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Runners and Sunscreen
In 2007, the Archives of Dermatology reported that runners are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer than nonrunners. Researchers found that the occurrence of skin abnormalities increased with mileage, not only because of increased sun exposure, but perhaps because training can suppress immune function, making the body more susceptible to the sun's ill effects. Another study named sweat as a contributor to UV-related skin damage; perspiration increases the photosensitivity of skin, which makes it more prone to burning. "The sun is definitely a job hazard for distance runnners," say Deena Kastor, 2004 Olympic Marathon medalist, who was diagnosed with squamous-cell carcinoma and melanoma in 2001.
What Can You Do? Before every run put on a water or sweat-proof SPF 15 lotion that shields against UVA and UVB rays, says Rodney Basier, M.D., past chairman of the American Academy of Dermatology's Task Force on Sports Medicine. If you have fair skin or a family history of melanoma, slather on sunscreen, wear sun-protective clothing and avoid midday runs. |
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Chlorine Damage: Skin & Hair 
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THE CAUSE: CHLORINE
Chlorine is the chemical added to pools to keep them free of bacteria. Although it’s a necessary substance to prevent disease, this strong oxidant damages skin and hair even at very low levels. It also alters the PH levels of both the skin and hair. Our natural PH Level is 4.5 to 5.5. The PH Level of pool water is 7.5 to 8.2.
SKIN:
The human skin is made up of protein that protects you from stimulus, irritation and evaporation. But chlorine is reacted to destroy protein, which roughens and ages your skin causing various problems.
HAIR:
The human hair, also derived from protein, is defenseless to chlorine if left untreated. The chemical causes damage to the outer most layer of hair, the cuticle and cracks it. Once the cuticle is cracked, the inner hair parts are exposed. The hair becomes brittle, develops split ends and loses shine and strength.
THE EFFECT: CHLORINE
SKIN:
Chlorine is a serious irritant and creates carcinogenic by-products. When skin absorbs chlorine, it forms chlorine oxides, which combined with fat leads to aging, de-pigmentation, and freckles. It also kills much of the beneficial bacteria, our natural defense, found on the skins surface. Skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and chronic dryness are all heavily effected by the moisture content of the skin. Chlorine robs the skin of its natural protective oils, causing scaling, itching and bacteria imbalances.
HAIR:
The residual chlorine causes hair damage like loss of hair, split ends or change of color. The main reason is that the hydrolyzed proteins combined with chlorine take away moisture from the hair.
• Hair feels dry, brittle.
• Hair is difficult to comb through; tangles easily.
• Hair moves in sections; clumps together.
• Hair feels gummy, has a fiberglass appearance.
• Hair is discolored (blonde hair turns green, brunettes tint darker).
THE SOLUTION: CHLORINE
SKIN:
• Always rinse immediately after swimming to remove as much chlorine as possible. This is the first step in restoring the skins PH balance.
• Use a body wash.
• Pat skin dry with towel. Do not rub. • Apply a lotion that contains an acid or has a lower PH level within five minutes of showering. The skin surface closes and repels products used after this allotted time.
HAIR:
• Head off chlorine damage before getting into the pool. Soak your hair in the sink or shower before swimming. If your hair has already absorbed lots of non-chlorinated water, there will be little room left for the hair shaft to absorb the chlorine. Apply conditioner and leave in.
• Wear a swim cap to limit the contact with the chemical. Use two if one is too loose.
• Wash your hair with a shampoo that is specially formulated to dissolve chlorine. Never allow chlorinated hair to dry without washing, since this increases the chances of drying and breakage.
• Condition hair after each shampooing. Alternate regular conditioning with a deep-conditioning treatment once a week to keep hair moisturized.
SUGGESTED PRODUCTS
by
CHEECHEES.COM
SKIN:
Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash
Prokera Hand and Body Lotion
HAIR:
Icon Sense Stimulating Energy (clarifying shampoo)
Icon Drench Hair With Moisture (moisturizing shampoo)
AG Ultramoist Conditioner (moisturizing conditioner)
AG Deep (protein treatment)
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