THE DANGERS OF ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT

The following article is from the Daily Mail and I'm posting this as its the time of year when people throw caution to the wind and at the first sign of sunshine lie out in it and toast themselves often without sun protection, which is crucial if you happen to have very fair skin. I've written many times about the dangers of UV light on this site follow the link below for more information on the dangers of UV light.

http://www.astridestella.info/2012/06/its-that-time-of-year-again-please-take.html#.U59UhxYwjwI

Teacher, 30, told the mole on his back was nothing to worry about is dying from more than 50 tumours which have now spread to his brain and heart

Series of failures by medics leaves father-of-one with terminal cancer

Father Jordi Akhurst spotted mole on his back in 2007 and went to GP

But hospital dermatologist twice told him there was nothing wrong

After doctor removed it 'as a favour' Mr Akhurst was found to have cancer

Following scans, experts then missed disease when it spread to his heart

He is now on 'last resort' drug and hoping to be given access to trials

Jordi Akhurst, 30, has been left with more than 50 tumours around his body after doctors dismissed his concerns about a mole on his back

A teacher has been left with terminal cancer after doctors refused to remove a suspicious mole from his back for nine months.

Jordi Akhurst, 30, sought medical help after spotting the worrying blemish on his skin - but was repeatedly told there was nothing wrong.

Over the next six months, the spot started to bleed and crack but a dermatologist insisted it was benign.

His GP finally agreed to remove the mole because of Mr Akhurst's worries and sent off samples for routine analysis.

Within days the father-of-one's worst fears were confirmed when hospital staff broke the news that he had skin cancer.

The cancer has since spread to his brain, heart, adrenal glands and lymph nodes, leaving him with more than 50 tumours around his body.

Experts say spotting the disease as early as possible is key to surviving cancer but Mr Akhurst, dad to a five-year-old son, Luca, says experts repeatedly botched his diagnosis.

The maths teacher, from Plymouth, Devon, said: 'I started going to the doctor about a mole on my back in 2007.

'My GP said they don't remove them anymore and I was referred to a dermatologist at Derriford Hospital [in Plymouth] who said there was nothing wrong with it and he would leave it and see how it went.

'Three months later all the original problems were still there. It kept bleeding and it was bleeding so often it wouldn't be long before there was a blood mark on my shirt and I would have to change.

'This was happening every day. I wasn't too worried - it was more annoying than anything else.

'Six months later the dermatologist said it seemed unchanged and it was all fine.'

Mr Akhurst wasn't happy with the diagnosis and went back to his doctor, who once more referred him to a dermatologist.

Mr Akhurst shows the scar left from the removal of the original mole which doctors dismissed

He said: 'I went back to my GP after nine months because I wasn't happy and I wanted it taking off.

'She referred me to the dermatologist again and he was quite insistent he wasn't going to remove it.

'It was black, raised, cracked and bleeding - you don't have to be an expert in skin cancer to know something wasn't right.

'I wasn't panicked at all. I just thought it was a case of getting rid of it.

'I'm 30 and have a terminal illness - it's all very well if you're 70 but I was hoping for another 40 years of life ahead of me.'

Cancer sufferer Jordi Akhurst

'My GP ended up removing it as a favour. They're obliged to send it away for tests and a week later I had a phone call from the hospital in a complete state of panic.

'I went in and was put in a room with a few people who were extremely apologetic, including a specialist cancer nurse and the dermatologist, who I haven't seen since.

'At the time my son was being born so I just wanted anything that needed to happen to happen so I could get on with my life.'

Nine months after his original visit to the GP, Mr Akhurst was finally admitted for surgery on his back.

He said: 'They did the first operation and they weren't happy with the lesions and felt there was more they could have chopped out.

'I had a second and then third operation. They kept having to open up the scar and search for more and more.

'I went from being told there was nothing wrong to having this giant scar. In the following months I went for check ups but I felt they were quite brief and a bit useless.'

