Skin Health by Mediaplanet_USA

A Mediaplanet Guide to Healthy and Protected Skin

Skin Health Enter for your chance to win the Vegamour GRO Hair & Scalp Wellness Collection, from Biotin Gummies to Hair Serum. Learn more at futureofpersonalhealth.com/giveaways/

Naomi Osaka Learn about the tennis phenom’s latest venture bringing better skincare and sun protection to people of color Read the interview with LeAnn Rimes opening up about her journey with psoriasis Check out the infographic from Nioxin to learn how to upgrade your haircare routine to pump up and heal your post-pandemic locks

MAY 2021 | FUTUREOFPERSONALHEALTH.COM

Visit skincancer.org for a listing of recommended Solar Gard ﬁlms.

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5 Common Triggers of Psoriasis While scientists do not know what exactly causes psoriasis, we do know the immune system and genetics play key roles.

he genetics of psoriasis are complex, and it is possible to develop psoriasis even if you have no family history of the disease. A triggering event may cause a change in the immune system, resulting in the onset of psoriasis symptoms. Common triggers for psoriasis include stress, illness (particularly strep infections), injury to the skin, and certain medications.

might not have any impact on someone else. Common psoriasis triggers include:

Triggers Psoriasis triggers vary from person to person. What may worsen your psoriasis

2. Injury to skin Psoriasis can appear in areas of the skin that have been injured or harmed. This

1. Stress Stress is one of the most common psoriasis triggers. At the same time, a psoriasis flare can cause stress. This may seem like an endless loop. However, relaxation techniques and stress management may help prevent stress from impacting psoriasis.

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is a result of the Koebner [KEB-ner] phenomenon, which states scratches, sunburns, bug bites, and vaccinations can all trigger a psoriasis flare. 3. Illness Anything that can affect the immune system can trigger psoriasis. That is why you may experience a flare following an ear infection, bronchitis, tonsillitis, or a respiratory infection. There is a connection between streptococcus infection (strep throat) and guttate psoriasis, as it often triggers the first onset of guttate psoriasis in children.

It is possible to have strep throat without showing symptoms. If you have had strep throat in the past, talk with your healthcare provider about getting a strep throat test if your psoriasis flares. 4. Weather The weather may trigger a flare. Cold weather can often cause psoriasis flares due to less sunlight and humidity, heated and drier indoor air, as well as stress and illness. Warm weather can often improve psoriasis because of natural sunlight and higher humidity.

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5. Other possible triggers Although it is less common, some people with psoriasis suspect that allergies, certain foods, alcohol, or environmental factors trigger their psoriasis. A great way to learn about your unique set of triggers is to track them over time. Keeping records of your symptoms and triggers can help you anticipate and treat your flares. n The National Psoriasis Foundation

This article was repurposed with permission from The National Psoriasis Foundation.

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Publisher Joanna Tronina Business Developer Gretchen Pancak Managing Director Luciana Olson Lead Designer Tiffany Pryor Designer Celia Hazard Lead Editor Mina Fanous Copy Editor Kathleen Walsh Partnership and Distribution Manager Jordan Hernandez Director of Product Faye Godfrey Cover Photo AB+DM for The Only Agency All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve LA Times.

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Singer LeAnn Rimes recently opened up about her struggle with psoriasis and hopes to raise awareness about the disease and its treatments

LeAnn Rimes Is Loving the Skin She’s In

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LeAnn Rimes has lived with psoriasis since she was 2 years old but has only recently opened up about her struggle with the condition, sharing photos of her breakout on Instagram in October along with an essay in Glamour magazine. “I’ve spoken about having psoriasis for a long time, but actually allowing myself to be seen within a flare up has been huge for my self-confidence,” Rimes said. “I feel like a massive weight has been lifted and I hope that people feel inspired to be able to show their skin too.”

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The highly concentrated water used in Abundant Natural Health’s products come from the Indian Ocean. It’s upcycled from salt brines in Western Australia, from a waste stream that’s been flowing into the ocean for decades. The Ocean Soothe® Range offers a lotion, gel, scalp relief serum, flare relief bath soak, and the inverse relief body wash. The products also contain cucumber juice, a natural astringent high in citric acid which helps relieve irritation and is soothing for the skin.

