Your skin is under attack every minute of every day.

It is constantly being bombarded by elements in the environment and atmosphere that are damaging and harmful. Even more so for those that live and or work in higher risk areas.

Many but, unfortunately, still not all of us now realize that the sun is not necessarily our friend. And, we are not talking about global warming.

Much has been written, even within this very blog, about UVA and UVB rays and, while we may not fully understand what solar ultra violet radiation is all about, we now know it is out to get us! What is less understood about these rays is that they are always around, even on the cloudiest of days and even during the wintertime. They damage the cells on the top layers of the skin causing them to burn and die off. You may think that a suntan looks good but, in reality, any change in the skin’s colour after being in the sun is actually a sign of damage. Simply stated, its a burn!

But the sun is not the only thing out there that is taking a shot.

The cold and wind are also very damaging elements for the skin. They both sap moisture from the outermost layer and leave it vulnerable to damage. Moisture acts as an important protection for the skin and nourishes it as well; many of the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other important elements that the skin needs to stay healthy are contained in the moisture or hydration of the skin.

Pollution is another common irritant to skin, as are very high levels of dust and dirt. There is always dirt in the air and the skin is designed to collect and then rinse away any minor coating of dust. But, if you live or work in a very polluted or very dirty environment, your pores are going to get clogged with this dirt and you may be prone to breakouts and more skin irritations. The skin’s pores are designed to handle only so much dirt and pollution, and anything more than that is just going to sit on your face and cause damage.

And theres still more! The air around us is full of other things that are also enemies of the skin. Things such as chlorine, acid rain, tobacco smoke and so on.

If you can’t avoid these enemies, the next best thing to do is to at least try and defend your skin as best as you can. Moisture is a good barrier between your skin and all these attacking elements, both from within when you drink water (yes, you really should drink at least eight glasses a day) and from on top of your skin with a quality skin care product, especially one that also offers broad spectrum UV protection.

You may not be able to protect your skin from every harsh and damaging element there is, but you can help it along by staying hydrated and using a good, multi function moisturizer every day.

Narrowband UVB is increasingly used in hospitals for the treatment of vitiligo. It uses light of specific wavelengths of UVB radiation, which tends to be more efficient than using standard UVB light, which contains many different wavelengths.

PUVA is a different kind of phototherapy, which is often used to treat vitiligo. It is a combination of psoralen (a chemical that sensitizes the skin to light which is either taken orally or directly applied to the skin), and Ultra Violet (UVA) light. All forms of UV therapy require a commitment to attend the hospital 2 or 3 times a week, often for several months. It is usually carried out in day care dermatology clinic or physiotherapy departments. Initially the exposure time is kept short and is increased gradually. The amount of UV exposure received is carefully monitored and the total cumulative dose (expressed as Joules/cm2 skin surface) is recorded because large doses of UV time increases the risk of skin aging and skin cancer, the maximum safe limits for exposure to UV radiation at the hospital are not exceeded.

Not everyone’s vitiligo is suitable for narrow-band UVB or other phototherapies, and for this purpose you have to consult a dermatologist. If the area affected by vitiligo is small then it may be appropriate to try topical treatments such as steroid creams in the first place. In case of very extensive vitiligo, treating whole body with narrowband UVB is appropriate because it becomes difficult to treat all affected areas with creams. Light therapy may not be possible for other reasons, such as whether to treat a small child or someone with claustrophobia, which may not tolerate standing in the UV cabinet. Similarly, people who have a skin disease aggravated by light, or a history of excessive sun exposure or skin cancer cases would not be suitable candidates for this form of treatment.

It is not possible to predict the course of UV treatment, whether it will work, and if so, how well. Some areas, particularly the hands and feet, do not respond well to any vitiligo treatment. Generally, treatment will continue for 2-3 months in the first place and if no repigmentation is found after this time you should stop the treatment.

Pronta Entrega em www.suaconsultora.com.br

Vamos falar um pouco de um assunto muito importante. Afinal, bonito é estar bem, não é mesmo?

Então, escolhi o assunto “Proteção Solar” para iniciar. O artigo foi publicado por um orgão confiável e respeitável que é o Inmetro:

O Brasil tem grande parte de sua superfície demográfica localizada entre o Trópico de Capricórnio e o Equador. Esta área recebe com maior intensidade os raios solares por estar mais próxima ao sol. Os raios solares, nesta região, incidem em um ângulo mais perpendicular, tornando o Brasil o país com maior área intertropical e um dos mais ensolarados do planeta. Este fato é um dos principais responsáveis pelo aumento do número de pessoas com câncer de pele no país.

O espectro solar é composto por uma série de radiações, quase todas podem atuar de forma benéfica, porém, quando a quantidade de energia absorvida é superior à dose tolerável, os riscos são inevitáveis. As principais radiações solares são:

• Raios infravermelhos – Responsáveis pela sensação de calor e desidratação da pele durante a exposição ao sol;
• UV-A – Bronzeiam superficialmente, porém, contribuem para o envelhecimento precoce da pele, induzido pela exposição solar prolongada;
• UV-B – São consideradas mais lesivas que as radiações UV-A. Em excesso, causam eritema (queimadura solar), envelhecimento precoce e câncer de pele, atingindo, principalmente, pessoas de pele clara;
• UV-C – São absorvidas pelas camadas mais altas da atmosfera e estratosfera e, raramente, atingem a superfície terrestre. São bastante prejudiciais, não estimulam o bronzeamento e causam queimaduras solares e câncer.

O bronzeamento é uma defesa contra as radiações solares, que estimulam o organismo a produzir melanina, um pigmento natural da pele, reduzindo, com isso, a penetração das radiações UV-A e UV-B. Nos primeiros dias de exposição ao sol, o mecanismo de produção de melanina começa a ser ativado. Neste período, devem ser utilizados protetores solares com fatores de proteção mais elevados, pois eles atuarão de forma similar à melanina, filtrando os raios UV-A e UV-B.

Queimaduras, sensações de ardor e inchaços são comuns quando ocorre exposição indevida ao sol. A escolha adequada do FPS, para cada tipo de pele, é de fundamental importância. Peles mais sensíveis necessitam de um fator de proteção maior. Um produto com FPS 8, por exemplo, permite a exposição da pele ao sol por um período 8 vezes maior do que seria permitido sem a sua utilização. Contudo, isto não significa dizer que o usuário estará livre de queimaduras pois, passado esse tempo, a pele sofrerá danos, como se nenhum produto tivesse sido utilizado.

O Fator de Proteção Solar (FPS) está diretamente relacionado à quantidade e à natureza dos filtros solares utilizados na elaboração do produto. Quanto maior o valor do FPS, maior será o nível de proteção. Para escolher o FPS compatível a um determinado tipo de pele, não se deve levar em consideração as partes do corpo mais expostas ao sol, como braços ou rosto, pois tais regiões estão em contato direto e constante com o sol e, portanto, respondem de forma diferente aos seus efeitos.

INFORMAÇÕES AO CONSUMIDOR

Durante o verão, o consumidor deve tomar certos cuidados na hora de se expor ao sol, para evitar alergias, queimaduras, insolação, envelhecimento precoce e, principalmente, câncer de pele.

