Category: Skin Cancer

Tanning Beds Dangers

Posted on by The Hair Doc

A recent article and video on NewsWest9 about the dangers of tanning beds is a cause for concern.

Tanning beds provide high concentrations of UVA dosage. Consequently patients are receiving deeper penetrating rays that increases the risks for melanoma. In addition to increasing the skin cancer risks, the deeper penetrating rays are associated with damage to collagen and elastin.

This results in premature aging with wrinkles and dry lackluster skin. Any man or woman desiring to maintain a beautiful healthy skin complexion long term should limit the amount of intense UVA rays in tanning beds. UVA rays are best protected utilizing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sublocks with provide better protection of UV rays.

Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

Posted on by The Hair Doc

Most skin cancer can be prevented by practicing sun protection, according to numerous research studies. Research also shows that not only does sun protection reduce one’s risk of developing skin cancer; sun protection also may decrease the likelihood of recurrence.

Even if you have spent a lot of time in the sun or developed skin cancer, it’s never too late to begin protecting your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) recommends that everyone protect their skin by following these sun protection practices:

Sun Protection Practices and Skin Cancer Prevention Tips:

1. Avoid deliberate tanning.

Lying in the sun may feel good, but the end result is premature aging (wrinkles, blotchiness, and sagging skin) as well as a 1 in 5 chance of developing skin cancer. Tanning beds and sunlamps are just as dangerous because they, too, emit enough UV radiation to cause premature aging and skin cancer. If you like the look of a tan, consider using a sunless self-tanning product. These products do not protect skin from the sun, so a sunscreen should be used.

2. Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun. Continue reading “Skin Cancer Prevention Tips” →

Causes of Skin Cancer

Posted on by The Hair Doc

Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “Many of the more than 1 million skin cancers diagnosed each year could be prevented with protection from the sun’s rays.” Scientists now know that exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damages DNA in the skin. The body can usually repair this damage before gene mutations occur and cancer develops. When a person’s body cannot repair the damaged DNA, which can occur with cumulative sun exposure, cancer develops.

In some cases, skin cancer is an inherited condition. Between 5% and 10% of melanomas develop in people with a family history of melanoma. Continue reading “Causes of Skin Cancer” →

Types of Skin Cancer

Posted on by The Hair Doc

What is Skin Cancer? 

Cancer develops when DNA, the molecule found in cells that encodes genetic information, becomes damaged and the body cannot repair the damage. These damaged cells begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. When this occurs in the skin, skin cancer develops. As the damaged cells multiply, they form a tumor. Since skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis, the outermost layers of skin, a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages.

Types of Skin Cancer 

Three types of skin cancer account for nearly 100% of all diagnosed cases. Each of these three cancers begins in a different type of cell within the skin, and each cancer is named for the type of cell in which it begins. Skin cancers are divided into one of two classes – nonmelanoma skin cancers and melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Continue reading “Types of Skin Cancer” →