One walk down the skincare aisle of your local drugstore and you will see that there are a great many brands to choose from. How do you find the best skincare brand? Well using skincare reviews is one of the best ways to find out what others think about the skincare products that you are considering.
There are many sites online that offer reviews on everything from software to skincare. You can often find some skincare reviews that will give you the information that you need to make a great choice on the best skincare brands. These reviews are from real people who have tried the products and have something to offer you about their experiences.
Knowing what real people have to say about skincare products is one way that you can be sure before you shell out a lot of money. If you were to try all of the products that are available, you could potentially spend a great deal of money trying to find the best skincare brand. Reading skincare reviews can help you save some of that money and only try the products that receive good reviews. You will still have to try the products for yourself to determine which ones are right for your skin type.
It is important that you choose the products that are right for your skin type because different types of skin have different requirements. If you have older skin, you might need a product that has more moisture or can offer you some effective treatments for wrinkles. People with oily skin might need a product that moisturizes without making their skin more oily. You should determine what type of skin you have and choose the right products for you. This is the first step to finding the best skincare brand.
Ask your friends and family what products they use. These are some of the best skincare reviews that you are likely to receive. You can be sure that the reviews and recommendations that you receive from people that you know are the most impartial that you are likely to find. Ask your friends who seem to have great skin what they use and you just might find the right brand for you. Keep in mind that the results of skincare products will vary according to your skin type.
When your budget is tight, it is a very smart move to check out the products that you are considering before you buy. Do your research on the different skincare brands that are available on the market. Take a look at the different brands that are offered online. When you shop online, you will have access to products from all over the world. You may find a product that works for you that is not available in your local drugstore.
Make sure that you read the skincare reviews online that are from impartial sources. While you may get some great information from the website that is selling the skincare products on the ingredients and what is intended to do, you will get the best reviews on these products from impartial sources. Try to find as many different reviews as possible to get the best information on the products that you are considering purchasing.
It is important that you do your homework on the products that you apply to your skin. If you want to get the best results, you should look for skincare reviews and read all of the information about the products. Look at the ingredients that are used and find out if these are the best ingredients for your particular skin type. This is the best way to find the best skincare brand.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Valerie_Rosenbaum
Friday, November 7, 2008
Choosing Skincare Cosmetics
Some people separate their skincare products into products that they use for skincare and products that they use for cosmetic purposes. There are some products that offer both. Finding the right skincare cosmetics will require you to choose the products that are right for your particular skin type. If you are looking for aging skincare products, you should look for the products that will give you the best anti wrinkle treatment and the best moisture.
Look for cosmetics that include sunscreen as a part of their ingredients. These are a wonderful way to make sure that you include sunscreen in your daily skincare regimen. Using a sunscreen every day is one of the best aging skincare routines that you can do. The sun can cause a lot of damage on your skin if you are exposing it to the harmful rays without any protection. Make sure that your skincare cosmetics have some sunscreen in them to keep your skin out of harms way.
There are also some cosmetics on the market that could cause more harm to your skin than good. These cosmetics will clog your pores and cause your skin to experience breakouts and a host of problems. Always make sure that you wash your makeup off every day. An even better approach is to look for skincare cosmetics that do more than just cover up your skin. Look for products that are designed to help your skin look great and be in the best condition that it can be in.
Aging skincare will require you to look for skincare cosmetics that will not dry out your skin. You also do not want to use a product that will leave your skin oily either. Finding the right balance can sometimes be difficult, but there are many skincare cosmetics on the market that are designed specifically for aging skin. You will find makeup and products that will enhance the appearance of your aging skin as well as provide protection and moisture for your skin.
The key to finding skincare cosmetics is to know your type of skin. You must know which products are going to work the best for your particular skin needs and requirements. If you are looking for aging skincare products, you should be sure that the products that you select were designed specifically for your aging skin. Read the ingredients and learn which ones are made for your skin type. There are many sources of information online about the different ingredients that you can try on your skin. You will have to do some experimentation to find the ones that work the best for your particular skin.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Valerie_Rosenbaum
Look for cosmetics that include sunscreen as a part of their ingredients. These are a wonderful way to make sure that you include sunscreen in your daily skincare regimen. Using a sunscreen every day is one of the best aging skincare routines that you can do. The sun can cause a lot of damage on your skin if you are exposing it to the harmful rays without any protection. Make sure that your skincare cosmetics have some sunscreen in them to keep your skin out of harms way.
There are also some cosmetics on the market that could cause more harm to your skin than good. These cosmetics will clog your pores and cause your skin to experience breakouts and a host of problems. Always make sure that you wash your makeup off every day. An even better approach is to look for skincare cosmetics that do more than just cover up your skin. Look for products that are designed to help your skin look great and be in the best condition that it can be in.
Aging skincare will require you to look for skincare cosmetics that will not dry out your skin. You also do not want to use a product that will leave your skin oily either. Finding the right balance can sometimes be difficult, but there are many skincare cosmetics on the market that are designed specifically for aging skin. You will find makeup and products that will enhance the appearance of your aging skin as well as provide protection and moisture for your skin.
The key to finding skincare cosmetics is to know your type of skin. You must know which products are going to work the best for your particular skin needs and requirements. If you are looking for aging skincare products, you should be sure that the products that you select were designed specifically for your aging skin. Read the ingredients and learn which ones are made for your skin type. There are many sources of information online about the different ingredients that you can try on your skin. You will have to do some experimentation to find the ones that work the best for your particular skin.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Valerie_Rosenbaum
Skin Cancer - 5 Things You May Not Know About Protecting Your Children From Skin Cancer
Skin cancer in its deadliest form, melanoma, is on the rise and this relates to children of all ages.
1. Babies: Cases of pediatric melanoma have increased
100% in the last 20 years! (Michigan State Medical
Society)
Almost everytime I'm outdoors, I see babies or small
children in their strollers with their faces and heads
unprotected from the sun. And while I do notice more
small children than ever with hats on their heads, there
seem to be triple that amount without.
All it takes is a little awareness to keep a hat on and to
make sure the back of the stroller is to the sun. When
80% of the sun's damaging UV rays happens in the first
18 years of life, parents can give the gift of life twice ...
once giving birth, and the second protecting their skin.
2. Teens: 2.3 million teenagers (part of 30 million
Americans) use tanning beds. Ultraviolet rays are the
primary factor in developing skin cancer and are 15 times
greater in a tanning booth than outdoors. Up until now,
there have been very few warnings about health risks in
tanning salons.
Finally, legislators are trying to change that. 25 states
across the country want to restrict youth access to
indoor tanning facilities. In addition, if passed, this
legislation would require parental consent for anyone
under 18, along with the listing of potential health
consequences in these salons, and licensing by the
state.
This is a potentially life-saving public issue and any
help parents can give both at home with their children
and in their support of their representatives can only
help save lives.
3. Women ages 20-29: They're adults but they're still
somebody's children. Melanoma is now the second most
common cancer in this age group.
While it is best to get kids started early on the
habit of using sun protection, better late than never.
you know how to talk to your children best, but if
you see a tan on your daughter, you might ask how
she came to it...beach? tanning salon? Or, fake
tanning lotion which of course would be Choice No. 1
other than, perhaps, no tan at all.
4. African-American or Asian children: The risk for
melanoma isn't as high as with Caucasian children,
but it can be more deadly because a lesion or
irregular mole can't be seen as easily.
Talking with them at all ages about sun protection
and teaching them what to look for is and examining
them regularly is vital.
5. The perfect tan. For years, the perfect tan was looked
at as the way to look healthy, attractive, thinner (believe it
or not), and possibly even rich (if you have time to lounge
in the sun, you really must be well off). And the warmth
of the sun feels good. There's no doubting that.
The perfect tan is still sought today. Lines form around
some of the more popular tanning salons, grown women
included.
But now we have information we didn't have.
Irrefutable information. It's hard to ignore it
and worse, later on, if we're one of the unlucky
ones, what do we say to ourselves - and our
families? It's just a little extra effort for potentially
a longer and healthier life. Is the perfect tan worth
losing all that?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Rosenberg
1. Babies: Cases of pediatric melanoma have increased
100% in the last 20 years! (Michigan State Medical
Society)
Almost everytime I'm outdoors, I see babies or small
children in their strollers with their faces and heads
unprotected from the sun. And while I do notice more
small children than ever with hats on their heads, there
seem to be triple that amount without.
All it takes is a little awareness to keep a hat on and to
make sure the back of the stroller is to the sun. When
80% of the sun's damaging UV rays happens in the first
18 years of life, parents can give the gift of life twice ...
once giving birth, and the second protecting their skin.
2. Teens: 2.3 million teenagers (part of 30 million
Americans) use tanning beds. Ultraviolet rays are the
primary factor in developing skin cancer and are 15 times
greater in a tanning booth than outdoors. Up until now,
there have been very few warnings about health risks in
tanning salons.
