Physical Wellness
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should contain protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause skin changes that result in skin cancer (basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma) as well as premature aging (wrinkles, skin sagging, and age spots). UVB rays cause sunburns, which increase the risk for developing melanoma. UVA rays can penetrate through glass, so your skin can still be affected when not in direct sun, such as in cars and near windows. UV rays released from tanning booths/sun lamps are also harmful, and should be avoided.
Expiration
Unless indicated by an expiration date, sunscreen is stable for 3 years. You can generally use sunscreen left over from last year, but keep in mind it may mean you are not using the appropriate amount of sunscreen, since a bottle shouldn’t last very long.
Proper use
When using sunscreen, it is important to apply it properly to be sure it’s effective. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors, and should be applied thickly. (Your skin should appear white initially). It typically takes at least 1 oz (the size of a shot glass) to cover the exposed parts of the body. Gel forms work best on hairy areas. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, hands, and back of neck.
People of all skin types should wear sunscreen year-round. It is a misconception that people with dark skin do not need sunscreen. People with dark skin can get skin cancer (although less frequently than those with light skin), as well as pigment changes from sun damage. Even on overcast days, 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds and fog, so it is important to remember to wear sun-screen year-round.
When outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, and can increase your chance of sunburn. (Sand reflects 25% of the sun’s rays, and snow reflects 80 %.) “Water-resistant” sunscreens can lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water, so reapply it regularly.
SPF
Sunscreens typically list SPF as the degree of sun protection. This only reflects the ability of the sunscreen to reflect UVB rays, not UVA. A sunscreen with SPF15 (when applied correctly) reflects 93% of UVB rays, and one with SPF 30 reflects 97% of UVB. None of the available sunscreens reflect 100% of UVB rays, so it is important to limit sun exposure, especially during the daytime hours of 10-4, the time of strongest UV rays. The current recommendation is to use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 year round. The sunscreen should also mention that it covers UVA rays, although there is currently no ranking system for the amount of UVA protection.
Tattoos
Getting a tattoo may be something you decide to do at the spur of the moment. But that may not be the best thing to do. A tattoo is a permanent scarring of your body and, while the process is much safer than it used to be, there are still many things to consider when selecting a place to go.
Below you will find some tips on what to look for and ask about when deciding where to get your tattoo done. And don't forget to go with your intuition as well-if you aren't comfortable with the place, keep looking.
Things to Look For
- An autoclave and sterilization certificate-an autoclave is a machine that sterilizes equipment with high temperatures. This is the only way sterilization of tattoo equipment should be done. If you don't see an autoclave or they won't show it to you, move on.
- Watch to see if the tattoo artist(s) are wearing gloves. Surgical gloves should be worn at all times to prevent any skin to skin contact since blood will be present during your tattoo work.
- Ask if the tattoo artists have had the Hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood contact. As mentioned above, you will bleed during your tattoo work so it is important that both you and the artist are protected.
- Make sure your tattoo artist uses sterile, single use needles and destroys all needles after use. Any needles used for tattoos or piercings should only be used once and disposed of immediately after use. If you do not see your tattoo artist removing your needles from sterile packages, insist on seeing him/her do so.
- All water, ink and ointments to be used for your tattoo should discarded after the process is over. Look to see that the tattoo artists are not returning used items to universal containers.
- Ask your tattoo artist about any training he/she has had. Do they have certificates available for you to look at? Don't hesitate to ask. Also, see if your artist has photos of finished tattoos. A photo book should be readily available.
Aftercare
Once you have left the tattoo parlor, aftercare is entirely up to you. Your tattoo artist should give you a copy of aftercare instructions, but here is a list of things to be aware of.
- Do not remove the bandage. A tattoo, though beautiful, is an open wound when it's first finished. The bandage will protect it from any bacteria floating around. At minimum, you should leave your bandage on for 3 hours. If you are determined to show it off right away, request that your artist place a cellophane wrap over your tattoo. This will offer the same protection as a bandage, but your tattoo will be visible.
- Wash your tattoo. Once you have removed the bandage, you need to gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. You will only need to clean the area lightly so as to remove any remaining ointment. When finished, pat the tattooed area firmly with a clean towel-do not rub! You will want to apply a light layer of ointment to the area (Bacitracin is recommended). This cleaning schedule should be followed twice a day for the next two to three days to prevent infection.
Scabbing and Peeling
Mild scabbing and peeling is not unusual after getting a tattoo. It may even itch, similar to a sunburn, but do not pick or scratch your tattoo! This is the end stage of the healing process and you don't want to ruin your tattoo.
Sun Exposure
A tattoo will fade if exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time. To ensure the color lasts, make sure to always apply sunblock (SPF 30 is recommended) to your tattoo before heading out into the sun.
Body Piercings
What to Look For In a Studio
- Is it clean?
- Are instruments and equipment sterilized?
- Does the artist wear a new pair of clean latex gloves for each client?
- Is the artist using a sterile, disposable needle?
Piercing should be done with a sterile needle only. A piercing gun can never be fully sterilized and may harbor bacteria.
Choosing Jewelry:
- Rings are best for ears and most other body piercings.
- Thickness of the jewelry is important to consider.
- Use only 316L or LVM surgical stainless steel, 14 or 18 karat solid gold, titanium or niobium.
Use longer barbells for tongue piercing to allow for swelling.
Aftercare
- Always make sure your hands are clean before touching your piercing.
- Don't pick at the normal secretions - soak the piercing with warm water to soften any dried secretions
- Clean your piercing twice a day with antibacterial soap and rinse with warm water.
- Use paper towels to dry your piercing- cloth towels can trap bacteria
- Refrain from using alcohol or hydrogen on your piercing-this can interfere with new cell growth.
See a Doctor If You Notice Any of the Following
- Redness or swelling that is more than a quarter-inch from the site of the piercing
- Soreness
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- Continuous oozing or bleeding
- Heat at the site of piercing
- Red streaks coming from the piercing site.
Healing Times
- Earlobe: 4-6 weeks
- Ear cartilage: 2 months of 1 year
- Tongue: 4-6 weeks
- Eyebrow: 6-8 weeks
- Nostril: 2-3 months
- Lip and lip area: 6-8 weeks
- Cheek: 2-3 months
- Nipple: 2-6 months
- Navel: 6 months to 1 year
- Most female genitalia: 4-8 weeks
- Most male genitalia: 3-6 months