• Preferência para horários em que seja menor a intensidade dos raios solares para se expor ao sol. Não é recomendável a exposição ao sol entre 10 e 16 horas;
• Não é aconselhável permanecer por longos períodos na mesma posição, como dormir por exemplo. O ideal é mudar de posição freqüentemente;
• Tomar sol moderadamente para que o efeito das radiações solares seja benéfico;
• Áreas sensíveis como rosto, lábios e cabeça, principalmente os calvos, necessitam de um cuidado maior e, portanto, de um protetor solar de FPS mais elevado;
• Durante a exposição solar, não é aconselhável a utilização de produtos como perfumes ou outros produtos não específicos, como receitas para descoloração dos pêlos. Eles devem ser evitados pois, em geral, promovem queimaduras e podem aumentar os casos de alergia, além de não protegerem contra os efeitos das radiações solares;
• Alguns produtos de uso diário, como batom e maquilagens, fornecem proteção natural pois, geralmente, contêm, em sua composição, agentes refletores de radiação solar;
• O consumidor também deve tomar cuidado com a utilização de certos medicamentos, como o ácido acetil-salicílico (aspirina), por exemplo, que em combinação com o protetor solar e o sol podem provocar reações alérgicas;
• Produtos importados devem trazer informações claras e em português quanto ao seu nível de proteção, tipo de pele indicado, modo de uso e demais informações que permitam sua utilização correta;
• Optar por guarda-sóis de algodão e de cor clara. A cor escura absorve radiação e calor. Tecidos de nylon produzem sombra, mas não protegem da radiação solar;
• Verificar qual é o fator de proteção mais adequado para o seu tipo de pele. Em caso de dúvida ou, se possível, sempre, devem ser utilizados os produtos com FPS mais elevados;
• O mormaço também ocasiona queimaduras. A brisa, por oferecer uma sensação refrescante, pode levar a pessoa a esquecer os efeitos nocivos do sol;
• A eficiência de um protetor solar está relacionada diretamente a sua utilização correta, ou seja, o usuário deve estar atento às instruções da embalagem quanto ao tempo de reaplicação do produto, levando em consideração fatores como a transpiração e o contato direto da pele com qualquer superfície que propicie a remoção do produto.

(fonte: Inmetro – http://www.inmetro.gov.br/consumidor/produtos/protetorSolar.asp)

Fique atento(a) a marca e fator de proteção que estiver usando, ok? É muito importante se proteger bem, com o produto certo e confiável.

Pesquise e comprove as nossas promoções para Proteção Solar  no site www.suaconsultora.com.br, não tem desculpa, tem preços e condições para todos os “bolsos”.  Aproveite e se prepare para o verão! Vêem ai, as festas, ano novo, férias e você quer ficar com a pele maravilhosa, protegida e saudável, não é mesmo?

abraço,

Doenças de pele e oculares aumentam durante o Verão devido a maior incidência dos raios solares sobre o planeta

A matéria que publicamos abaixo foi encaminhada ao blog pela equipe do Instituto de Moléstias Oculares (IMO) e preparado sob a orientação de oftalmologistas. Trata-se de uma série de dicas de como se proteger, principalmente aos olhos, durante o Verão, para evitar tanto lesões na córnea, que podem provocar cegueira, quanto para evitar longas horas de exposição da pele aos raios UVA e UVB, que causam desde envelhecimento precoce até câncer de pele. Todo ano, quando chega o Verão, multiplicam-se matérias desta natureza em estações de rádio e TV, sites e veículos impressos. Não é falta de criatividade da imprensa, é necessidade de alertar a população para doenças que poderiam ser facilmente evitadas com um pouco de precaução, mas que tornam-se problema de saúde pública. É um lembrete anual de Verão, dada a natureza humana de sempre achar que as coisas acontecem com o vizinho e não consigo. Vejo algumas cenas nas praias de Salvador, por exemplo, que são de uma irresponsabilidade enorme: mães que deixam os filhos pequenos torrando no sol a pino do meio-dia, mulheres que pela vaidade de exibir o bronzeado mais bonito da estação, abrem mão do protetor solar e ainda abusam e lambuzam-se de bronzeadores, que potencializam os efeitos do sol. Nas ruas da cidade, Salvador é uma das capitais que tem altissima incidência de raios ultra-violeta devido às suas coordenadas geográficas, quem abusa das camisetas nos dias de calor, por exemplo, esquece de proteger as partes descobertas da pele. Por isso,  meninas e meninos, atenção aos alertas do IMO:

Verão: saiba proteger os olhos adequadamente

Pterígio é uma das doenças causadas pelo excesso de exposição ao Sol. Veja vídeo sobre a doença, no final do post

Do envelhecimento precoce ao câncer de pele, o sol pode deixar de ser um aliado da saúde para transformar-se em vilão. Este é o alerta conjunto da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS), da Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia e do Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia, pois os profissionais de saúde sabem muito bem que o brasileiro cultiva o hábito de bronzear-se, e, quase sempre, expõe-se exageradamente ao sol, sem as devidas precauções, ou utilizando alternativas que trazem ainda mais danos à saúde, como o bronzeamento artificial.

“Apesar da radiação ultravioleta, UV, ter efeitos benéficos, em excesso, ela pode levar a uma variedade de problemas de saúde, incluindo câncer de pele e catarata. Ao atinigir a pele desprotegida, a radiação solar pode desencadear reações como queimaduras solares e fotoalergias. Os raios UV – devido ao efeito cumulativo da radiação durante a vida – são os responsáveis também pelo envelhecimento cutâneo e pelas alterações celulares que predispõem ao câncer da pele”, explica o oftalmologista Virgilio Centurion, diretor do IMO, Instituto de Moléstias Oculares.

Quando o assunto é exclusivamente a saúde ocular, a exposição, sem proteção, a quantidades excessivas de radiação UV por um curto período de tempo, pode causar ceratite, uma espécie de “queimadura da córnea” que causa dor, vermelhidão, lacrimejamento, fotofobia e sensação de areia nos olhos. “O maior risco para os olhos se encontra na exposição prolongada ao sol, que por sua vez, pode ser mais perigosa. A incidência direta dos raios ultravioleta no olho humano, ocasiona lesões oculares, que gradual e cumulativamente, podem resultar na perda total da visão. As lesões oculares mais comuns causadas pelo excesso de sol são a queda da percepção de detalhes pela mácula  e a formação da catarata, problema ocular grave, de maior incidência no mundo”, destaca Centurion.

Como proteger os olhos?

- Óculos de sol na piscina, na praia ou no dia-a-dia

Especialistas recomendam óculos de sol de lentes marrons, verdes ou pretas, que filtram melhor a luz e os raios UVA e UVB

Os efeitos da radiação UV são cumulativos. Quanto mais os olhos são expostos aos raios UV, maiores serão os riscos do desenvolvimento de uma moléstia, com o passar dos anos. “É aconselhável, portanto, o uso de óculos escuros de boa qualidade e que ofereçam proteção adequada aos olhos, não apenas durante o verão, e sim durante todo o ano”, defende a oftalmologista Fernanda Takay, que também integra o corpo clínico do IMO.

