Dr. Joel Schlessinger

According to a recent study, there may be a connection between drinking alcohol and skin cancer. The British Journal of Dermatology found that drinking too much alcohol could set off a chain reaction that makes the skin more sensitive to UV light that can cause skin cancer.

The study looked at 16 different case studies involving thousands of participants. These studies found that drinking one alcoholic beverage or more per day increases the risk of skin cancer by a fifth.

How does alcohol increase skin cancer risk? Dr. Joel Schlessinger shares.

A number of forces may be to blame causing the link between alcohol and skin cancer. Ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde soon after ingestion, and acetaldehyde can render the skin more sensitive to UV light. Sunscreen negligence and not wearing enough protective clothing while drinking may also be to blame.

“The interesting question will be whether it is because protection and the awareness of sun protection is flawed while ‘sunning under the influence’ or whether there is a particular worsening of sun exposure when drinking,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

“We have many drugs and foods that intensify sun exposure when ingested, so it isn’t a stretch to think alcohol could do the same thing.”

Dr. Joel Schlessinger is not surprised by the findings of this study.

Although this is a new study, Dr. Joel Schlessinger isn’t surprised by the findings.

“It is tough enough to encourage patients to stay out of the sun,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, “so it comes as no shock that when drinking, sun protection habits go out the window.”

Dr. Joel Schlessinger always recommends wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen every day, especially when you plan to be in the sun. Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. For extra protection, try an antioxidant supplement such as Heliocare Sun Protection Capsules.

But at the end of the day, Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends avoiding drinking alcohol and spending time in the sun.

“The take home message is that it is unsafe to be in the sun and drink at the same time.”

Do you ever drink alcohol while you are in the sun? What precautions do you take? Share with us in the comments or on Facebook and Twitter.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends Latisse for thin or short lashes.

The eyelashes are just one more area that begins to show signs of aging as we get older. Men and women often experience thinning and lightening of the lashes as well as hair breakage and loss. Rather than investing in falsies or lengthening mascara, you can use Latisse to regrow these lost hairs.

Latisse is the first FDA-approved eyelash enhancement product that is proven to grow longer and thicker lashes. Dr. Joel Schlessinger has personally seen patients with great results and often recommends this product.

Applying Latisse once daily provides advanced results, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Along with aging, aggressive makeup removal can cause hairs to break and fall out. Vigorously scrubbing your eyes to remove mascara and water-resistant makeup also weakens hairs, increasing the likelihood that you will lose them.

Using advanced ingredients, Latisse encourages lashes to grow thicker and longer. This serum is applied before you go to bed at night to the eyelid directly above the lash line. After one to three months, most users experience lashes that appear significantly thicker and darker. You can also use this serum on the brows to fill in bald or thin patches.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger sees very few side effects from this product.

While Dr. Joel Schlessinger does not often see side effects caused by Latisse, there are risks associated with this product. Occasionally, individuals with light or blue eyes experience a darkening in the color of their irises. If this occurs, stop using this serum immediately. To prevent this side effect, avoid applying this product directly into the eyes. There are also other, less common side effects such as eye redness and itching.

Find out more about Latisse and see if this eyelash enhancement product is right for you.

Cellulite creates bumpy, dimpled skin that can be unsightly and hard to treat. In his latest SlideShare presentation, Joel Schlessinger MD answers frequently asked questions about cellulite and why it is such a common concern. He also highlights a few of his favorite products to treat and prevent this condition.

Genetics play a key role in the formation of cellulite, Joel Schlessinger MD explains.

Most noticeable on the buttocks and thighs, cellulite is characterized by stubborn fat deposits that give the skin a lumpy appearance. Although hormones, poor diet and lifestyle choices have been thought to cause this condition, the cause is most likely hereditary. Cellulite usually appears after puberty and is more common in women than men.

Joel Schlessinger MD shares how you can fight cellulite for smooth, even skin.

As a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Joel Schlessinger MD offers VelaShape for patients who want to eliminate stubborn cellulite. This non-surgical body shaping procedure uses innovative elos technology to tone, contour and shape targeted areas.

LovelySkin.com also carries a wide range of products to treat problem areas from the comfort of your own home. The bliss FatGirlSlim Lean Machine targets dimpled skin with a combination of rolling, lifting suction and pulsing motions. This vacuum massager provides best results when paired with regular exercise and a healthy diet. SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate works quickly to diminish the look of cellulite in as little as eight weeks. If you prefer a treatment kit, ResolutionMD’s Cellulite System contains three products to help firm, tone and tighten skin.

Do you have a question for Joel Schlessinger MD? Share with us in the comments.

Joel Schlessinger MD is seeing more cases of skin cancer every year.

In recent years, people have come to understand the dangers of UV exposure and have begun to take steps to protect themselves. Despite these advances, board-certified dermatologists such as Joel Schlessinger MD are still seeing growing numbers of skin cancer due to years without proper sun protection. The types of skin cancer vary, but they are all caused by overexposure to UV light.

In this video, Joel Schlessinger MD explains three types of skin cancer, the risks they pose and how you can protect yourself.

Not all types of skin cancer are equal, explains Joel Schlessinger MD.

On a day-to-day basis, Joel Schlessinger MD sees three types of skin cancer most often. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form and is also the most easily treatable. This type of skin cancer poses an extremely low risk of spreading and causing complications. Squamous cell carcinoma is a more problematic type because there is a risk, although low, that this cancer will spread throughout the body.

The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma. This type affects approximately one in 40 individuals. Early detection is key when treating melanoma because this type of cancer has a high risk of spreading.

Routine checkups with a dermatologist such as Joel Schlessinger MD can reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Along with regular visits to your dermatologist, you should routinely check your skin for new or unusual marks. Wearing a sunscreen daily will also reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. On days when you are exposed to the sun for long periods of time, stay in the shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the UV rays are strongest.

Find more videos from Joel Schlessinger MD on his YouTube channel.