How to prevent skin cancer

“Mom, when were you born?”
“July.”
“And that’s the month they didn’t have sunscreen yet.”
He’s right – except it’s the year I was born that’s the problem. Good sunscreens weren’t invented until the 1970s. That means many of us have sun-damaged skin right now that could lead to cancer. And wrinkles – but after having Mohs surgery, wrinkles are the least of my worries. Now, it’s all about health.

I am going to tell you what my doctor, and what the latest science, has to say about repairing skin-damaged skin. I will not insult your intelligence by telling you that just because a cream costs hundreds of dollars does not mean it works any better than stuff you can buy at Walgreens. Most of you are smart enough to know that. However, there are a lot of different products on the market in every price range, and I hope this can help you make an informed choice about your own skin’s health.

I was there to have my stitches removed – it looks good they tell me. Three boys were with me through this procedure, and they mercifully behaved themselves through the very long wait. Except for the embarrassing trail of mud crumbs that fell off their shoes onto the white floor of the examining room, all was well.

Once the skin damage has been done, the number one fight against skin cancer (after sunscreen) is prescription strength Retin A or Tretinoin. This is actually an acne treatment that dries and peels the skin, thus peeling off the damaged layers of skin. In the process, it also removes wrinkles. Once you stop using the cream, the skin will just create more pre-cancerous cells. Over the counter anti-wrinkle creams contain a derivative of Retin A, called, Retinol, but it is not as strong as Retin A. Many of them do reduce the appearance of wrinkles (Oil of Olay, by the way, does just as well as expensive department store brands), but little is known about whether they actually are effective in minimizing pre-cancerous skin growth.

When you are shopping for a skin care product, look at the label for Retinol, glycolic acid and alpha hydroxyl. Derma Doctor, Audrey Kunin, M.D., Has an on-line dermatologist site with Q&A, and outlines all of the percentages of retinol, precautions and alternatives. She does have her own line of products, but her knowledge is un-biased, and she is not afraid to recommend competitor products.

However, before you buy, take a look at this. The menopause blog discusses anti-wrinkle creams, with a link to the Environmental Working Groups lists of anti-aging products.

There is also information at “natural medicine” on a variety of ingredients, such as the emollient benefits of Squalane, and RoseHip Oil, which has been used to treat scars and burns for centuries.
And if you’re looking for a simple solution, that consist of 5 ingredients found in your kitchen, try here.

Me, I don’t want to undergo Mohs surgery again. I have the perscription for Tretinoin, and I will use it twice a week on my face, arms and back.

However, I do trust Dr. Andrew Weil, Harvard Medical School graduate who also holds an degree in biology (botany) from Harvard University.
He has created his own skin line, produced by Origins. Origins also created Youthtopia™ Skin firming cream with Rhodiola. “In 8 week clinical tests, women who regularly used Youthtopia™ Skin firming cream with Rhodiola experienced a 44% reduction in the look of lines and a 61% lift in skin’s appearance.” But like my Dr. said, just because it’s been proved to reduce wrinkles does not mean it will prevent skin cancer growth. It may, but we just don’t know for sure yet.

Books to review:
Melanoma: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment; Second Edition (Yale University Press Health & Wellness)

Sun Protection For Life: Your Guide To A Lifetime Of Healthy & Beautiful Skin

What to Eat if You Have Cancer

And silly me, I had to go back today. I sliced my thumbprint right off when I was trying to open a can. I thought it would heal on it’s own, but maybe not. I went in to have it checked, and yes, I waited too long. It should have been stitched. But I did get a tetanus shot, some antibiotics, and once again, Rebecca was very kind.
Thank you.

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