Segundo a oftalmologista, a decisão de compra dos óculos de sol deve levar em consideração, primordialmente, o nível de proteção contra a radiação ultravioleta (UVA e UVB) que as lentes oferecem. “Esta informação deve estar disponível, no momento da compra, seja no adesivo afixado aos óculos ou em livretos contendo informações técnicas sobre o produto. O comprador deve exigir esta informação”, diz a médica.

“Bons óculos escuros devem bloquear entre 99-100% as radiações UV-A e UV-B; não devem distorcer imagens ou mudar as cores. Devem ter lentes cinzas, verdes ou marrons, capazes de filtrar entre 75-90% da luz visível. Os óculos de grau também devem ter proteção UV. Bonés, viseiras e chapéus oferecem proteção adicional, quando precisamos passar muitas horas sob a luz solar”, recomenda Fernanda Takay.

Mesmo os que decidem curtir o verão na sombra não estão livres de sofrer com a radiação solar que se reflete na água, na areia e no asfalto. Portanto, o uso de filtros solares embaixo do guarda-sol também é recomendável.

- Bronzeamento artificial é uma prática de risco

Câmara de bronzeamento artificial é condenada pelos médicos

Muito em moda, nos dias de hoje, o bronzeamento artificial, é feito, principalmente, em clínicas de estética. “É importante esclarecer que o bronzeamento com luz artificial traz danos à pele e aos olhos desprotegidos, da mesma forma que a exposição à luz solar. O FDA (Food and Drug Administration), órgão americano que regulamenta medicamentos e alimentos, desaconselha o uso das lâmpadas de UVA com o objetivo de bronzeamento. A Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia também desaconselha esta prática, no Brasil”, diz a oftalmologista Fernanda Takay.

Para alcançar o mesmo efeito da luz solar, as camas ou cabines de bronzeamento têm que estimular a produção de melanina. Lâmpadas especiais, instaladas no interior dessas câmaras, emitem raios iguais aos do sol. Predominantes nos aparatos de bronzeamento artificial, os raios UVA têm um comprimento de onda mais longo (320 a 400 nm). Por isso, atingem mais profundamente a pele, penetrando na derme. Nesta camada, incidem sobre o colágeno. Assim, o usuário estará acelerando o desgaste das suas células. Resultado: envelhecimento precoce. Quanto aos raios UVB, por seu comprimento de onda (280 a 320 nm), estes não penetram tão profundamente. Mesmo assim, são os principais agentes causadores de câncer de pele e manchas.

“Os olhos também ficam expostos aos raios ultravioletas nas câmaras de bronzeamento artificial. Quando estamos sob lâmpadas de bronzeamento artificial, precisamos bloquear os raios UV. Neste caso, os óculos de sol não resolvem. Devemos, sempre, utilizar óculos especiais de proteção para o bronzeamento”, orienta a oftalmologista Fernanda Takay.

Saiba mais:

>>Veja no site do IMO um filme sobre o pterígeo, doença ocular provocada pelo excesso de exposição solar. Clique aqui para acessar o vídeo.

*Material preparado pela equipe de Oftalmologia do IMO e enviado ao blog pela MW Consultoria de Comunicação.

Much is now being written about the need to use broad spectrum, UVA/UVB, sun protection. In a few words, here is why.

What is UV?

UV means ultraviolet, and refers to the radioactive rays emitted by the sun. There are two types of damaging UV rays that reach the earth: UVA and UVB.

(Update: 11/05 – Someone suggested I should add, for completeness, that there are also UVC rays. However, these are completely absorbed by the ozone and oxygen layers and do not reach the earth’s surface.)

The UVB rays mainly cause what is commonly called Sunburn, while the UVA rays mainly cause Aging. In fact, up to 80% of skin aging can be attributed to UVA rays. (The rest is basically down to other environmental factors such as smoking, pollution and stress).

Did you know that up to 95% of the UV rays that reach the skin are UVA rays?

And, it’s not just when the sun is out! While UVA radiation levels may have small fluctuations during the day, they are present all year-round.

What are the major differences between UVA and UVB rays?

Unlike UVB rays, UVA radiation levels have only small fluctuations during the day, and are present from sunrise to sunset every day, all year round, even in the winter and on cloudy days. UVA rays can even pass through windows and glass, making the indoors, near windows, equally dangerous for your skin. And they don’t just cause Premature Aging. Over time, they can also lead to skin cancer.

UVB rays stimulate the formulation of melanin, causing a significant pigmentation of the skin. This darkening effect will be evident after approximately 24 hours and is relatively long-lasting.

UVA activates the melanin stored in the epidermis, and produces a pigmentation effect visible within one hour but which usually fades within 24 hours.

While UVB rays remain primarily at the epidermal level and are partially blocked by the stratum corneum, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the dermis or base layer of the skin, where connective tissue and blood vessels exist. The result is a loss of elasticity that causes the skin to sag, wrinkle, and age prematurely.

And Remember

The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating applied to Sun protection products measures only UVB—not UVA protection. There is still no standard method for measuring the UVA protection factor. As such, there are many “sun screen” products on the market today which offer no, or only minimal, protection from UVA radiation.

If it doesn’t say its Broad Spectrum, then it probably isn’t!

Growing up surfing in Hawaii definitely gave me my share of sunburns.  Of course I would wear sunscreen, but I would find myself surfing 8 hour sessions!  Think one full workday with NO lunch break in the scorching sun!  For me, no lunch break and no break for more sunscreen.  I didn’t realize the damage I was doing to my skin.  Now that I’m older…LOL-22 yrs. old… its all about preventative measures.

ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTION. Whether your at the beach, walking your dog, or just going to work.  Remember, even if its dreary outside 80% of the sun’s rays pass through clouds, mist and fog. Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine just like brushing your teeth.

Why wear sunscreen?
The sun causes UVR(ultraviolet radiation), which produces DNA damage that can initiate skin cancer.  Melanoma, the most serious form, was responsible for over 8,000 deaths last year according to the American Cancer Society.  Sunburn caused by the UVB rays doubles the risk of melanoma.

Esthetic wise, excessive unprotected sun exposure results in photoaging caused by UVA rays.  This is responsible for premature aging, a leathery texture, sagging, and hyperpigmentation(brown spots).

Here are few tips on what to look for in a sunscreen:

• Wear an SPF of 15 or higher
• Always look UVA/UVB protection
• Water-proof or water-resistant qualities for surfing, swimming, etc.
• Look for a skin cancer foundation seal of recommendation
• Be aware that SPF protection does not increase proportionally with an increase in SPF numbers.  An SPF 2 absorbs 50% of rays, SPF 15 absorbs 93%, SPF 34 absorbs 97% while SPF 50 is one percent more at 98%.

Based on skin type:

• For oily skin, choose oil-free sunscreen
• For dry skin, choose a cream or lotion to increase moisture
• For sensitive skin, choose one with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide…these ingredients block UV rays instead of absorbing them
• If you have rosacea or eczema avoid alcohol-based sunscreens

At the beginning of the day, put sunscreen over your moisturizer on your face and neck if you are going to be indoors. If you are going to be outside, remember to re-apply every two hours because it can be rubbed or washed off if you are in the water or sweating.

