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In honor of UV Safety Awareness Month, we’re devoting the entire month of July to shedding light on ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This week, we’re taking a look at the types of people who are most at risk for the adverse effects of UV exposure.   For most living organisms, your relationship with the sun is, well, complicated. Literally everything you need to survive depends on its energy – the food you eat, the air you breathe, even the atmosphere that protects you from the endless vacuum of space. Meanwhile said energy (ultraviolet radiation, in particular) is actively trying to destroy you by corrupting your very DNA in the form of skin cancer. It’s an evolutionary opera featuring some high-drama thermodynamics. But life is incredibly resilient. Over millennia, some populations have adapted physiologically to the harmful and helpful effects of UV radiation in their environments, while others must rely on technological and behavioral adaptations to stay healthy and skin cancer-free.  Who drew the evolutionary short straw? Generally speaking, those who burn most easily are most at risk for developing skin cancer and experiencing the long-term effects of UV exposure. This includes:

• Fair-skinned individuals; particularly those with freckles
• Those with light-colored hair (blond, red, light brown)
• Those with light (blue or green) eyes

UV damage increases over time. In addition, the effects of UV exposure are cumulative, meaning your risk for developing UV-related skin cancers increases over time – so middle-aged and older individuals are most at risk. In fact, it’s estimated that a quarter or more of cells in the skin of middle-aged people have suffered sun-induced DNA damage. Medication may increase your UV sensitivity. Many common medications are affected by UV rays, causing a photoallergic or phototoxic reaction; among these are antibiotics (tetracycline, sulfas, and quinolones), diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide) and NSAIDS (naproxen). This increased sensitivity to sunlight can significantly increase your risk for burning, rashes and other unpleasant skin conditions. Knowing you’re at risk for increased UV damage is the first step to protecting yourself. According to the Centers for Disease Control, although the number of melanoma diagnoses has risen almost 2 percent each year since 2000, only 70 percent of adults and 60 percent of young adults reported regularly using sun protection. “Sun protection is really just a matter of applying some commonsense,” says Dr. Kristine Hess, dermatologist at the Forefront Dermatology clinic in Marion, Ind. “The very best way to protect your skin from the sun is avoidance of midday sun. If that’s not possible, opt for more clothing coverage, find a shady spot and apply sunblock (apply liberally and reapply often). And of course, don’t use tanning beds. Ever. There are plenty of self-tanning products that can give that bronze color you so desire – without the risks of skin cancer and looking like an old crone way before your time.”   There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the sunshine, but skin cancer is no day in the park. With routine skin exams and the expert guidance of your Forefront dermatologist, managing your UV damage is more convenient than ever. To find the Forefront physician nearest you, visit the Locations page today.

In honor of UV Safety Awareness Month, we’re devoting the entire month of July to shedding light on ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This week, we’re diving into what UV radiation is and how it damages your skin.   When you hear the term radiation, you may picture any number of creature feature-worthy damaged and disfigured forms. While, yes, some types of radiation may be dangerous, you’re actually absorbing radiation all the time. The sun, the great glowing orb in the sky makes you warm and gives you a reason to look cool wearing shades, is constantly bombarding the you with radiation in the form of visible and non-visible light. Among the non-visible light is ultraviolet (UV) radiation.   UV Radiation? That’s Bad, Right? Yes and no. Not only does sunlight exposure have a bunch of positive psychological effects, it’s a vital component in the production of Vitamin D – which, among other benefits, is essential to calcium production and bone health. But overexposure to UV radiation can also be incredibly harmful. The effects of UV exposure are cumulative. So over time, it can cause premature aging and even skin cancer. In addition, different types of UV rays affect the body (and planet) in different ways.

• UVA Rays are linked to long-term cosmetic skin damage (fine lines and wrinkles), but can also damage DNA, which increases the risk for certain skin cancers. Large amounts of UVA radiation can also be found in tanning beds.

• UVB Rays help chemical compounds in the skin manufacture Vitamin D. However, it also causes direct damage to your skin’s DNA. Not only is it responsible for your golden tan, it’s also the cause of most skin cancers.
• UVC Rays interact with oxygen to create ozone – which, in turn, blocks most UVB rays and any remaining UVC rays from getting through our atmosphere.

  Summer or Winter, Cloudy or Clear, Know When You’re Exposed. According to the American Cancer Society, the amount of UV radiation you’re exposed to depends on a whole bunch of factors, such as:

• Time of day:UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.