A dermatologist at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital said there was nothing wrong with the original mole

After the three operations in 2007 to remove the infected tissue, Mr Akhurst hoped he had beaten the disease, but in January last year he noticed some new lumps.

By the time the results came back on April 15 last year it had reached his adrenal glands, which are at the top of the kidneys and his lymph nodes.

REGIONAL THREAT - SKIN CANCER RISKS IN THE SOUTH WEST

Figures show there are around 10,000 new cases of skin cancer every year and it's the fastest growing cancer for 18 to 30-year-olds.

One in four diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of the disease, do not survive beyond five years.

Mr Akhurst's plight emerged after shock figures revealed that the number of new cases in Devon and Cornwall is double the UK average.

According to a new campaign from Public Health England (PHE) you are twice as likely to fall prey to the disease if you live in the two counties.

But the heath group is urging anyone who spots anything strange on their skin to see their GP.

PHE centre director, Professor Debra Lapthorne, said: 'The campaign message is clear, if you notice any unusual or persistent changes to your skin, you should visit your doctor.'

He was diagnosed as being Stage 4 - which is terminal.

Mr Akhurst was given pneumotherapy, which he said was hailed as a 'wonder drug', but didn't well respond to the treatment.

The Bristol University classics graduate added: 'I was going up to the hospital every three weeks for four months and being put on a drip.

'Even though it didn't work I felt well enough to carry on with my job and my day to day life.

'They left me for two to three months to see how I was and after a scan they found the cancer had spread to my heart.

'Doctors told me it was untreatable and any treatment would leave a hole in my heart. They said the tumour was new and it had grown quickly.

'I had a specialist heart scan and it found the tumour wasn't new - it had been missed on previous scans and was actually treatable.

'Despite all this I was still well, but I became ill in February this year. I was behaving quite strangely and couldn't do simple things like use my phone.

'I found out I had 10 new brain tumours so the disease had progressed quite severely.'

Mr Akhurst is now taking Zelboraf - the last of the licensed drugs he is able to take.

If he doesn't respond after six months he will try to take part in clinical trials to be able to use unlicensed treatments.

He said: 'It is very toxic and doesn't make you feel great. After this six months there is no more treatment. The best case scenario is that by the time I stop responding I would be put on a drug trial.'

Mr Akhurst is now urging anyone who sees something unusual on their skin to see their doctor. 

He added: 'I would be very happy to take part in trials. They said I have between one and five years when I was diagnosed in April last year.

'I'm 30 and have a terminal illness - it's all very well if you're 70 but I was hoping for another 40 years of life ahead of me.

'I didn't realise it would spread to where it has or so aggressively and quickly.

'I was quite resentful to be honest - there's a slight injustice in it. I know people are dying of cancer all over the world but when you're 30 you think you have lots of time left.

'There's nothing I did to contribute to it. I didn't sun worship or get burnt.

'I want people to know that skin cancer exists. I had a mole and I had it removed and I really thought that was as far as it would go.

'I don't want to be an anti-sun bed person and they're not part of my story but if people could think twice about using them and use sun cream - whether it's factor five or 50 - just think about it and use some protection.' 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2658914/Teacher-30-told-mole-worry-dying-50-tumours-spread-brain-heart.html#ixzz34pp07suM
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THE SUN AND WRINKLES

Yet another article to reinforce what I have been saying about the connection of aging and UV light.

SKIN CARE THE EFFECTS OF UV LIGHT
The effects of ultra-violet on the skin are a mixed blessing!

Some is beneficial, necessary for the formation of vitamin D, some is harmful. Much of what happens to the skin as a result of ultra-violet light is the result of the skin trying to protect itself and the body inside from the harmful effects of an excess of the rays; the skin is quite effective at preventing the rays penetrating deeply into the body.

The Stratum Corneum is a major factor in this prevention (see diagram below)

Reflection of rays by layers of the Stratum Corneum

The Stratum Corneum is maintained at such a thickness that with the ‘usual’ intensity of ultra-violet falling on it, very little passes through and no damage is caused to the live cells beneath. The Stratum Corneum of exposed parts of skin such as the face, neck and hands will be thicker than those parts normally covered by clothing.