Skin is the body’s largest organ, it’s a great communicator, protects delicate tissues and helps keep out bacteria.  So give back a little T.L.C.  You brush your teeth for protection against cavities, plaque, and gingivitis.  If not it could lead to fillings, bridges or root canals!  The same concept should be thought of for our skin.  Give some time to apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin today for prevention of damage in the future!

FaceSavers utilizes a revolutionary Solarweave UV inhibiting fabric that blocks 99.7%of UVA and UVB rays

Visit any tanning salon in the world and most if not all salon owners can explain the fundamental differences between UVA and UVB. Visit any tanning salon that offers multiple levels of tanning, and UV education becomes more prevalent and essential to properly identifying and defining the correct types of equipment, exposure schedules and frequency necessary to serve a customer’s specific tanning needs.

Regardless of a salons size, location or equipment selection, UV protective eyewear is always mandatory. Tanning salon owners and their professional staffs do a great job of UV educating and providing world class tans, but when the topic of UV blocking extends beyond protective eyewear
or SPF for outdoor exposure, blocking UV indoors is virtually an untapped specialty area which can provide new revenue opportunities for savvy salon owners.

A growing number of scenarios are emerging where tanners are seeking indoor UV blocking solutions for a whole myriad of purposes. Some of the most common customer UV “cover ups” that you may encounter are UV protection for tattoos, scars, acrylic nails, sensitive body parts, hair and faces. These niche retail opportunities provide a small but effective way for your salon to broaden your specialty solutions and improve the bottom line.

Adding specialty products like these to your mix is relatively inexpensive and allows for better than average margins. Sometimes adding specialty products can be a competitive advantage, retail advantage or simply provide you with peace of mind.

One particular UV Blocking scenario that is gaining momentum in salons is “faceless tanning”. Faceless tanning is essentially tanning while covering the face and neck. The most common method for covering the face and neck is to drape a salon towel or item of clothing over the face and neck. Your clients may believe that this method works, but a salon towel does not adequately block UV rays (only 6-10%) and it is certainly not a valid substitution for protective eyewear.

Thanks to the folks at Gotcha Covered FaceSavers there is a UV Block and SPF certified solution for faceless tanning that keeps your customers faces safely covered. FaceSavers utilizes a revolutionary Solarweave® UV inhibiting fabric that blocks 99.7% of UVA and UVB rays for up to 100 hours of UV exposure. FaceSavers Solarweave® fabric undergoes rigorous testing by the International UV testing laboratory to earn its UV Block certification . Three methods of certification ensure that the fabric meets all governmental UV blocking criteria.

UV blocking specialty items are affordable, effective and provide proper coverage for your clients. Maybe it’s time to throw in the towel… and protect your salon, protect your clients and pay attention to the growing need for specialty retail UV Blocking add-on items.

For more information on indoor tanning UV blocking products visit www.nailsavers.com

FaceSavers utilizes a revolutionary Solarweave UV inhibiting fabric that blocks 99.7%of UVA and UVB rays

Visit any tanning salon in the world and most if not all salon owners can explain the fundamental differences between UVA and UVB. Visit any tanning salon that offers multiple levels of tanning, and UV education becomes more prevalent and essential to properly identifying and defining the correct types of equipment, exposure schedules and frequency necessary to serve a customer’s specific tanning needs.

Regardless of a salons size, location or equipment selection, UV protective eyewear is always mandatory. Tanning salon owners and their professional staffs do a great job of UV educating and providing world class tans, but when the topic of UV blocking extends beyond protective eyewear
or SPF for outdoor exposure, blocking UV indoors is virtually an untapped specialty area which can provide new revenue opportunities for savvy salon owners.

A growing number of scenarios are emerging where tanners are seeking indoor UV blocking solutions for a whole myriad of purposes. Some of the most common customer UV “cover ups” that you may encounter are UV protection for tattoos, scars, acrylic nails, sensitive body parts, hair and faces. These niche retail opportunities provide a small but effective way for your salon to broaden your specialty solutions and improve the bottom line.

Adding specialty products like these to your mix is relatively inexpensive and allows for better than average margins. Sometimes adding specialty products can be a competitive advantage, retail advantage or simply provide you with peace of mind.

One particular UV Blocking scenario that is gaining momentum in salons is “faceless tanning”. Faceless tanning is essentially tanning while covering the face and neck. The most common method for covering the face and neck is to drape a salon towel or item of clothing over the face and neck. Your clients may believe that this method works, but a salon towel does not adequately block UV rays (only 6-10%) and it is certainly not a valid substitution for protective eyewear.

Thanks to the folks at Gotcha Covered FaceSavers there is a UV Block and SPF certified solution for faceless tanning that keeps your customers faces safely covered. FaceSavers utilizes a revolutionary Solarweave® UV inhibiting fabric that blocks 99.7% of UVA and UVB rays for up to 100 hours of UV exposure. FaceSavers Solarweave® fabric undergoes rigorous testing by the International UV testing laboratory to earn its UV Block certification . Three methods of certification ensure that the fabric meets all governmental UV blocking criteria.

UV blocking specialty items are affordable, effective and provide proper coverage for your clients. Maybe it’s time to throw in the towel… and protect your salon, protect your clients and pay attention to the growing need for specialty retail UV Blocking add-on items.

For more information on indoor tanning UV blocking products visit www.nailsavers.com

ค่า SPF คืออะไร

• ผลิตภัณฑ์ครีมกันแดดจะระบุค่า SPF (Sun Protection Factor) หรือ ค่าการป้องกันแสงแดด

• เช่น ถ้าเคยตากแดดแล้วผิวไหม้แดง ในเวลา 15 นาที (ค่านี้เป็นค่าเฉพาะบุคคล) SPF= 30 จะทำให้ผิวจะไหม้ช้าลงเป็นเวลา 30 เท่า คือ 7.5 ชั่วโมง (30×15=450 นาที)

• ” อย่างไรก็ตาม ในปัจจุบันได้มีคำนิยามใหม่ของค่า SPF (Sun Protection Factor) โดยใช้สูตรสำหรับหาค่า SPF คือ

• SPF = MED บริเวณที่ทายากันแดด / MED บริเวณที่ไม่ได้ทายากันแดด

• โดย MED นั้นย่อมาจาก minimal erythematous dose คือ ปริมาณแสงแดดที่น้อยที่สุด ที่ทำให้เกิดอาการแดงที่ผิวหนัง ซึ่งอาการแดงนั้นเป็นจุดที่สังเกตเห็นด้วยตา มีการศึกษาพบว่า ปริมาณแรงที่เป็น suberythemal dose (คือปริมาณแสงที่ยังน้อยกว่าจะทำให้เกิดอาการแดง) ก็ทำให้เกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงที่ผิวหนังและมีการทำลายเซลล์ของผิวหนังเกิดขึ้นแล้ว ดังนั้นในอนาคตอาจต้องมีวิธีที่จะวัดการทำลายผิวหนังของแสงแดดที่ดีกว่า อาการแดง เช่น การดูลักษณะของเซลล์ผิวหนังที่เปลี่ยนไปจากการไหม้แดด (sunburncell) การดูลักษณะของเส้นใยอิลาสตินที่เปลี่ยนรูปร่าง การลดลงของจำนวน Langerhans cell ซึ่งเป็นเซลล์ที่เกี่ยวข้องกับระบบภูมิต้านทาน เพื่อหาประสิทธิภาะของการกันแดด โดยที่ปริมาณของครีมกันแดดที่เป็นมาตรฐานในการหาค่า SPF นั้น ต้องทาครีมกันแดดปริมาณ 2 มิลลิกรัม ต่อเนื้อที่ผิวหนัง 1 ตารางเซนติเมตร ดังนั้นหากปริมาณแสงแดดที่จะทำให้บริเวณที่ทาครีมกันแดดนั้นเกิดอาการแดง มีปริมาณมากกว่าบริเวณที่ไม่ได้ทาครีมกันแดด 5 เท่า ครีมกันแดดนั้นก็จะมีค่า SPF 5 ซึ่งในทางปฏิบัตินั้นจะแปลว่าปริมาณแสงเป็นเวลาแทน “

