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Cosmetics and Your Health

What are cosmetics? How are they different from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?

Cosmetics are products people use to cleanse or change the look of the face or body.  Cosmetic products include:

  • skin creams
  • lotions
  • perfumes
  • lipsticks
  • fingernail polishes
  • eye and face make-up products
  • permanent waves
  • hair dyes
  • toothpastes
  • deodorants

Unlike drugs, which are used to treat or prevent disease in the body, cosmetics do not change or affect the body’s structure or functions.

What’s in cosmetics?

Fragrances and preservatives are the main ingredients in cosmetics. Fragrances are the most common cause of skin problems. More than 5,000 different kinds are used in products. Products marked “fragrance-free” or “without perfume” means that no fragrances have been added to make the product smell good.

Preservatives in cosmetics are the second most common cause of skin problems. They prevent bacteria and fungus from growing in the product and protect products from damage caused by air or light. But preservatives can also cause the skin to become irritated and infected. Some examples of preservatives are:

  • paraben
  • imidazolidinyl urea
  • Quaternium-15
  • DMDM hydantoin
  • phenoxyethanol
  • formaldehyde

The ingredients below cannot be used, or their use is limited, in cosmetics. They may cause cancer or other serious health problems.

  • bithionol
  • mercury compounds
  • vinyl chloride
  • halogenated salicyanilides
  • zirconium complexes in aerosol sprays
  • chloroform
  • methylene chloride
  • chlorofluorocarbon propellants
  • hexachlorophene

What is the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the cosmetic industry?

A cosmetic maker can sell products without FDA approval. FDA does not review or approve cosmetics, or their ingredients, before they are sold to the public. But FDA urges cosmetic makers to do whatever tests are needed to prove their products are safe. Cosmetics makers must put a warning statement on the front labels of products that have not been safety testing, which reads, “WARNING―The safety of this product has not been determined.”

FDA does require safety testing for color additives used in cosmetics. Cosmetics may only contain approved and certified colors. You’ll find FD&C, D&C, or external D&C listed on cosmetic labels.

  • FD&C – color that can be used only in foods, drugs, and cosmetics
  • D&C – color that can be used only in drugs and cosmetics
  • external D&C – color that can be used only in drugs applied to the surface of the skin and cosmetics

A cosmetic maker also does not have to report product injuries. FDA collects this information on a voluntary basis only. Cosmetic makers that want to be a part of this program send reports to the FDA.

Product recalls are voluntary actions taken by cosmetic makers too. FDA cannot require cosmetics recalls. But FDA does monitor cosmetic makers that do a recall. FDA must first prove in court that a cosmetic product is a danger or somehow breaks the law before it can be taken off the market.

Are cosmetics safe?

Yes, for the most part. Serious problems from cosmetics are rare. But sometimes problems can happen.

The most common injury from cosmetics is from scratching the eye with a mascara wand. Eye infections can result if the scratches go untreated. These infections can lead to ulcers on the cornea (clear covering of the eye), loss of lashes, or even blindness. To play it safe, never try to apply mascara while riding in a car, bus, train, or plane.

Sharing make-up can also lead to serious problems. Cosmetic brushes and sponges pick up bacteria from the skin. And if you moisten brushes with saliva, the problem can be worse. Washing your hands before using make-up will help prevent this problem.

Sleeping while wearing eye make-up can cause problems too. If mascara flakes into your eyes while you sleep, you might wake up with itching, bloodshot eyes, infections, or eye scratches. So be sure to remove all make-up before going to bed.

Cosmetic products that come in aerosol containers also can be a hazard. For example, it is dangerous to use aerosol hairspray near heat, fire, or while smoking. Until hairspray is fully dry, it can catch on fire and cause serious burns. Fires related to hairsprays have caused injuries and death. Aerosol sprays or powders also can cause lung damage if they are deeply inhaled into the lungs.

To find out more about cosmetic safety, please visit FDA’s cosmetics safety section at http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/default.htm.