However, exposure to higher than normal intensities of ultra-violet will allow sufficient rays to pass through the epidermis possibly to cause damage to the living cells underneath.


Penetration of Ultra-Violet Rays into the Skin

In a skin, which has active melanocytes producing melanin pigment granules, this extra ultra-violet will develop the colour of this melanin, resulting in a Tan.

But not everyone’s skin is in such a state of readiness; their melanocytes may be inactive, as a result damage will be caused to the live cells. The result reddening, discomfort, may be even blisters and peeling i.e. Sunburn.

Regardless, more UVB rays will penetrate to the Stratum Germinativum to stimulate its dividing cells into greater activity, this will produce new epidermal cells at a more rapid rate and this will eventually thicken the Stratum Corneum, thus helping to reflect UV rays.

The general increase in the skin’s metabolism reflects throughout the body in creating ‘a feeling of well-being’.
The physical, physiological and psychological effects of Ultra-Violet

Beneficial effects:
    •    Vitamin D production
    •    Stimulation of Metabolism
    •    Tonic Effect
    •    Has slight Germicidal effect on the skin
    •    Causes hyperkeratinisation (thickening described as above), which is thought to help with some skin conditions such as Acne Vulgaris and Psoriasis.

Screening responses against excess:
    •    Suntanning
    •    The irritant effect of sunburn
    •    The thickening effect of the Stratum Corneum

Damaging effects:


    •    Short term – Sunburn
    •    ***Long term – Premature aging, thickens the epidermis giving a ‘leathery’ appearance, irreversibly damages Collagen and Elastin fibres, causes dehydration, can cause allergic reactions, can produce dark pigmentation patches; Skin Cancer.

Vitamin D Production

A normal varied diet including dairy produce will supply all the vitamin D required; however through sunshine the vitamin may be made in the body with the help of ultra-violet.

In the body there are two substances, which can be converted into vitamin D, these precursor substances are 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol. When vitamin D is required these substances are moved to exposed skin where using ultra-violet energy these substances are converted to Vitamin D.

The potential for making vitamin d in the skin is so enormous that merely exposing the face for less than an hour on an overcast December day will make all that is required for the day, the body is able to regulate this however so a days long sunbathing will not cause over production.




Article below from the DAILY MAIL

Blame the sun for your visible wrinkles: UV rays account for 80 per cent of skin ageing

• Exposure to sunlight is to blame for a majority of skin aging
• Research show that the effect of UV rays on skin increases with age

The sun is responsible for the vast majority of visible ageing, according to new research – another reason  to slather on the sun screen all year round.
UV rays accounted for  80 per cent of skin ageing, including wrinkles, in a study of almost 300 women – half sun-worshippers and half  shy of the sun.
The study also found that a two per cent increase in  skin damage ages a face by three years.

Blame it on the sunshine: UV rays are responsible for 80 per cent of your skin's visible ageing

Long-term UV exposure  can also lead to pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity and a degradation of skin texture, including yellowing.
Various other factors can also change the skin’s appearance and structure, including gravity, the  natural ageing process, pollution, diet, tobacco, illness and stress.
But in the study, reported  in the medical journal Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, researchers wanted to calculate for the first time the effect of sunlight alone.
Dermatologists examined the faces of 298 women, aged 30 to 78, with 12 experts studying photographs of individual faces on a screen.