• Season of the year: You can get sunburn any time of the year, but UV rays are stronger in spring and summer.
• Distance from the equator (latitude): UV exposure increases the closer you get to the equator.
• Altitude: More UV rays reach the ground at higher elevations.
• Reflection off surfaces: UV rays can bounce off surfaces like water, sand, snow, pavement, or grass, increasing exposure.

“But… What about the clouds?” Cloud coverage is never a sure-fire way to reduce UV exposure. While some clouds do prevent UV rays from reaching you/the ground, others reflect this radiation, increasing exposure.   Soooo… I Can’t Win? As with most things in life, moderation is key. They best way to save your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation is to know when you’re most at risk and protect your skin accordingly. “For most people, the small amounts of sun exposure that we get during the course of an average day [walking to and from your car, for instance] is enough to supply the levels of Vitamin D needed to stay healthy,” says Dr. Kristine Hess, dermatologist at the Forefront Dermatology clinic in Marion, Ind. “To protect yourself from the most harmful effects of UV exposure while getting enough UV to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels, stay indoors during the midday hours, use physical protection like broad-brimmed hats, long sleeves and long pants, seek shade when available and don’t forget the sunblock.”   Look. Humans have lived the affects of UV radiation for millions of years. It’s part of living on this pale blue dot. But knowing the dangers of and protecting yourself against UV damage is just good policy – particularly if you want to live a longer, healthier life. The good news is, there are people who can help you manage the cosmetic and long-term effects of UV damage: the skin care experts at Forefront Dermatology. To find the Forefront physician nearest you, visit the Locations page today.

Acne Awareness Month Whether you call them zits, blemishes or carbuncles; acne by any name makes it difficult to put your best face forward. Basically, it’s an inflammatory skin condition that affects your skin’s oil glands. Your pores (little bitty holes in your skin) connect to your oil glands via follicle canals. Acne causes these glands to overproduce oil (sebum) that eventually cause these canals get gunked up with oil, dead skin cells, hair and bacteria – causing inflammation in the form of a pimple. In honor of June being Acne Awareness Month, we’re breaking out some hard truths related to your breakouts.   Acne Doesn’t Care If You’re 14 or 40 Though it’s most commonly associated with adolescents going through hormonal changes associated with puberty, acne can occur at any age. “Acne can really affect anyone,” says Dr. J. Mark Jackson, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Louisville and board-certified dermatologist operating out of the Forefront Louisville clinic. “Though it’s seen more often in teenagers. Increased hormonal production at adolescence creates increased oil production. And, of course, increased oil production leads to those red bumps and pustules more commonly called zits.”   What Goes Inside Affects Your Outside – When you eat well, you’re healthier overall. While greasy foods and chocolate are often associated with breakouts, it’s their effect on your diet that eventually affects your skin. “While diet is a fundamental part of your overall health, it may also trigger acne breakouts,” says Dr. Jackson. “I have many patients who have identified dietary triggers that cause flare-ups – and there are many who don’t notice any correlation. Every person is different, so every person’s skin reacts to diet in different ways.”   Your Skin is Not Immune to Stress – From heart problems to depression, studies have shown that stress affects your body in many often life-threatening ways. Your skin is no different. Stress hormones can cause acne breakouts and flare-ups.   Washing May Be the Solution and the Problem – Acne is caused by an increased oil production in your skin that clogs pores and allows bacteria to flourish. While washing helps remove excess oils, over-washing can dry out your skin, triggering glands to produce even more oil. “While face washing may not necessarily cause acne, many people are surprised to learn that it can actually make the problem worse,” says Dr. Jackson. “While removing the oils that clog pores may seem like the logical solution to acne, stripping your skin of all of its oils causes your glands to produce even more oil – thus more acne.”   To Pop or Not To Pop, That Is the Question – It’s incredibly tempting (and incredibly gratifying) to pop a pimple, but it may actually make acne worse by releasing bacteria and oil to the surrounding skin – not to mention the potential for infection, inflammation or scarring.   Although acne may sound complex and a little scary, it’s actually the most common skin condition – affecting some 80 percent of all people between the ages of 11 and 30. If you’re looking to break out of your acne breakout cycle, see one of the skin care experts at Forefront Dermatology. To start on your path to clearer skin, visit the Locations page today.

What Makes Men’s Skin So Unique? Whether psychology or physiology, scientists have long been interested in the differences between men and women. Dermatology is no different. There are significant, if not subtle differences in the skin of men and women that extend beyond the ability of the former to grow all manner or luxurious and lumberjack-worthy facial hair; differences that affect the diagnosis, treatment, and prevalence of skin conditions. So, in honor of Father’s Day, we’re taking a look at the good, bad and fascinating things that make men’s skin so unique.  