Finally, legislators are trying to change that. 25 states
across the country want to restrict youth access to
indoor tanning facilities. In addition, if passed, this
legislation would require parental consent for anyone
under 18, along with the listing of potential health
consequences in these salons, and licensing by the
state.
This is a potentially life-saving public issue and any
help parents can give both at home with their children
and in their support of their representatives can only
help save lives.
3. Women ages 20-29: They're adults but they're still
somebody's children. Melanoma is now the second most
common cancer in this age group.
While it is best to get kids started early on the
habit of using sun protection, better late than never.
you know how to talk to your children best, but if
you see a tan on your daughter, you might ask how
she came to it...beach? tanning salon? Or, fake
tanning lotion which of course would be Choice No. 1
other than, perhaps, no tan at all.
4. African-American or Asian children: The risk for
melanoma isn't as high as with Caucasian children,
but it can be more deadly because a lesion or
irregular mole can't be seen as easily.
Talking with them at all ages about sun protection
and teaching them what to look for is and examining
them regularly is vital.
5. The perfect tan. For years, the perfect tan was looked
at as the way to look healthy, attractive, thinner (believe it
or not), and possibly even rich (if you have time to lounge
in the sun, you really must be well off). And the warmth
of the sun feels good. There's no doubting that.
The perfect tan is still sought today. Lines form around
some of the more popular tanning salons, grown women
included.
But now we have information we didn't have.
Irrefutable information. It's hard to ignore it
and worse, later on, if we're one of the unlucky
ones, what do we say to ourselves - and our
families? It's just a little extra effort for potentially
a longer and healthier life. Is the perfect tan worth
losing all that?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Rosenberg
Skin Cancer Symptoms and Prevention
Despite the medical evidence available on skin cancer, our society insists on tanning beds and sunbathing without using the proper protection, as we can find many youth and teenagers spending long times in the harmful and burning sun rays that what makes them the suffer a lot from Skin Cancer. But the good news is that Skin Cancer is considered the easiest form of cancer and you can overcome it by spotting it in time.
There are two forms of Skin Cancer, melanomas and non-melanomas. Melanomas usually account for only four percent of diagnosed skin cancers, and it occurs in the epidermis, the skin's outer layer, usually appearing as a dark mole with uneven edges but they are considered to be the most deadly. Non-melanomas, on the other hand, are comprised of two different cell types, basal cells and squamous cells. Both of these cells are caused from sun exposure.
Skin cancer symptoms vary from individual to individual as to which chemical, or substance causes allergic reactions. The tumor in the epidermis, caused by skin cancer, is always clearly visible, making diagnosis slightly easier than in other cases of cancer. Skin Cancer patient may encounter Rough and scaly patches on the skin, A sore or spot that bleeds or become crusty, a small lump that is shiny, waxy, pale in color, and smooth in texture.
Skin protection is very important and easy; off course there is no excuse not to prevent it. You have to protect every member in your family even young babies, try to find shady areas when you take them outside to play and be sure they have the proper protection on.
Children and people with fair skin need to be using a higher protection factor than other people Skin protection doesn't mean to avoid sun forever, but you have to be reasonable and be careful while dealing with the sun. Sensitive areas like lips, nose, palms, and the back of your hand should be sufficiently protected while exposure to sun.
When out in the sun do not forget to protect your face. Applying lotion to the ears, nose and neck will help to protect those sensitive areas from the sun.
Sunscreen is recommended as a form of protection against the sun. Of course, your self-examinations should be in addition to an annual doctors exam; doctors trained eyes often spot skin cancer even quicker than you do. Surgery is the most common form of treatment and it is usually done as an outpatient procedure.
From time to time examine your head and face using one or two mirrors. Move your hair to examine your scalp. Have a look at your hands, including your nails. Check your elbows, arms and underarms. Look closely on your neck and chest.
Finally, if you notice or encounter any changes in your skin such as moles, lesions or sores, which do not heal, it is always better to consult your doctor immediately. If caught early, most skin cancer can be cured.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mahmoud_Awara
There are two forms of Skin Cancer, melanomas and non-melanomas. Melanomas usually account for only four percent of diagnosed skin cancers, and it occurs in the epidermis, the skin's outer layer, usually appearing as a dark mole with uneven edges but they are considered to be the most deadly. Non-melanomas, on the other hand, are comprised of two different cell types, basal cells and squamous cells. Both of these cells are caused from sun exposure.
Skin cancer symptoms vary from individual to individual as to which chemical, or substance causes allergic reactions. The tumor in the epidermis, caused by skin cancer, is always clearly visible, making diagnosis slightly easier than in other cases of cancer. Skin Cancer patient may encounter Rough and scaly patches on the skin, A sore or spot that bleeds or become crusty, a small lump that is shiny, waxy, pale in color, and smooth in texture.
Skin protection is very important and easy; off course there is no excuse not to prevent it. You have to protect every member in your family even young babies, try to find shady areas when you take them outside to play and be sure they have the proper protection on.
Children and people with fair skin need to be using a higher protection factor than other people Skin protection doesn't mean to avoid sun forever, but you have to be reasonable and be careful while dealing with the sun. Sensitive areas like lips, nose, palms, and the back of your hand should be sufficiently protected while exposure to sun.
When out in the sun do not forget to protect your face. Applying lotion to the ears, nose and neck will help to protect those sensitive areas from the sun.
Sunscreen is recommended as a form of protection against the sun. Of course, your self-examinations should be in addition to an annual doctors exam; doctors trained eyes often spot skin cancer even quicker than you do. Surgery is the most common form of treatment and it is usually done as an outpatient procedure.
From time to time examine your head and face using one or two mirrors. Move your hair to examine your scalp. Have a look at your hands, including your nails. Check your elbows, arms and underarms. Look closely on your neck and chest.
Finally, if you notice or encounter any changes in your skin such as moles, lesions or sores, which do not heal, it is always better to consult your doctor immediately. If caught early, most skin cancer can be cured.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mahmoud_Awara
Monday, November 3, 2008
How to Find a Facial Scrub For Sensitive Skin
Sometimes exfoliating your skin seems like the perfect answer to the gross, dead skin but the truth is many exfoliating products out there can dry our skin out, causing it to flake even more than before! The number of products on the market that promise glowing, smooth skin that smells of lemon trees and honey are over the hundreds, and most are quite expensive, and not as successful as some of the most simply, home remedies.
If you have sensitive skin, but long to ex foliate try oatmeal based products like a simple oatmeal body bar, which can be used on the face as well. Oatmeal is hypo-allergenic and contains tons of amino acids, and other vitamins that give our face the glow, and boosts it needs to make it through dry season. For those of us on a budget, heading over to the kitchen can lead us to a DIY approach to a homemade, oatmeal exfoliator.
If you have brown oats [oatmeal] aloe vera, and brown sugar you can create a scrub that's completely organic and all natural, to use on yourself! Oatmeal based scrubs are proven to be better for your skin than anything else, and they are clean and lovely smelling without the toxic chemicals some companies use to scent their products. If oatmeal isn't your thing, you can find scrubs that are baking soda based, which surprisingly is the perfect solution to those of us who have skin that simply can't handle scented scrubs. Baking soda is as simple as it gets, but you will have cover girl skin using a product with this as the main ingredient!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Della_Upsher
If you have sensitive skin, but long to ex foliate try oatmeal based products like a simple oatmeal body bar, which can be used on the face as well. Oatmeal is hypo-allergenic and contains tons of amino acids, and other vitamins that give our face the glow, and boosts it needs to make it through dry season. For those of us on a budget, heading over to the kitchen can lead us to a DIY approach to a homemade, oatmeal exfoliator.
If you have brown oats [oatmeal] aloe vera, and brown sugar you can create a scrub that's completely organic and all natural, to use on yourself! Oatmeal based scrubs are proven to be better for your skin than anything else, and they are clean and lovely smelling without the toxic chemicals some companies use to scent their products. If oatmeal isn't your thing, you can find scrubs that are baking soda based, which surprisingly is the perfect solution to those of us who have skin that simply can't handle scented scrubs. Baking soda is as simple as it gets, but you will have cover girl skin using a product with this as the main ingredient!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Della_Upsher
How to Choose the Best Natural Skin Care
Organic, All Natural, Gentle, Mild, Paraben-Free, No Animal Testing!
These are all things you might see on labels in the natural skin care section of your favorite store. But, are they true? How can you tell? How do you choose the best, safest and healthiest skin care products for yourself and your family?
Natural skin care product selection can be simple and straightforward! With just a little bit of knowledge, it can be very easy to choose the safest and healthiest natural skin care products for your household.
There are more so-called natural skin care products in the marketplace than ever before. The mainstream skin care industry has made their entrance into the natural skin care arena. Natural and organic skin care products come in every price range to fit every budget.
But take heed. Choosing the best all natural and organic skin care brands still takes a little bit of diligence. The industry is unregulated and there is a lot of misinformation about what's healthy and what's not.
