Skin Cancer (The Truth) w/ Dr. Teo Soleymani: Prevention, Detection, and Skin Health
In this episode of the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, Dr. Teo Soleymani and host Mari Llewellyn discuss skin health and its connections to overall well-being. They explore how skin conditions like hair loss, acne, and complexion changes can reflect internal issues like stress, poor nutrition, and gut health.
The discussion covers the alarming rise of skin cancer, even in young adults, and challenges the belief that sun exposure is the sole risk factor. Soleymani addresses the impact of skincare products, offering insights on ingredients to embrace or avoid. He also delves into the underlying causes of adult acne and the skin effects of weight loss medications, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to maintaining healthy skin.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 2, 2024 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
Skin as a Window to Internal Health
Teo Soleymani states that the skin acts as a biosensor, reflecting internal changes in the body through conditions like hair loss, acne, and complexion shifts. He cites examples like hair loss during stress, the "pregnancy glow," and links between stubborn skin issues and gut infections or autoimmune disorders.
Soleymani advocates that maintaining skin health requires a holistic approach — a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management — as inflammation, poor nutrition, and high stress negatively impact skin.
Skin Cancer: More Than Just Sun Exposure
Soleymani notes the alarming rise of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, in young adults under 30 — a phenomenon not seen 20 years ago. He explains that many melanomas occur in sun-protected areas, contradicting the belief that sun exposure is the only risk factor.
Soleymani suggests genetics, environmental triggers like viruses, and other factors contribute to skin cancer alongside sun damage. He promotes balanced sun exposure combined with protective measures like shade and clothing.
Skincare Products: Choose Wisely
Soleymani warns against pore-clogging ingredients like petrochemicals in skincare products, especially for acne-prone skin. He lauds retinoids for their myriad benefits but cautions about purging side effects.
Mari Llewellyn shares her preference for gentle, non-comedogenic products from ClearStem while avoiding retinoids before pregnancy. Soleymani emphasizes the importance of proper cleansing for all, regardless of products used.
Adult Acne: More Than Just Skin Deep
Soleymani links stubborn acne, especially in adult women, to underlying issues like hormonal imbalances and gut dysbiosis. Llewellyn's experience illustrates how treating her H. pylori infection improved her skin.
For conditions like PCOS, Soleymani suggests managing [restricted term] resistance through diet and weight loss to help clear acne.
Weight Loss Drugs' Impact on Skin
Soleymani addresses skin changes like hair loss and facial volume loss in patients using medications like Ozempic for weight loss. He attributes these to rapid weight changes, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic shifts, noting his own experiences.
Even after stabilizing weight or stopping the medication, Soleymani states the effects on skin, hair, and nails often persist long-term.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While the skin can reflect internal changes, not all skin conditions are indicative of internal health issues; some may be purely cosmetic or due to external factors like irritants or allergens.
- Stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium) is often temporary and reversible, and not all hair loss during stress is guaranteed or follows the same pattern.
- The "pregnancy glow" can be attributed to hormonal changes and increased blood flow during pregnancy, but it's not experienced universally by all pregnant individuals.
- The link between gut health and skin conditions like acne is an emerging area of research, and while there is evidence to suggest a connection, it is not yet fully understood or accepted as a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
- A holistic approach to skin health is beneficial, but individual responses to diet, exercise, and stress management can vary greatly, and what works for one person may not work for another.
- The rise in skin cancer among young adults could also be influenced by better detection and increased awareness, not solely an actual increase in incidence.
- While genetics and viruses may play a role in skin cancer development, the primary risk factor remains UV exposure, and the role of other factors should not diminish the focus on sun protection.
- The recommendation for balanced sun exposure may need to be tailored to individual risk factors for skin cancer, such as skin type and family history.
- The avoidance of certain skincare ingredients like petrochemicals is not universally supported by dermatologists, as reactions to these ingredients can be highly individual.
- Retinoids are widely regarded as effective for a variety of skin issues, but they are not suitable for everyone, and alternative treatments may be necessary for those with sensitive skin or who are pregnant.
- The link between hormonal imbalances and acne is well-established, but treatment approaches can vary, and not all cases of adult acne are due to hormonal issues.
- The role of [restricted term] resistance in conditions like PCOS is complex, and while diet and weight loss can help manage symptoms, they are not a cure-all and must be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- The long-term effects of weight loss drugs on skin, hair, and nails are not fully understood, and attributing these changes to the medication alone may overlook other contributing factors.
- The persistence of skin changes after stopping weight loss medication like Ozempic may not be universal, and more research is needed to understand the full range of effects and recovery patterns.