Thick-Skinned – Literally! Androgens, hormones like testosterone what are responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics, also affect the thickness and texture of skin. In fact, the statum corneum (outermost layer) of a man’s skin is around 25 percent thicker than that of a woman. Hormones also affect the rate at which skin thins with aging – men’s skin thins gradually over time, while women will experience most skin thinning in the years after menopause.

Youth is Skin Deep In addition to thicker skin, men have a higher collagen density (collagen to skin thickness ratio) than women, which some researchers believe is why women appear to age faster than men. Due to intrinsic factors, like the genetically-programmed aging process, a woman’s skin will appear up to 15 years older than a man’s of the same age. However, damage indirectly caused by social factors and gender norms – such as a disproportionate number of men in outdoor labor and construction work where daily UV exposure are the highest – essentially cancels out these natural benefits. “For men putting together an anti-aging skin care regimen,” says Dr. Giacomo Maggiolino, board-certified dermatologist at Forefront’s Grafton, Sheboygan Falls and Pleasant Prairie clinics. “Focus on preventing and protecting against further UV damage in the morning with an antioxidant serum (such as Vitamin C) followed by a facial SPF 30 sunscreen – I use a moisturizing sunscreen every morning in place of an aftershave. At night, use creams that repair and restore with a retinoid (such as an over the counter retinol or the stronger, prescription-strength, tretinoin) and/or creams that contain proteins/collagen growth factors.”

Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer Unfortunately, UV damages does more than cause fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, it can be deadly. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, from ages 15-39, men are 55 percent more likely to die of melanoma than women in the same age group and one in 33 men (as opposed to one in 52 women) will develop melanoma in their lifetimes. “Ultimately, we don’t know for certain why men have such disproportionately high melanoma rate, but limiting UV exposure definitely helps,” says Dr. Maggiolino. “Seek the shade. Wear a hat and a shirt when in the sun. Choose a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30 – and reapply every 90 minutes when in direct sunlight. And see your dermatologist yearly for a full body skin screening. Melanoma is deadly, and catching it early can save your life.”   When it comes down to it, men and women’s skin need the same things: protection, hydration and attention. With the skin care experts at Forefront Dermatology by your side, you can look forward to beautiful, healthy skin – regardless of your sex. To find the Forefront physician nearest you, visit the Locations page today.

10 Facts About Sunscreen In the immortal words of every dermatologist anywhere, ever and Baz Luhrmann, “Wear sunscreen.” (It’s OK if you don’t remember that song. Even people who do remember that song would rather they didn’t.) The fact remains that sun protection, particularly the daily application of sunscreen, is the best way to prevent damage caused by UV radiation – including fine lines, leathering and skin cancer. And, if facts are you sort of thing, here are 10 more that are sure to encourage you to slather on the sunscreen.

• Anyone can benefit from using sunscreen because anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of race, age or gender.
• Apply sunscreen anytime you’re outside. Whether summer or winter, cloudy or clear, you can still get sunburn.
• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect from UVA and UVB rays. UVB radiation causes sunburn, while UVA radiation is responsible for the telltale signs of aging like wrinkling, sagging and leathering.
• Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures a sunscreen’s ability to block out UVB rays only.
• A moisturizing sunscreen of SPF 30 is great for daily use. If your only sun exposure is a few minutes each day walking to and from your car, this will keep your skin protected.
• Choose a your sunscreen based on exposure. If you work outdoors or plan on lounging poolside, use a water-resistant sunscreen with a higher SPF value.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before planned sun exposure. This allows the UV-blocking ingredients to fully absorb into the skin.
• Sunscreens expire. The FDA requires that sunscreens remain effective for at least 3 years. If there’s an expiration date stamped on the bottle, don’t use it past that date.
• Use 1 oz. of sunscreen for a full-body application. Be generous with the sunscreen; use about a shot glass-worth to cover all exposed body parts.
• There’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. Sunscreens can be labeled “water-resistant” (effective for up to 40 minutes in water) or “very water-resistant” (effective for up to 80 minutes in water). Either way, frequent reapplication is necessary.

Need more convincing reasons to wear sunscreen? Visit the skin care experts at Forefront Dermatology. To find the Forefront physician nearest you, visit the Locations page today.