Here are some things to look out for when you're shopping for the best natural skin care lines...
Radio, TV and magazine advertisements
The industry spends billions of dollars every year trying to convince you to buy their products. What they say in their ads and their marketing is not always truthful. If you learn about an organic natural skin care product through the media, it doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it. It just means you need to do your homework and check them out. Find out the truth about the natural skin care product line before you buy.
Endorsements by famous people
Celebrities make a lot of money endorsing products. Companies are willing to spend a lot on celebrity endorsements because they know it increases sales. So even if you love the celebrity, you can't just believe them. Remember, they're getting paid to say all those wonderful things, even about certified organic skin care products. Again, make sure you check the facts about the product before you buy.
The product label
This is where the manufacturer tells you what they want you to think about the product. They spend large amounts of money on designs to make their product look appealing so you'll want to buy it. Companies use words like natural and organic to make you think their product truly is a natural and organic skin care product.
This might surprise you, but the words natural and organic on a product label do not guarantee that the product is really natural or organic. Why? For one, natural is not legally defined in the skin care industry. A skin care product labeled as natural may contain all natural ingredients, a few natural ingredients or none at all.
Certified organic skin care products.
The term organic has been abused and misused too. There have been no real organic standards for the skin care industry. The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) is the only true organic standard for skin care products. It is the original program for certifying food as organic. Because of the lack of an organic standard for skin care, cosmetics and personal care products, the NOP has been certifying these products for a number of years now as well.
The new OASIS Standard is really only a pseudo-organic standard as it allows synthetic ingredients not allowed by the NOP standards for food. The Ecocert standard is another less than organic standard and they even certify products as organic that don't even meet their low standards. If you see a natural skin care product certified organic by OASIS or Ecocert, don't assume it's a good choice. It's likely to contain synthetic preservatives, ingredients that have been sprayed with pesticides and herbicides, and petroleum derived ingredients. Check it out before you buy.
Here's how you can check out all the natural and organic skin care product brands before you buy...
Read the ingredients list
When you're shopping for natural skin care products, the first thing you must do is read the ingredients list on the back of the package. The truth about a product is in the ingredients list. It's not in the packaging. You won't find it in the ads. Neither is it in the celebrity endorsements. Everything else on the label is meaningless if the ingredients aren't healthy. To find the best, healthiest and safest natural skin care brands, you need to check the ingredients first.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Farlow
These are all things you might see on labels in the natural skin care section of your favorite store. But, are they true? How can you tell? How do you choose the best, safest and healthiest skin care products for yourself and your family?
Natural skin care product selection can be simple and straightforward! With just a little bit of knowledge, it can be very easy to choose the safest and healthiest natural skin care products for your household.
There are more so-called natural skin care products in the marketplace than ever before. The mainstream skin care industry has made their entrance into the natural skin care arena. Natural and organic skin care products come in every price range to fit every budget.
But take heed. Choosing the best all natural and organic skin care brands still takes a little bit of diligence. The industry is unregulated and there is a lot of misinformation about what's healthy and what's not.
Here are some things to look out for when you're shopping for the best natural skin care lines...
Radio, TV and magazine advertisements
The industry spends billions of dollars every year trying to convince you to buy their products. What they say in their ads and their marketing is not always truthful. If you learn about an organic natural skin care product through the media, it doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it. It just means you need to do your homework and check them out. Find out the truth about the natural skin care product line before you buy.
Endorsements by famous people
Celebrities make a lot of money endorsing products. Companies are willing to spend a lot on celebrity endorsements because they know it increases sales. So even if you love the celebrity, you can't just believe them. Remember, they're getting paid to say all those wonderful things, even about certified organic skin care products. Again, make sure you check the facts about the product before you buy.
The product label
This is where the manufacturer tells you what they want you to think about the product. They spend large amounts of money on designs to make their product look appealing so you'll want to buy it. Companies use words like natural and organic to make you think their product truly is a natural and organic skin care product.
This might surprise you, but the words natural and organic on a product label do not guarantee that the product is really natural or organic. Why? For one, natural is not legally defined in the skin care industry. A skin care product labeled as natural may contain all natural ingredients, a few natural ingredients or none at all.
Certified organic skin care products.
The term organic has been abused and misused too. There have been no real organic standards for the skin care industry. The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) is the only true organic standard for skin care products. It is the original program for certifying food as organic. Because of the lack of an organic standard for skin care, cosmetics and personal care products, the NOP has been certifying these products for a number of years now as well.
The new OASIS Standard is really only a pseudo-organic standard as it allows synthetic ingredients not allowed by the NOP standards for food. The Ecocert standard is another less than organic standard and they even certify products as organic that don't even meet their low standards. If you see a natural skin care product certified organic by OASIS or Ecocert, don't assume it's a good choice. It's likely to contain synthetic preservatives, ingredients that have been sprayed with pesticides and herbicides, and petroleum derived ingredients. Check it out before you buy.
Here's how you can check out all the natural and organic skin care product brands before you buy...
Read the ingredients list
When you're shopping for natural skin care products, the first thing you must do is read the ingredients list on the back of the package. The truth about a product is in the ingredients list. It's not in the packaging. You won't find it in the ads. Neither is it in the celebrity endorsements. Everything else on the label is meaningless if the ingredients aren't healthy. To find the best, healthiest and safest natural skin care brands, you need to check the ingredients first.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Farlow
Melanoma - Ten Things You May Not Know About It
Here are nine more things you may not know about melanoma:
o The skin disease will affect about 54,500 persons in the United States of America, resulting in more than 8,500 deaths.
o It can affect adults of all ages, even young individuals (from mid-teens).
o The individuals most likely to develop melanoma are those with fair complexions, red or blond hair, blue eyes, and freckles and who tan poorly and sunburn easily. Strong family history of melanoma is also a risk factor. Melanoma hardly ever occurs in Africans and Afro-Americans because they never sunburn.
o Always have a high index of suspicion for changing moles, especially if the edge is irregular and the color/pigmentation changes in any mole.
o The Paradox: 'Sun exposure is associated with increased survival from melanoma'. Why? Because one of sun's best effects is to increase Vitamin D, which has anti-cancer effects.
o It may spread via the lymphatic vessels or bloodstream. Once widespread disease to lungs, liver, bone and brain is established, the chance of a cure is low.
o The back is the most common site for melanoma in men. In women, the back and the lower leg (from knee to ankle) are frequent sites.
o Once diagnosed with melanoma, symptoms such as weight loss, malaise, headaches, visual difficulty, or bone pain may mean that the disease has spread to other parts of the body.
o It may occur even in normal skins. You have to see your doctor immediately if a mole or moles become bigger than 6 millimeters, starts bleeding or itching, changes color or the border becomes irregular. Any of these changes may mean that the mole/moles have become malignant melanoma(s).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maduka_Ogwueleka
o The skin disease will affect about 54,500 persons in the United States of America, resulting in more than 8,500 deaths.
o It can affect adults of all ages, even young individuals (from mid-teens).
o The individuals most likely to develop melanoma are those with fair complexions, red or blond hair, blue eyes, and freckles and who tan poorly and sunburn easily. Strong family history of melanoma is also a risk factor. Melanoma hardly ever occurs in Africans and Afro-Americans because they never sunburn.
o Always have a high index of suspicion for changing moles, especially if the edge is irregular and the color/pigmentation changes in any mole.
o The Paradox: 'Sun exposure is associated with increased survival from melanoma'. Why? Because one of sun's best effects is to increase Vitamin D, which has anti-cancer effects.
o It may spread via the lymphatic vessels or bloodstream. Once widespread disease to lungs, liver, bone and brain is established, the chance of a cure is low.
o The back is the most common site for melanoma in men. In women, the back and the lower leg (from knee to ankle) are frequent sites.
o Once diagnosed with melanoma, symptoms such as weight loss, malaise, headaches, visual difficulty, or bone pain may mean that the disease has spread to other parts of the body.
o It may occur even in normal skins. You have to see your doctor immediately if a mole or moles become bigger than 6 millimeters, starts bleeding or itching, changes color or the border becomes irregular. Any of these changes may mean that the mole/moles have become malignant melanoma(s).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maduka_Ogwueleka
Important Details About Grape Seed Extract And Skin Cancer
There is nothing better than being outside on a nice sunny day. However, with the sun comes the possibility of getting some form of skin cancer but could grape seed extract help prevent that? The research has been done and the purpose of this article is to see if it could help prevent skin cancer!
Did you know that over exposure to the harmful rays the sun puts out lead to at least one million new cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers each year. Researchers wanted to know if taking something as simple as this healthy supplement could help lower the number of these cases. To help answer this question the researchers turned to mice.
The researchers took a number of mice and exposed them to ultraviolet-light. They then divided the mice up into two groups. One group was given the chemicals found in grape seed extract and the other group was not. The scientist found that the group of mice given the extract developed a significant lesser number of tumors than those mice that were not given it. So why does this work?