Cover up: The sun's damage on the skin increases with age

Another panel of  volunteers also viewed the women’s faces and estimated their age.
The results show that the effect of UV exposure increases with age. Significant differences  were seen in wrinkles and skin-texture quality after  the age of 50, with the  sun-seekers looking older than their real age.
The researchers worked out what they call a ‘sun damage percentage’ and calculated that the sun is responsible for 80.3 per cent of skin ageing.
They also found that  women with 80 per cent damage look their age, while those who have 82 per cent damage look about three years older, and those with  78 per cent damage appear three years younger.
The researchers, from L’Oreal Research and Innovation Center, Paris, said: ‘Our study confirms  the accountability of sun exposure in premature ageing of the face.
‘Our comparison between two groups of women, whose sun behaviour was different, has allowed us to clearly demonstrate the effect of  UV exposure.’
However, the researchers added that sagging in older faces is likely to be linked to the long-term effects of gravity.
Dr Richard Warren, senior clinical lecturer and consultant dermatologist at the University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘It is very hard to distinguish accurately between intrinsic [natural] ageing and extrinsic [environmental] ageing, and this study goes some way to addressing the specific impact of the sun on skin.
‘Effective use of sunscreens will not only limit extrinsic skin ageing but will also reduce skin cancer risk.’

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HALLELUJAH FINALLY IT'S SINKING IN WHAT AGES A WOMAN'S SKIN

Hallelujah haven't I been saying this for years.


THIS ISN'T A CONVENTIONAL BEAUTY BLOG SO I AM NOT GOING INTO PRODUCTS OR EVEN ROUTINES BUT RATHER TACKLING THE INNER CORE AND DEALING WITH THE REAL CAUSES OF SKIN DAMAGE

THE BASICS: UNDERSTANDING HOW THE ENVIRONMENT AND STRESS AFFECTS THE SKIN

Under the 'Stress section' I talked about how stress hormones such as Adrenalin and Cortisone affect the skin, if you recall Adrenalin reduces the nourishment delivered by the blood stream by directing the blood flow away from the extremities to the heart, lungs and muscles, so the skin and hair wont be so well nourished. Cortisone damages the fibrocytes, these are specialised cells within the Dermis that produce collagen and elastin and it is collagen and elastin that provides support and elasticity within the skin, akin to the foam and springs in a mattress. When we are young our skin is plump and elastic but through use from normal facial movements, the downward pull of gravity, the collagen and elastin tends to bunch together just like the stuffing in a well used mattress. Now if we undergo stress for a considerable period as these fibrocytes become damaged due to the action of Cortisol so the skin will loose its support structure, its elasticity will suffer and it wont spring back to shape like it used to, like spent elastic. Cell renewal will suffer due to the reduced blood supply there wont be adequate nourishment and the skin will take on a greyer pallor and it will loose its healthy rosy glow.

Now there is another aspect to this equation, the action of Ultra Violet Light from the sun and of course sunbeds. The sun produces three types of UV Light UVA UVB and UVC. The Earth's ozone layer blocks 97-99% of this UV radiation from penetrating through the atmosphere. Of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, 98.7% is UVA (UVC and more energetic radiation is responsible for the generation of the ozone layer, and formation of the ozone there). Now I don't want to get to technical here and want to focus on UVA and UVB. UVB can only penetrate down through the skin to the dermis and is responsible for burning but UVA is able to penetrate down through the dermis and like Cortisol damages the Fibrocytes, those little cells that plump up our skin and give it elasticity.

One of the best places on our bodies to see the affects of gravity and demishing collagen and elastin especially on women is on the thighs often referred to as 'Cellulite'.

Because we are composed of 70% water, water is an important component of the skin, therefore it important we drink adequate water to keep ourselves hydrated. Don't wait until you feel thirsty before you reach for that drink, it is much better to sip water at regular intervals as we are constantly loosing water through bodily processes.


THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND DRUGS ON THE SKIN



TYPICAL SMOKERS SKIN (NOTE THE PURSE LINES)

Everything in moderation is something to bear in mind when it comes to food and drink and that includes alcohol, but alcohol is a toxin and the liver has to work hard to break it down. The occasional drink is not going to have too much effect on the skin but it does cause the peripheral circulation to dilate and one of the characteristic signs of too much alcohol is the appearance of broken capillaries across the face, There are other causes of broken capillaries, sometimes, it's hereditary but often caused by sudden changes in temperature i.e. going from very warm central heated homes to going outdoors without protecting the skin or driving in cars with the heater blasting against the face. Squeezing spots is another cause. Too much alcohol is a depressant too, so you may feel rather jolly at the time but you are sure to come back down to earth with a bump.

