Get to Know Thyself…Intimately

Skin cancer is by far the most common form of cancer.  It is also the easiest to detect.  And if detected early, it can often be treated successfully.  So it’s a forgone conclusion that everyone should become an aficianado when it comes to their own epidermis.

Of course, the best way to determine whether or not you have skin cancer is to have regular checkups with your dermatologist or skincare physican.  He or she can examine any suspect cells under a micrscope.  But as cancerous moles can pop up between appointments, it’s essential to know how to check yourself as well.  Then, if you discover an abnormality, you can make that next appointment sooner (much sooner, as in immediately) rather than later.

The most important part of the self investigation process is really getting familiar with yourself.  A thorough epidermal exploration requires only a little time, a full-length mirror, a hand-held mirror, and excellent lighting.  If you survey your skin regularly (at least once a month), you will be more apt to notice when changes occur.  You can even take pictures of the bumps and moles that you have now.  Then you will have a basis for comparison if there are any changes in the future.

If you’re wondering what exactly to check, the answer is: Everything.  Don’t stop at the obvious places.  Just because some areas of your body are never exposed to the sun (the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer), that doesn’t mean that you can’t develop cancerous cells there.  Check your genitals; check between your buttocks, between your toes, under your nails, under your arms, the bottoms of your feet…  By using your two mirrors creatively, you should be able to see every part of your body.  Take your time.  This is too important to rush with.  You will be amazed the first time you do a full body check at the little things you didn’t know about your own skin.  As for your scalp, you may want to have a partner stand over you with a blow dryer, blowing away small sections of hair at a time.  Then you can return the favor.

If you haven’t already begun an examination regime, the best time to get chummy with your skin is right after you’ve had your annual or semi-annual appointment with your dermatologist or skincare physician.  This way you can take a good look at what the doctor has already deemed innocuous, and in the months to come, you can watch for any new blemishes or changes to existing ones.  You will want to pay special attention to anything that is asymmetrical or has border irregularities.  Also look at color and size.  And anything with a diameter of over 6 millimeters (slightly less than a quarter of an inch) can be a sign of trouble too.  To make it easier, dermatologists have come up with ABCD as the examination mnemonic of choice: A (asymmetry), B (border irregularities), C (color irregularities), and D (diameter).

But don’t stop there.  Any new mole or bump can be a warning sign.  If it is painful, it can be cancerous.  If it is not painful, it can be cancerous.  If it bleeds or oozes, it may be cancerous.  Then again, it can be cancerous if it doesn’t bleed.  In other words, if you see something new, have it checked.  Your main job is to be the lookout, not the diagnostician.

While self examinations may sound self evident, you would be surprised at how many people just don’t give their skin any thought at all; or they think about it, but don’t feel they can give it any time.  If you are one of the vigilant ones who examines her/his self regularly, you are truly giving yourself a wonderful and empowering gift.  The next step is the spread the word.  Remind your loved ones; teach your kids; post information about self exams on your Facebook page, or Tweet it to your followers.  Tell everyone you know that it’s time to get to know themselves.  We live in a time of mass communication.  If enough people learn to detect skin anomalies early on, a lot of lives can be saved.

Swimming and Its Affects on Our ‘Birthday Suits’

Summer can be rough on our skin.  As we throw caution — and layers of clothing — to the wind, we end up exposing it to all sorts of abuse: from the burning rays of the sun, to biting insects and irritating plants.  Even the water we swim in can take a serious toll on that precious organ we lovingly refer to as our ‘birthday suits.’

Many of us are drawn to water, especially on a hot summer day.  After all, about 70% of an adult’s body is made up of water — most of it stored in our cells.  In fact, it’s water that is responsible for delivering essential nutrients to the skin cells, helping to keep them plump, healthy and our skin looking youthful.  The outer layers of our skin contain proteins and oils that help keep essential moisture in.  

Ironically, bathing and swimming in water for long periods of time can actually cause this moisture to be depleted from our skin by temporarily removing its natural protective oils and causing dryness.  Prolonged exposure to water containing chemicals like chlorine — the type found in most swimming pools — exaggerates this effect and can eventually cause damage on a cellular level.

Chlorine was originally added to our water supply over 100 years ago in order to kill disease-causing bacteria like cholera and typhoid.  It also became the most popular and inexpensive way to prevent the spread of disease and bacteria from forming in swimming pools.  Though it may be an effective germ killer, it can be highly damaging to our skin.  We’ve seen the devastating effects chlorine can have on our hair.  Likewise, chlorine can severely damage the protective layer of our skin.

Our skin and hair contain a type of protein called keratin that helps to create an intact barrier.  Chlorine chemically bonds with these proteins and damages this protective layer, causing skin and hair to become dry and brittle.  Over time, the stress from chlorine exposure can actually accelerate the aging process and lead to premature wrinkles.

It’s no coincidence that celebs and models have been using chlorine-free water for years, which may well be one of the best kept beauty secrets in the industry. 

So if you love the water and can’t avoid chlorinated pools, here are a few simple precautions you can take to protect your ‘birthday suit’:

• always wear a swim cap to protect your hair
• rinse immediately after your swim and use a gentle, all natural body wash
• apply high quality, moisture replenishing lotions to both your face and body
• be sure to re-apply a high SPF sunscreen after swimming
• drink purified water at regular intervals throughout the day and eat plenty of water-rich organic fruits and vegetables