Effectiveness Customers praise the product for helping them manage their psoriasis. One user, Greg Punch, reported a 70 percent improvement within three weeks of use. Six months later he reported, “It just keeps getting better. I now use the gel just once or twice a week and it continues to push back any sign of return. Dab it on before bed, wash it off in the morning. The psoriasis is now 95 percent cleared.” Crimmins says he’s a walking testimonial to the products’ effectiveness.

“I don’t have psoriasis in the levels that I had before,” he says. “The amazing thing is that I don’t itch.” n Kristen Castillo

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The Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter shared the images in hopes of encouraging others living with psoriasis to share their stories and reduce the stigma around the disease. “I’ve seen people across social media actually taking photos of themselves as I did, which is just so beautiful to see,” she said. Psoriasis is a skin disorder where skin cells multiply at a faster rate, causing itchy rashes or scaly skin. “There’s discomfort, itchiness, the bleeding, the inflammation in the body, being prone to other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis,” Rimes said. While the physical conditions are the most obvious and acute, psoriasis can have a detrimental impact on mental health too. “It can be incredibly isolating

living with psoriasis,” Rimes said. “You’re not able to feel comfortable in your own skin.” Rimes is raising awareness about psoriasis to help others and to feel better about her own struggle with the disorder. “I know firsthand how debilitating psoriasis can be both mentally and physically and how it can affect every single part of your life,” she said. “I want to help others like me be able to come out of their cage, the cage that psoriasis has kept them in, to show their skin too, to loosen the grips of the shame around it. I want to raise awareness for what the disease is, because I think there are still some misconceptions about what it is.” For people newly diagnosed, Rimes suggested seeking out medical inter-

I want to help others like me be able to come out of their cage, the cage that psoriasis has kept them in...

ventions immediately, whether that be topical treatments, light therapy, or medication. “Finding the right biologic drug for your body is important,” Rimes said, acknowledging that it can take some trial and error to find what works best for each person. “I think finding support

either through a support group of others who have it, or close friends and family so as not to isolate yourself is incredibly important. Seek out legitimate places to educate yourself on what the disease is. Also be open to holistic approaches to help reduce inflammation in the body.” Rimes’ confrontation with her own struggles inspired her latest album, Chant: The Human and the Holy, released on November 20. “It’s taken my whole journey to allow something like this to be birthed through me,” she said. “I wanted to be of service for something greater and to move forward without putting myself under my own limitations.” Speaking openly about herself also led to her starting her own podcast, Wholly Human, available now via iHeart

Radio. “Finding my voice outside of music I think is truly one of my deepest lessons on the journey that I’m on at the moment,” she said. One of the biggest hurdles for Rimes, and for anyone with psoriasis, is loving the skin you’re in. “Accepting my skin and loving myself within a breakout, not just when my skin is clear, that has been one of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned, especially with my recent breakout, because I haven’t had to deal with a breakout like this for 16 years,” Rimes said. “It just makes my heart so happy to know that I was able to inspire someone to set themselves free, because that’s what it feels like I’m doing too, setting myself free.” n Ross Elliott

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What Your Hair Wants You to Know About Stress Long-term, chronic stress wreaks havoc on health, happiness, and hair — but it can be healed.

What’s most insidious about stress is that we get used to it. We normalize it. We tell ourselves everything’s fine. Then something happens that makes you pause. You spot a big hunk of your hair in the shower drain, and another handful of hair in your comb. Your hair is telling you the truth. It’s really not okay. Stress is not only linked to early hair shedding but also to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies have shown that chronic stress can also promote cancer development. According to the American Psychological Association’s latest Stress in America poll, 2 out of 3 adults in America have experienced increased stress over the pandemic (no surprise there). According to the UK’s Independent, Los Angeles is reported to be the “most stressful city in the United States.” And last year, Forbes gave LA the dubious honor of “the most burned-out city in the U.S.”

Healthy Skin Without Cruelty Renowned vegan chef Chloe Coscarelli talks cosmetics, skincare, and following her vegan principles in the pursuit of each.

So, as Angelinos, where and how to begin the recovery?

