May/August Greenwich Hospital Health Extension

Sun Safety: Stop the Damage! 

“Sun protection and anti-aging go hand in hand,” said Julia Sabetta, MD, a Greenwich dermatologist.  “Whether it’s a bad sunburn or suntan, your skin never forgets.  All that damage accumulates.”

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer worldwide, with 4 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.  “Fortunately, skin cancer and most of the manifestations of aging skin can be prevented or minimized.,” said Dr. Sabetta.

Experts offer these sun safety tips.  

Choose sunscreen wisely.  Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30.  Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.  Reapply every two hours; more if swimming or sweating excessively. Chemical-free sunscreens rinse off easily, so reapply more often.  Check the sunscreen’s consistency to ensure it sticks to the skin; spray on sunscreens don’t adhere as well.  “Experiment until you find a sunscreen you and your family like” said Dr/ Sabetta.  “You’re more likely to use a sunscreen if you like the product.”

Minimize sun exposure.  Seek the shade, especially between 10 am and 4 pm.  Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat.  Wear sun protective clothing specially designed to protect against UV rays that cause skin cancer and sunburn.  Use UV-blocking sunglasses.

Avoid tanning beds.  “There is absolutely no good reason to use a tanning bed,” said Dr. Sabetta.  “The rays emitted by a tanning bed penetrate the skin deeper than the rays from the sun.”

Repair the sun damage.  Dermatologists can treat signs of sun damage such as brown spots with intense light pulse therapy and photo-dynamic therapy.  “These treatments can help reverse sun damage and improve the appearance of your skin cosmetically.” she said.

https://www.greenwichhospital.org/publications/health-extensions/may-august-18/sun-safety-stop-the-damage.aspx

Smart Skin is Beautiful Skin: Understanding the Risks of Tanning Bed Use

The use of tanning beds is a significant and common risk factor for the development of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In 2009 when the World Health Organization (WHO) intensified the carcinogen risk categorization of tanning beds to “Class 1” (definitely causes cancer in human) they did so based on “insurmountable scientific evidence” and ” numerous and varied studies”. This is not something hypothetical, rare or insignificant. On the contrary, this is real, common, and lethal. The WHO found the evidence from numerous studies both sufficient and compelling enough to place tanning beds in the same cancer risk class as cigarettes, arsenic, mustard gas, benzene, and asbestos! Continue Reading >>

The Rise in “Boytox”: Why are men suddenly taking an interest in cosmetic procedures?

What’s trending now in cosmetic procedures? One major trend is that men are getting more of them! Cosmetic procedures in men are up a whopping 121% since 1997.

In my opinion, the first major reason for this trend is that medical science has now provided exciting non-invasive no downtime advances which dovetail perfectly with a man’s needs, wants, schedule and lifestyle. These advances leave men looking like a vibrant and refreshed version of themselves. Men want to look better not “done”, natural not drastic! Continue Reading >>

Treat Yourself: Get glowing skin before, after, and during the holiday frenzy

The end of October means one very important thing, the beginning of the holiday madness. Starting on October 31st with Halloween, and continuing until New Years Day the upcoming months mark a a period of family, feasts and festivities. Before you start drafting your Thanksgiving menu or Christmas shopping list, make sure you stop and treat yourself. As a dermatologist for many years, I’ve had clients come in with skin problems from the stress of the holidays. In multiple cases they had remembered to buy a new dress for the occasion, and had spent time getting their hair and make up done, but had forgotten the most important aspect of looking and feeling good for a celebration- their skin! Continue Reading >>

For the Girls

Skincare and beauty tips every mother should share with her daughter

For teens and twenty-somethings your skin is naturally gorgeous, and is what the rest of us try to recapture. You don’t need to do much to look beautiful-lucky you! Aside from treating acne or another skin condition you may have, your mission is more about what NOT to do! Dr. Sabetta’s main words of advice: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Continue Reading >>