Whether she’s mama, mommy or just plain ma, mothers are special creatures deserving of respect. From the endearingly practical “never pay retail” to the slow-burning wisdom of “never change who you are for someone else” to the truly terrifying “I brought you into this world, I can take you out of it,” they’re also a seemingly endless well of knowledge and advice. In honor of Mother’s Day, we’ve compiled some of our favorite skin care mom-isms and home remedies. Some are spot on and other are – well, let’s just say they’re dubious at best.   “You’ll eventually outgrow acne.” On a long enough timeline, everyone outgrows acne – I mean, you don’t see many septuagenarians walking around with a face full of blemishes, right? And, yes, it’s true that the vast majority of acne occurs during adolescence – between the ages of 9 to 20 – when sex hormones are all over the place, but, for most, they eventually level off. However, for some individuals, acne may last well past adolescence and persist for decades. In others, acne may rear its ugly head later in life, especially women in their late 20s to 40s. Just imagine going through life feeling lucky for dodging the teenage acne bullet and – BAM – acne just took a decades long detour. Verdict: Some truth, but not quite that simple.   “Put toothpaste on a zit and it’ll be gone by morning.” On the surface, this may sound legit. Most toothpaste, after all, contains hydrogen peroxide – which sounds similar enough to the benzoyl peroxide found in over-the-counter acne treatments. However, toothpaste is made for teeth, not skin (otherwise it would be called “skinpaste”, and “skinpaste” sounds super-creepy) and employing it outside of its intended use is generally a bad idea. Toothpaste left on the skin is highly irritating. You may feel “drying out” a zit is winning the battle against acne, but it’s doing more harm than good. “I remember hearing this when I was a teenager,” says Dr. Kate Garvey, dermatologist at the Oconomowoc (as of May 25^th) and Beaver Dam clinics. “You’re much better off buying an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide product that specifically formulated for skin. Even then, if you have numerous acne lesions, you may need to see a dermatologist for a prescription approach.” Verdict: In this case, mother does not know best.   “You’re never too young to start moisturizing.” Your skin requires moisture to keep it supple and healthy. While it does produce its own moisturizing oils, much of it is wicked away by the environment and hygienic habits like showering and washing your hands. Moisturizers work by replenishing and trapping hydration in your skin, providing an extra layer of protection between you and your environment. “You can’t really over-moisturize your skin,” says Dr. Garvey. “It’ll absorb what it can (and what it needs). However, some ingredients may cause irritant or allergic reactions in some individuals over time. So, yes, do moisturize, but stick with a moisturizer that’s labeled ‘fragrance-free’ – which is not the same as ‘unscented’.” Verdict: The world it your moisturizer-filled oyster.   “A white vinegar cold compress will keep that sunburn from peeling.” Once you’re sunburned, there’s not a whole lot you can do. The damage is done. While vinegar does have some antibacterial properties and cold can be soothing, it can’t counteract the effects of inflammation ­– including peeling. By far, the best way to keep your skin from peeling is to not get sunburned at all. Verdict: Old wives tales are not sound medical advice.   “You get back here and put on sunscreen!” Between the neighborhood pool and trips to the beach, this was my mother’s summertime war cry. And, as it turns out, some darn good advice. “Even when we, as dermatologists, can get patients to use sunscreen, the sad truth is that most people don’t use them correctly,” says Dr. Garvey. “You should apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before you go outdoors so that it is absorbed into your skin and, importantly, reapply every couple of hours after. Many of my patients will say, ‘I used sunscreen but I still burned!’ But eventually fess up to applying it in the morning but completely forgetting to reapply after, despite being outside all day. And if you’re swimming or sweating heavily, you should be reapplying sunscreen even more often.” Verdict: Dermatologist-approved motherly advice.   Even though I spent a good chunk of young adulthood virulently ignoring my mother’s advice, I can now appreciate that, for the most part, she knew what’s up – especially when she said, “Taking care of yourself is never selfish.” For skin care advice that’s always on the money, see the skin care experts at Forefront Dermatology. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the Locations page today.

Your skin is more than just a pretty wrapper. It serves as the first and best defense against everything from dangerous UV radiation to harmful bacteria. But did you know that your largest organ is subject to the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer. With more than with more than 3 million diagnoses each year, skin cancer is one of the most easily treatable and preventable forms of cancer. We tackle some more of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about skin cancer.

What are some signs of skin cancer?

Regular self-examinations are the best way to identify changes in your skin and catch abnormalities at their most treatable stages. When evaluating a mole, remember your A-B-C-D-Es – Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter and Evolution. Check out our article from National Cancer Prevention Month for more tips on what to look for. Other things to look for:

• Changes to the size or color of a mole, growth or spot.
• Changes in skin texture, including scaliness, roughness and – yuck – oozing or bleeding.
• Sores that don’t heal.
• Pigmentation that spreads beyond the border of a mole, growth or spot.
• Changes in sensation, like itchiness, tenderness or pain.

