Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Skin Cancer Myth 5 – You don’t need to use sunscreen if you are naturally tan

All colors of skin, regardless of race, should be using sunscreen. Naturally dark skin types have a lower incidence of skin cancer, but when melanoma is discovered on darker skin, it is more advanced than on lighter skin. 

 

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Skin Cancer Myth 4 – Wearing sunscreen every day will cause a Vitamin D deficiency

Your body only needs 20 minutes of noontime exposure to sunshine a day to make about 1000 IU of Vitamin D. Oral Vitamin D supplements are as effective as sun exposure and your body doesn’t know the difference between the two.

 

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Skin Cancer Myth 3– You only need to wear sunscreen on sunny days

UVA rays penetrate through clouds and windows and are reflected off concrete, asphalt, snow and grass.  They rays are present from sun up to sun down, year-round.

 

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Skin Cancer Myth 2– Tanning beds are safer than the sun because they don’t have the UVB rays that burn the skin

Tanning beds can expose the individual to 4 times the amount of UVA rays that burn the skin and 2 times the amount of UVB rays as a similar period of sun exposure. . People are unable to feel the UVA rays on their skin but they contribute the most to skin aging and skin cancer. 

 

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Skin Cancer Myth 1 – Skin Cancer only happens to people over 40

Among young American adults aged 25-29, melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the No. 1 cause of cancer death among 15-20 year olds.

 

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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Don’t avoid the dermatologist

Getting a complete skin exam once a year is essential to your overall health because it can help prevent serious issues, like skin cancer. There are so many spots that are hidden which is why getting your moles checked by a doctor is so important.  A large number of abnormal skin problems can be picked up instantly. If you do see a suspicious-looking spot or mole, don't wait until your yearly exam, see a doctor sooner to make sure you're in the clear.

 

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Will my leftover sunscreen still be effective next year?

Check to see if your bottle of sunscreen is stamped with an expiration date. If you don't see a date, the rule of thumb is that the active ingredients in sunscreen (like zinc, titanium dioxide and Parsol 1789) should remain stable and effective for about three years. But if it smells funny, feels lumpy or has a strange color, dump it. To keep your sunscreen as close to new as possible, store it in a dry spot at room temperature with the lid tightly fastened.

 

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Tanning Myth! Tanned skin looks healthier than pale skin.

The sun produces both UVA & UVB rays both of which are linked to DNA damage and cell mutation.  Tanned skin is actually an indicator that the skin is damaged, so there is no safe tan.  

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Summer Skin SOS – Brown Spots

     Sunscreen is a preventive measure.  If they start to appear, the best way to fight them is by exfoliating regularly with a gentle scrub that contains alpha or beta hydroxy acids. 

 

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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Summer Skin S.O.S. – Shine

Add a salicylic acid toner to your morning routine right after you cleanse. It minimizes shine by removing the dead, sticky cells from the top of the skin that hold on to oil. Midday, sop up excess shine with a powder-coated blotting paper (just dab it over makeup).

 

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Suntan = Damaged Skin

There is no such thing as a “safe tan.” That includes indoor tanning.  Tanning is an indication of injured skin.  And like sunburn damage, suntan damage is cumulative.  It quickens the aging of skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

 

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Summer Skin S.O.S. – Breakouts

Keep those pores clear.  Avoid oil-based moisturizers and makeup which could potentially clog pores and choose oil-free lotions.  Exfoliate 3-4 times a week with a mild scrub or washcloth especially after exercising or on sweaty days to keep skin clean.

 

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Rub That Avocado Into Your Skin!

Avocado oil is known to soothe the skin and may be able to reverse sun damage.  Regular rubbing of avocado on the face is great for moisturizing. 

 

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“Toasted Skin!!” Yikes!

Placing a laptop directly on your legs for an extended period can harm the skin.  You might develop a brown, mottled rash where the computer’s heat can injure the skin tissue.  

Its better to put something between your lap and the computer, such as a pillow or laptop case.  

 

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Monday, June 6, 2011

What is the 1 thing, besides sunscreen, people should use now to prevent aging?

Caring for the outside is essential, but we cannot diminish the importance of caring for the inside.  The best way to achieve this is to eat healthy, colorful foods and drink lots of water.  The biggest culprits in our diets are refined sugars and cola drinks which rob our bones of the needed minerals. 

What is a quick and simple way to look younger?

Gently massaging the skin around the eyes with a cream – or any massaging you do on your face – will stimulate lymphatic draining and take care of any puffyness.

Do I really need to remove my makeup?

TAKE IT OFF!!  Removing your makeup – which many women don’t do – isn’t just a way to prevent clogged pores.  Cosmetics can hold on to pollution and it can contribute to cellular damage and early aging.  Massage your cleanser in for 30 seconds. This will help to loosen up makeup, oils and dirt.

Care-Free Skin Care. Find out how….

  1. Cleanse in the AM and PM

If your face is greasy in the summertime (even if its normally considered dry), try a less hydrating cleanser than you normally use which will help control the extra oil your skin is producing.

  1. Apply Your Antioxidants

The sun’s rays can induce damaging free radicals, resulting in fine lines, sagging and brown spots. Using a serum with antioxidants under your moisturizer, preferably one with SPF, can help absorb some of these free radicals.  Some of the most effective antioxidants include Vitamin C, Green Tea and Idebenone. 

  1. Moisturize

Keep using a face moisturizer during the summer, even if your skin is oily.  The hydrating ingredients (including water) in face creams help keep skin cells functioning properly.  But if your skin feel slick, switch to an oil-free formula or moisturize only after cleansing at night.

  1. Use a LOT of Sunscreen

Unless your moisturizer has broad-spectrum protection of at least SPF 15, you will have to use a separate sunscreen on top.  Apply it often (every couple of hours), and reapply after sweating or swimming.