Actionables
- You can track your skin's response to stress by keeping a stress and skin diary, noting down periods of high stress and any corresponding skin issues like acne or hair loss. This can help you identify patterns and triggers unique to your body, allowing for targeted stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises or yoga tailored to times when you're most vulnerable to skin flare-ups.
- Create a "skin-safe" pantry by researching and stocking up on anti-inflammatory foods, and plan weekly meals that incorporate these ingredients. For example, you might include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics, which can help reduce inflammation and support gut health, potentially improving stubborn skin issues.
- Develop a personalized sun care routine by assessing your daily sun exposure and activities, then choosing protective clothing and accessories that fit your lifestyle. For instance, if you enjoy morning jogs, invest in UV-protective running gear and a hat, and if you work near windows, apply sunscreen even indoors. This proactive approach can help balance sun exposure with protection, reducing the risk of skin cancer while still getting the benefits of sunlight.
Get access to the context and additional materials
Skin as a window to internal health
Teo Soleymani elaborates on how the condition of the skin often indicates various changes happening within the body, due to factors like stress, hormonal shifts, and even gut health issues.
The skin is an amazing organ that reflects changes in the body in real-time
Soleymani underscores that the skin is a remarkable organ capable of reflecting immediate changes in one's internal health. He provides examples such as hair loss during psychosocial stress, like a bad divorce or breakup, and the 'glow' experienced by pregnant women due to hormonal changes.
Skin changes like hair loss, acne, and complexion shifts can indicate underlying conditions
The skin, hair, and nails act as biosensors, revealing the body's stresses. Soleymani points out that college students may find their hair falling out in clumps during finals, which is a manifestation of the stress they are under. He also notes that persistent skin conditions could indicate deeper underlying issues like gut infections, which exemplifies the case of refractory hives connected to an H. pylori gut infection, or reflect other hormonal imbalances and autoimmune disorders.
Skin health is closely linked to overall wellness and lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress management.
Inflammation, poor nutrition, and high stress levels can negatively impact the skin's appearance and function. Soleymani makes a clear connection between diet and skin ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Skin as a window to internal health
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Biosensors in the context of skin, hair, and nails refer to how these external features can provide insights into internal health conditions. They act as indicators that can reveal underlying issues such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and even infections. Essentially, changes in the skin, hair, and nails can serve as early warning signs of potential health problems within the body. These external manifestations can prompt further investigation into the individual's overall well-being and may indicate the need for medical attention or lifestyle adjustments.
- Refractory hives are hives that do not respond well to typical treatments. H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and digestive system. In some cases, H. pylori infection can trigger or exacerbate skin conditions like hives. The connection between H. pylori infection and refractory hives suggests a potential link between gut health and skin issues.
- Pro-inflammatory foods are those that can trigger inflammation in the body, potentially leading to various health issues. In the context of skin health, consuming these foods can exacerbate skin conditions like acne, eczema, and premature aging. Examples of pro-inflammatory foods include sugary snacks, processed foods, fried foods, and foods high in trans fats. By avoiding or minimizing these foods in the diet, individuals may help reduce inflammation and improve the overall health and appearance of their skin.
- US presidents aging quicker due to high stress levels is a commonly observed phenomeno ...
Counterarguments
- While the skin can reflect internal health issues, not all skin problems are indicative of underlying conditions; some may be purely cosmetic or caused by external factors like allergens or irritants.
- The connection between skin health and stress is complex, and while stress can exacerbate skin conditions, it is not always the primary cause of skin issues.
- The role of diet in skin health is still a subject of ongoing research, and while certain dietary patterns may be associated with better skin health, the relationship is not fully understood and can vary greatly among individuals.
- The idea that presidents age faster due to stress is anecdotal and not conclusively supported by scientific evidence; aging is a multifactorial process influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle, not just stress.
- The concept of a "pregnancy glow" is subjective and may not be experienced by all pregnant women; it can also be influenced by cultural perceptions and expecta ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Skin cancer prevention and sun exposure myths
Teo Soleymani and Mari Llewellyn examine the rising prevalence of skin cancer among young adults and uncover common misconceptions about sun exposure and skin cancer risks.
Skin cancer, especially melanoma, is becoming more prevalent in young adults, contrary to the misconception that it only affects the elderly.
Teo Soleymani observes an alarming rate of skin cancer in young adults, with a dozen patients a week under the age of 30, a phenomenon that was not common 20 years ago. Melanoma, in particular, has become a significant issue for young adults and is cited as the second most common cause of death in women aged 25 to 35. It's not just an issue for the elderly, as most patients who die from melanoma are young.
Melanoma is the second leading cause of death in women aged 25-35, underscoring the importance of skin cancer awareness and prevention in younger populations.