The chemicals found in grape seed extract have a high level of antioxidants. These antioxidants help combat the oxidative stress that UV light induces. Oxidative stress has been shown to lead to skin cancer and since the chemicals in the extract seem to counter that, grape seed extract could prevent skin cancer. It is important to talk about the side effects of it as well.
While the research is still being conducted, most people who have taken the report no side effects at all. Other people have noticed mild side effects such as minor stomach aches or a little cough. The good news is that research is being done everyday and it most of it looks very positive.
The chemicals found in this supplement just could help prevent skin cancer and the research is there to back it up. There are also studies that show grape seed extract can help prevent and fight many other health conditions as well. These range from preventing heart disease and even preventing cancer. We are also seeing grapes being used as the backbone of many skin-care products. Could grape seed extract, taken in a pill form, have the same effect on your skin? It looks that is could be another benefit as well! Stay tuned...there is still more research to come!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Pair
Did you know that over exposure to the harmful rays the sun puts out lead to at least one million new cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers each year. Researchers wanted to know if taking something as simple as this healthy supplement could help lower the number of these cases. To help answer this question the researchers turned to mice.
The researchers took a number of mice and exposed them to ultraviolet-light. They then divided the mice up into two groups. One group was given the chemicals found in grape seed extract and the other group was not. The scientist found that the group of mice given the extract developed a significant lesser number of tumors than those mice that were not given it. So why does this work?
The chemicals found in grape seed extract have a high level of antioxidants. These antioxidants help combat the oxidative stress that UV light induces. Oxidative stress has been shown to lead to skin cancer and since the chemicals in the extract seem to counter that, grape seed extract could prevent skin cancer. It is important to talk about the side effects of it as well.
While the research is still being conducted, most people who have taken the report no side effects at all. Other people have noticed mild side effects such as minor stomach aches or a little cough. The good news is that research is being done everyday and it most of it looks very positive.
The chemicals found in this supplement just could help prevent skin cancer and the research is there to back it up. There are also studies that show grape seed extract can help prevent and fight many other health conditions as well. These range from preventing heart disease and even preventing cancer. We are also seeing grapes being used as the backbone of many skin-care products. Could grape seed extract, taken in a pill form, have the same effect on your skin? It looks that is could be another benefit as well! Stay tuned...there is still more research to come!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Pair
Friday, October 31, 2008
Helpful Skin Care Products For Men
More and more cosmetic and beauty companies are discovering that men nowadays are getting more concerned about the way they look. In previous decades, men only head to the beauty counter to buy shaving cream. Today, men are also looking into the best skin care products that are particularly designed for their unique skin complexion and condition. Gone, too, are the days when fathers, brothers, and sons have to borrow anti-acne creams, moisturizers, sun block lotions or moisturizers from the female members of the family.
The most glaring difference between a woman's and man's skin is the degree or oiliness. It seems that men's skin is a bit more dehydrated, but oilier. Furthermore, their skin is about 20% thicker than most women. Naturally, it is safe to deduce that the beauty products of women have little effect on a man's skin.
If you are one of the men who have no idea on how to protect the skin, read on to discover what types of skin care and hygienic products are available to cater to your specific needs.
Shaving Cream
When a man is shaving, his skin pores are opened and the skin is more prone to drying. Thus, it is important that you look for a shaving cream that also contains a lot of moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, you need to find a shaving lotion that does not contain harsh ingredients. In fact, it may be wise to find one that is composed of organic ingredients so that fewer chemicals will enter your system.
Sun Block
Probably because of global warming and the thinning of the ozone layer, the rays of the sun can be harsh on the skin, regardless of your gender. It is important that you protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun, if you don't want to have wrinkles or age spots on your skin by the time you reach 30. So, before you can suffer from premature aging, better apply on some sun block lotion on your face a few minutes before you go outdoors in the morning.
Anti-Acne Lotion
Pimples and acne are not new to men. In fact, they are very prone to breakouts because they have bigger pores and they are more exposed to elements than women. Just make sure that the anti-acne lotion you choose is lightweight, helps prevent redness and future breakouts, and assists in helping you achieve softer and smoother skin.
Since men do not only have breakouts on their face, it is also important that you find a product that can also help you dry out pimples in other parts of your body, such as the back, buttocks, neck and others.
Toner
As mentioned earlier, men have oilier skin than women. Thus, it may be a good idea to use a toner to help minimize the oiliness and excess shine on the skin. However, be sure that the product you choose does not contain alcohol, which can dry your skin.
Eye Cream
Don't ever think that just because you are a man you are not susceptible to puffy eyes or skin discoloration. Men also have problems with water retention, particularly on the pouches under the eyes. Also because of sun damage, men can also suffer from raccoon eyes.
One eye cream that is right for both men and women is Eyelastin.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The most glaring difference between a woman's and man's skin is the degree or oiliness. It seems that men's skin is a bit more dehydrated, but oilier. Furthermore, their skin is about 20% thicker than most women. Naturally, it is safe to deduce that the beauty products of women have little effect on a man's skin.
If you are one of the men who have no idea on how to protect the skin, read on to discover what types of skin care and hygienic products are available to cater to your specific needs.
Shaving Cream
When a man is shaving, his skin pores are opened and the skin is more prone to drying. Thus, it is important that you look for a shaving cream that also contains a lot of moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, you need to find a shaving lotion that does not contain harsh ingredients. In fact, it may be wise to find one that is composed of organic ingredients so that fewer chemicals will enter your system.
Sun Block
Probably because of global warming and the thinning of the ozone layer, the rays of the sun can be harsh on the skin, regardless of your gender. It is important that you protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun, if you don't want to have wrinkles or age spots on your skin by the time you reach 30. So, before you can suffer from premature aging, better apply on some sun block lotion on your face a few minutes before you go outdoors in the morning.
Anti-Acne Lotion
Pimples and acne are not new to men. In fact, they are very prone to breakouts because they have bigger pores and they are more exposed to elements than women. Just make sure that the anti-acne lotion you choose is lightweight, helps prevent redness and future breakouts, and assists in helping you achieve softer and smoother skin.
Since men do not only have breakouts on their face, it is also important that you find a product that can also help you dry out pimples in other parts of your body, such as the back, buttocks, neck and others.
Toner
As mentioned earlier, men have oilier skin than women. Thus, it may be a good idea to use a toner to help minimize the oiliness and excess shine on the skin. However, be sure that the product you choose does not contain alcohol, which can dry your skin.
Eye Cream
Don't ever think that just because you are a man you are not susceptible to puffy eyes or skin discoloration. Men also have problems with water retention, particularly on the pouches under the eyes. Also because of sun damage, men can also suffer from raccoon eyes.
One eye cream that is right for both men and women is Eyelastin.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Choosing Obagi Skin Care Products
If you are looking to be healthy, inside and out, then you clearly want to look and feel that way. For some people, how you look corresponds to how you feel and how well you do with putting only healthy foods into your body. In reality, it is all pretty easy and obviously connected. Take hydration, for example. When you are dehydrated, the effects are obvious on your skin. While you can't see the affects of dehydration on your internal organs, you can very obviously see dry, dull skin and cracked lips. To further show just how interconnected everything is, if you have oily, acne-prone skin, you still need to watch out for dehydration. While you might be fooled into thinking that less moisture is a good thing, since you're already building up too much moisture in the form of oil, you'd be wrong. Instead, the skin that does get too dry flakes, effectively clogging your pores, which leads to- you guessed it- more breakouts.
That was a fairly depressing example, so let's talk about something happy now. Face skin care should actually be a very pleasant process. The first step to really enjoying this part of your daily routine is to invest in quality facial skin care products that you feel good about using. You want ingredients that are actually good for your skin, and here's a tip- if the ingredient list namely includes long, hard-to-pronounce chemicals, then it probably isn't actually good for you skin. Of course, aesthetics are also allowed to count. You want a product that feels nice on your skin, that smells nice, and leaves your skin feeling absolutely wonderful. While you might not feel you've just emerged from a spa every time you get ready for bed, you should be able to create that feeling whenever you like, with the contents of your own bathroom cabinet.
Of course, there are some skin conditions that need a little bit more help than others, and that is something that is important to allow for. That is why lines such as the Obagi skin care products exist. Obagi products are not for everyone, in fact, they are only available with a prescription. There is something pretty special about that though- for those who don't live in areas with doctors licensed to prescribe these products, you can instead go through the consultation process online and order the products once you've been approved by a doctor.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
That was a fairly depressing example, so let's talk about something happy now. Face skin care should actually be a very pleasant process. The first step to really enjoying this part of your daily routine is to invest in quality facial skin care products that you feel good about using. You want ingredients that are actually good for your skin, and here's a tip- if the ingredient list namely includes long, hard-to-pronounce chemicals, then it probably isn't actually good for you skin. Of course, aesthetics are also allowed to count. You want a product that feels nice on your skin, that smells nice, and leaves your skin feeling absolutely wonderful. While you might not feel you've just emerged from a spa every time you get ready for bed, you should be able to create that feeling whenever you like, with the contents of your own bathroom cabinet.