FAQ: What types of skin cancer are there?

While there are many forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are the most common. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common form, develops in the deepest layer of your epidermis; it’s slow-growing, rarely spreads to other parts of the body and highly treatable. Squamous cell carcinoma commonly appears on sun-exposed areas of your body like the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands, and can also develop in scars or chronic skin sores. It’s more likely to grow into deeper layers of skin and, though uncommon, to spread. Still, it’s easily treated with good results.

The most dangerous common form of skin cancer is melanoma . Basically, a melanoma is a mole gone astray. It affects the melanocytes that give your skin its color and may develop anywhere on the body – even in areas that don’t see regular sun exposure. If left untreated, melanoma is more likely to spread to other parts of your body than other skin cancers.

FAQ: How common is skin cancer?

Skin cancer, particularly basal and squamous cell carcinoma, is incredibly common. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives. Of the 3.5 million new diagnoses each year, an estimated 2.8 million are basal cell carcinoma, 700,000 are squamous cell carcinoma and only 76,000 are melanoma. However, about 10,000 people will die of melanoma this year alone – that’s about one fatality per hour.

FAQ: What are skin cancer risk factors?

Most cases of skin cancer are the direct result of exposure to UV radiation.

Other Skin Cancer Risk Factors:

• Fair complexion
• History of severe sunburns
• Spending an excessive amount of time in the sun (or tanning beds)
• Living in sunny or high altitude climates (where UV radiation is most intense)
• Moles (dysplastic nevi) or precancerous lesions (actinic keratosis)
• Family history of skin cancer (a parent or sibling has had skin cancer)
• Personal history of skin cancer (you’ve had skin cancer in the past)
• Weakened immune system (organ transplants, HIV/AIDS, or autoimmune diseases)

Can skin cancer be prevented?

While there’s no way to avoid risk factors like family history, aging or a compromised immune system, you can control UV exposure. Firstly, use a moisturizing sunscreen daily to help prevent harmful UV damage. If you expect to be out in direct sunlight for a long time, but be sure to switch to a heavier, longer lasting sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater.

“Sun protection is important in all seasons,”

says Dr. J. Mark Jackson, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Louisville.

“Chronic sun exposure damages the skin and underlying tissues – which leads to everything from skin cancer to fine lines, pigmentation changes, wrinkling and leathering. Prevention is the key to long-term skin health.”

How do I know if I have skin cancer?

In short, if you are worried that a mole may be more than just a mole or rough patch may me more than just dry skin, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. The skin cancer experts at DermSpecialists in Kentucky can help you find skin cancer. Most importantly, we can help you treat it and beat it! To find the a board certified dermatologist near you, visit the locations page today.

What to Do When Seasonal Allergies Act Up The snow is melting. Flowers are blooming. And your face is a becoming a puffy, runny, itchy disaster. Goodbye winter; hello allergy season. If it feels like springtime is punching you in the face, you’re not alone. Each year, some 58 million Americans suffer through seasonal allergies, commonly known as hay fever. In addition to the runny eyes and nose triggered by airborne allergens like pollen and mold spores, hay fever can also cause eczema flare-ups and rashes. So what do you do when allergies are affecting your skin? Reduce Inflammation When allergens come in contact with your skin, they trigger the release of histamines, which dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation (read as: yucky puffy face). One way to counteract this is to use over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-inflammatories like corticosteroids, and drink plenty of water to help flush your system. Pay Attention to Diet Some of your favorite foods may be exacerbating your hay fever by containing or releasing histamines. Alcoholic beverages in particular are rich in histamines, which are naturally made in the fermentation process. The same rings true for aged or fermented cheeses, processed meats, yeasty breads, and vinegar-containing condiments. Basically, your sandwich and allergies are conspiring against you.  Treat Yourself There are about a million ways in which stress has been found to wreak havoc on your health. Allergies are no exception. Reduce stress and give your skin some TLC at home or at your dermatologist’s office with calming treatments – like a long soak in an oatmeal bath. Fortunately, for most, seasonal allergies are a minor inconvenience that usually only affects the area around your eyes and nose. If you’re one of the lucky few who become red, itchy, sentient balloon animals due to rash or exacerbated skin conditions, the experts at Forefront Dermatology can help. So, don’t cry. Dry your eye. And find a Forefront skin care expert nearest you by visiting the Locations page today.