Belaray Dermatology - Jericho, Plainview, Long Island, NY

In honor of Belaray Dermatology’s newest additions to the Belaray Beauty Product Line, we are launching our first ever design competition.

We have always wanted our very own UV-friendly T-shirt, incorporating organic cotton, water-based inks and a clever design, to illustrate our mission of healthy & beautiful skin. We know that our readers are a creative and future-forward bunch, so we thought it a perfect opportunity to open it up to our readers and see what you can do. Show off your design skills and promote the cause of beautiful skin at the same time. You could even win some fabulous prizes in the process!

Submission Deadline: MARCH 15th

FIRST PRIZE: ipod shuffle

FINALISTS will receive T-shirts and publication on the belaray blog

Here’s the lowdown: We are planning to produce T-shirts that are fun to wear, and remind us all to be sun-safe. We are looking for designs that are creative, clever and incorporate the Belaray brand some way - either through our color palette, or the Belaray logo. The winning designer will have their design printed on all of our T-shirts, and will also win an ipod shuffle.

To register: Send an e-mail to design [at] belaray.com

After we receive your e-mail, we will give you access to our logo and colors. You can submit up to 3 designs with your application. Please send your original artwork in .jpg or .pdf format.

Finalists will be announced the last week of March - and readers will have the opportunity to vote on the winning designs starting in April.

So reads the headline published in the LONDON (Reuters) in an article by Michael Kahn, discussing a publication by Johan Moan in PNAS, titled “Addressing the health benefits and risks, involving vitamin D or skin cancer, of increased sun exposure” Abstract Free Full Text

This is an eye catching headline, and thought provoking paper - but both are somewhat misleading. In this paper, Johan Moan and colleagues have suggested a slight relationship between the prognosis of some cancers and latitude. That is to say, for some times of cancer, you might be expected to live a little longer if you reside closer to the equator.

The researchers take this discovery and run with ideas and possible explanations. They suggest that patients closer to the equator get more sun, and the sun is responsible for making Vitamin D in the skin. They further suggest that low levels of Vitamin D may put you at risk for not doing as well with some types of cancer.

What is notable here are several things that the researchers have not demonstrated. For example, the researchers have not shown that there is a difference in the level of Vitamin D at different latitudes. Certainly one would expect that if exposed to more sunlight, an individual will produce more Vitamin D. However, Vitamin D also is introduced into our body by the things we eat. Vitamin D is readily supplemented in milk, yogurt, margarine, oil spreads, breakfast cereal, pastries, and bread. It is naturally found in fish, fish oils, mushrooms, and eggs. Several previous studies have looked at Vitamin D levels in different countries, and it is not generally believed by scientists that there is any difference in Vitamin D levels at different latitudes.

Of note, the researchers also present data in their paper that suggests that there is a higher likelihood of developing colon, lung, prostate, and of course melanoma in patients living closer to the equator. This finding was not made much mention of in either the original article, nor the newspaper coverage.

In summary, Vitamin D is an interesting compound that we need to learn more about… but this paper falls far short of the headline it was given “More sun is healthy.” For now, we suggest you stick to your sunblock and hats!

Here are some tips to keep you looking your best for 2008! 

DISCARD OLD, USED BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Because bacteria is transferred from your fingers to your cosmetics, we suggest you discard your products one year after opening them. Products used near the eye (like mascara) should be replaced after three months. 

STOP SMOKING

We have already discussed several reasons to stop smoking here.  Smokers are more likely to have psoriasis, and to loose their hair.  It is also readily apparent that smoking makes your skin age prematurely - giving you wrinkles around your lips and eyes.

UNHAND THOSE PIMPLES!

Squeezing pimples is not the best thing for you.  Though it may appear as if you are getting the “bad stuff out”, often you are actually pushing bacteria and debris deeper into the skin.  Think of a pimple as a balloon under the skin.  When you squeeze it… you pop the balloon.  But balloons rarely pop in one direction.  They shatter.  The same thing is happening to you when you go for a zit.  You are much more likely to develop scars from pimples that you popped.