Of course, there are some skin conditions that need a little bit more help than others, and that is something that is important to allow for. That is why lines such as the Obagi skin care products exist. Obagi products are not for everyone, in fact, they are only available with a prescription. There is something pretty special about that though- for those who don't live in areas with doctors licensed to prescribe these products, you can instead go through the consultation process online and order the products once you've been approved by a doctor.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Freckles - Cute, But Dangerous
Freckles, once considered a sweet addition to a child's face, are now considered by sun-savvy Australians as the result of too much sun.
While many parents enforce the slip, slop, slap regime on their children, many of the parents themselves were not so lucky, and as a result of many summers in the Australian sun, commonly have severe skin pigmentation as a result.
Skin Pigmentation
According to the Cancer Council, more Australians still die from skin cancer each year than any other country. A lot of it has to do with the nature of skin itself.
The skin protects the body from outside dangers, including the sun and its powerful UV rays. It is made up of Squamous cells, which are the outer-most cells, constantly being rubbed off and replaced, Basal cells, which help to produce more Squamous cells, and Melanocytes. This third and deepest layer produces dark pigments which help to protect the skin.
Unfortunately for many Australians, their skin doesn't produce enough melanin to protect their skin. Over time, some melanocytes may over produce melanin, resulting in irregular skin pigmentation. This can include freckles and moles, some of which can also lead to skin cancer.
Treating skin pigmentation
Laser therapy for skin pigmentation is not only used for aesthetic reasons. It has become an effective and popular way also to remove skin cancers. Using a beam of light, it destroys the cancer cells within the skin. A biopsy before the therapy is important to determine if the cancer has been contained only within the skin, and has not spread to other parts of the body.
Other skin pigmentation, such as birthmarks, can also be treated by laser therapy. For red birthmarks, commonly known as 'port wine' birthmarks, lasers can be especially effective, and can be used at any age. A few treatments will probably be need, though.
Laser resurfacing is particularly good for freckles. Usually performed by a dermatologist, the area is numbed first and then treated. Results vary depending on how many freckles are on the face and how dark they are. The skin will commonly take 1-2 weeks to heal, so treatments are usually spread to allow for this healing time.
Different people have varying pain thresholds, so laser resurfacing is more painful for some people than others. Some equate it to a runner band flicking on the skin. Some more information on laser resurfacing can be found at the Australian School of Dermatologists (http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/public/a-z_of_skin-chemical_peels_etc.asp).
Costs vary according to the different practitioners, but keep in mind that usually two or more treatments are required. Of course, there are other ways to get rid of freckles in particular. Regularly applying lemon juice is one effective way of naturally bleaching the skin. Also, a simple mask of cucumber, lemon juice, apricots or strawberries can work over time.
A nice addition to a daily face care routine is an equal parts mixture of parley, lemon, orange and red currant juices. Use it before applying your daily face cream. Prevention is always better than a cure, so to make sure no new freckles appear, always wear a hat and sun screen with a minimum SPF of 15+.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Faulder
While many parents enforce the slip, slop, slap regime on their children, many of the parents themselves were not so lucky, and as a result of many summers in the Australian sun, commonly have severe skin pigmentation as a result.
Skin Pigmentation
According to the Cancer Council, more Australians still die from skin cancer each year than any other country. A lot of it has to do with the nature of skin itself.
The skin protects the body from outside dangers, including the sun and its powerful UV rays. It is made up of Squamous cells, which are the outer-most cells, constantly being rubbed off and replaced, Basal cells, which help to produce more Squamous cells, and Melanocytes. This third and deepest layer produces dark pigments which help to protect the skin.
Unfortunately for many Australians, their skin doesn't produce enough melanin to protect their skin. Over time, some melanocytes may over produce melanin, resulting in irregular skin pigmentation. This can include freckles and moles, some of which can also lead to skin cancer.
Treating skin pigmentation
Laser therapy for skin pigmentation is not only used for aesthetic reasons. It has become an effective and popular way also to remove skin cancers. Using a beam of light, it destroys the cancer cells within the skin. A biopsy before the therapy is important to determine if the cancer has been contained only within the skin, and has not spread to other parts of the body.
Other skin pigmentation, such as birthmarks, can also be treated by laser therapy. For red birthmarks, commonly known as 'port wine' birthmarks, lasers can be especially effective, and can be used at any age. A few treatments will probably be need, though.
Laser resurfacing is particularly good for freckles. Usually performed by a dermatologist, the area is numbed first and then treated. Results vary depending on how many freckles are on the face and how dark they are. The skin will commonly take 1-2 weeks to heal, so treatments are usually spread to allow for this healing time.
Different people have varying pain thresholds, so laser resurfacing is more painful for some people than others. Some equate it to a runner band flicking on the skin. Some more information on laser resurfacing can be found at the Australian School of Dermatologists (http://www.dermcoll.asn.au/public/a-z_of_skin-chemical_peels_etc.asp).
Costs vary according to the different practitioners, but keep in mind that usually two or more treatments are required. Of course, there are other ways to get rid of freckles in particular. Regularly applying lemon juice is one effective way of naturally bleaching the skin. Also, a simple mask of cucumber, lemon juice, apricots or strawberries can work over time.
A nice addition to a daily face care routine is an equal parts mixture of parley, lemon, orange and red currant juices. Use it before applying your daily face cream. Prevention is always better than a cure, so to make sure no new freckles appear, always wear a hat and sun screen with a minimum SPF of 15+.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Faulder
Some Information On Mohs Surgery
Of all of the cancers that are reported each year in the U.S., Skin cancer is found to be the most prevalent. In fact, some experts have estimated that up to half of the entire population of the U.S. that reaches the age of fifty will contract it at some point in their life and this is one of the biggest reasons why awareness is so important. Each year there are over one million new skin cancer cases reported in the U.S. and with an aging population this figure is only expected to increase.
There are three main types of skin cancer that are most often found and they are all treatable but as in all other cancers early detection is they key to surviving. The least severe and most easily treated is " Basal Cell Carcinoma" which is a slow growing cancer that begins on the skins surface. The form of skin cancer with the next higher level of severity is called "Squamous Cell Carcinoma" and it too is highly treatable if detected in its early stages.
"Melanoma" is the most severe and difficult to treat form of skin cancer, because it is faster growing and effects the deeper skin layers. There are several forms of treatment for skin cancer and the treatment that is employed is usualy determined by the severity and location of the cancer. Fully one fourth of all skin cancers are treated by the surgical technique known as "Micrographic surgery" or Mohs as it is commonly referred to.
This surgical technique offers the benefit of sacrificing the least amount of healthy tissue, while at the same time offering the highest success rate. This all translates into faster recovery with minimal scarring. This surgery is performed under local anesthesia, meaning that the patient is awake, yet feels no pain. The skin is marked out in a grid-work that is used to guide the surgeon during the process that removes the cancerous tissue in increments, until its outer edge are breached and all of the cancer is removed.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alesandra_Gibson
There are three main types of skin cancer that are most often found and they are all treatable but as in all other cancers early detection is they key to surviving. The least severe and most easily treated is " Basal Cell Carcinoma" which is a slow growing cancer that begins on the skins surface. The form of skin cancer with the next higher level of severity is called "Squamous Cell Carcinoma" and it too is highly treatable if detected in its early stages.
"Melanoma" is the most severe and difficult to treat form of skin cancer, because it is faster growing and effects the deeper skin layers. There are several forms of treatment for skin cancer and the treatment that is employed is usualy determined by the severity and location of the cancer. Fully one fourth of all skin cancers are treated by the surgical technique known as "Micrographic surgery" or Mohs as it is commonly referred to.
This surgical technique offers the benefit of sacrificing the least amount of healthy tissue, while at the same time offering the highest success rate. This all translates into faster recovery with minimal scarring. This surgery is performed under local anesthesia, meaning that the patient is awake, yet feels no pain. The skin is marked out in a grid-work that is used to guide the surgeon during the process that removes the cancerous tissue in increments, until its outer edge are breached and all of the cancer is removed.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alesandra_Gibson
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Eczema Relief - Tips on How You Can Stop the Itch
Eczema is one of the most common skin diseases in the United States. If you have suffered from eczema, you know how painful it can be. Not only that, but sometimes the itching associated with it can get so bad to the point that you scratch uncontrollably, breaking open the skin and causing it to bleed. It's not something that is fun to deal with.
If you're like most eczema sufferers, you've probably tried everything to get relief. While creams and other medicines do work, they only do so temporarily. What does that leave you with? Recurring flare ups of your eczema, your wallet being drained from the high priced prescription creams, and constant reapplying of the medication you were prescribed. It becomes irritating and time consuming in the long run.
