Nail salons under scrutiny for high levels of air pollutants

Researchers at the Cancer Prevention Institute of California recently found that nail salons have alarming levels of airborne volatile organic compounds, which may be toxic and pose serious health risks for nail technicians and employees.

Published in the American Journal of Public Health, the study revealed that the air in many nail salons contains more than double the amount of toluene deemed safe by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

“Many workers are experiencing health symptoms related to the chemicals we measured in this study,” said lead author Thu Quach.

As a result of these findings, advocacy groups in California have begun asking legislators to implement policies that would protect the health of salon workers.

The cosmetic industry is rife with dangerous chemicals that are marketed as being safe and effective. For example, skin lightening chemical hydroquinone is still somewhat prevalent in fade creams for African Americans, despite its possibly carcinogenic effects.

This study suggests that consumers should seek skin care products made with natural ingredients in an effort to cut back on their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, such as toluene and hydroquinone.  

UK study reveals inadequate sunscreen usage

Skincare company La Roche-Posay conducted a survey in the UK which revealed that more than one-third of Brits do not use sunscreen while in the notoriously gray-skied country.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so the company is reminding individuals of the importance of using sunscreen that contains ultra violet-blocking SPF, even on cool or sunless days.

"In countries like Australia who have hot weather all year round, high-factor sun protection is a part of life and a daily event. The unpredictable nature of British weather at this time of year means that people may not appreciate the intensity of the sun and may still get sunburned," said dermatologist Jonathan Bowling.

Results of the survey also showed that about 13 percent of Britons never use sunscreen, even when on tropical vacations. About one-quarter of the surveyed respondents reported getting a sunburn within the last year, and 9 percent said that they got burned on a cool day.

Moreover, it seems as though many are just uninformed when it comes to skin care products. About 86 percent said they were unaware of what UVA or UVB rays are, and more than half said they would ask a pharmacist for sunscreen advice, as opposed to a dermatologist.  

Sun protection is necessary, even for African American skin

The sun might be considered to be the arch-enemy of healthy, beautiful skin.

Although the sun helps humans produce Vitamin D, its ultraviolet (UV) rays can wreak havoc on the skin. According to Penn Medicine, UV rays can penetrate the body's layers and damage or kill skin cells, which can cause lesions as well as premature aging of the skin.

Due to their high levels of skin pigment, called melatonin, many African Americans do not purchase sunscreen products for black skin. A 2010 study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine reveals that only about 31 percent of African American adults use at least one form of sun protection, while 63 percent of respondents said that they never use UV blockers.

There are many ways in which individuals can maintain young, healthy-looking skin. MMegi Online reports that staying away from cigarettes is important because the smoke weakens the skin's natural defenses against outside threats, such as UV rays.

In addition, the news provider said that a healthy, natural diet of fruits and vegetables provides the nutrients that a body needs to fend off wrinkles.

Moisturizers are a must for wrinkle-free skin, according to the news source. African Americans who wish to maintain their youthful glow may want to pick up some moisture-boosting black skin products. 

FDA approves new method for spider vein removal

Laser treatments to eliminate spider veins have been known to cause irritation, pain and inflammation. Moreover, the process is not appropriate for all types of skin and may not be effective on larger veins.

However, experts at JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York have recently developed a method called Asclera, a sclerotherapy treatment that involves an injection into the vein, which causes it to die and eventually disappear.

"We have found that the arrival of Asclera has been a welcomed solution to a very common and bothersome problem for patients," said Bruce Katz, dermatologist and director of JUVA.

Since women with ethnic skin have unique cosmetic needs, it's best to seek out a dermatologist or healthcare provider who specializes in African American skin to avoid scarring.

Individuals whose spider veins are still minor may want to try using compression stockings to apply even pressure to the veins, which may help minimize their appearance.

Additionally, skin care products for black skin - especially leg bronzers with a little bit of shimmer - may help to disguise any unsightly marks instantly.