One in four Americans will develop either basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, while melanoma, the deadliest form, accounts for a smaller number of cases. Every 52 minutes, someone in the United States dies from melanoma. This highlights the need for increased awareness and proactive prevention among young adults.
Sun exposure is not the sole cause of skin cancer, as many cases occur in sun-protected areas of the body.
Soleymani points out that the majority of melanomas seen in young adults occur in sun-protected areas, challenging the common belief that sun exposure is the only risk factor. He emphasizes that other forms of skin cancer, like squamous cell carcinomas, are usually related to chronic and significant sun damage, suggesting other factors are at play.
Factors like genetics, environmental triggers, and viral infections may also contribute to skin cancer development.
Soleymani mentions the complexity of skin cancer and states that diligent use of sunscreen has not been proven to decrease the chances of dying from cancer. He stresses that 90% of melanomas arise in normal skin and suggests that genetics, family history, environmental triggers, such as well water, and viruses like HPV, play a role in skin cancer development alongside sun exposure.
Teo Soleyman ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Skin cancer prevention and sun exposure myths
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While melanoma is indeed a significant cause of death in women aged 25-35, it is important to note that the absolute risk for an individual in this age group remains relatively low compared to other health risks.
- The statement that one in four Americans will develop basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma could be misleading without context, as these types of skin cancer have high survival rates when detected early.
- The claim that diligent sunscreen use has not been proven to decrease cancer mortality may be contested by studies showing that regular sunscreen use can reduce the incidence of melanoma and other skin cancers, which could indirectly affect mortality rates.
- The assertion that 90% of melanomas arise in normal skin might be challenged by pointing out that the definition of "normal skin" is not clear and that many melanomas may arise from moles or dysplastic nevi, which are not considered normal skin.
- The concern about octocrylene breaking down into benzophenone, a known carcinogen, may be met with the argument that the levels at which this breakdown occurs and the actual risk posed to humans need to be clearly established through scientific research.
- The potential systemic absorption of sunscreen chemicals is a concern, but it is also important to weigh this against the proven benefits of sunscreen in preventing skin damage and potential skin cancers.
- Advocating for a bala ...
Actionables
- You can create a skin health diary to track changes in your skin and potential risk factors that aren't related to sun exposure. Start by taking monthly photos of your skin to monitor for new moles or changes in existing ones, especially in areas that don't get much sun. Note any family history of skin cancer, instances of viral infections, and environmental factors you're exposed to, like tanning beds or chemicals, to discuss with a dermatologist during check-ups.
- Develop a personalized sun strategy that goes beyond sunscreen by incorporating UV-protective clothing into your wardrobe. Invest in clothing with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating for times when you'll be in the sun for extended periods. Add accessories like wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect areas often exposed to the sun, such as your face, neck, and eyes.
- Engage with a local dermatologist to organize a community skin check ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Skincare products and their impacts on skin
Understanding and choosing the right skincare products for your individual skin type and needs is essential to maintain skin health.
Using the right skincare products for your individual skin type and needs is crucial for maintaining skin health.
Teo Soleymani and Mari Llewellyn caution against using skincare products that contain ingredients like petrochemicals, occlusive agents, and fragrances, which can clog pores and exacerbate certain skin issues, such as acne. For instance, Soleymani advises against chemical sunscreens, recommending those that contain zinc or zinc and titanium for their less harmful impact on skin health, despite sometimes feeling gritty.
Soleymani emphasizes that tallow-based products are not suitable for acne-prone skin, much like petrolatum-containing products like Vaseline or Aquaphor, which can lead to breakouts by creating an environment for bacteria overgrowth. Simple skincare regimens are encouraged, requiring cleansing, sun protection, and products that promote skin turnover, such as retinoids.
Retinoids are considered the gold standard for topical treatments, as they can address a wide range of skin concerns, from acne to aging.
Retinoids, specifically praised by Soleymani, have a range of benefits including promoting collagen growth, reducing acne, preventing skin cancer, and improving signs of aging. He mentions [restricted term] and [restricted term], prescription retinoids, as highly effective, though emphasizing the need for prescription control due to the risks associated with use during pregnancy.
Mari Llewellyn describes her aversion to retinoids as she's striving to get pregnant, with the added experience of her acne worsening when she initially tried retinoids, a phenomenon known as "the purge." Retinoids, Soleymani notes, can accelerate skin turnover causing temporary acne flare-ups but a ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Skincare products and their impacts on skin
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While zinc or titanium-based sunscreens are often recommended for sensitive skin, some chemical sunscreens are formulated to be non-irritating and may offer more cosmetically elegant formulations that encourage regular use, which is key for effective sun protection.