How can I protect myself against the dangers of cosmetics?

  • Never drive and put on make-up. Not only does this make driving a danger, hitting a bump in the road and scratching your eyeball can cause serious eye injury.
  • Never share make-up. Always use a new sponge when trying products at a store. Insist that salespersons clean container openings with alcohol before applying to your skin.
  • Keep make-up containers closed tight when not in use.
  • Keep make-up out of the sun and heat. Light and heat can kill the preservatives that help to fight bacteria. Don’t keep cosmetics in a hot car for a long time.
  • Don’t use cosmetics if you have an eye infection, such as pinkeye. Throw away any make-up you were using when you first found the problem.
  • Never add liquid to a product unless the label tells you to do so.
  • Throw away any make-up if the color changes, or it starts to smell.
  • Never use aerosol sprays near heat or while smoking, because they can catch on fire.
  • Don’t deeply inhale hairsprays or powders. This can cause lung damage.
  • Avoid color additives that are not approved for use in the eye area, such as “permanent” eyelash tints and kohl (color additive that contains lead salts and is still used in eye cosmetics in other countries). Be sure to keep kohl away from children. It may cause lead poisoning.

What are “cosmeceuticals?”

Some products can be both cosmetics and drugs. This may happen when a product has two uses. For example, a shampoo is a cosmetic because it’s used to clean the hair. But, an anti-dandruff treatment is a drug because it’s used to treat dandruff. So an antidandruff shampoo is both a cosmetic and a drug. Other examples are:

  • toothpastes that contain fluoride
  • deodorants that are also antiperspirants
  • moisturizers and make-up that provide sun protection

These products must meet the standards for both cosmetics (color additives) and drugs.

Some cosmetic makers use the term “cosmeceutical” to refer to products that have drug-like benefits. FDA does not recognize this term. A product can be a drug, a cosmetic, or a combination of both. But the term “cosmeceutical” has no meaning under the law.

While drugs are reviewed and approved by FDA, FDA does not approve cosmetics. If a product acts like a drug, FDA must approve it as a drug.

How long do cosmetics last?

You may not be able to use eye make-up, such as mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow for as long as other products. This is because of the risk of eye infection. Some experts recommend replacing mascara three months after purchase. If mascara becomes dry, throw it away. Don’t add water or, even worse, saliva to moisten it. That will bring bacteria into the product.

You may also need to watch certain “all natural” products that contain substances taken from plants. These products may be more at risk for bacteria. Since these products contain no preservatives or have non-traditional ones, your risk of infection may be greater.

If you don’t store these products as directed, they may expire before the expiration date. For example, cosmetics stored in high heat may go bad faster than the expiration date. On the other hand, products stored the way they should be can be safely used until they expire.

What are hypoallergenic cosmetics?

Hypoallergenic (hy-po-al-ler-gen-ic) cosmetics are products that makers claim cause fewer allergic reactions than other products. Women with sensitive skin, and even those with “normal” skin, may think these products will be gentler. But there are no federal standards for using the term hypoallergenic. The term can mean whatever a company wants it to mean. Cosmetic makers do not have to prove their claims to the FDA.

Some products that have “natural” ingredients can cause allergic reactions. If you have an allergy to certain plants or animals, you could have an allergic reaction to cosmetics with those things in them. For example, lanolin from sheep wool is found in many lotions. But it’s a common cause of allergies too.

Can cosmetics cause acne?

Some skin and hair care products can cause acne. To help prevent and control acne flare-ups, take good care of your skin. For example, use a mild soap or cleanser to gently wash your face twice a day. Choose “non-comedogenic” make-up and hair care products. This means that they don’t close up the pores.

Are cosmetic products with alpha hydroxy acids safe?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) come from fruit and milk sugars. They are found in many creams and lotions. Many people buy products with AHAs, because they claim to reduce wrinkles, spots, sun-damaged skin, and other signs of aging. Some studies suggest they may work.