MORE SLEEP, LESS STRESS

Stress plays an important roll to our body, & our skin is no exception.  Studies have shown that stress can decrease the skin’s barrier, slow down wound healing, and lead to flairs of inflammatory skin disease like psoriasis, eczema, and hair loss.

WEAR SUNSCREEN & BE SUN SMART

Regular use of sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and avoiding the peak hours of the day can help you avoid some types of skin cancer as well as keep your skin looking its best.  The sun’s rays may make you feel good, but it is making you look older.  Exposure to UV light makes the skin blotchy in color and wrinkle prematurely.

The best sunscreen is the one that you use regularly!  There are several good sunscreens to choose from… but it might be worth looking for a broad spectrum sunscreen that also contains strong antioxidants like green tea polyphenols.  We will discuss the benefits of green tea in future posts. 

SIMPLIFY YOUR BEAUTY

Going to the pharmacy can be overwhelming!  There are so many products, and many many claims of efficacy!  Being on too many creams can be not only confusing, but also counterproductive.  If you want to do the best you can for your skin, you should ask your dermatologist about products that they recommend.  They can help you through the marketing, and get you products that are easy to use and effective.

WASH YOUR FACE

As we make our way through the day, our skin picks up environmental debris.  It is a good idea to wash your face nightly before bed.  After washing your face, we often recommend a variety of night creams - to help you achieve the goals you are after.

A recent article published in Preventive Medicine titled “ Is ultraviolet B irradiance inversely associated with incidence rates of endometrial cancer: an ecological study of 107 countries” suggests that the sun may lower the risk of endometrial cancer.

In this study, researches tried to relate the incidence of endometrial cancer in 107 countries to a long list of variables.  After reviewing the data, they found a higher incidence of endometrial cancer in populations with low UVB irradiance, high intake of energy from animal sources, per capita health expenditure, and proportion of population overweight.

What does this mean?  I’m not sure.  This type of research is great at asking questions, but it rarely gives us any answers.  Any conclusions from this point are quite speculative.  The authors have suggested that the sun may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, or perhaps those with low Vitamin D have a higher risk of endometrial cancer.  Perhaps a future study will look at this, by reviewing the incidence of endometrial cancer in patients with Vitamin D deficiency?  Or by looking at the risk of endometrial cancer in patients who have had long-term phototherapy?    Or maybe UV exposure has nothing at all to do with endometrial cancer… but is related to another variable that was not analyzed?  For example, perhaps those who live in an area with high incidence of UV, and from wealthy economies (spending more per-capita on health care) are more likely to use sunscreen?  Does sunscreen put one at risk then for endometrial cancer?  Or… maybe populations with low UV exposure are exposed to a carcinogen in winter that warmer climates avoid?  Perhaps endometrial cancer risk increases by relaxing in-front of a fireplace?  Or, perhaps, those in the Northern climates eat more meat, are more likely to be obese, and consume less fish, fruits and vegetables - and UV exposure has nothing at all to do with it. 

The bottom line is that this is an interesting study,  but drawing the conclusion that sun lowers the risk of endometrial cancer is misleading, and premature.  It is interesting that the authors did not title the article “Eating meat may increase the risk of Endometrial Cancer….” or  “Obesity may increase the risk of Endometrial Cancer.” 

FYI: Here are some excellent dietary sources of vitamin D:

• Fish liver oil
• Fatty fish (ie: salmon, catfish, mackerel, sardines, tuna, eel)
• Mushrooms
• Eggs
• Many other foods are fortified with Vitamin D, including milk, cereal, and yogurt.

In our teens and twenties… there are times we may want to look older.  Get to your late twenties, thirties, and beyond… and you are wishing you didn’t look so old.   What is it that changes from age 25 to 35?

Wrinkles and fine lines have long been the focus of age, but recent studies suggest that this is only part of the story.  What was not appreciated until recently is the degree to which skin tone affects perception of age, healthiness and youth.   What we have discovered is that skin with even tone is perceived as younger, healthier and more attractive.  In fact, uneven skin tone alone can account for up to 20 years of age perception.  This means two things:

1. If you want to look younger, your treatment regiment must include strategies to improve color distribution in addition to other features.  We will talk more about tools that are available to accomplish these goals in future posts.
2. If you are under 25, and you value your looks… you have a golden opportunity to keep those good looks much longer than your friends.