Many common prescribed drugs have an effect on the skin its something to be aware of many drugs such as diuretics will cause a loss of moisture so forewarned you take extra care to apply a good moisturiser to help counteract this effect.

Recreational drugs obviously will have an effect on the skin too with many of them toxic to the body and anything that diverts the body to spend time detoxifying obviously takes energy away from repairing and maintaining the body. This is not a blog that discusses drugs I am sure readers will already know the dangers of such substances.



HEALTHY LUNGS


Smoking is one of the worst abuses you can do to your body, firstly because of its direct effect affect on the lungs, it impairs the uptake and absorption of oxygen and of course all cells in the body require oxygen in order to function normally. The nicotine as well as being addictive is a powerful vasoconstrictor therefore it reduces blood flow to the peripheral circulation so the skin and hair are going to suffer. So as well as impairing oxygen uptake and reducing blood flow to the skin, the body is also having to use its resources dealing with all the toxins also inhaled. Poorly nourished skin means it cannot repair itself adequately. Smoking also leads to more wrinkling, those little purse string lines around the mouth and crows feet caused by the smoke further research has proven that smoking causes the skin to age ten years.


ARTICLE FROM THE DAILY MAIL BELOW

How sunbeds, smoking and not eating enough fruit can age a woman's skin by TEN YEARS

• 'Lifestyle choices' account for 33 per cent of how old a woman looks
• Researchers carried out study on 585 woman in UK, China and Spain
• Team asked women a series of questions about their lifestyles

A new study has found lifestyle choices can account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks

Living an unhealthy lifestyle can age a woman’s skin by over ten years, an in-depth international study has revealed.
The true damage caused by sun beds, smoking and a lack of fruit and moisturisation in accelerating the ageing process emerged following research on 585 women in the UK, China and Spain.
The study, published yesterday, showed the factors influencing their skin were the same even taking into account the backgrounds and skin type of the women involved.
It also emerged 'lifestyle choices' often account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks.
Dr Andrew Mayes, who led the study for Simple skincare, said: 'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles.
'Even we were surprised by just how much it was; both in terms of the number of years and the percentage.'
The study which was carried out over the last eight years involved women aged 45 to 75 in the UK, 30 to 70 in Spain and 25 to 70 in China.
Study sites with controlled laboratory conditions were established in Bedford in the UK, Madrid in Spain and Shanghai in China.
Those who took part were asked a string of questions about their lifestyles including whether or not they liked to sun tan and if they were smokers or non-smokers.
Other questions included how often the women moisturised, whether they eat fruit and veg, whether they brush their teeth and if they have all their own teeth.
The research team also took digital images of the women which were then assessed for how old they looked to identify their perceived age and whether they looked younger or older than their actual age.

The study, which was carried out over the last eight years, asked women questions about their lifestyle, including whether or not they smoked

Those taking part in the research were also asked whether or not they liked to sun tan and how often they moisturised

The research team, led by Dr Mayes, then compared the perceived ages of those with good versus bad lifestyles.
They concluded the difference was 10.4 years.

'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles'
- Dr Andrew Mayes

Dr Mayes added: 'The number of years' difference was most staggering - we had just seen some data out of a group of plastic surgeons in the US and Canada suggesting that a face and neck lift (together with eyelid and forehead modifications) could take an average of about 8.5 years off your facial age.
'Then we got our data through demonstrating a saving of over 10 years. It’s fair to say at first we couldn’t quite believe it.
'But the evidence was there in front of us - women with a healthy lifestyle looked much younger than those with an unhealthy lifestyle.
'Simply put; good skin health is about more than fancy creams and lotions - it’s about how we live our lives and how we treat our bodies and the steps we need to take do not need to be extreme.
'They can be small and steady and the effects will be seen over time without the need for plastic surgery.'