But are these products safe? FDA has received reports of reactions in people using AHA products. Their complaints include:

  • severe redness
  • swelling (especially in the area of the eyes)
  • burning
  • blistering
  • bleeding
  • rash
  • itching
  • skin discoloration

AHAs may also increase your skin’s risk of sunburn.

To find out if a product contains an AHA, look on the list of ingredients. By law, all cosmetics have ingredients on their outer label. AHAs may be called other names, like glycolic acid and lactic acid.

What precautions should I follow when using AHA products?

If you want to use AHA products, follow these safety tips:

  • Always protect your skin before going out during the day. Use a sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Wear a hat with a brim. Cover up with lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.
  • Buy products with good label information:
  • a list of ingredients to see which AHA or other chemical acids are in the product
  • the name and address of the maker
  • a statement about the product’s AHA and pH levels

The first two have to be on the label. The third is one is by choice. You can call or write the maker to find about a product’s AHA and pH levels.

  • Buy only products with an AHA level of 10 percent or less and a pH of 3.5 or more.
  • Test a small area of skin to see if it is sensitive to any AHA product before using a lot of it.
  • Stop using the product right away if you have a reaction, such as stinging, redness, or bleeding.
  • Talk with your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor that treats skin problems) if you have a problem. You also can report your reaction to the FDA. Write to: Office of Cosmetics and Colors (HFS-106), 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835. Or you can call them at (202) 401-9725.

Are hair dyes safe?

The decision to change your hair color may be a hard one. Some studies have linked hair dyes with a higher risk of certain cancers, while other studies have not found this link. Most hair dyes also don’t have to go through safety testing that other cosmetic color additives do before hitting store shelves. Women are often on their own trying to figure out whether hair dyes are safe.

When hair dyes first came out, the main ingredient in coal-tar hair dye caused allergic reactions in some people. Most hair dyes are now made from petroleum sources. But FDA still considers them to be coal-tar dyes. This is because they have some of the same compounds found in these older dyes.

Cosmetic makers have stopped using things known to cause cancer in animals. For example, 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine (4MMPD) or 4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamine sulfate (4MMPD sulfate) are no longer used. But chemicals made almost the same way have replaced some of the cancer-causing compounds. Some experts feel that these newer ingredients aren’t very different from the things they’re replacing.

Experts suggest that you may reduce your risk of cancer by using less hair dye over time. You may also reduce you risk by not dyeing your hair until it starts to gray.

What precautions should I take when I dye my hair?

You should follow these safety tips when dyeing your hair:

  • Don’t leave the dye on your head any longer than needed.
  • Rinse your scalp thoroughly with water after use.
  • Wear gloves when applying hair dye.
  • Carefully follow the directions in the hair dye package.
  • Never mix different hair dye products.
  • Be sure to do a patch test for allergic reactions before applying the dye to your hair. Almost all hair dye products include instructions for doing a patch test. It’s important to do this each time you dye your hair. Your hairdresser should also do the patch test before dyeing your hair. To test, put a dab of hair dye behind your ear, and don’t wash it off for two days. If you don’t have any signs of allergic reaction, such as itching, burning, or redness at the test spot, you can be somewhat sure that you won’t have a reaction to the dye applied to your hair. If you do react to the patch test, do the same test with different brands or colors until you find one to which you’re not allergic.
  • Never dye your eyebrows or eyelashes. An allergic reaction to dye could cause swelling or increase risk of infection in the eye area. This can harm the eye and even cause blindness. Spilling dye into the eye by accident could also cause permanent damage. FDA bans the use of hair dyes for eyelash and eyebrow tinting or dyeing even in beauty salons.

Are lead acetates safe in hair dyes?