สำหรับครีมกันแดดชนิดที่ละลายน้ำได้น้อยนั้น มีชื่อคือ

• Water resistant หมายถึงการหาค่า SPF หลังอยู่ในน้ำ 40 นาที

• Waterproof (=very water resistant) หมายถึงการหาค่า SPF หลังอยู่ในน้ำ 80 นาที
  

  

โดยการใช้ครีมกันแดดตามค่า SPF นี้มักดูตามลักษณะของสีผิวคือ

1. ถ้าผิวไหม้แดดง่าย โดยผิวเปลี่ยนเป็นสีแทนยาก ใช้ค่า SPF 20-30 (Ultra high)
2. ถ้าผิวไหม้แดดง่าย โดยผิวอาจมีสีแทนนิดหน่อย ใช่ค่า SPF 12-20 (Very high)
3. ถ้าผิวไหม้แดดปานกลาง และผิวค่อยๆ เปลี่ยนเป็นสีแทนใช้ค่า SPF 8-12 (High)
4. ถ้าผิวไหม้แดดได้น้อย และผิวเปลี่ยนเป็นสีแทนได้เสมอ ใช่ค่า SPF 4-8 (Moderate)
5. ถ้าผิวไหม้แดดยากมาก และผิวเปลี่ยนเป็นสีแทนได้อย่างมาก ใช้ค่า SPF 2-4 (Minimal)
   

เมื่อดูจากค่า SPF และปริมาณการดูดซับรังสียูวีบี พบว่า

1. ค่า SPF เท่ากับ 2 จะดูดซับ UVB ได้ 50%
2. ค่า SPF เท่ากับ 4 จะดูดซับ UVB ได้ 75%
3. ค่า SPF เท่ากับ 8 จะดูดซับ UVB ได้ 87.5%
4. ค่า SPF เท่ากับ 15 จะดูดซับ UVB ได้ 93.3%
5. ค่า SPF เท่ากับ 20 จะดูดซับ UVB ได้ 95%
6. ค่า SPF เท่ากับ 30 จะดูดซับ UVB ได้ 96.7%
7. ค่า SPF เท่ากับ 45 จะดูดซับ UVB ได้ 97.8%
8. ค่า SPF เท่ากับ 50 จะดูดซับ UVB ได้ 98%

*** เมื่อดูตามนี้จะเห็นว่า เมื่อใช้ครีมกันแดดค่า SPF เท่ากับ 15 จะดูดซับ UVB ได้ 93.3% ซึ่งเมื่อเพิ่ม SPF ขึ้นจะเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพขึ้นไม่มากนัก และครีมกันแดดที่มีค่า SPF สูงมักมีปัญหาด้านความงามและมีราคาแพง จากมุมมองนี้อาจไม่จำเป็นต้องใช้ SPF สูงนัก ***

• แต่ก็มีปัจจัยต่างๆ ที่เปลี่ยนแปลงไปได้และมีผลต่อการออกฤทธิ์ของครีมกันแดด เช่น การทา การสวมใส่เสื้อผ้า การมีเหงื่อออก ลม เหงื่อ การว่ายน้ำ ฯลฯ และมีความจริงที่ว่า ครีมกันแดดที่มีค่า SPF สูงนั้น จะมีประสิทธิภาพในการกันแสงแดดในช่วงยูวีเอ โดยเฉพาะยูวีเอ II ที่ดีขึ้น ซึ่งรังสีตัวนี้ทำให้เกิดการเสื่อมของผิวหนังได้มาก นอกจากนั้นการหาค่า SPF จะเป็นการหาค่าในห้องทดลอง ซึ่งเมื่อนำยากันแดด มาใช้ในชีวิตจริงจะพบว่ามีค่า SPF น้อยกว่าที่ระบุเสมอ ทั้งนี้เพราะมีปัจจัยต่างๆ ที่เปลี่ยนแปลง

• จึงแนะนำว่าควรใช้ยากันแดดค่า SPF สูง (15 ขึ้นไป) ในกรณีที่ต้องตากแดด เป็นเวลานานติดต่อกันและใช้ค่า SPF ต่ำ ในกรณีที่โดนแดดเป็นครั้งคราวระหว่างวันครับ สำหรับข้อมูลนี้ส่วนหนึ่งมาจากการประชุมของสมาคมศิษย์เก่าสถาบันโรคผิวหนัง โดยมีอาจารย์จิโรจ สินธวานนท์ เป็นผู้บรรยาย

ทั้งนี้มีข้อสังเกตว่า

• การใช้ค่า MED นี้ อาจไม่สะท้อนถึงประสิทธิภาพภายในการป้องกันผิวหนัง จากการทำลายของแสงแดด นั่นคือครีมกันแดดถึงจะป้องกันไม่ให้ผิวหนังแดงได้ แต่ก็ยังอาจเกิดการเสื่อมของผิวหนังขึ้นแล้ว

• ปริมาณของการใช้ครีมกันแดดในการหาค่ามาตรฐาน คือ ต้องทาครีมกันแดด 2 มิลลิกรัมต่อเนื้อที่ผิวหนัง 1 ตารางเซนติเมตรนั้น นับว่ามากกว่าปริมาณการใช้ในชีวิตจริง คนปกติจะทาครีมกันแดดแค่ 0.5 ถึง 1 มิลลิกรัมต่อเนื้อที่ผิวหนัง 1 ตารางเซนติเมตรเท่านั้น ทั้งนี้เพราะ หากทาครีมกันแดดมากไปจะเกิดปัญหาด้านความมันและความสวยงาม

ผลข้างเคียงของครีมกันแดด

• ผล ข้างเคียงที่พบบ่อย คืออาการระคายเคือง จากสารกันแดด ครีมกันแดดที่ยิ่งมีส่วนผสมของสารกันแดดชนิด organic มาก ยิ่งจะเกิดอาการระคายเคืองได้ง่าย ดังนั้น ถ้าผู้ป่วยจำเป็นต้องทาครีมกันแดด บริเวณที่มีผื่นควรเลือกใช้สารกันแดดชนิด inorganic ส่วนอาการแพ้ชนิด allergic contact dermatitis หรือ photoallergic contact dermatitis พบได้น้อยเมื่อเทียบกับปริมาณที่ใช้ นอกจากสารกันแดดแล้ว อาจแพ้สารกันบูด น้ำหอม หรือส่วนผสมอื่น ของครีมกันแดดได้ ดังนั้น การเลือกครีมกันแดด จึงต้องคำนึงถึงความปลอดภัยด้วย
• สำหรับผู้ที่ไม่แน่ใจว่าแพ้เครื่องสำอางหรือไม่ สามารถลองทดสอบด้วยตนเองก่อนอย่างง่าย ๆ ด้วยวิธี Open Test โดยการทาผลิตภัณฑ์ที่ท้องแขนทุกเช้าเย็นหลังอาบน้ำ หากเกิดผื่นขึ้นภายใน 7 – 10 วัน แสดงว่ามีโอกาสแพ้ได้ ไม่ควรใช้เครื่องสำอางนั้นๆ
  