Introduce a mindfulness meditation practice into your daily routine. Numerous studies, including a 2015 study at Stanford University led by Dr. Yi-Yuan Tang published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, have shown that meditating for as little as 10-20 minutes per day can drastically reduce stress and anxiety, thereby lowering cortisol levels that can lead to inflammation and premature hair shedding. The Japanese practice of “Shinrin-yoku,” or forest bathing, is another popular stress reducer and immunity booster. Slowly walk among old-growth trees and deeply breathe in the aromas of eucalyptus, oak, pine, and cypress. Research has shown that just 20 minutes of exposure to these forest smells or phytoncides (essential oils emitted by trees and other plants) greatly reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and increases the body’s immune system. Make time for self-care. The body speaks. When we finally stop to truly listen, the healing journey begins. Dan Hodgdon, CEO and Founder, Vegamour

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he vegan movement is growing fast. Nearly 10 million Americans identify as vegan today, a 300 percent increase from 15 years ago. Vegans reject the commodification of animals and abstain from using animal products in their diets and other areas of their lives. Recently, the vegan philosophy has been increasingly embraced in the world of cosmetics and skincare as people seek to keep their skin healthy and to look their best while following their moral convictions. “Growing up I had really bad acne and quickly fell in love with

makeup at an early age,” said Chloe Coscarelli, famed vegan chef, author, and restaurateur. “I loved how makeup made me feel, but I didn’t love how it sometimes made my skin even worse. So, I started paying attention to what was in my makeup and how it was made.” Better choices “Throughout my 18-year vegan journey I’ve learned so much about how to make better choices when it comes to skincare and cosmetics,” said Coscarelli, who was the first vegan chef to win Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” in 2010 when she was just 23 years old.

Since then she’s gone on to build a vegan cooking empire, opening restaurants and publishing several cookbooks. She also offers virtual corporate cooking classes. Coscarelli lives and breathes the vegan philosophy. She thinks we should apply the same thought and care we put into our diet and grocery shopping to the cosmetics we use. That starts with understanding the basic terminology. “All the different labels and certifications out there can definitely get confusing,” she admitted. “Even I have bought products thinking they are fully vegan by the way they are marketed, only to come home and research them

further and find out they are not.” Much of the confusion comes from the way some brands use the term “cruelty-free” to confuse consumers. “‘Vegan’ means the product was not made with any animal ingredients,” explained Coscarelli. “‘Cruelty-free’ means the product was not tested on animals.” Even then, Coscarelli warns you can’t solely rely on labels and suggests you have to do your research. “Sometimes a specific cosmetic line does not test on animals, but their parent company does.” The right brand Once you’re educated on what to look for, the next step is to identify brands that follow vegan and cruelty-free policies. “It’s much easier to pick your vegan and cruelty-free brand first and then shop for products within that brand,” Coscarelli advised. That saves you from having to scrutinize the tiny print on product labels and simplifies the process. Many people don’t realize that seemingly innocuous ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products are not vegan or cruelty-free, like the beeswax used in most common lip balms, lanolin (taken from sheep’s wool), carmine (from the cochineal bug), or guanine (from fish scales). Coscarelli’s love for makeup is tied to her personal style, which is bright, fun, and natural. “I love doing a bold bright lip,” she shared. But she also noted that you don’t need fancy brands or expensive products to get the best skincare. “Coconut oil is one of my fave moisturizers for skin and hair,” she explained, noting it’s both vegan and cruelty-free. Our choices of skincare and cosmetic products can have a huge impact — on the world and our health. “Since our skin is our largest organ, I think it is definitely beneficial to think twice about what we put on it and what it absorbs,” Coscarelli noted. “I feel better knowing that I hold the same standards for what I put on my body as I do for what I put in my body.” n Jeff Somers

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Natural Microalgae Can Give You Better Skin Rose Fernandez, CEO of algae-based, high-end skincare brand Algenist, tells us about the benefits of microalgae. Can you tell us more about the recent studies done with regenerative microalgae? Microalgae is a renewable, regenerative plant that has been in existence for billions of years and has survived extinction due to an ability to survive and thrive in the world’s harshest environments, to regenerate and proliferate; which makes it a timeless ingredient in skincare. Algenist was founded from microalgae and born from an ingredient discovery with our patented and exclusive Alguronic Acid from microalgae. Microalgae’s limitless potential allows Algenist to continue to innovate skincare products with Alguronic Acid, and each product promises 10-day results, always.

How Tennis Star Naomi Osaka Is Helping People of Color Protect Their Skin

Algenist’s patented Alguronic Acid from microalgae is scientifically proven to improve evening of skin tone for a brighter appearance by 26 percent, improve appearance of firmness by 32 percent, decrease fine lines and deep wrinkles by 35 percent, and improve overall skin health by 51 percent.

PHOTO: NAB+DM FOR THE ONLY AGENCY

How does your Alguronic Acid benefit skin health?

