Watch your BAC this summer

Last week, we asked, "How’s your sun IQ?" The question elicited more questions, according to the Dermatology Unit of St. Luke’s Medical Center, who was swamped with queries from concerned patients preparing their children (who are out of school and raring to go out and play) and themselves as well for the long hot summer months ahead. Here are some hot questions received by the unit and answered by Dermatology head Dr. Lonabel Encarnacion.  

This summer, how do I get attractive skin, good enough to flaunt in a bikini?

Dr. Lonabel Encarnacion: An even-colored skin tone is visually appealing. Visit your trusted dermatologist for improvement of unsightly dark skin stains or marks.  The dermatologist will also treat possible fungal infections that may be giving your skin white marks. Avoid tanning salons and beds. They’re bad for the skin. 

Is there any relationship between alcohol intake and sunburn?

A Texas study showed evidence that alcohol use at the beach may lead to more severe sunburn. Of the study participants who reported getting sunburned, those who consumed alcohol while sunbathing reported greater initial pain than nondrinkers as well as more pain the next day. Drinkers were more likely to develop painful blisters. Clearly, drinking alcohol and sunbathing are not a good mix. 

What are the effects on the skin of salt water, spring or mountain water, chlorinated pool water, sulfur or hot springs water?

Soaking in any kind of water too long will inevitably promote skin damage. When staying in the water, the best rule is moderation. Over-hydration or skin cell swelling may occur that will destroy the integrity of the skin and the normal skin protective mantle. Chlorine is a chemical skin irritant. Too much hot water in hot springs and salt water may physically irritate the skin.  

There are reports, however, of spring or mountain water with less metal content that actually helps rid the skin of inflammatory reactions. There is a mountain spa in Avene, France, where people go to cure themselves of many diseases of the skin. They have even bottled the water from Avene to be sold commercially.   

We are all so concerned about skincare during the hot summer beach months. What about the effects on the hair?

Sun, wind, and chlorinated water damage the outer layer of the hair and make it more vulnerable to breakage. Dry hair and split ends may result from too much sun and wind.   

What kind of protection can we use for the hair and scalp?

Use hair care products that will protect the hair strands.  There are shampoos and conditioners that are designed for damaged hair. I personally apply baby oil on my hair before I put on a swimming cap. After swimming, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner should protect the hair strands from damage. 

Is there a medical way of protecting my entire body and face from overexposure to the sun? As in a derm treatment?

Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are very helpful.

The skin is constantly exposed to harmful environmental forces such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, air pollutants, heat, and cold. Free radicals are molecules that injure the skin’s cells, causing inflammation, increasing sunburn. Antioxidants can reduce the harmful effects of free radicals and protect the skin from additional stress and damage. Examples of antioxidants are vitamins A, B, C, and E; co-enzyme Q10 (ubiquinone); idebenone; polyphenols and flavonoids such as green tea and soy extracts; and kinetin, a synthetic hormone derived from plants. Products that contain antioxidants can be particularly beneficial for people who are concerned about fine lines and wrinkles. 

There are many topical creams that contain antioxidants, but very few are actually effective in preventing or reversing damage to the skin. Despite advertising claims, almost all available topical formulations contain very low concentrations of antioxidants that are not well absorbed by the skin. There are three antioxidants that have been proven to decrease the effect of the sun on the skin and actually prevent further damage: selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin C, according to studies. 

It is recommended that individuals consume 500 to 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day, usually obtained from five servings of fruit, vegetables, and juices. We all can benefit from taking supplements. Just take lots of water. Your dermatologist can help you determine which vitamins, in which form, will be most effective for you.

Any final tip?

I am proud to note that we Filipinos, most especially our women, have always been sun-wise on the beach. We seek shady areas. We hide in huts and trees. We don’t let the sun catch us not wearing our long-sleeved loose shirts and native hats. Keep it up! 

And finally, I say: Watch your BAC this summer —

• B = block. Use SPF15 or higher sunscreen.

• A = away. Stay away from the sun during midday.

• C = cover up. Wear a T-shirt and wide-brimmed hat.  

Call St. Luke’s Medical Center Derm Clinic at 727-5208.

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On a positive note

Dear Consumerline,

I was in Manila for a vacation with my whole family recently, and am now back in China where I am currently based.

I have read a lot of horrific and undesirable stories/experiences of come-backing Filipinos like me, but this time, I believe it is worth sharing my pleasant experience when I renewed my driver’s license recently.  I visited the license renewal office at Alabang Town Center , and I must say that I give my thumbs up for the courtesy and accommodating attitude of all the staff there. From the time I entered their office, I was greeted with a smile and a jolly "Good morning, Ma’am!" The renewal did not take long — from the medical test and drug test to the picture-taking, payment, and releasing — because of the clear procedures undertaken by the staff. My queries were likewise entertained with as much information as I may need, having been out of the country for some time.

I would like to commend everyone at the ATC license renewal office, and I have told myself that this kind of service will not pass unnoticed, hence, my writing to you as soon as I got back to China. I was not able to get any of their names, but I hope this letter may serve as encouragement to our other government offices. For a change, people will be reading something positive about our people, and I am sure that Filipinos who have also been away from the country for some time will agree with me that everything is not bad after all. There are still people like the ones I encountered who are worth thanking and recognizing.

OLIVIA P. BANEZ

Humen, Dongguan

Guangdong, China

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