So, what can you do to relieve your itch? Have you ever considered trying alternative ways of treating your eczema? You can get eczema relief from things other than your typical creams and ointments that you've been using. And they are much cheaper alternatives as well. It's a win-win situation.
What types of alternatives are there? One great way of helping relieve your eczema irritation is to take gauze and soak it in warm water that has been mixed with epsom salts. Let them soak for a few minutes, and then wrap the gauze around your infected areas tightly and let it stay soaking on your skin for about 20-30 minutes. While it may seem like a simple, quick solution, the results are absolutely fantastic!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hufford
If you're like most eczema sufferers, you've probably tried everything to get relief. While creams and other medicines do work, they only do so temporarily. What does that leave you with? Recurring flare ups of your eczema, your wallet being drained from the high priced prescription creams, and constant reapplying of the medication you were prescribed. It becomes irritating and time consuming in the long run.
So, what can you do to relieve your itch? Have you ever considered trying alternative ways of treating your eczema? You can get eczema relief from things other than your typical creams and ointments that you've been using. And they are much cheaper alternatives as well. It's a win-win situation.
What types of alternatives are there? One great way of helping relieve your eczema irritation is to take gauze and soak it in warm water that has been mixed with epsom salts. Let them soak for a few minutes, and then wrap the gauze around your infected areas tightly and let it stay soaking on your skin for about 20-30 minutes. While it may seem like a simple, quick solution, the results are absolutely fantastic!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hufford
Eczema in Infants - How to Treat it Naturally
When my daughter first had scaly, dry red patches of skin on her elbows and the back of her legs, I didn't think too much of it. I mean, most kids get dry skin. It's something that happens. It wasn't until I saw her rubbing her body up against the floor, itching uncontrollably, that I really took notice of the issue and took her into the doctor to find out what was wrong. The diagnosis? Eczema.
Eczema in infants is common. In fact, it is the number one skin disorder in the United States. It's been said that nine out of every ten children are diagnosed with eczema before they reach the age of 6, and two-thirds of them are diagnosed by the time they are 3 months old! This isn't just a small issue here - We're talking about thousands of children that suffer from this painful skin disorder.
After her diagnosis, we tried cream after cream. It seemed like it kept getting stronger each time we went back to the doctor. While the creams would reliever her symptoms temporarily, it never fixed the issue, and the eczema would continue to flare up time and time again.
It was horrible, and I hated seeing her suffer through it. She couldn't bathe. Her clothing had to be handled gently and washed with special detergent that was free and clear of dyes and fragrances. It seemed like no matter what we did, my poor little girl was constantly plagued with the dry, red itchy skin patches. It was then when I did some research and found a solution.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hufford
Eczema in infants is common. In fact, it is the number one skin disorder in the United States. It's been said that nine out of every ten children are diagnosed with eczema before they reach the age of 6, and two-thirds of them are diagnosed by the time they are 3 months old! This isn't just a small issue here - We're talking about thousands of children that suffer from this painful skin disorder.
After her diagnosis, we tried cream after cream. It seemed like it kept getting stronger each time we went back to the doctor. While the creams would reliever her symptoms temporarily, it never fixed the issue, and the eczema would continue to flare up time and time again.
It was horrible, and I hated seeing her suffer through it. She couldn't bathe. Her clothing had to be handled gently and washed with special detergent that was free and clear of dyes and fragrances. It seemed like no matter what we did, my poor little girl was constantly plagued with the dry, red itchy skin patches. It was then when I did some research and found a solution.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hufford
Tanning Beds - Do They Cause Cancer?
Let's face it, nobody wants to spend 2-3 hours under the hot sun, just to get a tan. And if you've ever used the spray stuff, you know the drawbacks of it: Sticky skin, short lasting, and can you say messy? Sure you can have a professional sprayer tan your body, but not only can it be very uncomfortable for the client, it can get spendy.
Meet the tanning bed. A quick 10-15 minute, relaxing session in a tanning bed can not only be therapeutic, but you get a great tan at the same time! Just bring your favorite music, put your goggles and lotion on, and relax. What could be better?
Unfortunately, the benefits of tanning beds do have their disadvantages. Namely the effects on your skin. Both commercial and home-use tanning beds are equipped with high powered, high energy Ultraviolet bulbs that can cause severe damage to your skin cells. Studies have shown that the UVB and UVA rays emitted by tanning beds can damage our skin cells in an irreversible effect. Scientists have proven that these harmful rays damage the DNA in our skin, which has been directly related to the development of skin cancers and damage to the immune system. It has also been shown that the deep penetrating effects of UVA rays can reduce skin elasticity and cause premature wrinkles. Not fun!
What can we do?
Although research has proven that tanning beds can have detrimental effects on our skin, research is limited, and there are precautionary measures we can all do to lower the risk of side effects. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to limit your tanning sessions, especially if you have sensitive / fair skin. 10-15 minutes is usually enough time for the melanin in our skin to soak up the required energy to darken our skin. Any time spent beyond the recommended limit is unnecessary and can cause burning and greatly increase the risk of side effects.
Most, it not all tanning salons are stocked with lotion, lip balm, and goggles. Proper use of this protective gear is crucial to your safety, namely your eyes and lips. The eyes and lips do not contain the protective protein melanin, so any over-exposure to UV rays can severely damage them. And although our skin has a natural defense to the harmful UV rays, tanning lotion with the proper amount of SPF can add a new layer of protection without interfering with your tan.
Armed with the right knowledge and protective gear, tanning beds can be a great and safe way to keep a year round golden tan!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Croy
Meet the tanning bed. A quick 10-15 minute, relaxing session in a tanning bed can not only be therapeutic, but you get a great tan at the same time! Just bring your favorite music, put your goggles and lotion on, and relax. What could be better?
Unfortunately, the benefits of tanning beds do have their disadvantages. Namely the effects on your skin. Both commercial and home-use tanning beds are equipped with high powered, high energy Ultraviolet bulbs that can cause severe damage to your skin cells. Studies have shown that the UVB and UVA rays emitted by tanning beds can damage our skin cells in an irreversible effect. Scientists have proven that these harmful rays damage the DNA in our skin, which has been directly related to the development of skin cancers and damage to the immune system. It has also been shown that the deep penetrating effects of UVA rays can reduce skin elasticity and cause premature wrinkles. Not fun!
What can we do?
Although research has proven that tanning beds can have detrimental effects on our skin, research is limited, and there are precautionary measures we can all do to lower the risk of side effects. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to limit your tanning sessions, especially if you have sensitive / fair skin. 10-15 minutes is usually enough time for the melanin in our skin to soak up the required energy to darken our skin. Any time spent beyond the recommended limit is unnecessary and can cause burning and greatly increase the risk of side effects.
Most, it not all tanning salons are stocked with lotion, lip balm, and goggles. Proper use of this protective gear is crucial to your safety, namely your eyes and lips. The eyes and lips do not contain the protective protein melanin, so any over-exposure to UV rays can severely damage them. And although our skin has a natural defense to the harmful UV rays, tanning lotion with the proper amount of SPF can add a new layer of protection without interfering with your tan.
Armed with the right knowledge and protective gear, tanning beds can be a great and safe way to keep a year round golden tan!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Croy
Just How Much Protection Does Your Sunscreen Really Give?
We all enjoy going out on a sunny day, whether to garden, go to the beach, or just for a walk, and we have trained ourselves to slap on the sunscreen before venturing outdoors, but have you ever wondered just how much protection does sunscreen really give? Did you know that the label of your favorite brand of sunscreen does not tell you what amount of protection you are actually getting from it? Well if a newly proposed. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule for sunscreen products is adopted, we will have that information on every bottle, and will be able to understand it in a much clearer way.
One million people in North America will be diagnosed with some type of skin cancer this year, and that is far too many. Excessive exposure to UV radiation is the one most important preventable cause of skin cancer. It is common knowledge that the effects of sunlight damage on our bodies is growing every year, due to lowered ozone levels that allow more of the harmful rays though the earths atmosphere.
The newly proposed rule seeks to establish standards for testing, formulating, and labelling all over-the-counter sunscreen products with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. UVA light is responsible for tanning and UVB light is responsible for sunburn. Both of these types of light will damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer with over exposure.
Presently, the only way for consumers to find out the level of UVB protection in their sunscreen product is by its SPF or, sun protection factor.
This new rating would establish a scale of one to four stars. One star on the label would represent low UVA protection, two stars on the label would represent medium protection, three stars on the label would represent high protection and, of course, four stars would represent the highest UVA protection that available in an over-the-counter Sunscreen product. The FDA is also proposing that the product, if it does not have at least a low level or one star of protection, that the manufacturers will be required to have a "NO UVA PROTECTION" marking on the front label adjacent to the SPF value.