Tennis star Naomi Osaka spends a lot of time in the sun. Now, she’s launching a skincare line, Kinlò, focused on developing products for darker skin tones.

Scientifically shown to outperform a number of wellknown skincare ingredients, Alguronic Acid is proven to boost the benefits of other well-known ingredients in our products. Alguronic Acid on its own helps hydrate, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the eye area, and fight environmental assaults that cause signs of aging in skin. Alguronic Acid from regenerative microalgae boasts eight patents — seven for improving the health and appearance of skin and one for advanced skin brightening qualities. What is the difference between traditional skincare and skincare that is made with regenerative microalgae? Algenist relies on regenerative microalgae to produce our patented ingredient, Alguronic Acid. A regenerative ingredient has the ability to be reproduced in the lab, which is important when we think about sustainability, as we cannot keep taking from natural resources. Many plant ingredients in skincare are derived from an extraction process, literally taking from natural resources to create the formula. This is how skincare ingredients and formulas have been made for centuries. A regenerative process is a modern approach to formulation and was born from the science of biotechnology. This is unique because it considers our future.

This has been paid for by Algenist.

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saka, who is of Japanese and Haitian heritage, is focused on educating people with darker skin about the importance of protecting their skin. “I realized only recently how little people with melanated skin know about sunscreen and skin protection,” she said, noting a common assumption is that only people with light skin need to protect themselves. Awareness Osaka was shocked by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report showing lower survival rates among non-Hispanic Black people with melanoma than among non-Hispanic white people. “There’s a lack of awareness in the skin color community regarding skin cancer,” said dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye, M.D. “People of color feel that skin cancer doesn’t affect us because of our increased melanin. When it does affect us, the prog-

nosis is poor because it’s diagnosed in the later stage.” She says people with darker skin, such as African Americans and Hispanic people, tend to have a natural SPF of 13 — but that’s not enough to protect from skin cancer risks and aging. Entrepreneurial vision Osaka is on a mission to help people of color get educated about their skin, including wearing sunscreen consistently. “Once I learned about the misconceptions that people with melanated skin have about sun and skin protection, I knew that I wanted to develop a line that offered great products specifically made for people of color,” she said. Osaka connected with Dr. Boakye, who’s helping design the Kinlò products. She credits Dr. Boakye with helping her learn about the science. GoDaddy helped build the platform and site. “I was able to bring my

entrepreneurial vision to life,” said Osaka. The skincare line will launch in fall of 2021 with five products, including tinted face lotions with SPF 40 and 50, as well as a lip balm. All the products will be under $20. Daily ritual Dr. Boakye advises everyone to wear SPF 30+ sunscreen and sun-protective clothing daily, including wide brim hats to cover the face and neck and sunglasses. Osaka, the No. 2 tennis player in the world, agrees: “I always wear sunscreen and reapply when I’m outside playing or training,” she said, noting she also wears sunscreen indoors to protect against the blue light rays coming from her phone and computer. She advises everyone, “Just make applying sunscreen a daily ritual and you can keep yourself protected.” n Kristen Castillo

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How Dr. Pimple Popper Helps People Get Healthy, Beautiful Skin Dr. Sandra Lee, aka Dr. Pimple Popper, has helped millions achieve better skin health through the tips she shares online and via her eponymous show on TLC. She says that while there’s a lot of advice on the web for improving your skin, not all tips are equally informed.

In the social media age, there are thousands of online influencers dispensing myriad skin health and beauty tips every day. Within all these videos, posts, testimonials, and blogs, there’s plenty of good information, but how does one parse through the pseudoscience to get to the good stuff? “The World Wide Web is certainly the wild, wild west when it comes to information and education,” said Dr. Lee, a registered dermatologist. “If you’re about to take the advice of a stranger on the internet, try to first do a little background research on that person. In addition, maybe consult friends and family that you trust who may be able to provide input as well.” Dr. Lee understands the desire to seek beauty tips online — she has, in part, made a career out of offering great information via her social media channels. For those looking for good info, she recommends seeking information from people with education or training in the field like herself — though the legitimacy of those certifications can be tough to verify. “It’s even difficult for true experts to figure out what qualifications the person dispensing the information has,” Dr. Lee said. “Anyone can misrepresent themselves on the internet and on social media, and this is rampant. This is not to say that there is not incredible advice and knowledge being dispensed, and it can be such a great platform to educate and entertain.” Because May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, Dr. Lee wanted to dispel some common myths about skin cancer: She says that, contrary to what many think, getting a tan does not help protect you from developing skin cancer. “A tan is really your skin scrambling to protect itself and means damage is already being done.” While melanomas — a common yet extremely serious form of skin cancer — can develop from existing moles, that’s not the only way they can grow. “Melanomas can start in a preexisting mole or appear out of nowhere.” Finally, Dr. Lee says wearing sunscreen, with an appropriate SPF, is the best defense against skin cancer, but adds that just because you apply sunscreen in the morning doesn’t mean you’re protected for the entire day. “Sunscreen wears off after two hours, or sooner if you are swimming or sweating.” That means it’s important to not only put on sunscreen, but reapply it regularly, especially if you’re outdoors and being active, like many plan to be in the coming months. Dustin Brennan