- Not all petrochemicals or occlusive agents are harmful to all skin types; some individuals with extremely dry or compromised skin barriers may benefit from the protective layer these ingredients provide.
- The term "non-comedogenic" is not regulated, and products labeled as such may still cause breakouts in some individuals, as comedogenicity can be highly personal and variable.
- Retinoids, while effective, are not the only gold standard treatment for skin concerns; other ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and alpha hydroxy acids also play significant roles in skin health and may be better tolerated by some individuals.
- The initial worsening of acne with retinoid use, known as "the purge," can be too severe for some individuals, leading them to discontinue use before achieving the benefits; alternative treatments may be necessary.
- The recommendation for simple skincare regimens may not address the complexity of some individuals' skin concerns, and a more tailored approach may be necessary.
- The advice for older adults to use occlusive products may not consider that some may still experience acne or have oily skin, and thus would not benefit from heavy products.
- While Clea ...
Actionables
- You can create a personalized skin journal to track your skin's reaction to different products and ingredients, noting any changes in texture, breakouts, or irritation. This will help you identify what works best for your skin type and needs. For example, after using a new cleanser, make a note of how your skin feels immediately after use and then again after several hours to see if there are any delayed reactions.
- Develop a DIY skin patch test method at home to screen new products for potential irritation or comedogenic effects before applying them to your entire face. Apply a small amount of the product behind your ear or on your inner forearm for a few days to observe any adverse reactions. This area mimics facial skin sensitivity but is discreet enough to manage any potential breakouts or irritation.
- Start a sun protection habi ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Acne and skin issues as reflections of overall health
Mari Llewellyn shares her own personal struggle, underscoring the complex relationship between skin health and internal bodily issues, such as gut dysbiosis or hormonal imbalances.
Stubborn or recurring acne, particularly in adult women, can be a sign of hormone imbalances or other underlying health conditions.
Teo Soleymani highlights that acne, particularly in adult women, could be indicative of underlying health conditions such as hormonal imbalances. Soleymani discusses how gut immune dysregulation can present as problematic skin conditions. Specific to acne located in the beard distribution area – the chin and jawline – there tends to be a hormonal component that is stubborn and difficult to treat.
Llewellyn's experience is a testament to this phenomenon. Despite maintaining healthy habits, her persisting skin problems were actually a sign of H. pylori, a gut-related health problem. Soleymani suggests that in conditions like this, antibiotics might alleviate inflammation in the skin by addressing the underlying issue — in this case, a gut infection — which sheds light on why Llewellyn’s skin saw improvement after her infection was treated.
Moreover, for those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or similar hormonal dysregulation, controlling sugar intake and reducing body weight can decrease [restricted term] resistance, thereby improving acne and balancing hormones.
Rapid weight loss or the use of certain medications, such as Ozempic, can lead to undesirable changes in the skin, including hair loss and facial volume loss.
Soleymani addresses the side effects of rapid weight loss or medication use on the skin. He acknowledges that patients have come in with symptoms such as hair loss and facial volume loss attributed to the use of medications like Ozempic. Soleymani c ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Acne and skin issues as reflections of overall health
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While acne can be a sign of hormonal imbalances or other health conditions, it is not always indicative of an underlying serious health issue. Many factors, including genetics and lifestyle, can contribute to acne, and it can sometimes occur without any clear internal health problems.
- Hormonal treatments for acne, such as birth control pills or spironolactone, can be effective for some women and may be a preferred treatment over antibiotics, which can have side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
- The relationship between diet, weight, and acne is complex and not fully understood. While some studies suggest a link between high glycemic diets or dairy and acne, the evidence is not conclusive, and dietary changes alone may not resolve acne for everyone.
- Not all cases of rapid weight loss or medication use result in hair loss or facial volume loss. These side effects can vary greatly from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any negative skin-related side effects.
- The permanence of skin, hair, and nail changes after weight stabilization or medication discontinuation is not guaranteed. Some individuals may see improvements or complete reversals in their condit ...
Actionables
- You can track your skin's response to dietary changes by keeping a food and symptom diary, noting any acne flare-ups alongside your meals. This can help you identify potential food triggers or patterns related to your acne, which you can then discuss with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on dietary adjustments that may benefit your skin health.
- Start a routine of gentle facial exercises to potentially improve facial volume and skin tone, especially if you've experienced changes due to weight fluctuations. These exercises can increase blood flow to the face, which may help nourish skin cells and promote a healthier appearance. You can find tutorials online and incorporate them into your daily skincare regimen.
- Create a personalized hydration and nutrition plan if you're experiencing lacklu ...
Related Shortform Content
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