The FDA is also proposing a required warning statement to be placed in the "Drug Facts" box for all sunscreen product manufacturers. The warning will state: "UV Exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin Aging, and other skin damage. It is important to decrease UV exposure by Limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing, and using a Sunscreen." The warning is being put on the label to remind people that sunscreens are only a part of a sun protection program.
With over one million cases of skin cancer in North America alone, I feel that these measures will dispel any worries about what exactly the protection is that we are getting in our over the counter sunscreens. This proposal is an excellent step towards letting the consumer take control of the amount of protection that they put on themselves daily. I hope that it goes through and is implemented quickly. The idea of a symbol being used (Stars) is genius, giving people of any age, including children, the knowledge they need to be proactive in the fight against skin cancer. Of course, labeling "sunscreen" that has no UVB protection in it is no-brainer, and an excellent idea. There are many varieties of sunscreen at the market, and being able to simply make a wise and knowledgeable choice about how much protection you want cannot be anything but a good idea.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Georgina_Grant
One million people in North America will be diagnosed with some type of skin cancer this year, and that is far too many. Excessive exposure to UV radiation is the one most important preventable cause of skin cancer. It is common knowledge that the effects of sunlight damage on our bodies is growing every year, due to lowered ozone levels that allow more of the harmful rays though the earths atmosphere.
The newly proposed rule seeks to establish standards for testing, formulating, and labelling all over-the-counter sunscreen products with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. UVA light is responsible for tanning and UVB light is responsible for sunburn. Both of these types of light will damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer with over exposure.
Presently, the only way for consumers to find out the level of UVB protection in their sunscreen product is by its SPF or, sun protection factor.
This new rating would establish a scale of one to four stars. One star on the label would represent low UVA protection, two stars on the label would represent medium protection, three stars on the label would represent high protection and, of course, four stars would represent the highest UVA protection that available in an over-the-counter Sunscreen product. The FDA is also proposing that the product, if it does not have at least a low level or one star of protection, that the manufacturers will be required to have a "NO UVA PROTECTION" marking on the front label adjacent to the SPF value.
The FDA is also proposing a required warning statement to be placed in the "Drug Facts" box for all sunscreen product manufacturers. The warning will state: "UV Exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin Aging, and other skin damage. It is important to decrease UV exposure by Limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing, and using a Sunscreen." The warning is being put on the label to remind people that sunscreens are only a part of a sun protection program.
With over one million cases of skin cancer in North America alone, I feel that these measures will dispel any worries about what exactly the protection is that we are getting in our over the counter sunscreens. This proposal is an excellent step towards letting the consumer take control of the amount of protection that they put on themselves daily. I hope that it goes through and is implemented quickly. The idea of a symbol being used (Stars) is genius, giving people of any age, including children, the knowledge they need to be proactive in the fight against skin cancer. Of course, labeling "sunscreen" that has no UVB protection in it is no-brainer, and an excellent idea. There are many varieties of sunscreen at the market, and being able to simply make a wise and knowledgeable choice about how much protection you want cannot be anything but a good idea.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Georgina_Grant
Friday, October 17, 2008
Treat Eczema Naturally - How to Bring Relief to Your Skin
Living with eczema is tough stuff (at least when it flares up). It's one of those skin disorders that can be irritating and incredibly painful, but it doesn't have to be that way all the time. As you know, there are many different treatments out there, but the problem with most medicines and creams is that they only treat the symptoms of eczema. That's right - They only treat the symptoms. So while you're itching and pain may temporarily subside when these creams and medicines are applied, it won't actually clear up your eczema!
What most people also don't realize is that some medicines and creams can actually make symptoms in some people even worse! Imagine having your eczema flare up, then when you apply medicine and expect relief, it takes an opposite turn and actually worsens! You'd be surprised to hear how many people this actually happens to.
So, what am I trying to say here? Try treating your eczema naturally! Have you ever considered doing so? The results might be more than what you would've expected from regular over the counter medicines or prescriptions creams from the doctor, not to mention that natural methods used to treat eczema are much cheaper and more effective.
Did you know that salt is actually an effective treatment for eczema? Not table salt, but epsom salts work great. While this isn't the exact "cure" for eczema, it definitely is a great treatment that will help relieve the symptoms of your eczema, which will bring relief to your skin, but in a more cost-effective way!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hufford
What most people also don't realize is that some medicines and creams can actually make symptoms in some people even worse! Imagine having your eczema flare up, then when you apply medicine and expect relief, it takes an opposite turn and actually worsens! You'd be surprised to hear how many people this actually happens to.
So, what am I trying to say here? Try treating your eczema naturally! Have you ever considered doing so? The results might be more than what you would've expected from regular over the counter medicines or prescriptions creams from the doctor, not to mention that natural methods used to treat eczema are much cheaper and more effective.
Did you know that salt is actually an effective treatment for eczema? Not table salt, but epsom salts work great. While this isn't the exact "cure" for eczema, it definitely is a great treatment that will help relieve the symptoms of your eczema, which will bring relief to your skin, but in a more cost-effective way!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hufford
Cure Eczema - How to Eliminate it Naturally
Now, let me first start by suggesting that if you haven't been to a doctor and have not yet been diagnosed with eczema, you want to seek the advice of a medical professional right away. If you currently suffer from eczema, you already know how painful the skin disorder can be. It is a disorder that is just as common in children as it is adults, and many people don't realize just how common eczema is.
Although it is a common skin disorder, it can be one tough thing to cure. And if you've been suffering from eczema for a long period of time, I know your life mostly consists of prescription creams and over the counter medicines. It doesn't have to be that way though, and I'll tell you why.
There are several different alternatives to prescription creams and medications to cure eczema. In fact, most of the medicines out there only treat the symptoms of eczema, and don't actually cure the eczema completely. Yes, they do provide temporary relief, but only for a short period of time before another episode of your eczema begins to eventually flare up again.
While some people are lucky and eventually grow out of their eczema (which is something that began in their childhood), others aren't as lucky. Stop paying for high priced medications and start looking for alternatives to not just treat your eczema, but cure your eczema altogether! I know you might be thinking that finding a cure is nearly impossible, but let me be the first to tell you that it isn't!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hufford
Although it is a common skin disorder, it can be one tough thing to cure. And if you've been suffering from eczema for a long period of time, I know your life mostly consists of prescription creams and over the counter medicines. It doesn't have to be that way though, and I'll tell you why.
There are several different alternatives to prescription creams and medications to cure eczema. In fact, most of the medicines out there only treat the symptoms of eczema, and don't actually cure the eczema completely. Yes, they do provide temporary relief, but only for a short period of time before another episode of your eczema begins to eventually flare up again.
While some people are lucky and eventually grow out of their eczema (which is something that began in their childhood), others aren't as lucky. Stop paying for high priced medications and start looking for alternatives to not just treat your eczema, but cure your eczema altogether! I know you might be thinking that finding a cure is nearly impossible, but let me be the first to tell you that it isn't!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Hufford
Best Skin Creme For Men - Get Ready to Learn Something New
Ever wondered how there can be so many products on the market that promote themselves as the best skin crème for men, but you don't have a clue which ones really are the "best?" As more and more men become concerned about the health and appearance of their skin, male skin products are growing in demand. Cosmetic companies are well aware of the profit making opportunity of this exploding market. But if you think that they are developing products with the health of your skin in mind, then get ready to learn something new.
Don't get me wrong. Seeing a need, meeting that need and making a profit is part of what makes our economy tick. However, I believe there is something wrong with taking advantage of an individual's vulnerability when it comes to their appearance. In this youth and beauty oriented society, men are even more vulnerable since cosmetics have always been seen as a strict part of the female arena.
Buying male skin products may still be an uncomfortable experience for many guys who see themselves as "macho." That's why its important that a company marketing the "best skin crème for men" deliver on their promises. This is accomplished by devoting time and money to the research and development of products that will actually bring about desired results.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of cosmetic companies put their money into marketing. Expensive advertising campaigns, celebrity endorsements and slick packaging are used to convince male consumers to buy skin care products that are made with what's left of their budget. This means that most male skin products are made from cheap, synthetic chemicals that masquarade as the best skin crème for men. Touching and smelling the product won't give this deceptive secret away. They are usually creamy and fragrant. And using them might even give you the appearance of improvement. But don't be fooled.
Parabens, fragrances, mineral oils and dioxanes combine to make a creme that can fill in your fine lines and wrinkles, much like spackle on a crack in the wall. But this isn't true healing of your skin. When you wash your face, the improvement comes off and goes down the drain. Not only that, but these chemical ingredients are not good for you. Continuous use of these synthetic male skin products can expose you to further damage and even cancer*.
If you really want to to find the best skin crème for men, then look for products that have been researched and developed with your skin's health in mind. These effective male skin products will be made from active, nature-based ingredients designed to promote healing and repair from the cellular level.