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Is Your Child’s Itchy Skin Caused by Eczema? The exact cause of eczema is unknown. Researchers do know that children who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When something outside the body “switches on” the immune system, skin cells don’t behave as they should, causing flare-ups.

czema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. There are several types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis, also known as “cradle cap” in infants, are the most common types that affect children. Eczema, especially atopic dermatitis, often appears in the first six months to five years of a child’s life. We also know that children who come from families with a history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever (known as the atopic triad) are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis. Eczema looks and acts differently in infants and toddlers than it does in older children. The location and appearance of eczema changes as they grow, so it’s important to know what to look for during every stage of your infant or toddler’s life. Infants (first 6 months) Eczema usually appears on the face, cheeks, chin, forehead, and scalp. It can also spread to other areas of the body,

but not usually in the diaper area, where moisture protects the skin. The skin at this stage also tends to look more red and “weepy.” Babies (6-12 months) At this stage, eczema often appears on your baby’s elbows and knees — places that are easy to scratch or rub as they’re crawling. If the eczema rash becomes infected, it may form a yellow crust, or very small “pus bumps” on the skin. Toddlers (2-5 years) Atopic dermatitis frequently affects the face in children. It can appear as red patches with small bumps. Around the age of two, your toddler’s eczema is more likely to appear in the creases of the elbows and knees, or on their wrists, ankles, and hands. It may also appear on the skin around your toddler’s mouth and the eyelids. Your toddler’s skin may start to look dry and scaly at this stage and become thick with deeper lines — this is called “lichenification.” Children (5 years+) Eczema usually appears in the folds of

the elbows and knees. Sometimes, it’s only on a child’s hands. At least 70 percent of people have had hand eczema at some time in their life. Redness and itchy patches behind your child’s ears, on their feet or scalp may also be a sign of atopic dermatitis. But these could also be symptoms of another condition, like seborrheic dermatitis, which can exist with eczema. What triggers my child’s eczema or causes it to get worse? Some of the most common eczema triggers include dry skin, irritants, heat and sweating, infection, allergens such as pet dander, pollen, or dust. Even your baby’s stuffed animals may be a trigger for eczema. Your child’s eczema may be worse in the winter when the air is dry. Saliva from drooling can also cause irritation on your baby’s cheeks, chin, and neck. The best way to manage your child’s eczema is by getting to know their symptoms and triggers so that you can help keep it under control. n The National Eczema Association

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changes. A baby’s bottom is already sensitive from constant exposure to moisture and the pressure of wiping; it doesn’t need to be repeatedly exposed to potential irritants in the wipes themselves! For patients with sensitive skin, I recommend using hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free wipes such as WaterWipes, which contain 99.9 percent water and a drop of fruit extract. These wipes are gentle enough for everyday use on sensitive eczema-prone skin and have been awarded the National Eczema Association of America Seal of Acceptance. For hot days WaterWipes are instantly hydrat-

ing and suitable to use all over baby’s face, arms, and legs to cool them off. Recognize and avoid triggers When parents can recognize triggers that irritate baby skin, they can reduce exposure. Common triggers for eczema-prone skin include pet dander, dust, pollen, smoke, and sweat. Know when to see a dermatologist I see eczema patients in my office every day, and I sometimes wish they came to see me sooner instead of suffering at home! If a baby is constantly scratching at his or her eczema, and seems uncom-

fortable, then it is time to come in for an appointment, especially if the baby can’t sleep at night from scratching or if they are scratching to the point of bleeding. If a baby is constantly scratching at his or her eczema, and seems uncomfortable, then it is time to see a dermatologist. There are lots of tools at our disposal for eczema treatment, including topical medications to decrease inflammation, treatments to prevent and treat infections, and antihistamines to help baby with uncomfortable itching and sleep. n Dr. Joyce Park, M.D. FAAD

This has been paid for by WaterWipes.