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อ้างอิง

http://blog.eduzones.com/endoderm/311

http://www.expert2you.com/view_article.php?art_id=2352

http://www.oryor.com/oryor/admin/module/fda_info/file/f_31_1171706509.pdf

http://www.newunewlook.com/index.php?lay=show&ac=article&Id=291828&Ntype=1

Esto lo retomo del blog de bellezapedia, un blog de belleza holística y antiaging ex-ce-len-te. Son los bloqueadores que hasta ahora ha reseñado el autor, muy buenos, yo uso TODOS LOS DIAS el Clinique Sun SPF 50 y el Anthelios XL SPF 50 de la roche posay (del cual me gustó mas el W ya que está más mate y es en gel, lo que no sé es si la fórmula contenga alcohol osea pueda ser irritante ) Los uso en sus versiones cara y cuerpo y los alterno no los mezclo.

Acabo también de adquirir el anthelios con color, me fué dificil encontrarlo aún en su natal Francia pero lo encontré. Esta excelente y lo uso cuando quiero dar un toque mas luminoso a mi cara ( sin maquillaje ) o para reaplicar cuando si traigo maquillaje.

Importantisimo: Se debe proteger la piel expuesta al sol todos los días, sin importar que esté nublado, toda parte el cuerpo que no esté cubierta de debe proteger y se debe reaplicar al menos 2 veces al día. No lo digo yo cualquier dermatologo lo recomienda.

He aqui las recomendaciones de Adolfo David en Bellezapedia:

- Leche solar bebés SPF 50 de Nivea: Posiblemente el mejor solar de Nivea y uno de los mejores de la perfumería generalista, posee una casi inigualable protección UVA gracias a la avobenzona (filtro químico), el tinosorb S (filtro físico-quimico) y dióxido de titanio (pantalla física). Tiene vitamina B5, aceite de ricino y vitamina E entre otros.

- Pink Bits SPF 50 de Hawaiian Tropic: Un protector solar muy resistente al agua, que emplea avobenzona como filtro UVA tal como es característico en esta marca. Su contenido en aceites no irritantes hacen interesante su acción hidratante, a lo que hay que sumar sus vitaminas A, C y E. Como suele ser habitual en los protectores elevados de Hawaiian Tropic, posee la recomendación de la Fundación Internacional del Cáncer de Piel.

- Ultralight Weightless Finish SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray de Paula´s Choice: El simple hecho de ser de los escasísimos sprays solares UVA-UVB sin alcohol y totalmente transparentes hace de este producto uno de mis favoritos. Además incluye vitaminas C y E o el antioxidante ácido ferúlico.
 

- Haute Protection SPF 50 (Mineral) de Avene: Una protección adecuada para las pieles más sensibles dado que es una pantalla 100% mineral, si bien su predominancia de dióxido de titanio es probable que otorgue un tono blanquecino.

-  Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA de Shiseido: La razón principal para adquirir este protector me parece clara, su 13% de óxido de zinc, el ingrediente de protección solar que cubre de una vez un espectro más amplio. También posee octinoxate para una protección UVB redoblada. Posee muy escasa fragancia, pero es una lástima que por su precio Shiseido haya decidido emplear apenas antioxidantes.

- Anthelios Cream SPF 50 de La Roche Posay: Contrasta con casi la mayoría de solares de esta marca en tanto no contiene alcohol (incluso incluyendo en la comparativa la línea infantil de La Roche Posay), y aunque su fórmula general no es apasionante, protege efectivamente del sol gracias al Mexoryl XL reforzado con el Mexoryl SX y combinados a su vez con dióxido de titanio.

- Avene: La marca francesa Avene es una clara referencia a tener muy en cuenta dentro de la industria cosmética. Su tecnología de filtros solares es una de las que proporciona mayor seguridad hoy por hoy. Es la denominada tecnología MPI-Sorb que Avene introdujo hace pocos años. Combina filtros orgánicos Tinosorb M y Tinosorb S junto con una pantalla mineral de dióxido de titanio y óxido de zinc. Expliquemos brevemente en 2 partes la tecnología MPI-Sorb de Avene:

Tinosorb M y Tinosorb S: Constituyen la generación de filtros orgánicos. Mi particular debilidad, por supuesto a partir de los datos científicos, es sobre todo el Tinosorb M. Los filtros químicos absorben la radiación solar mientras que las pantallas físicas esencialmente la rebotan. El Tinosorb M es capaz de hacer ambas cosas a la vez, y lo encontrarás en la lista de ingredientes como methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol. Además, el Tinosorb M tiene una mínima penetración en la piel (“In vitro percutaneous absorption and in vivo stratum corneum distribution of an organic and a mineral sunscreen”, Skin pharmacology and physiology, 2007). El Tinosorb S es un filtro químico, pero es el único químico de amplio espectro UVA-UVB. Además, el Tinosorb S estabiliza la anti-UVA avobenzona que, como explicaré más tarde puedes combinarla con este solar sin problemas (Photochemistry and Photobiology, septiembre 2001).

Dióxido de titanio y óxido de zinc: La estabilidad y durabilidad de las pantallas minerales o físicas siempre ha estado fuera de duda, algo que no ha sucedido ni sucede de ordinario cuando hablamos de filtros químicos. El óxido de zinc es el mejor de ambos debido a su mayor protección (protege de los UVA largos, algo que el dióxido de titanio no hace muy bien). Lo mejor de Avene es que los ofrece envueltos y recubiertos, por lo que podrías combinarlo (si quieres rizar el rizo de la protección UVA) sin problemas con un cosmético que incluya el filtro UVA avobenzona (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane).

Recomiendo abiertamente los protectores SPF 40 y 50 de Avene (también tienes versiones en spray sin alcohol), dignos de la prescripción del mejor dermatólogo. Todo siempre es mejorable, y Avene bien podría emplearse algo más con los antioxidantes (se ciñen a la vitamina E en sus solares, así como casi siempre en sus demás tratamientos), máxime cuando esta marca promociona el valor de la antioxidación frente a la radiación solar (véase el vídeo de esta marca sobre protección solar en su web oficial).

