosing the right product and applying it on a daily basis continues to be a must. Also, consumers should opt for products that contain a stabilizing technology like Helioplex offering superior protection against UVA rays, as well as high SPFs that protect against UVB rays, such has Neutrogena’s New Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85 with Helioplex.

By practicing sun-safe habits and by visiting your dermatologist once a year, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer.

For more information, visit www.NeutrogenaSkinHealth.com.

When choosing sun protection, don’t just look for the SPF factor. It’s important to find a product that offers both UVA and UVB protection.

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.

Get Your Eyes in Shape for Summer with the Right Eyewear

ARA - Along with new flip-flops, a sundress and swimsuit, most people will be looking for a trendy new pair of sunglasses this summer. Of course, when choosing new shades, there are many things to consider -- size, shape, color, design -- but what many people neglect to consider is getting the best lenses.

Fashion can meet function this summer by adding a healthy dose of wellness and prevention to the search for the perfect shades. It’s even more important than smart style to choose high-quality lenses. At any age, but particularly after the age of 40, eye protection and quality sun lenses are necessary.

Style expert and host of the Style Network’s top-rated show “How Do I Look?” Finola Hughes, says her best accessory this year is eyewear. “Sunglasses can finish off a look and make anyone feel stylish and hip, but it’s important to pick the right sunwear frames for your face and age,” Hughes says. “This summer I added a great pair of white and black buckle designer sunglasses to my wardrobe, but I made sure they were fitted with Varilux polarized with Crizal Sun lenses.”

Premium lenses provide complete protection form UV rays, along with better vision, reduced glare, sharper images and improved depth-perception. Some lenses like new Crizal Sun Mirrors offer 100 percent protection from UV rays and feature a brilliant, mirrored front side, dual-sided and fully-integrated scratch protection, and super-hydrophobic properties. Most people take care to prevent sun damage with sunscreen, so it’s important to take the same preventative measures when it comes to eyes.

When choosing new summer specs, consider the following from Hughes:

* Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with polarized sunglass lenses, like Varilux with Crizal Sun lenses. Your eyes don’t need to suffer to be fashionable -- most designer frames can be outfitted with a high-quality lens.

* Classic sunglass frame styles that are essential to complete any wardrobe are wayfarers, aviators, large tortoiseshell and square black -- they will take you from season to season.

* Choose the right frames for your face by concentrating on color and size. Pay attention to your complexion; if you have a pale or sallow complexion, find a good shade to complement it, like a warm brown or amber. Conversely, if you have a darker or olive complexion, hit the reds and pinks, they will look luscious next to your skin.

* Above all else, always be sure to line the top of your sunglass frames with your eyebrows -- nobody wants to resemble a bug.

* If you’re in your 20s and 30s, experiment with trendier fun styles. For 40 and up, have fun in a more artistic fashion by choosing frames that are clever and architectural.

For more sunwear tips visit www.mybestaccessory.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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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.