Redheads at Risk for Melanoma?!

My ginger friends are not going to like this, but according to a new study released today in the Los Angeles Times, gingers have an elevated risk of skin cancer even when covered up! The study was published in the Journal of Nature and used mice (boo hoo) to discover that the reddish-yellowish pigment that give ginger’s their gorgeous hair and freckles can trigger melanoma. Watch out Lindsay Lohan!!

According to  Med Page Today (11/1, Smith) reports, “In the absence of UV light, less than a quarter of both the black and the white mice developed melanoma after a year. In contrast, half the red mice had developed cancer by year’s end,” the researchers found. “The key appears to be the gene for the melanocortin 1 receptor, MC1R.”

But what to do if you’re ginger or even fair skinned? Hello??!! People, wear your sunscreen! A hat helps and so do long sleeves and pants when outside for long periods of time. No one expects you to lock yourself inside and never see the light of day but there are ways to be smart about spending time in the sun. Look for clothing with an SPF- Coolibar is one of the best places to find these items. I love their big rimmed hats!  Remember to reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes or after you swim or sweat. A visit to your Dermatologist for a mole check couldn’t hurt either. 

Coming to beach bags this spring/summer- GOLDFADEN MD’s SUN VISOR! No, it is not a visor-it’s a 30 SPF mist and it is fantastic! SUN VISOR not only protects but also has a cooling effect. Stay tuned for launch date!

So if you’re in a sunny climate today remember to put on your sunscreen and a hat! Have a happy, sunny day!

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