-Clinique Sun SPF 40 Face Cream: ¿Qué debemos emplear para protegernos del sol aparte de un buen filtro? Efectivamente, antioxidantes. Como es habitual en Clinique, el uso de antioxidantes se extiende como era de esperar a su nueva gama solar. La denominada tecnología SunSmart de Clinique sobre todo se refiere a la protección antioxidante que confiere. Haciendo gala de ser una de las marcas cosméticas que mejores nuevos desarrollos plasma en por lo general muy buenas fórmulas, por la descripción que da Clinique de esta gama parece evidente que los nuevos solares incluyen ultrasomas y fotosomas (la otra parte del SunSmart, y que Clinique ya ha empleado con anterioridad), una forma de vehiculizar liposomas encargados de activarse ante la exposición solar y de eliminar epidérmicamente el ADN dañado (véase International Journal of Cosmetic Science, enero 2008 -pág 22-), y que da un valor superior a sus antioxidantes. Como Superdefense de Clinique, incluye una pequeña cantidad de ácido ferúlico y una siempre interesante combinación de vitaminas C y E llamada maleato de tocoferil ascórbico. La protección UVA está garantizada con un 3% de avobenzona estabilizada. Es una pena que en España no se comercialice la versión SPF 50 como en EEUU.

-Johnson’s Suncare Kids SPF 50 (tanto en versión spray como loción-crema). Su contenido en Tinosorb M (orgánico-híbrido puesto que filtra y rebota los rayos UVA-UVB a la vez) y Tinosorb S está compañado del filtro UVA más ampliamente usado en el mundo, la avobenzona, y por si fuera poco también incluye una pantalla mineral como dióxido de titanio, todos ellos en la parte alta de la lista de ingredientes .

-La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50 con color ligero:  Predominan como agentes fotoprotectores el dióxido de titanio, la avobenzona, y el Tinosorb S. El alcohol no debe ser ninguna preocupación en el 9º puesto. Pero la fórmula completa también comprende Mexoryl SX y el aún superior Mexoryl XL. A la hora de leer la fórmula de un protector solar, éste es realmente superior cuando hay diversos agentes anti-UVA (también hay que tener en cuenta su concentración o puesto en la fórmula y por supuesto la ausencia de irritantes comunes) ya que la protección UVB ya te la indica el SPF.

Para más información visitar:  http://bellezapedia.com/ ( fuente de esta información)

Name: Harry Gohr
Geburtsdatum: 3. Januar 1950
Geburtsort: München
Familienstand: verheiratet
Beruf: Busfahrer
Homepage: Linke Velbert

Bitte ergänzen Sie folgende Aussagen:

1. Meine Stadt Velbert wäre noch schöner, wenn…
alle Arbeits- und Ausbildungsstellen hätten.

2. Ich lebe in Velbert, weil…
es landschaftlich sehr schön ist und viele Menschen noch ein soziales Gewissen haben.

3. Ich ändere als erstes, wenn ich gewählt (bzw. wiedergewählt) werde…
dass das viel zu teure Sportzentrum nicht gebaut wird, spekulative Swap-Kredite abgeschafft werden, weitere Privatisierungen kommunalen Eigentums verhindert werden, ggf. privatisierte Objekte rekommunalisiert werden.

4. Ich bin Politiker geworden, weil…
ich mich für die belange der Bürgerinnen und Bürger einsetze besonders für arme und schwache Menschen.

5. Man sagt über mich…
ich wäre immer fröhlich und freundlich.

6. Ich bereue nichts, außer…
wenn ich mein Wort brechen oder Mauscheleien mit machen würde.

7. Ich erwarte noch vom Leben…
eine Welt ohne Krieg, Not und Elend

8. Ich kann lachen über…
gute Witze

9. Besonders geprägt hat mich die Musik…
von Hannes Wader

10. Folgende drei Dinge würde ich auf eine einsame Insel mitnehmen:
meine Frau, ein Radio für Radio Neandertal, ein Foto von Velbert- Neviges

Name: Gerda Klingenfuß
Geburtsdatum: 17. Juli 1943
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wir schuldenfrei wären und mit den Einnahmen die Jugendeinrichtungen verbessert werden könnten.

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es eine sehr schöne Stadt ist besonders der Ortsteil Langenberg mein Zuhause ist

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den Bau des Sportzentrums stoppen und die Gebühren der Bildungseinrichtungen senken.

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mir das Vorgehen der großen Parteien missfällt und ich gerne meine Kraft und Lebenserfahrung zum Wohle der Bürger einsetzen möchte.

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dass ich verlässlich bin und bei mir der Handschlag gilt.

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dass ich ein bisschen spät politisch tätig geworden bin

7. Ich erwarte noch vom Leben…
wunderbare Begegnungen mit anderen Menschen und ein glückliches Familienleben

8. Ich kann lachen über…
mich selbst /unbeabsichtigte Äusserungen, die dann einen ganz anderen Sinn ergeben.

9. Besonders geprägt hat mich die Musik von…
Johann Strauß

10. Folgende drei Dinge würde ich auf eine einsame Insel mitnehmen:
(Wenn mein Hund ein Ding wäre ihn)/meinen Schlafelefanten/ein Foto von meiner Familie und ein Liederbuch mit Volksliedern.

Name: Stefan Freitag
Geburtsdatum: 2. April 1968
Geburtsort: Essen
Familienstand: geschieden
Beruf: Bürgermeister
Homepage: Stefan Freitag

Bitte ergänzen Sie folgende Aussagen:

1. Meine Stadt Velbert wäre noch schöner, wenn…
sie einen Radweg auf der stillgelegten Bahntrasse, ein Kino und einen Autobahnanschluss Richtung Westen (A 44) hätte.

2. Ich lebe in Velbert, weil…
hier meine Heimat ist, mit der ich sehr verwurzelt bin.

3. Ich ändere als erstes, wenn ich gewählt (bzw. wiedergewählt) werde…,
dass die unter 1. genannten Wünsche Wirklichkeit werden.

4. Ich bin Politiker geworden, weil…
ich so viel bewegen und gestalten kann und täglich neuen Herausforderungen und Menschen begegne.

5. Man sagt über mich…
nur Gutes!

6. Ich bereue nichts, außer…
vielleicht bei Frage 5 ein bisschen geschummelt zu haben!

7. Ich erwarte noch vom Leben…
eine schöne „zweite Halbzeit“ (wenn´s geht mit Verlängerung und Elfmeterschiessen), die genauso spannend wie die erste Halbzeit wird.

8. Ich kann lachen über…
hintergründigen und feinsinnigen Humor.

9. Besonders geprägt hat mich die Musik…
von WDR 4 (tut mir leid…)

10. Folgende drei Dinge würde ich auf eine einsame Insel mitnehmen:
meine Lebensgefährtin, meinen Sohn und meine Eltern und falls diese als „Dinge“ nicht durchgehen ein Schiff, das mich zurück nach Velbert und den genannten Menschen bringt!

August-Friedrich Tonscheidt: fehlt ?!

1.  Advanced Directives–Also known as a Living Will.  Includes your determination of your Healthcare Surrogate, or who you want to make medical decisions for you. 

If you have a “DNR” form that specifies that you do not want paramedics to resuscitate you in the event your heart stops beating or lungs stop breathing, this should be prominently placed near the entrance of your home or attached to your refrigerator.

2.  List of your medications, including specific doses.  Include medication allergies, including any allergy to latex.

3.  First Aid Kit with topical antibiotic, alcohol pads, guaze pads, paper tape, Ace wrap and bandages.

According to a  survey by AARP and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), two-thirds of people aged 50 and older use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).  Less than one-third of those who use CAM talk with their doctors about it. 

