Recent Emory study says black children have a large vitamin D deficiancy

Low Vitamin D levels in adolescents diets have been linked to hypertension, hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome that can lead to type 2 diabetes. Medicinenet writes about Emory University's assistant professor of pediatrics Dr. Conrad R. Cole's study stating that 26% of African American children have seriously low levels of vitamin D. This is because of the increased pigmentation in African Americans skin.

Well seeing that African Americans can't change their skin color this poses a unique challenge, because in the skin care arena, we are taught to strongly limit your sun exposure. Too much exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancers, complexion issues among other issues. Lets focus on our need for vitamin D for a bit . The sun is the major source of of vitamin D. According to the Vitamin D Council our bodies process UVB rays from the sun through a process called cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol is produced in our skin when the sun hits our bare skin.

Vitamin D is turned into calcium which is used in our bodies for many important needs. Ok now lets focus on recommendation of use of sunscreens to prevent skin caners and other issues. The Canadian Center for Occupational Health & Safety states that The UVB rays from the sun that are mostly responsible for our bodies synthesis of vitamin D, causes skin cancer, aging of the skin and wrinkling.

Now the question is, Do I use sunscreen to fight off potential skin cancer, aging & wrinkling or Do I allow the sun's rays to penetrate into my skin, thereby producing much needed vitamin D. This is the constant struggle. I say be conscious of both. You only need 10 minutes of direct sun exposure to produce enough vitamin D. In the summer months you can take a short walk on your lunch break for approxiamly 10 to 15 mins. If your wearing sun screen on your face that's fine. You could make sure your arms are exposed to the sun for the 10 to 15 mins. It doesn't matter what part of your body is exposed to the sun.

It might matter if you show off too much skin on your walk... but that's a different topic for a different blog '-)

If you adapt this practice you can get your required daily dose of vitamin D while fighting off old age. If you have no time for walks then you can take vitamin D pills or drink milk or orange juice fortified with vitamin D. As a Jamaican American I use sunscreen to manage my skin complexion and health and I promote it's use to my clients. My opinion on African American adolescents low vitamin D levels is that it is probably due to their diet coupled with their natural sunscreen. I believe that too much sun exposure by any race can become problematic.

Until next time.. Love the skin you're in

Skin Chick '-)

Are topical creams and lotions polluting our environment???

The debate is on between Dermatologists& Scientists in our communities about topical cream residues getting into our environment and leaving a footprint. OMG!!! There is yet another footprint to look out for. Ok so listen I read an article from Dermatology times that says the following.

A study on pollution from active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's) has discovered that drug residues are released into the environment. It's been well known that (API's)are found in bodily waste and released into lakes, rivers and oceans trough the sewage systems and treatment plants, or when people flush unused drugs down the toilet.

This new study shows new ways (API's) enter the environment when users of topical medications like lotions, ointments, gels or skin patches-bathe, shower or wash their clothing. The co-author of this study is Dr. Ruhoy and her colleague. They identified the potential a new source of (API's)have by reviewing hundreds of studies on the metabolism and use of medications.

The researchers focused on (API's) in medications applied to the skin then washed off the body or clothes and down the drain OR are excreted through sweat glands onto clothes that are then washed. This means that steroids like cortisone and testosterone, acne medicines, antimicrobial, narcotics and other substances can enter the environment.

Dr. Ruhoy states that some active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's) in topical medications could have potentially a greater impact on the environment that API's released in bodily wastes, because topical API's released through bathing and showering are un-metabolized and at full strength. The API's released into the environment in feces and urine are at a lesser strength because they have been metabolized in the liver & kidney before being excreted.

The article in Dermatology times goes on to say lots more. I want to say that I am even more aware of how we impact our world with everything that we do. I want to be more conscious of all the decisions I make, I'm not really sure what we can do to control where the products go when we bathe or wash our clothes, however this is good food for thought.

As always, Love the skin you're in!

Skin Chick '-)

Accutane and it's side effects

Definition: Isotretinoin (Generic Name) is a powerful and effective medicine derived from vitamin A. Doctors prescribe it to treat severe acne only after other treatments have failed.

It was reported in the Seattle times that Roche officials (manufacturer) decision to withdraw Accutane reflected market pressures and the cost of lawsuits, not safety concerns?? Wow! Plaintiffs have won an estimated $33 million in judgments against Roche for bowel disorders, according to an industry publication, Dermatology Times.
Below is part of the article written in the Seattle Times.

Over it's 25 year history, Isotretinoin has been found to cause serious birth defects and possibly to increase the risk of depression and suicidal behavior. Women who take isotretinoin have to register with the government, sign a consent form saying they understand the medical risks, use two forms of birth control and submit to monthly pregnancy tests.Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A, it usually is taken daily for 3 to 6 months, accomplishing lasting improvements in 99% of patients and cure approximately 70%.

Occasionally isotretinoin is used for psoriasis, lupus and cancer. Accutane has been used by 13 million people worldwide and was one of Roche's best selling drugs with about $200 million a year in sales before it's patent expired in 2002. The drug also has been publicly and emotionally linked to an increased risk of depression, including suicides and some families of those who killed themselves have pressed the FDA for it's removal. U.S. Representative Bark Stupak, D-Michigan, whose teenage son committed suicide after taking accutane has been among them.

Below is a list of some serous side effects of Accutane aka Isotretinoin

1. Ulcerative Colitis
2. Crohn's Disease
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
4. Severe Depression
5. Suicidal thoughts
6. Birth Defects
7. Liver Damage
8. Allergic Reactions

If you want my two cents, I say find something else to manage your acne. Some people have mild enough acne that can be corrected with routine facial treatments with an Esthetician. If not ask your doctor for a different prescription. Now I have a question for you... What price are you willing to pay for beauty??

Until next time Love the skin you're in!

Skinchick '-)