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IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! PLEASE TAKE CARE

It's this time of year again when we go crazy when we see that big golden ball shining in the sky, albeit in my part of the world anyway and being of Celtic origin (I'm lucky not to have typical Celtic colouring) my kinsfolk like to take full advantage of lying in the sun. However the skin in the upper northern hemisphere has evolved such that does not have the same protection as those of who have evolved of living in sunnier climates. As a result it's not unusual here to see copious cases of sunburn. Some sun is beneficial to us and to understand what advantages and disadvantages the sun has you need to know how the largest organ in the body works.

HOW THE SKIN WORKS

The basics so you will understand how the skin works. The skin is comprised of 3 layers, the Epidermis the layer you can see, the Dermis the true skin and the subcutaneous. Cosmetics only work on the Epidermis and you can see how deep it is, if you have ever experienced a blister. A blister is caused when friction causes the Epidermis and the Dermis to separate and the fluid within the blister is lymph. The Epidermis has no nerve endings or blood supply that is why removing the top layer of a blister is not painful, not to be recommended though as it exposes the Dermis which is rich in nerves and a blood supply to infection.

The skin  has several functions to secrete sebum that oily substance on your skin, this is to help keep the skin moisturised by trapping moisture and forming a barrier together with sweat known as the 'Acid Mantle' The Acid Mantle is slightly acidic and acts as a Bacteriastat to inhibit bacteria. The skin secretes sebum via the sebaceous glands within the hair follicles and sweat via theEndocrine glands (there are another type of sweat glands know as Apocrineglands these are found in the axillary and pubic regions unlike Endocrine sweat bacteria act on Apocrine sweat quickly and this causes the characteristic Body Odour, these glands only become active after puberty and have a role to play inpheromones)

Our body temperature is regulated by the skin this is due to the  peripheral circulation either dilating to bring blood to the extremities of the body like the skin causing flushing to help loose some of the heat and also by sweating for as the sweat evaporates heat rises with it. The opposite happens when its cold the body conserves heat to vital organs more important than the skin, giving a more white/bluish appearance and may even induce shivering. At the base of everyhair follicle there is a tiny cilary muscle when its cold and we start to shiver this muscle contracts causing the hair to stand up trapping a layer of air next to the skin, giving the appearance of goosebumps. Within the Dermis there aresensory nerves that detect temperature. We also have an insulatory layer of fat in the subcutaneous. 

Our skin is waterproof so absorbs very little, the only things that can permeate the skin are medications, this includes patches such as Nicotine  and HRT and Essential oils (see Aromatherapy articles on Blog) COSMETICS CAN NOT.Do not believe the hype and sales talk ladies if it could be absorbed by the skin you you have to go to your Doctor for it and it would need to be licensed as a Medicine.

Our Skin is protected by sensory nerves that alert us to pain, pressure, touch, heat and cold, it is waterproof largely impermeable except to the substances above, fairly tough and it with its layer of fat below the dermis in the subcutaneous layer keeps us warm, protects our organs and bones, gives us shape. As fore mentioned the Acid Mantle helps protect from bacteria as bacterial growth is inhibited in its slightly acid environment. Melanocytesspecial little cells in the dermis increase as a result of UV light and give us tanning, the epidermis also thickens to help protect our skin. Also in the skin are mast cells and when they are damaged, they produce histomine, it gives the characteristic itching a weals associated by allergies, its function is to stimulate blood to the skin to repair and maintain it. However with allergies the body is hypersensitive producing this effect.

The skin also excretes some toxins through sweat but this is very very minimal, so do not believe the hype of some sales people who will suggest you have a detoxifying foot bath that will rid you of toxins as it changes the water to a dirty brown colour. Again this is sheer hype and nonsense for if ridding the body of toxins was that easy we wouldn't have a need for Dialysis Machines for those suffering kidney failure. It is the Liver, Kidneys and large Intestine that detoxify us.