Remember that supplements are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The term Medicine Cabinet is used  in the title of this article to emphasize the fact that supplements should be treated like other medicines.   Share with your doctor any supplements you may be taking to find out any side effects or interactions with other medicines you may be taking.

4.   I call Vitamin D the Superstar Supplement–studies suggest it may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers.   Vitamin D helps the absorption of calcium in the stomach.  Many more people are vitamin D deficient than previously known.  Vitamin D is important for healthy bones.  It helps the absorption of calcium in the stomach.

5.  Calcium is important to prevent osteoporosis or thinning of the bones.  Calcium supplements typically contain vitamin D as well. 

6.   Continuing this discussion about healthy bones, the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin were shown to improve the pain of moderate to severe arthritis, but was no better than placebo in mild arthritis in the GAIT study  funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

7.  Healthy joints may also benefit with omega-3 fatty acids, more commonly known as ”fish oil.”  Some small studies show that omega-3 fatty acids may help patients with an inflammatory arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis. 

Omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have also been found to improve memory. 

Fish oil is best known for helping increase the good cholesterol in the body and lowering  bad cholesterol and triglycerides (fats).  The best way to get omega 3 fatty acids is to eat fatty fish such as  salmon, sardines, tuna or mackeral twice a week. 

A landmark study conducted in Italy showed that omega 3 fatty acid supplementation after a heart attack helped reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks.   

The American Heart Association recommends 500 mg of omega 3 fatty acids daily for healthy people and 1 gm of omega 3 fatty acids for people who have known coronary artery disease.

Check with your doctor before taking omega 3 fatty acids because they may increase the risk of bleeding.

8.   Cholesterol levels can also be improved by eating fiber in the diet.  The best sources of fiber are whole grains such as barley, oat bran or quinoa.  

Fiber also helps prevent diverticulosis (small pouches inside the large intestine).   The more fat in the diet, the more diverticula that form.  They can become inflamed and infected and may even require surgical removal of part of the colon.   

Some patients with irritable bowel syndrome or constipation benefit with fiber supplements in their diet.

It is very important to drink lots of water when taking fiber supplements–approximately 64 ounces a day. 

9.    Probiotics are supplements that also help maintain good colon health.  Probiotics are microorganisms which replenish the good bacteria that normally live in our colon or large intestine.  Probiotics are especially helpful when you have a stomach virus or have to take antibiotics.

10.  A study carried out by Harvard Medical School researchers showed that regular use of aspirin after developing colorectal cancer decreased the risk of death from colon cancer. 

The most common use for aspirin, though, is to prevent heart attack and stroke.  The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) encourages men aged 45-79 to consider taking low dose aspirin to prevent heart attack. Women ages 55-79 should consider aspirin therapy to prevent stroke.

Like other blood thinners, aspirin should not be used by patients who have had bleeding ulcers, patients over the age of 80 (except under a doctor’s supervision), patients with bleeding strokes or people at high risk for falls. 

Always consult your doctor before starting aspirin.

11.  Lutein is an antioxidant supplement which has been shown to  help slow down or prevent vision loss in patients with age related macular degeneration.   The macula is the part of the back of the eye called the retina which is involved in central vision.   Age related macular degeneration leads to loss of central vision, sparing the peripheral vision.

The macula is the part of the retina that is also most sensitive to blue light the part of the visible light spectrum that, along with ultraviolet light, can damage your eyes.  Sunglasses also prevent  penetration of blue and ultraviolet light to the macula.

12.  Sunblock SPF at least 15 should be used daily to exposed skin.  Broad spectrum sunblock prevents ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.  UVA rays cause premature aging of the skin.  UVB rays can cause sunburns.  Exposure to both types of ultraviolet rays can lead to the development of skin cancer, including melanoma, a very serious type of skin cancer.  

Look for agents that contain titanium and zinc oxide.

Most people do not use as much sunblock as needed to protect the skin.   One ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, is  needed to protect each of the exposed parts of the body. 

Sunblock should be rubbed into the skin, especially on the face, ears, arms and hands, 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.  It must be re-applied frequently, every two hours, even the water-resistant kind.   

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily use of sunblock to exposed areas of the body, not just on days you are out in the sun.   On cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s rays are still present to cause sun damage.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider. The author is not providing personal medical opinion, diagnosis or course of treatment. Do not delay or substitute this information for medical treatment.

We are constantly encouraged to follow the advice of the major sun cream/lotion manufacturers, at the behest of our various government health departments. “Cover up”, they insist, to avoid the damaging effects of the suns UV radiation. Wise advice, especially stressed for young children exposed to the sun. And, a key element of this is the wearing of a hat.

Until recently, I believed this to be very sound advice. Until recently ….. now, I have discovered the “Sun Protection Dichotomy” and I am not so sure.

My wife, a TCM practitioner, is currently doing her Chinese Medicine internship at a hospital in Beijing. One of her lecturers is involved with a fascinating TCM website – www.visibleholism.com - especially for those of you with an interest in Acupuncture.

Within this site, one particular article has set me thinking.

“Cooling the head and warming the feet” discusses this age old TCM principle for maintaining good health.

First the theory:

The principle of Yin and Yang, the foundation of all TCM theory, says that the upper part of the body (especially the head) is yang and rich in yang qi (warm), while the lower part of the body (especially the ends of the extremities) is yin and rich in yin qi (cold). In other words, yang qi is abundant in the upper portion of the body, but limited in the lower body.

Thus, in accordance with the principle that deficiencies should be supplemented and excesses should be reduced, the ancients believed that adding yang qi is beneficial to the lower part of the body, because this supplements a deficiency, but harmful to the upper part of the body, because this would be supplementing an excess. They therefore suggested cooling the head and warming the feet, in this way reducing excess and supplementing the deficiency, to maintain the qi balance and promote good health.

Now the Dichotomy:

It is commonly stated that as much as 70% of the body’s heat loss comes from the head. This is why, in cold weather, we wear hats to keep warm. TCM agrees. In warm weather however, the Chinese believe that we need to let that heat escape and cool the head in order to maintain a healthy qi balance.

This is why one sees so many Asian ladies sheltering from the harshness of the sun under an umbrella or parasol, rather than the large floppy hats chosen by their western counterparts. The parasol allows heat to escape efficiently from the head, thus maintaining the qi balance.

However, if we follow the authoritarian mantra and wear a hat as part of a sun protection regimen, this significantly reduces the heat loss from the head and thus we end up with a qi imbalance, which can be as damaging to our health as those UV rays. A common, simple manifestation of this is premature hair loss, especially amongst members of the armed forces who wear heavy military helmets while serving long tours in hot countries.

So, what should one do?

The Chinese are know for their longevity and, although its a hackneyed line, one billion Chinese can’t be wrong.

At a minimum therefore, let me suggest that all you gentlemen (and ladies) out there who insist on wearing the ubiquitous baseball cap in the hot sun at least discard the heavy cloth versions and select one made from a perforated material which provides adequate scalp ventilation.

And parents, make sure your little ones heads are protected by a light and airy covering.

Above all else, whatever you do, make sure you regularly apply plenty of sun screen to all exposed parts of the body.