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News Release
CU Dermatologists: Colorado's Summer Sun Means Better Skin Protection
Prevention, New Treatments Can Minimize Brown Spots, Wrinkles
DENVER (July 3, 2006) - Colorado boasts an above-average number of sunny days per year compared to many other states, and as such has become a popular playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From kayaking and fly fishing to skiing and snowboarding, the state offers residents and visitors year-round opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures in the Rocky Mountain West.
However, precisely because of the state's dry, high-altitude climate, skin care is even more important in Colorado than in humid, lower-lying areas of the country. Outdoor enthusiasts often are advised to don broad-brimmed hats, smooth on broad-spectrum sun screen and take other precautionary measures to protect their skin from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays - especially in summer.
"Sun exposure is one of the main causes of photoaging, or aging caused by ultraviolet radiation rays," said dermatologist Theresa Pacheco, MD, medical director and a member of a select staff of medical and surgical professionals at CU Cosmetic Specialists, a skin-care clinic managed by the University of Colorado School of Medicine's dermatology department.
Sun exposure also is a known risk factor involved in the development of skin cancer. According to a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment report issued a year ago, the incidence of melanoma - the most serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer - rose more than 30 percent in Colorado during the 1990s.
Citing a federal cancer report for the years 1999 to 2002, the Centers for Disease Control reports that 44,582 new cases of malignant melanoma were diagnosed in the United States in 2002, the most recent year for which statistics are available. That same year, melanomas of the skin claimed the lives of 7,513 Americans, according to the CDC.
On a more encouraging note, 95 percent of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can be cured if they are detected early, experts say.
Pacheco advises her patients to apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on all areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. Even better are broad-spectrum sunscreens that offer greater UVA and UVB protection. The ideal product should contain at least one of the following active ingredients: avobenzone (Parsol®), titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Pacheco tells her patients to check for them on the back labels of high-quality sunscreen products.
Moisturizers and other facial creams can offer protection from the sun, too. "Daytime moisturizers with SPF are ideal for daily use and perfect for high-altitude climates such as Colorado's," Pacheco said. "But specific sun protection products are needed for more pronounced sun exposure during outdoor activities such as golfing, skiing, swimming, and running, or anytime one's outdoor exposure is significant."
In addition, anyone spending long periods of time outdoors should reapply sunscreen liberally and regularly to ensure maximum protection, especially while enjoying water activities. Covering up can further shield the skin. Most clothing has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) in the range of 16 to 20. Polyester-cotton blends offer a higher UPF than all-cotton items of clothing of the same weave and color. Dark colors offer a higher UPF protection than lighter colors.
While prevention goes a long way to protect skin, cosmetic dermatology also can help counteract the effects of sun damage and the passage of time. Patients can choose from a broad palette of newer cosmetic procedures to smooth lines and fade spots, including Botox®, dermal fillers, peels and laser. CU Cosmetic Specialists clinic practitioners are adept at the latest and safest scientifically tested techniques and treatments to deliver state-of-the-art skin and cosmetic care to patients.
CU Cosmetic Specialists offers a gamut of dermatological, surgical, and aesthetic services provided by clinical faculty of the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. The Cherry Creek clinic's practitioners strive to be the first line of defense for skin care, and can refer patients to specialists who can address patients' other health care concerns.
Expertise. Science. Artistry. Results: For more information about CU Cosmetic Specialists, call (303) 321-0737.
University of Colorado School of Medicine faculty work to advance science and improve care as the physicians, educators and scientists at University of Colorado Hospital, The Children's Hospital, Denver Health Medical Center, National Jewish Medical and Research Center and the Veterans Administration Medical Center. The School is part of the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, one of three campuses in the University of Colorado system. For more information, visit the Web site at www.uchsc.edu or the UCDHSC Newsroom at http://www.uchsc.edu/news.