Sun Protection for Outdoor Workers

Every year thousands of people spend long days working in the sun. If you or a loved one work in the sun, you need to know the facts. Those who work outdoors or those who spend their summer days outdoors are prime candidates for developing not only unattractive brown skin lesions but also actinic keritosis and skin cancer.  The reality is the longer you are exposed to the sun, the higher the risk for developing some form of skin cancer. 

Every year more than 3.5 MILLION cases of basal and squamous cell cancers are diagnosed. Although not fatal, the treatment is uncomfortable and can be disfiguring. Melanoma is the cancer that kills.  In 2014 there are expected to be over 76,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed. From these there will be over 9700 deaths. This is very sad considering skin cancers are very preventable. 

Wearing loose fitting or UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing and or hats.  Each year more of these products are available on the market so there are a lot of choices.  If you feel you cannot afford to protect yourself with this consider the cost, both financial and physical, of developing skin cancer. Another option might be to put up some sort of canopy over the work area - not an easy thing for say the construction industry but industry has overcome bigger challenges.  

The other big thing is to use SPF daily and have it available to re-apply several times as needed to protect a burn or replace that which has lost its effectiveness due to perspiration or rubbing.  Shop around and find one that doesn't have any greasy feel and is easy to apply - two big complaints.  Those that work outdoors need to reapply every two hours. Web MD notes that the spray form is flammable so should not be applied while smoking or near heat or an open flame. 

Those you love may grouse over these recommendations, but the life they can protect and save is their own.

For more about sunscreens, visit our webpage: http://www.estheticsnw.com/sunscreens.htm

Dynamic Duo for Acne

ENW's Ultimate Scrub is a popular gentle way to fight skin problems.  It is a less irritating scrub than products with stripping agents, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid or vitamin A.  Depending on your skin, use Ultimate Scrub two to five times weekly.  For some people this isn't quite enough but harsh acne products irritate their skin.  Try ENW's  Zinc & Sulfur Mask.  The Zinc & Sulfur mask is a clay base to absorb excess oil.  Zinc is an excellent healing agent and the sulfur helps destroy the bacteria that causes acne breakouts.

Use tips:
1) Oily skin?  Apply a coat of the mask when you get up in the morning.  Let it sit for 5 minutes - good time for a quick 5 minute workout (dancing, walking, stretching all good).  Now take your shower and use the Ultimate Scrub to assist in removal.  Your skin will feel smoother and non-oily longer during the day. Ladies will find makeup goes on nicer using this technique.

2) Hormonal spots or a deeper painful bump?  Apply a little Zinc and Sulfur mask directly on the spot.  Let dry. Now put an ice cube in a baggie and hold it directly over the problem area for 3-5 minutes.  Do this for a day or two and the inflammation will be greatly reduced and it may even resolve without ever coming to the surface. Using a little Ultimate Scrub will facilitate removal of the mask.

3) Out of control breakout?  Try applying Zinc and Sulfur mask to the problem area (this works great for backs or chest).  While it is still damp, apply a layer of plastic wrap over the mask.  As the mask dries it will help hold the plastic in place.  Now catch some zzzs.  Wearing a t-shirt or other night shirt can help keep the plastic from shifting.  In the morning, shower off using Ultimate Scrub to facilitate removal.

Note: Sun exposure does not improve acne.  It just darkens the skin making the redness show less. But it can also dry the skin entrapping impactions.  Sun exposure will also give you early wrinkles, brown spots and increase the risk of skin cancer.  Pick a sun care product designed for your type of skin.  For oily or problem skins I recommend Mark Lees Essential Daily Protection.  For intensive sun exposure try TiZo.