How Not To Get Skin Cancer

Teaching children good habits for being in the sun is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer for future generations.  Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are some of the best ways to promote good skin health with youth.  Many Dermatologists encourage parents to send there kids outside with a sunscreen containing nothing less than an SPF of 50.

Those who are fair-skinned and have freckles are usually at a much higher risk of getting skin cancer from the sun than those who are naturally darker-skinned.  Melanin is a pigment in skin that helps protect against UV radiation.  People with fair skin have less melanin, so they are more likely to freckle and burn.  This puts them at higher risk for skin cancer than their darker-skinner counterparts.  Those with many moles or a family history of skin cancer should talk to their doctor or dermatologist about regular skin cancer screenings.

It is also important to do regular exams on your kids and yourself.  Note the shape and size of any growing or new moles and see a doctor if you notice any change.  For more information on how to do a self skin cancer screening or what to look for during a self skin cancer screening, read Tips For Preventing Skin Cancer.

Studies show that children who use sunscreen develop fewer moles, which means it could decrease the risk of melanoma later in life.  Also, a history of five or moresevere sunburns before adolescence more than doubles the risk of developing melanoma as an adult.

Balancing an active life with avoiding the sun’s harmful rays may sound difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.  The American Cancer Society suggests this catch phrase: “Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!” – Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses.

A hat with a 2″-3″ brim is best because it protects the neck, ears, forehead, nose and scalp.  Use sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming and sweating.  Use sunscreen even on hazy orovercast days, and pit it on about 20-30 minutes before you go outside.

Tips For Preventing Skin Cancer

How To Detect Skin Cancer

Detecting skin cancer requires that one be vigilant and alert.  It is unlikely that a menanoma will be detected without rigorous inspection.

The first thing to look for while on Mole Patrol is a new spot on the body.  Next, analyze it to see if it matches the following criteria:

1. Assymetry: It you were to disect the mole would both halves be identical??  Melanoma spots are NOT symetrical – they are uneven.
2. Examine The Border: The borders of early Melanoma tend not to be even.  They will most likely be notched or scalloped.
3. Color: Is the spot a solid color or a shade of two or three colors??  It is more than 1 color than it is likely to be melanoma skin cancer.
4. Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger in diameter than the size of a pencil eraser (1/4 inch or 6 mm), but may sometimes be smaller when first detected.
5. Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting may point to melanoma.

In short:

Benign (non-cancerous) – Symmetrical, Even Borders, One Shade of Color, Smaller than 1/4 inch.

Malignant (cancerous) – Asymmetrical, Uneven Borders, Several Colors or Shades of 1 Color, Larger than 1/4 inch.

You should also watch for the following skin changes:

If you find a spot on your body and you think it may be skin cancer, do not immediately begin to worry.  First, make an appointment to see a Dermatologist.  Many Dermatologists can tell immediately upon looking at a spot on the body how likely it is to be skin cancer.  You can find a certified physician in your area on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s website: www.skincancer.org.

Spring and Summer Skin Care Regimen

April showers bring May flowers.  The old adage is definitely true.  We suffer through the rain falls of early Spring to be greeted by the cheery blooms that follow.  However, May flowers are not all that comes from April showers, but so does hot, humid weather.  And this sudden spike in temperature and humidity is a sign that our skin care regimens need a change.

Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize – these are the absolute basics of good skin care, and the importance of each step will shift significantly depending upon the season.  In winter months moisturizing is key because having adequate moisture in the skin not only helps the skin to repair any damage, but it also helps to prevent damage caused by severe dryness.

In the summer months, however, our primary skin care focus switches from moisturization to exfoliation.  This is due to the spike in temperatures causing our body temperatures to rise and our oil glands to become more productive, producing excess amount of pore-clogging sediments.  Here is a fail-proof Summer skin care regimen to keep the skin of your face and body glowing well into the fall.

Step 1 – Cleanse.  Cleansing is always the first step to beautiful skin. Dirt, pollution, and oil produced by the body cling to the face and not only clog pores but create a dull residue.  Cleansing with an alcohol-free face wash is the best was to remove the garbage and prep the skin for steps 2-4.  In the winter months cleansing becomes less important, and one can get by with only cleansing every other day, due to the lack of humidity.  But in the Summer, cleansing becomes priority, and should be done at least once a day for dry and normal skin and twice a day for oily skin.

Step 2 – Exfoliate. Exfoliation is the way in which dead skin cells, which cause dullness, blotchiness, and variations in skin tone, are gently removed from the epidermis and allow the fresh new skin underneath to be exposed.  Be careful when exposing this newly exposed skin to the damaging rays of the sun.  By removing the protective, but unattractive layer of dead skin we are removing a natural protective shield.  Be sure to use sunblock at all times, whether you plan to be exposed directly to the sun or not.  The sun’s rays have a mysterious way of penetrating almost everything we think to be a “barrier”.

Exfoliation does not have to be a daily step in your skin care routine, as individuals skin cells die at different rates.  People with normal skin tones can get by with exfoliating two times per week in the spring and summer.  Also, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne breakouts, exfoliate at your own risk!!  Consider using an exfoliant made specifically for acne or sensitive skin.  Maky times the exfoliant property will be smaller more granulated than those for normal to oily skin, which tend to be larger pieces of sand or ground walnut.  The best type of exfoliant for all skin types is one that contains micro beads.

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Step 3 – Tone. Always, always, always tone your face after cleansing or exfoliating. Whichever step is last in your routine, tone when finished.  A great non-alcoholic toner will not only balance the ph (acid) levels in the skin, which can be askew after cleaning and exfoliating, but it will also close the pores, which were opened by cleansing, and they will be less suseptible to foreign pathogens being allowed to enter.  Toner can also be carried around in the summer to the beach, the pool, or an outdoor picnic, and applied as desired to ass moisture to the face.  It also has a cooling effect, which is always a nice break from the heat.

