September 19, 2012

Summer Is Almost Over, But Keep Wearing Your Sunscreen

William McElligott 

Why should you wear sunscreen? Because it can prevent skin cancer. If that isn't enough, this picture might seal the deal.

This is the (non-photoshopped) face of truck driver William McElligott, which was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. He has been a truck driver for 28 years, exposing the left side of his face to UVA rays which can penetrate glass windows. The asymmetry of his face demonstrates the damaging effect of the sun.

Concerning? I'd say so. While you're grabbing the sunscreen, throw on a hat too.

8 comments:

  1. Wow thats crazy....

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  2. I know, right? It's called Unilateral Dermatoheliosis. Luckily, he tested negative for skin cancer, but he is being monitored with regular screenings.

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  3. Hey there, I didn't know you had a blog. I've actually seen the effects of this among pilots. I know an AF major that wears sunscreen and his face is literally a baby-face. He looks like a dude in his early 20's. I actually try to put on sunscreen everyday now because of him (that was what he told me he did).

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    1. That's a fantastic example! Glad it got you to take care of your skin. I'm sure there's lots of UV exposure when you're flying all day at high altitudes.

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  4. Hi Charlotte, I think that this example is a bit "extreme". Sun exposure can be beneficial, (it boosts our vitamin D production), we should just not abuse it. Also, most sunscreens contain harmful ingredients that have way worse effects on our health than sun exposure.

    http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2008/06/23/time-in-the-sun-how-much-is-needed-for-vitamin-d

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  5. You're right, Lilly, sun exposure is definitely very important. We synthesize vitamin D from the sun. However, exposure to the sun should be done carefully, as it can lead to skin cancer. The best way to get sun exposure is from parts of your body that don't see the sun every single day of your life, like your face, neck and hands do. I think the legs are a perfect way to do this! Wear sunscreen on your face, neck and hands, but wear a skirt or shorts and don't put sunscreen on your calves and thighs.I talk about this concept in another post: http://frecklestotoes.blogspot.com/2011/08/anwser-to-vitamin-d-and-sunscreen.html

    And yes, conventional sunscreens have many toxic ingredients, which is why I started this blog! I have some great (clean) recommendations in my Sunscreen Guide: http://frecklestotoes.blogspot.com/2012/07/ultimate-sunscreen-guide-2012.html

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  6. This is very true that a sunscreen can prevent your skin a lot from sun burn and this picture tells the same thing so use sunscreen and prevent your skin - Best Organic Sunscreen

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    1. Yep! It's so important to take care of your skin. It's our largest organ afterall!

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