Bailey Is Our Eczema Warrior One mother shares her family’s story with childhood eczema.

eing the parents of a child with eczema is an endless battle. My family found ourselves battling the condition and the effect that it was having on us individually and as a couple. Whether it was blaming ourselves or crying through sleepless nights feeling helpless overwhelmed. I blamed myself for not being able to protect my daughter from her eczema, and my husband blamed himself for genetically passing on the condition that plagued his youth. What I never considered was that unlike many other conditions, with eczema, you’re battling things that we encounter in everyday life — common food ingredients, pollen in the air, pet dander and fur, common laundry detergent ingredients, popular soap brands, the dye in certain brands of clothing, even everyday stress and anxiety. So, the thought became, “How can we protect our child from life, while not keeping our baby from living it?” Like her siblings, Bailey’s personality and individuality seemed to come too early and too quickly. She prefers Peter

Parker over princesses, firetrucks over fairies, and dreadlocks over curly locks. She loves to learn and thrives on challenges. But when you have a child that has a natural knack at solving problems and persevering, this just makes the eczema battle a proverbial game of cat and mouse. Her father spent a large portion of his youth just as itchy and greasy as she was, and we knew that things would get worse before they got better. When Bailey first started exhibiting symptoms at around six months old, it broke our hearts to know the journey that was ahead of her. We started immediately trying conventional and homeopathic approaches to her treatment. Seeing dermatologists and other specialists was a part of our regular routine. We became unintentional eczema specialists, with an entire spectrum of oral and topical steroids, natural treatments, and home remedies in our arsenal. Bailey became a guinea pig and we were like mad scientists trying to find the right formula to relieve the itching, heal the patches, and lighten the scars. It took a while to get to a point where she was consistently comfortable

PHOTO: AISHA BRYANT

and clear, but we finally realized that a combined, consistent, and multifaceted approach would be the only long-term solution. After spending month after month with Bailey in full mummy-style wraps, we eliminated items from our lives, one by one. If we didn’t know every ingredient, there would be no contact or consumption. All allergens were eliminated — peanuts, gluten, wheat, dairy, certain types of dyes, and tree nuts. High acidic and citrus foods, as well as foods with additives and preservatives were a no-no as well. Using this approach, we weren’t able to eliminate breakouts, but it did limit them. The next step was focusing on the allergens that we couldn’t avoid, such as pollen, plants, dust and dirt, and even bathing. I mention bathing because it’s something that, although you can avoid it, I wouldn’t suggest avoiding for too long. Her skin was too sensitive to be bathed daily or for long periods of time. We had to restrict her to baths every other day, and we had to move as fast as running into the store when you’re double-parked. It would be just a quick jump

in, wash down, rinse down, jump out, drying off, and immediately covering her in the various ointments and creams with special attention to her worst patches. Finally, we would wrap her in Ace bandages before dressing her for the day or putting her in pajamas for bed. The key to the patches fully going away was keeping them covered and protected so that they would have time to heal. This became our biggest challenge as she was very astute at finding ways to get under the bandage and to the itchy areas. She would constantly re-open patches and even cause them to spread. A few times, she maneuvered the bandage too much and it tightened overnight. This caused another trip to the hospital as her arm and leg had swollen and she was in great pain. We finally landed on combining the Ace bandage for protection, surgical tape to keep it in place, and a one-piece pajama/balaclava set. We maintained this routine until just recently. We met with a specialist a few months ago and he recommended a once-a-month injection as our next recourse. We were very hesitant about

escalating her medication, let alone giving her an at-home injection. Furthermore, the out-of-pocket cost would be several thousand dollars. After careful soul-searching, intense research, and even more intense prayer, we decided to give it a try. Giving her the first injection was like giving a cat a bath. With my husband holding her down, I gave the injection, and Bailey conjured up bursts of strength that would marvel the Incredible Hulk. Then, the waiting game. Today, Bailey has completed her second shot and is two weeks away from her third. There has been a drastic improvement in her existing patches, and there haven’t been any new breakouts. We are all feeling like she’s in a good place and things are projected to get even better. Bailey may not do the typical princess and fairytale thing, but when we think about the medications and treatments, the wounds and scars, the skin biopsy, and the poking and prodding, we just watch her as she grabs her sword or does a karate flip and we are all reminded that she is our eczema warrior. n Aisha Bryant, National Eczema Association Ambassador MEDIAPLANET

Enjoy the Sun While Protecting Your Skin Blair James, co-founder of the Aussie skincare brand Bondi Sands, answers all our burning questions about sunscreen and SPF. Why is SPF so important?

