GynoFiles

The most dramatic sunburn reactions may occur as a result of not only sun exposure without proper sunscreen protection, but the most dramatic burns can come from exposure to what we call phototoxic drugs or topical photosensitizer substances. Some people also inherently are at risk for more sunburn and in individuals with genetic disorders conferring an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun. Other compounds naturally exaggerate this effect and can actually enhance one's tan just by taking a pill. So it stands to reason, if there are foods or medications we consume or use, that can worsen sunburn, what about the concept that we can design something we take to prevent sunburn. Well, be on the look out, as those products are beginning to be marketed. In today's New York Times there is an article about products claiming to be a food substance to combat damaging effects of UV rays from the sun. Specifically there are essentially vitamin-rich dri...

Basal cell skin cancers are extremely common, and most often are found on the head or face or neck. Basal cell cancers arise from the deeper cell layer of the skin, the basal layer, and do not generally spread other than locally. They need to be completely removed as over time they will destroy the tissue around where they are. There may be a small genetic component, but too many individuals continue the health behaviors that led to getting their first basal cell cancer and almost half of all patients will get a second cancer in five years. most important way to prevent basal cell cancers is to use sun protection. At our offices we now recommen d 's uper sun screen' that will also protec t against a wider range of light rays than most sun screens will.  Here are ways to prevent basal cell skin cancers that you may also want to consider: Stop Smoking Take Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide, which is readily available over the counter) Improve your immune system (diet, omega-3's...

When you want to love your skin, but you also love your tan. You are thinking "sun screen save my skin" or "just lather up the baby oil" one last tan can't hurt, right? Well, bottom line, sun screen will protect your skin from sun damage, however, the saving factor can be using antioxidants within the skin to prevent the damage sun is trying to do to your skin. Your skin story should start like this: 1. Do you have healthy skin, for that you need to have a discussion with a health care provider who understands your body and your skin, 2. Can you persevere the health you have in your skin, for that you need MORE sun defense, not just protection, 3. Can you reverse the damage and reduce your changes of skin cancer, again, back to the professional to discuss and to really understand how to not age your skin or in fact reverse again, or dechronify your skin. The FDA has approved 17 agents for use in sunscreens that will provide SPF. Some are organic or ...

Summer is coming. As you wander down the isles thinking, "save my skin" or "just lather up the baby oil" one last tan can't hurt, right? Wrong! Protect Protect Protect! You're a woman, and probably hormonal, or taking hormones, or if you have a belly full of some baby and placenta: the hormones are summoning skin damage as that first ray of light beams in your morning window. So what's the scoop sunblock or sunscreen? Well, technically, blocking or screening are not the professional terms. And realistically, it's not the exact way it's applied either whether it be a powder, a gel, a lotion, a sprays, or an ointment, if it has Sun Protection Factor (SPF) then you have some protection. Now you may have to watch expiration dates on some of the more fragile formulation, so read labels. The rays of the sun damage the skin by exposing it to  UVA and UVB rays. UVB has always been the big bad UV to avoid, the "B" we nickname for the "Burn...