Los Angeles ophthalmologist Dr. Paul Dougherty is a clinical instructor of ophthalmology at UCLA’s Jules Stein Institute.  He published information about the irreversible damages caused to the eye by tanning beds to create awareness about these issues.  Pterygium (non-cancerous growth of the clear, thin tissue that lays over the white of the eye), cornea damage, and squamous cell cancer of the eye are all serious medical problems that can be caused by unprotected use of tanning beds.  Continued use of tanning beds without proper eye protection can cause cataracts and cornea damage.

These damages to your eyes are extremely serious and are possibly irreversible, so it’s important to know the risks you are taking when you tan without protecting your eyes.  Obviously the easiest way to avoid putting yourself at risk for these conditions is to avoid tanning beds altogether.  There are so many reasons to stay away from these hotbeds for disease that I would really suggest focusing on keeping your skin smooth instead of keeping it tan.  Use a bronzer to add a little golden glow to combat the pale skin tones of winter.

If you really feel that you must fake and bake, Dr. Dougherty recommends that you invest in high quality protective goggles and keep your eyes closed.  But why put yourself at risk?  I say that pale skin is in.

Image: Evil Erin on Flickr

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Tanning Beds Cause Irreversible Eye Damage

Physician Endorsed offers a selection of women’s sun hats that are constructed from a chemical-free cotton that provides sun protection of SPF 30.  The company was started by husband and wife team Elissa Margulies and Michael Ross to address the combination of the growing desire to protect skin from sun damage and to always look fashionable.  They have received the National Health and Wellness Seal of Approval for their products’ efforts towards protection against skin cancer.

Image: Nordstrom

The signature Physician Endorsed hat is the St. Tropez, which is currently on sale at Nordstrom in Black, Cactus, Teal Lily, White, and Pink Lemonade for $38.90 (regularly $58).  The hat is tightly woven with 100% cotton and helps to prevent skin cancer, wrinkles, and signs of aging due to sun exposure.  The wide brim provides adequate facial protection and is moldable to be personally shaped by the wearer.  The hats are also crushable so they can be easily packed for tropical vacations!

Image: Nordstrom

I am a huge fan of any product that combines encouragement of a healthy lifestyle with great fashion…so I applaud Physician Endorsed for their accomplishment!  I look forward to seeing what types of products they come up with next.

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Stylish Physician Endorsed Hats Have SPF 30

• skincancer.org
• cancer.org
• skincaf.org

Here are some other tips about how to protect yourself from the sun from around the b5media Beauty & Style Channel.

Shopaholics Daily is staying true to her word. Even though the topic is serious, she has managed to turn it into a shopping trip. She’s found 13 different items to choose from which will not only make summer fun, but will protect everyone in the family. 13 Ways to Protect Your Skin This Summer

Her Accessories proves that you can be fashionable and sun-safe with these great accessories. From sun hats to sunnies, there’s something to keep you covered this summer!

Shoe Blitz offers terrific ideas for fashionable sun protection with oversized sunglasses and floppy sun hats.

”’Makeup Minute”’ thinks Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Orb is a great way to keep sun-safe and beautiful.

Glamour Gift Guide talks about the best sunscreens to keep you protected at the beach or pool.

Manscaping 101 reminds the guys to be careful in the Sun, how to do a skin check, and includes a guest post from Sarah Scrafford, RN.

Indie Style File found some great handmade hats and organic skincare to help shield you from the sun.

Style It Less recommends Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock Faces for a light, non-greasy and mild scent face sunscreen.

Hot Mama Daily’s going to show you how to be safe in the sun, and stay fabulous!

Snarkstress gives props to two fabulous celebs who have taken a pledge to shun the sun (and spread the word), and are all the more beautiful for it.

Teen Style Lounge shares 5 Favorite Tips for Applying a Self-Tanner.

Just A Formality wants you to dress up, go out, and not ever have to worry about skin cancer or wrinkles because you protect yourself every day with SPF foundation.

eBeautyDaily fights melanoma with the purchase of Too Faced’s Love Lisa Battle Box – cosmetics for a cause!

Style Tots shows off her children wearing their favorite summer hats.

She Knows Best has a few celebrity examples on how to look good out in the golf course.

The List Maven lists a few tips including preventing skin cancer, choosing a sun hat and caring for your sunglasses.

Photo credit: Newscom

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

When heading to the beach or pool this summer, protect your skin and eyes with sunscreen, oversized sunglasses and a fabulous wide-brimmed sun hat.

There are thousands of sunscreens on the market, here are a couple of my personal favorites.

Bull Frog Superblock Sun Block
This long-lasting sunscreen lotion is one of the best for the body. It’s waterproof, sweatproof and features SPF 45. According to Bull Frog, this product even retains SPF after 80 minutes of activity in the water. You can get a 5 oz bottle for about $9 at local retailers. Right now it’s on sale at drugstore.com for $8.49. This sunscreen is a great choice for adults and kids alike. Ask your doctor about use on babies under 6 months of age.

Lancôme UV Expert 20 with MEXORYL SX
This product is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and was chosen as InStyle magazine’s Editor’s Pick for Best Suncare 2008. MEXORYL SX provides the best protection available from UVA rays. You can use this product every day on your face and body. Since it’s a moisturizing cream, you can just add it to your regular skincare routine. Get it at Nordstrom for $35.

If you want information on fashionable sunglasses and beach hats for summer, please visit one of my other blogs here at b5media – Shoe Blitz.

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Favorite Sunscreens