Vitamin D is also formed in the skin as a result of the action of UV light acting on 7-dehydrocholesterol present in the skin, so everything in moderation we do need some sunlight.

SKIN CARE THE EFFECTS OF UV LIGHT

The effects of ultra-violet on the skin are a mixed blessing!

Some is beneficial, necessary for the formation of vitamin D, some is harmful. Much of what happens to the skin as a result of ultra-violet light is the result of the skin trying to protect itself and the body inside from the harmful effects of an excess of the rays; the skin is quite effective at preventing the rays penetrating deeply into the body.

The Stratum Corneum is a major factor in this prevention (see diagram below)

Reflection of rays by layers of the Stratum Corneum

The Stratum Corneum is maintained at such a thickness that with the ‘usual’ intensity of ultra-violet falling on it, very little passes through and no damage is caused to the live cells beneath. The Stratum Corneum of exposed parts of skin such as the face, neck and hands will be thicker than those parts normally covered by clothing.

However, exposure to higher than normal intensities of ultra-violet will allow sufficient rays to pass through the epidermis possibly to cause damage to the living cells underneath.

Penetration of Ultra-Violet Rays into the Skin

In a skin, which has active melanocytes producing melanin pigment granules, this extra ultra-violet will develop the colour of this melanin, resulting in a Tan.

But not everyone’s skin is in such a state of readiness; their melanocytes may be inactive, as a result damage will be caused to the live cells. The result reddening, discomfort, may be even blisters and peeling i.e. Sunburn.

Regardless, more UVB rays will penetrate to the Stratum Germinativum to stimulate its dividing cells into greater activity, this will produce new epidermal cells at a more rapid rate and this will eventually thicken the Stratum Corneum, thus helping to reflect UV rays.

The general increase in the skin’s metabolism reflects throughout the body in creating ‘a feeling of well-being’.

The physical, physiological and psychological effects of Ultra-Violet

Beneficial effects:

• Vitamin D production
• Stimulation of Metabolism
• Tonic Effect
• Has slight Germicidal effect on the skin
• Causes hyperkeratinisation (thickening described as above), which is thought to help with some skin conditions such as Acne Vulgaris and Psoriasis.

Screening responses against excess:

• Suntanning
• The irritant effect of sunburn
• The thickening effect of the Stratum Corneum

Damaging effects:

• Short term – Sunburn
• ***Long term – Premature aging, thickens the epidermis giving a ‘leathery’ appearance, irreversibly damages Collagen and Elastin fibres, causes dehydration, can cause allergic reactions, can produce dark pigmentation patches; Skin Cancer.

Vitamin D Production

A normal varied diet including dairy produce will supply all the vitamin D required; however through sunshine the vitamin may be made in the body with the help of ultra-violet.

In the body there are two substances, which can be converted into vitamin D, these precursor substances are 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol. When vitamin D is required these substances are moved to exposed skin where using ultra-violet energy these substances are converted to Vitamin D.

The potential for making vitamin d in the skin is so enormous that merely exposing the face for less than an hour on an overcast December day will make all that is required for the day, the body is able to regulate this however so a days long sunbathing will not cause over production.

***How too much sun and UV light damages and ages the skin

So a little is good for us but too much has the opposite, sadly skin cancer is on the increase, we always think it won't happen to us, no matter what colour our skin is we can burn albeit the palest skins burn the easiest.

There are two types of skin cancer, a slower growing type often known as a rodent ulcer (basal cell carcinoma), this tends to be found across the cheek bones and under the eyes and on the nose and can be successfully treated since it is relatively slow growing. However the deadliest type of skin cancer is the malignant melanoma 

Types of malignant melanoma

Skin cancer is broadly classed as either non-melanoma, accounting for about 90 per cent of cases, or melanoma, which is generally faster-growing.

These cancers grow from the layer of melanocytes – cells that produce pigment that protects the body from sun damage – below the surface of the skin.