Lead acetate is used as a color additive in “progressive” hair dye products. These products are put on over a period of time to produce a gradual coloring effect. You can safely use these products if you follow the directions carefully. This warning statement must appear on the product labels of lead acetate hair dyes:

“Caution: Contains lead acetate. For external use only. Keep this product out of children’s reach. Do not use on cut or abraded scalp. If skin irritation develops, discontinue use. Do not use to color mustaches, eyelashes, eyebrows, or hair on parts of the body other than the scalp. Do not get in eyes. Follow instructions carefully and wash hands thoroughly after use.”

Is it safe to dye my hair when I’m pregnant?

We don’t know much about the safety of hair dyes during pregnancy. It’s likely that when you apply hair dye, only a small amount is absorbed into your system. So very little chemicals, if any, would be able to get to your baby. In the few animal and human studies that have been done, no changes were seen in the developing baby. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

For more information

For more information on cosmetics or hair dye, contact the National Women’s Health Information Center at 800-994-9662 or the following organizations:

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), OPHS, HHS
Phone: (888) 463-6332 (Consumer Information)
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov

Office of Cosmetics and Colors Automated Information Line, FDA, OPHS, HHS
Phone: (888) 723-3366
Internet Address: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-toc.html

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
Phone: (888) 462-3376
Internet Address: http://www.aad.org

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Skin Center
Phone: (480) 301-8000
Internet Address: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Reviewed by:

Dr. Sandra I. Read, M.D.
Department of Dermatology
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.

All material contained in this FAQ is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women’s Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Citation of the source is appreciated.

 

 

Content last updated November 1, 2004.

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By Debra – July 15, 2010

Keeping Your Skin Safe In The Sun – Part 8: Protecting Children From The Sun

Just a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Kids don’t have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun. Their skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors.

  • Seek shade. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it’s best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent. Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek relief after it’s happened.
  • Cover up. Clothing that covers your child’s skin helps protect against UV rays. Although a long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best, they aren’t always practical. A T-shirt, long shorts, or a beach cover-up are good choices, too—but it’s wise to double up on protection by applying sunscreen or keeping your child in the shade when possible.
  • Get a hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. Baseball caps are popular among kids, but they don’t protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.
  • Wear sunglasses. They protect your child’s eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
  • Apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don’t forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.

Take sunscreen with you to reapply during the day, especially after your child swims or exercises. This applies to waterproof and water-resistant products as well.

Follow the directions on the package for using a sunscreen product on babies less than 6 months old. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your or your child’s skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor. Your baby’s best defense against sunburn is avoiding the sun or staying in the shade.

Keep in mind, sunscreen is not meant to allow kids to spend more time in the sun than they would otherwise. Try combining sunscreen with other options to prevent UV damage.

Too Much Sun Hurts

Turning pink? Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure. So, if your child’s skin looks “a little pink” today, it may be burned tomorrow morning. To prevent further burning, get your child out of the sun.

Tan? There’s no other way to say it—tanned skin is damaged skin. Any change in the color of your child’s skin after time outside—whether sunburn or suntan—indicates damage from UV rays.

Cool and cloudy? Children still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. Clouds do not block UV rays, they filter them—and sometimes only slightly.

Oops! Kids often get sunburned when they are outdoors unprotected for longer than expected. Remember to plan ahead, and keep sun protection handy—in your car, bag, or child’s backpack.

Information provided by:
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
    4770 Buford Hwy NE
    MS K-64
    Atlanta, GA 30341
  • 800-CDC-INFO
    (800-232-4636)
    TTY: (888) 232-6348
    24 Hours/Every Day

    • cdcinfo@cdc.gov

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By Debra – July 8, 2010

Staying Active and Eating Healthy: Should I Take Vitamin and Mineral Supplements?

 

Some people think that they can make up for a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits by popping a bunch vitamin and mineral pills each day. Others start taking certain vitamin and mineral supplements because they see stories in the media stating that these supplements may reduce their chances of getting diseases.

If you haven’t been eating healthy foods for a long time, vitamin and mineral supplements are probably not going to make up for your poor eating habits. And research on the effects of dietary supplements in preventing diseases is still in the early stages.