Witney Carson on Her Skin Cancer Diagnosis and the Advice She Has for Families Spending Time Outside

SPF is the most important step in your skincare routine by protecting against the sun’s UV rays. Sun exposure is the No. 1 contributor to premature aging and the cause of 90 percent of skin cancers. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, which is why Bondi Sands SPF is Aussie-formulated, and tested for the highest level of protection. When should you use SPF?

PHOTO: COURTESY AUBREE TOUPIN

You need to use SPF every day. It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny, cloudy, raining, summer, or winter. UV rays are always present during daylight. UVA rays can even penetrate glass, so you still need to be protected indoors or in your car. Bondi Sands SPF has broad-spectrum protection to protect your skin against both UVA & UVB rays. SPF 30 and SPF 50 are optimal for everyday use, protecting against 97-98 percent of UV rays. How should you apply SPF?

For the best protection, apply SPF onto clean, dry skin 20 minutes before sun exposure. Don’t underapply! Use about a quarter teaspoon for your face and one ounce for your body. If you’re sweating or swimming, you’ll need to reapply every two hours. Pro tip: Boost your sun protection with a hat and sunglasses. What makes Bondi Sands SPF different?

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Witney Carson loves dancing and has made a career of being on her feet. But when she started as a professional dance partner on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2014, she had a secret: just weeks earlier, she’d had surgery on her foot to remove a melanoma. “We were completely shocked and over whelmed,” Carson said. “I had just gotten the call from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ to become a professional and for a moment I thought my dream had been crushed.” Feeling invincible Carson’s mother noticed a mole near the toes on the top of the dancer’s left foot. It was red

like a strawberry and about a quarter-inch wide. Her mother encouraged her to see a dermatologist, especially important since cancer runs in the family. Back when Carson was 16, her father had melanoma on his leg, as well as a lung carcinoma. Her mother also had melanoma. Because of her family history, Carson and her family members started getting skin exams twice a year. She’d hoped her skin cancer was easy to treat. “I felt like I was invincible and so healthy that there was no way I would get it as severe as they did,” she said. According to The American Cancer Society, while melanoma accounts for only about 1 percent of skin cancers, it

causes the large majority of skin cancer deaths. Doctors told Carson she’d have to have surgery right away. She had an unusual mole that required surgeons to cut out an inch of tissue around the mole. They also biopsied two lymph nodes in her hip to make sure the malignancy hadn’t spread. “It was extremely diff icult to come to terms with the fact that my health wasn’t great,” said Carson, who regrets using tanning beds when she was younger. “I couldn’t train for DWTS and that was my biggest fear. I was so angry with my body that I wasn’t 100 percent and it took a long time for me to get back in shape and ready to dance.”

Raising awareness Carson’s recovery took a month. During DWTS rehearsals, her stitches ripped and her foot bled. She had to see a foot specialist every week who cleaned her foot, removed scar tissue, and re-wrapped it. After her scar healed, she did physical therapy for about six months. Still, she persevered and made it back to the dance floor and even won that coveted DWTS mirror ball trophy nine months later with her celebrity dance partner Alfonso Ribeiro. Carson, who gets regular skin cancer screenings, is grateful to have made a full recovery and do what she loves. She’s a passionate advocate for skin cancer awareness and prevention. “It was important for me because I was so young and felt so invincible that I knew so many people must have been feeling like I was,” she said. “I needed to raise awareness for those who thought like I did, who thought they were invincible. Anyone can get skin cancer at any age and it’s very serious to protect your skin.” Protect your skin The dance pro, who’s 27, is married to Carson McAllister and is a new mother to a son named Leo. She advises families to protect themselves and their loved ones from skin cancer. “Make sure you are always applying sunscreen even if you’re in the shade,” she said. “Your skin is your biggest organ. It’s living and breathing. Protect it! If you can wear hats and big sunglasses, stay covered.” n Kristen Castillo

MEDIAPLANET