Step 4 – Moisturize. As mentioned earlier, moisturization in much more important in winter months than summer, however this is a step that absolutely cannot be skipped.  Be sure that your summer moisturizer contains a sunscreen with a high SPF, and one that is free of paba, jojoba oil, and lanolin oil.  These products will only clog pores causing breakouts and infections.

In the heat of the summer the best thing we can do for our complexion is to keep it as clean as possible. Breakout levels are higher in spring and summer months because our sebaceous glands are much more active then in the fall and winter.  Was your face often, and be sure to tone and use a moisturizer that contains sunscreen.  Apply is lightly to the skin.

Apply these tips, and miner changes to your daily skin care regimen and you will have a flawless, glowing complexion all summer long.

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Rejuvenate Your Skin In 2009

Tips to Healthy, Glowing Skin.

Is your skin dull and listless?  Do you need a little boost to bring your skin back to the glory of years past?  If you have answered yes to either of these questions, you may not need costly or painful surgical procedures, or even a trip to the Dermatologist’s office.  All you may need is a little R and R, and a skin rejuvenation.

Step 1 to a wonderfully successful skin rejuvenation is knowing your skin type.  There are five very different skin types, and knowing which one you have is crucial to selecting the ingredients for your rejuvenating facial.

Normal Skin:
Has even skin tone, good elasticity and is smooth and firm to the touch. Pores are small to medium-sized.

Oily skin:
Is characterized by a shiny appearance. Pores may be larger and more visible and due to excess oil production, there’s more of a tendency toward pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.

Dry Skin:
This type of skin is sensitive to hot and cold weather, and can feel tight or have visible flaking — especially after cleansing. Dry skin has a matte finish, small pores, and tends to become drier and more wrinkled with age compared with other skin types.

Combination skin:
Most of us have this kind of skin, with an oily center area or a “T-zone” across the forehead, nose, and chin, and areas of dryness on the cheeks, and around the eyes and neck. Acne will be more active in the areas that are oily.

Sensitive Skin:
A person with sensitive skin has a lot more trouble with environmental factors than the average person. Skin burns more easily in the sun, there may be frequent reactions to cosmetics and rashes or a burning sensation can even develop from weather conditions. Problem skin often accompanies this skin type as it is very reactionary.

Next, select the recipe that works with your skin type:

For Normal Skin

Combine 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon almond oil and 1 tablespoon plain yogurt. Honey stimulates and smooths, egg and almond oil penetrates and moisturizes, and yogurt refines and tightens pores. Apply evenly to face and let sit for 15 minutes.  Then rinse with warm water.

For Oily Skin

Combine 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 a cup of oatmeal.  Apply evenly to the face and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

For Dry Skin

Avocado is a naturally rich moisturizer. Mash 1/2 an avocado into a creamy texture and then massage into the face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes and gently rinse off.  If you do not like the texture or smell of avocado then combine 1 teaspoon of butter in 1 teaspoon of water. Massage thoroughly into the face and allow it to site for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse with cold water.

For Combination Skin

Combine 1 egg white, 1/2 cup of cooked instant oatmeal and 1 teaspoon of olive oil, mix until smooth.  Apply evenly to face and neck and let sit for 15 minutes.  Then rinse with  and rinse with warm water or chamomile tea and pat dry.

For Sensitive Skin

Combine 1 cup of plain yogurt and 1/2 a cup of oatmeal.  Apply evenly to the face and neck and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.  Then rinse with cool water and pat dry.

Most of the masks can be repeated once weekly to achieve the desired results.  Others can be repeated twice per week.  Use discretion and pay attention to the results you are receiving.

Simple Skin Care Regimen

Here are four easy steps to help keep your skin looking flawless:

Skin care Step 1 – Cleanse

Cleansing is the most basic and most important part of establishing a good skin care routine.  Be sure never to use soap or a soap related product as they are very drying and can leave a nasty residue; even if you have very oily skin.  Try an oil-free facial wash and apply once in the morning and once in the evening.

In the winter it is possible to over-cleanse the face leading to dryness.  Remember that if you do not moisturize at night nothing more than water is needed in the am to cleanse.  And be sure to use cold water.  Cold water not only helps to wake you up, but it also refreshes the skin.

Skin care Step 2 – Exfoliate

Exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, allowing fresh, youthful skin to be exposed.  As new skin cells are produced dead skin cells are pushed to the surface of the skin causing many skin problems, such as: clogged pores, exaggerated frown lines, and a dull complexion.

Remember that if you use an exfoliating cleanser you can skip this step.  Also, please follow the directions of the product you select.  If it does not mention that it is safe for daily use, try using only 2-3 times per week.

Skin care Step 3 – Tone

Some people argue about the necessity of using a toner after cleansing and exfoliating.  I think that toning is very important because it helps to close the pores, which open after cleansing and exfoliation, and can lead to clogged pores.  Also it helps to restore the skin’s ph balance, which can be disrupted during the same processes.

Be sure, when shopping for toner, to look for a product which clearly displays “alcohol free” on the front of the product.  Alcohol, like soap, will dry out the face.

Skin care Step 4 – Moisturize

Last, but certainly not least, is moisturizing.  Why go through all of the above steps, if you’re not going to moisturize?  Many people who have normal or oily skin insist that moisturizing is not necessary.  But moisturizing helps lubricate the skin, which helps the skin help itself heal.  Abrasions caused by excessive exfoliation, blemishes, sun damage, etc.  All of these can be healed by the skin itself, and scars minimized from these problems, simply by moisturizing with a high-quality moisturizer.

In the Spring and Summer months be sure to moisturize every evening.  In the Fall and Winter months, both morning and evening are essential.