Monthly Archives: May 2012

Isn’t it a little ironic that as May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, New Jersey mom Patricia Krentcil is making headlines for allegedly putting her 6-year-old daughter inside a tanning bed? Krentcil denies the claim, but there is no denying that she is addicting to tanning or as some in the media have dubbed her a “tanorexic.” I am not sure if she knows the amount of damage she has done to her skin, but also possibly to her daughter. Adults need to be responsible role models for children. We now know so much about the dangers of skin cancer it should be common sense to apply sunscreen daily and avoid tanning beds all together. Not to mention that aside from the threat of skin cancer, excessive tanning causes the skin to look unattractive including: brown spots, wrinkles and an aged, leathery appearance.

When patients come into my office for a skin consultation, there is a significant difference in the appearance of the skin of a 40-year-old tanner versus a 40-year-old sunscreen wearer. Most patients did not know as a child, teenager, or even in their 20s about the importance of sunscreen. Patients often tell me stories of using baby oil, iodine and even aluminum foil to get the darkest tan possible. Back then, it was considered “healthy” to have a tan. On a personal note, my father is 82 and has skin cancer. Fifty years ago, it was not common to apply sunscreen. The dangers of the sun were just not known. If “suntan lotion” was used in the 1960s or 1970s it only contained an SPF 2 or 4. Now we have the knowledge and information to know that a tan is a sign of injury to your skin. After my father’s children and grandchildren have watched him go through many surgeries and radiation, you can believe we all are avid sunscreen wearers. The good news is that much of that sun damage can be reversed. It is vital that we teach our children about the importance of sunscreen, so that they do not have to suffer the harmful effects in adulthood.

Unfortunately, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “A new study by Mayo Clinic Proceedings has revealed an alarming rise in melanoma among people aged 18 to 39: over the past 40 years, rates of this potentially deadly skin cancer grew by 800 percent among young women and 400 percent among young men.” 800 percent?! The study’s authors believe that the popularity of tanning beds, especially with women, has caused this dramatic influx in cases. In Indiana, the law states that any minor under 16 must be accompanied by an adult to a tanning salon and minors under 18 must have parental. As of Jan. 1, 2012, California is the first state in the U.S. to ban the use of UV indoor tanning beds for all minors under 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You don’t have to avoid the sun all together. That’s just not realistic, practical or fun. Just become sun smart! Wear a cute hat when you’re outside and use a broad spectrum sunscreen every day. Be sure to reapply every two hours if you’re going to be outside. Broad spectrum just means that it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to aging and skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburns. It’s easy to remember: A = aging and ailment and B = burning.

Some patients express concerns they will look ghostly if they wear sunscreen. You will still get some color when wearing an SPF 30 or higher, but you will be blocking out those harmful rays. Sunless tanners have also come a long way from when they hit the market. Many no longer leave you orange, streaky or stinky. Adding a bronzer into your makeup routine can also be a great option to give your skin a truly healthy glow. Spray tans are another wonderful alternative. When you see today’s Hollywood celebrities walk the red carpet with a bronzed body, the majority of them are spray tanned. From Kim Kardashian and Giuliana Rancic to the cast of “Dancing with the Stars” and even former die-hard tanner Snooki, they all know that a spray tan is the healthy way to get a sun-kissed glow.

Don’t beat yourself up about not using sunscreen in the past. You can’t change the past damage, but you can prevent future harm. Talk to a medical skin care specialist on how to reverse the damage you currently have and get your skin glowing – the healthy way.

Jennifer Kauffman is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, practicing in Warsaw and Ft. Wayne. She is a sought after speaker at medical conferences such as the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons. Jennifer is a member of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Coalition of Advance Practice Nurses of Indiana. She received her Nursing and Nurse Practitioner degrees from Goshen College, and Indiana Wesleyan University. Jennifer is a Clinical Instructor nationally to physicians and nurses on sclerotherapy.

Do you have a question for Jennifer, about this article or another cosmetic skin care issue? Please call Vein Institute & Medical Spa at 574-267-1900 to have your questions answered and considered for future columns. Questions can also be submitted online at http://www.veinmedicalspa.com.