Fashionclick^®  Beauty

SOLAR RESEARCH

What most worries scientist from the entire world is the fatal attraction between the sun and skin cancer. Although they are not always directly related, the number of cases in fair-skinned people living in sun-drenched geographical areas is rising. This does not mean you have to abstain from the sun, among other reasons because this would be asking for something that is impossible. As you already know, from the 100% of sunlight your skin receives annually, 80% is due to incidental sun exposure that happens while you are in your car, walking on the street... and the remaining 20% occurs during the summer. Our only advice is moderate your sun exposures and use the necessary protection.

Melanoma cases are rising. According to the study "Panorama actual del melanoma" (The Present Panorama of Melanoma,) directed by Dr. Moreno Nogueira, the current ratio of melanoma cases in Spain is 6 cases every one hundred thousand inhabitants and rising in the South of the country. The appearance of this tumor is not only increasing in the Spanish population it is also being detected more and more often amongst young people.

Chemical filters are not a guarantee against melanoma. Dr. Francisco Balaguer, person in charge of the technical department at Laboratorios Puig, states that the American Academy of Dermatology has said that there is no absolute certainty that chemical sunscreens can ward us of melanoma, but that they do protect us from other skin cancers. On the other hand, while it is known that the sun is a melanoma-causing agent, it is not the sole culprit. This skin cancer, the most harmful of all, is not fed solely by ultraviolet radiation. There are also genetic components that can originate it. "The most moderate and correct solution is to expose yourself to the sun intelligently, without excesses and always applying sunscreen," sums up Dr. Balaguer.

Photobiology has evolved immensely in the last few years. At this moment the importance of the highest protection levels is under debate. No conclusion has been reached yet as to if high protection indexes - such as 60 - are really necessary or not. For now, they are only recommended for skins suffering some type of sun intolerance or for those who suffer pigmentation problems.

Skin cancer can be stopped if caught on time. It has been demonstrated that the sun has an influence in the appearance of pre-cancerous and cancerous skin damage. It is less frequent in the darker-skinned races than among Caucasians (whites). Genetics is also a very important element in their apparition. Although many factors are involved, it has been demonstrated that skin cancer is caused more by a chronic accumulation of sun exposures than by sunburn. (Skin cancer, for example, can be reproduced experimentally in rats exposed to repeated doses of ultraviolet radiation.) If you ever suspect that a mole or any other strange change in your skin is the start of one, you should go to your dermatologist so that he can do an exact diagnosis of the problem. In the case of skin cancer there are very good treatments, but it is paramount to catch it at an early stage.

Sun + Pollution = Free Radicals. The sun in large cities, or very industrialized areas with a high pollution index, is more harmful than in other places. This is because environmental pollution ads a larger amount of free radicals to those already caused by the sun's rays.

Sun beds? No, thanks. UVA rays are harmful for your skin. Artificial UVA rays are stronger than natural ones and alter the skin producing accelerated aging. Your skin wrinkles, and takes on a dry, leathery texture and an aged look. It is true that you will later need less time to tan during your vacation, but the price to pay for that is too steep. The risk is much higher than the aesthetic effect obtained. Specialists assure that 30 artificial UVA ray sessions amount to a sure skin cancer.

Neckline and chest protection: A recent study done among 30 year-old women has shown that the skin on their necklines and chest presented an aspect 10 years older than that of the rest of their bodies, including areas as sensitive as the nose or the shoulders. The reason is that this area remains uncovered practically all-year round and is usually not given the necessary protection. Apart from applying your moisturizing cream, do not forget to put on a 15 Sun Protection Factor cream when you wear an open shirt or a décolleté (low-neck) dress.

Vitamins to protect the cells: Experts say it is a good idea to include beta-Carotene rich foods in your diet or in some form of supplement taken orally. Beta-Carotene is an important source of provitamin A and has a proven melanin-augmenting capability. The rest of the vitamins, especially A, E, C and F are very useful for reinforcing skin cells and strengthening their defenses. The stronger your immune system is the better natural protection you will have. Also, vitamins will help you stop the damage caused by free radicals and prevent the symptoms of premature aging caused by excessive sun exposure. Most of the antioxidants regulate the aging process, but are not a substitute for the use of sunscreen. One thing you can be sure of is that they will increase and reinforce your tan.

Sensitive areas are those parts of our body that are more exposed or more susceptible to sun damage because of 

their natural fragility. The ones considered especially vulnerable include recent scars, the breasts, neckline, torso and nostrils, lips, upper tip of the ears and the area around the eyes. All of these must receive a higher protection than the rest of the body. Also, sensitive complexions and children's skins need higher protection sunscreens in order to prevent sunburns. Specialists insist that younger skin is more sensible to solar damage, and that in an 80% of cases the negative effects of the sun are produced before one is 20 years old, even if they are not perceptible until later on.