In general, people should be able to get all the nutrients they need, including all their vitamins and minerals, by choosing foods wisely. Besides vitamins and minerals, foods such as fruits and vegetables have other substances that promote health in ways that researchers are only now beginning to discover.

There are three main groups of people who might need a supplement:

  • Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant need 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to lower the risk of certain birth defects, including spina bifida. Folic acid pills are best. You also can take a multivitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid or eat foods with folic acid.
  • People over age 50 may need more vitamin B12.
  • Older adults, people with dark skin, and people who don’t get much sun exposure may need more vitamin D.

For these groups, eating foods fortified with these nutrients or taking the nutrients in pill form may be needed.

Before taking any supplement, you should talk with your doctor about whether you need the supplement and, if so, how much you should take. Taking a supplement is not without risks. Taking too much vitamin A during pregnancy, for instance, can cause birth defects. If you are taking a medicine for a health condition, supplements may interact with the medicine in ways that can harm your body. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether taking a supplement will help you or whether you’re better off spending your money on healthy foods.

Article taken from womenshealth.gov

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By Debra – July 6, 2010

Keeping Your Skin Safe In The Sun – Part 7: Prevention

Protection from sun exposure is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.

The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure in the continental United States. UV rays are the greatest during the late spring and early summer in North America.

Recommends easy options for sun protection1—

  • Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
  • Wear clothing to protect exposed skin.
  • Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
  • Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
  • Seek shade, especially during midday hours.

Sunscreen

The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Put on sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin and reapply frequently.  Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.

How sunscreen works. Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor.

SPF. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours, and after you swim or do things that make you sweat.

Expiration date.Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

Cosmetics. Some make-up and lip balms contain some of the same chemicals used in sunscreens. If they do not have at least SPF 15, don’t use them by themselves.

Clothing

Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection from the sun’s UV rays. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one. Darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors.

If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, at least try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Keep in mind that a typical T-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, so use other types of protection as well.

Hats

For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.

If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen with at least SPF 15, or by staying in the shade.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.

Shade

You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside—even when you’re in the shade.

This information has been provided by:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. cdcinfo@cdc.gov

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By Debra – June 30, 2010

Keeping Your Skin Safe In The Sun – Part 6: One Took The Shady Road

What better way to see the effects of sun damage than by looking at identical twins?  Since these 59 year old twins share identical genetic heritage, any differences in their skin condition would be due to environmental factors such as sun exposure.  The twin on the left, shows minimal signs of normal aging.  Her sister on the right, who has a “long history of sun exposure”, exhibits advanced signs of aging compared to her twin sister.   It’s clearly visible that the twin who has the long history of sun exposure looks much older because of her sagging,  and deeply wrinkled skin. 

Keep checking in with us weekly for more valuable information on Keeping Your Skin Safe In The Sun.  Not only can our weekly Summer Blog series keep you looking young, but it can save your life.  Have a great week!

Photo’s and information obtained from The Skin Cancer Foundation.

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By Debra – June 23, 2010

Keeping Your Skin Safe In The Sun – Part 5: Skin Cancer #1 Cancer In Men Over 50

Sobering statistics show the rates of skin cancer incidence in men.

Skin cancer in men is a serious concern. Check the facts, and then learn how to protect yourself.

  •  The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over age 50.
  • Skin cancer is the #1 cancer in men over age 50, ahead of prostate, lung and colon cancer.
  • Middle-aged and older men have the poorest track record for performing monthly skin self exams or regularly visiting a dermatologist. They are the least likely individuals to detect melanoma in its early stages.
  • Men over age 40 spend the most time outdoors and have the highest annual exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Information and statistics taken from The Skin Foundation  http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-stats-for-men.html

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By Debra – June 17, 2010

Keeping Your Skin Safe In The Sun – Part 4: FDA Consumer Update

Take a look at this great consumer update video from the FDA.  It’s loaded with some great tips on keeping your skin safe in the summer sun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp9ch77C56Q&cc=1

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By Debra – June 8, 2010

Keeping Your Skin Safe In The Sun – Part 3: Skin Cancer Statistics

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous, especially among young people. About 65%–90% of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light or sunlight.