If not caught early, the cancerous cells can quickly grow deeper into the layers of the skin, and then into the blood vessels and lymph channels (tiny tubes that carry lymph fluid, part of the immune system, around the body).

At this point, melanoma cells may travel to other parts of the body, causing tumours elsewhere, known as metastasis. In the early stages, treatment involves surgery and sometimes radiotherapy. More than 90 per cent of these cases are curable. However, patients whose cancer has spread rarely survive longer than a year.

Symptoms of melanoma include moles growing bigger, having irregular edges, or changing shape. Lesions that bleed, itch, crust over or are pink should also be checked by a specialist, as should moles that have at least two different colours or grow darker.

Use the chart above and if you suspect any changes to you skin don't be afraid to go and see your doctor, it could save your life.

Above all treat the sun with respect and common sense, know your limits for your skin type and don't allow yourself to burn for it's better to be pale and interesting than leathery and deadly

Maggie Brown (Author)

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SKIN CARE THE EFFECTS OF UV LIGHT

The effects of ultra-violet on the skin are a mixed blessing!

Some is beneficial, necessary for the formation of vitamin D, some is harmful. Much of what happens to the skin as a result of ultra-violet light is the result of the skin trying to protect itself and the body inside from the harmful effects of an excess of the rays; the skin is quite effective at preventing the rays penetrating deeply into the body.

The Stratum Corneum is a major factor in this prevention (see diagram below)

Reflection of rays by layers of the Stratum Corneum

The Stratum Corneum is maintained at such a thickness that with the ‘usual’ intensity of ultra-violet falling on it, very little passes through and no damage is caused to the live cells beneath. The Stratum Corneum of exposed parts of skin such as the face, neck and hands will be thicker than those parts normally covered by clothing.

However, exposure to higher than normal intensities of ultra-violet will allow sufficient rays to pass through the epidermis possibly to cause damage to the living cells underneath.

Penetration of Ultra-Violet Rays into the Skin

In a skin, which has active melanocytes producing melanin pigment granules, this extra ultra-violet will develop the colour of this melanin, resulting in a Tan.

But not everyone’s skin is in such a state of readiness; their melanocytes may be inactive, as a result damage will be caused to the live cells. The result reddening, discomfort, may be even blisters and peeling i.e. Sunburn.

Regardless, more UVB rays will penetrate to the Stratum Germinativum to stimulate its dividing cells into greater activity, this will produce new epidermal cells at a more rapid rate and this will eventually thicken the Stratum Corneum, thus helping to reflect UV rays.

The general increase in the skin’s metabolism reflects throughout the body in creating ‘a feeling of well-being’.

The physical, physiological and psychological effects of Ultra-Violet

Beneficial effects:

• Vitamin D production
• Stimulation of Metabolism
• Tonic Effect
• Has slight Germicidal effect on the skin
• Causes hyperkeratinisation (thickening described as above), which is thought to help with some skin conditions such as Acne Vulgaris and Psoriasis.

Screening responses against excess:

• Suntanning
• The irritant effect of sunburn
• The thickening effect of the Stratum Corneum

Damaging effects:

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• Short term – Sunburn
• ***Long term – Premature aging, thickens the epidermis giving a ‘leathery’ appearance, irreversibly damages Collagen and Elastin fibres, causes dehydration, can cause allergic reactions, can produce dark pigmentation patches; Skin Cancer.

Vitamin D Production

A normal varied diet including dairy produce will supply all the vitamin D required; however through sunshine the vitamin may be made in the body with the help of ultra-violet.

In the body there are two substances, which can be converted into vitamin D, these precursor substances are 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol. When vitamin D is required these substances are moved to exposed skin where using ultra-violet energy these substances are converted to Vitamin D.

The potential for making vitamin d in the skin is so enormous that merely exposing the face for less than an hour on an overcast December day will make all that is required for the day, the body is able to regulate this however so a days long sunbathing will not cause over production.

***How too much sun and UV light damages and ages the skin

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