What factors are responsible for uneven skin tone?  The answer, is almost always, UV light.  That means both sun light and tanning beds are going to contribute to uneven skin tone, and are going to add up to 20 years of perceived age! 

What can you do now to keep your skin tone even?  Here are some tips:

1. Stop tanning!  Please please please stop tanning!  It makes you look older, contributes to uneven skin tone, gives you wrinkles, and puts you at risk for skin cancer.  Spray tanning is a good alternative.
2. Use your sunscreen… every single morning, as a moisturizer. At least SPF 15.  This needs to become a habit.  Attach it to a habit you already have - like something you do after you brush your teeth.  Why every morning?  It has been shown that one weeks casual sun exposure (like walking to the car, or waiting for the bus) is equivalent to 1 hour at the beach. 
3. If you are going to be outdoors, use sunscreen with SPF 30.  Apply it at least 1/2 hour before you go outside.
4. Use sunscreen liberally.  One heaping tablespoon full for the face, and one shot glass full for the body.  Most bottles that you buy are designed for 4 applications.  If your bottle has lasted you all summer… you are not using enough each time.
5. When you are going to go to the beach or pool, be sure you use a waterproof sunscreen.  We recommend SPF 30.
6. Use Sun Protective clothing.  There are lots to choose from!  For the beach, the pool, a hike, the golf course, or just hanging out.  All competitive athletes use these, and you should too! 
7. Buy a hat.  Wear it always.
8. Seek out shade. 
9. No shade? Bring your own!  This could be an umbrella, portable cabana, or a good hat.
10. Most importantly… protect our children!  The sooner you start protecting your skin, the longer you will stay looking young.  Habits started in childhood will be kept for life… and this is an important one

Don’t know what sunscreen to choose?  Or where to find a sun protective hat?  Or sun protective clothing?  We have done the research for you.  Check out our on-line store.

Grammer K, Fink B, Matts P. Visible skin color distribution plays a major role in perception of age, attractiveness and health in the female face. Human Behavior and Evolution Society Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, Penn, 2006. Poster # 53.

The Answer: Maybe 

A study published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that an extract from three-day-old broccoli sprouts, sulforaphane, rubbed on skin produces significant long-lasting protection against the burns caused by ultraviolet radiation.  The extract may work by provoking an increase in a protective enzyme produced by the skin cells. This reaction requires days to develop, but it continues to work after the substance is washed off.

Though it is too soon to start rubbing broccoli sprouts on our skin before a venture to the beach, we are excited to see further research on the topic.  In addition, it is interesting to consider what other human organs might be protected by this or similar compounds.

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The rates of skin cancer are on the rise, and both primary care doctors and dermatologists are taking note.  One in five Americans will develop a skin cancer, and every hour someone is dying of a melanoma.  These are alarming statistics, and were the topic of conversation at Huntington Hospital after Dr. Jeffrey Ellis presented a dermatologists perspective on the identification, and management of skin cancer.

“It is well know that the biggest risk of skin cancer,” said Ellis “is overexposure to UV rays from the sun.  Most of us will try to protect ourselves if we go to the beach, but few realize how much little bits of sun exposure add up.  In fact one week worth of casual sun exposure, like going to the car or supermarket, is equivalent to a solid hour at the beach!”  Ellis emphasizes the importance of wearing a broad brimmed hat and broad spectrum sunscreen daily.  He recommends to his patients that sunscreen use become part of the morning ritual, which should be applied just after you brush your teeth.

UV rays from the sun or tanning beds do not only increase the risk of skin cancer, but it also makes us look older. The UV rays are responsible for loss of tissue elasticity and the development of wrinkles and age spots.  Dr. Ellis offers this advice; “It doesn’t matter if your goal is to look younger, or to avoid skin cancer.  Protect yourself from UV rays, and you will be better off.”