The following statistics refer to new cases of, and deaths from, melanomas of the skin. Non-epithelial skin cancers, which are not reflected below, represent 7% of skin cancers that are tracked by central cancer registries. These statistics also do not include data for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, which are not tracked by central cancer registries.

In 2006,

  • 53,919 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin, 30,560 of them men and 23,359 of them women.
  • 50,518 whites, 1,068 Hispanics, 311 blacks, 170 Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 91 American Indians/Alaska Natives in the United States were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin.

That same year,

  • 8,441 people in the United States died of melanomas of the skin, 5,477 of them men and 2,964 of them women.
  • 8,250 whites, 204 Hispanics, 126 blacks, 44 Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 21 American Indians/Alaska Natives in the United States died of melanomas of the skin.

Research shows that most skin cancers can be prevented if people are protected from UV light.

*The most recent year for which statistics are currently available. Incidence counts cover approximately 96% of the U.S. population. Death counts cover 100% of the U.S. population. Use caution in comparing incidence and death counts.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for school programs to prevent skin cancer. MMWR 2002;51(No. RR-4):1–16.

U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2006 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2010. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.

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By Debra – June 3, 2010

Keeping Your Skin Safe In The Sun – Part 2: Are you at risk?

People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer. Risk factors vary for different types of skin cancer, but some general risk factors are having—

  • A lighter natural skin color.
  • Family history of skin cancer.
  • A personal history of skin cancer.
  • Exposure to the sun through work and play.
  • A history of sunburns early in life.
  • Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
  • Blue or green eyes.
  • Blond or red hair.
  • Certain types and a large number of moles.

For more information, visit the National Cancer Institute’s Skin Cancer Risk Factors.

Tanning and Burning

When ultraviolet (UV) rays reach the skin’s inner layer, the skin makes more melanin. Melanin is the pigment that colors the skin. It moves toward the outer layers of the skin and becomes visible as a tan.

A tan does not indicate good health. A tan is a response to injury, because skin cells signal that they have been hurt by the sun’s UV rays by producing more pigment.

People burn or tan depending on their skin type, the time of year, and the amount of time they have spent in the sun. The six types of skin, based on how likely it is to tan or burn, are—

  • I: Always burns, never tans, sensitive to sun exposure.
  • II: Burns easily, tans minimally.
  • III: Burns moderately, tans gradually to light brown.
  • IV: Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately brown.
  • V: Rarely burns, tans profusely to dark.
  • VI: Never burns, deeply pigmented, least sensitive.

Although everyone’s skin can be damaged by too much sunlight, people with skin types I and II are at the highest risk.

For more information about sunburn, visit Traveler’s Health: Sunburn.

References

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for school programs to prevent skin cancer. MMWR 2002;51(No. RR-4):1–16.

2National Cancer Institute. What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

3National Cancer Institute. Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ®). Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

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By Debra – May 27, 2010

Excess Amounts of Leptin Can Cause Obesity

I came accross an article this morning in PCOSA Today, that I thought may be of some interest to all of you.  Excess amounts of Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells in the body, can have a direct impact on controlling your appetite and loosing weight.  Leptin signals the brain, telling you when you are hungry, how much to eat, and when to stop eating.  Leptin levels can be controlled by making some minor adjustments to your diet.  Controlling your body weight can not only have a direct impact on your health, but also your hair growth.    http://www.pcosupport.org/newsletter/articles/article062010-2.php 

Don’t forget to come back later in the week for our summer segment: Keeping Your Skin Safe In The Sun – Part 2.

Posted in Abnormal Hormonal Conditions, Hair Removal, Laser Hair Removal, PCOS.

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By Debra – May 25, 2010