It's simply a matter of reading labels and looking for high concentrations of natural oils like avocado or macadamia nut, vitamins, keratin, CoQ10 enzimes, and kelp extract. These natural ingredients have been shown to soothe irritated skin, fight damaging free radicals and boost collagen and elastin production. When the health of your skin is improved so is your appearanc. And with continued use, you get continued improvement and protection from further damage.
Finding and using the best skin crème for men means taking responsibility for the health and appearance of your skin. I hope that learning something new about male skin products will help you make an informed decision based on facts and not on deceptive marketing.
*1,4-dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer".
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Therese_Higgins
Don't get me wrong. Seeing a need, meeting that need and making a profit is part of what makes our economy tick. However, I believe there is something wrong with taking advantage of an individual's vulnerability when it comes to their appearance. In this youth and beauty oriented society, men are even more vulnerable since cosmetics have always been seen as a strict part of the female arena.
Buying male skin products may still be an uncomfortable experience for many guys who see themselves as "macho." That's why its important that a company marketing the "best skin crème for men" deliver on their promises. This is accomplished by devoting time and money to the research and development of products that will actually bring about desired results.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of cosmetic companies put their money into marketing. Expensive advertising campaigns, celebrity endorsements and slick packaging are used to convince male consumers to buy skin care products that are made with what's left of their budget. This means that most male skin products are made from cheap, synthetic chemicals that masquarade as the best skin crème for men. Touching and smelling the product won't give this deceptive secret away. They are usually creamy and fragrant. And using them might even give you the appearance of improvement. But don't be fooled.
Parabens, fragrances, mineral oils and dioxanes combine to make a creme that can fill in your fine lines and wrinkles, much like spackle on a crack in the wall. But this isn't true healing of your skin. When you wash your face, the improvement comes off and goes down the drain. Not only that, but these chemical ingredients are not good for you. Continuous use of these synthetic male skin products can expose you to further damage and even cancer*.
If you really want to to find the best skin crème for men, then look for products that have been researched and developed with your skin's health in mind. These effective male skin products will be made from active, nature-based ingredients designed to promote healing and repair from the cellular level.
It's simply a matter of reading labels and looking for high concentrations of natural oils like avocado or macadamia nut, vitamins, keratin, CoQ10 enzimes, and kelp extract. These natural ingredients have been shown to soothe irritated skin, fight damaging free radicals and boost collagen and elastin production. When the health of your skin is improved so is your appearanc. And with continued use, you get continued improvement and protection from further damage.
Finding and using the best skin crème for men means taking responsibility for the health and appearance of your skin. I hope that learning something new about male skin products will help you make an informed decision based on facts and not on deceptive marketing.
*1,4-dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer".
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Therese_Higgins
Skin Cancer - Melanoma - 3
Melanoma Diagnosis
Biopsy of the suspected tissue confirms the presence of Melanoma. If the tumor is bigger than 1 mm in thickness, lymph nodes may be examined for possible presence of melanoma cells in the nodes. A whole body scan also helps in finding out if the cancer has spread.
Treatment of Melanoma-
The choice of treatment depends upon the stage of melanoma. Melanoma progresses from the primary stage to fourth stage. In the fourth stage, the cancer has spread to different body parts. During the initial stages, surgery to remove the cancerous growth is the first choice. Treatment with Interferon is also used for melanoma that has spread to lymph nodes. For the fourth stage, you may have to discuss the treatment options with your oncologist. It is mostly incurable at this stage.
High Risk Groups-
* Exposure to UV radiation is the biggest risk factor. Most of this exposure takes place during the childhood. Those who are involved with jobs that keep them outdoor for a long time are also at risk.
* Presence of atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).
* White race. People who have fair skin that burns rather than tans, red hair, or blue eyes are at a higher risk.
* Previous melanoma or other skin cancer. Family history of melanoma.
* Other cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.
* Impaired immune system.
* PUVA treatment, which is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CD_Mohatta
Biopsy of the suspected tissue confirms the presence of Melanoma. If the tumor is bigger than 1 mm in thickness, lymph nodes may be examined for possible presence of melanoma cells in the nodes. A whole body scan also helps in finding out if the cancer has spread.
Treatment of Melanoma-
The choice of treatment depends upon the stage of melanoma. Melanoma progresses from the primary stage to fourth stage. In the fourth stage, the cancer has spread to different body parts. During the initial stages, surgery to remove the cancerous growth is the first choice. Treatment with Interferon is also used for melanoma that has spread to lymph nodes. For the fourth stage, you may have to discuss the treatment options with your oncologist. It is mostly incurable at this stage.
High Risk Groups-
* Exposure to UV radiation is the biggest risk factor. Most of this exposure takes place during the childhood. Those who are involved with jobs that keep them outdoor for a long time are also at risk.
* Presence of atypical moles (dysplastic nevi).
* White race. People who have fair skin that burns rather than tans, red hair, or blue eyes are at a higher risk.
* Previous melanoma or other skin cancer. Family history of melanoma.
* Other cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.
* Impaired immune system.
* PUVA treatment, which is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CD_Mohatta
Skin Cancer Article On Prevention
Yes I know there are a million and one websites with skin cancer articles and as far as I’m concerned everyone is doing a good job especially when you read that a million or more people each year will get skin cancer. When you think that a small mole or a small blemish on the skin can cause so many problems adding up to that million mark.
I’m sure you know there are many different types of skin cancer, and that the worst of them all is the malignant melanoma type which can have the habit of spreading cancers to other parts of the body.
As with other skin cancer articles the aim is to bring awareness to the problems, and that by taking several simple precautions you can avoid being another in the head count that suffers. If you are fair skinned make sure you have a sun screen of at least the factor of 30 which should be re-applied every two hours. If the sun is very strong be sure to wear a floppy hat or something that will cover your neck.
With most people they tend to be organised when going on holiday, and that a good sun screen is one of the first things to be packed, yet at home the opposite tends to happen. People will go out into the garden to do some general maintenance in a pair of shorts and singlet vest without a thought what the sun may do to them.
After awhile they go back into the house and see their reflection in the mirror, and as they look like a lobster they decide to put on some cream. But by then the damage is done, and that the epidermis layer of the skin is already in trouble.
It is common knowledge that skin cancers can be cured but only if they are caught early enough, yet it only takes a small amount to break off from a malignant melanoma to start a fresh cancer deep inside of you.
If you’re not sure about a mole or a blemish on your body please get yourself checked out at the Doctors as soon as possible, and to keep out of the Doctors make sure you cover up with either clothes or sun screen.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivan_Hince
I’m sure you know there are many different types of skin cancer, and that the worst of them all is the malignant melanoma type which can have the habit of spreading cancers to other parts of the body.
As with other skin cancer articles the aim is to bring awareness to the problems, and that by taking several simple precautions you can avoid being another in the head count that suffers. If you are fair skinned make sure you have a sun screen of at least the factor of 30 which should be re-applied every two hours. If the sun is very strong be sure to wear a floppy hat or something that will cover your neck.
With most people they tend to be organised when going on holiday, and that a good sun screen is one of the first things to be packed, yet at home the opposite tends to happen. People will go out into the garden to do some general maintenance in a pair of shorts and singlet vest without a thought what the sun may do to them.
After awhile they go back into the house and see their reflection in the mirror, and as they look like a lobster they decide to put on some cream. But by then the damage is done, and that the epidermis layer of the skin is already in trouble.
It is common knowledge that skin cancers can be cured but only if they are caught early enough, yet it only takes a small amount to break off from a malignant melanoma to start a fresh cancer deep inside of you.
If you’re not sure about a mole or a blemish on your body please get yourself checked out at the Doctors as soon as possible, and to keep out of the Doctors make sure you cover up with either clothes or sun screen.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivan_Hince
Skin Cancer - Melanoma - 2
In the first part of this article about Melanoma, we learned about what is Melanoma and what are the causes. In this part we will find out about symptoms of Melanoma.
Signs & Symptoms of Melanoma
Look for changes in the moles. The ABCD system of the American Cancer Society is very easy to understand.
A-Asymmetry. One half doesn't match the other half.
B-Border irregularity, with ragged, notched, or blurred edges.
C- Color. The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Changes in colour distribution, especially the spread of colour from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, also are an early sign of melanoma.
D-Diameter. The mole or skin growth is larger than 6 mm (0.2 in.).
Any other change in the appearance of an existing mole should be looked into for a possibility of Melanoma. Thickening or raising of a previously flat mole, scaling, erosion, oozing, bleeding, or crusting of the mole surface, redness, swelling, etc. in the surrounding skin or sensations, such as itching, tingling, or burning and friability of the mole are symptoms of melanoma. As melanoma grows, the symptoms such as bleeding from a mole or pain may appear.
A melanoma which has begun to spread may include- swollen lymph nodes, colourless lump or thickening under the skin, unexplained weight loss and melanosis(graying skin).These symptoms are not conclusive and are manifested in many other conditions.
Graying of the skin (melanosis). Many other conditions have symptoms similar to melanoma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CD_Mohatta
Signs & Symptoms of Melanoma
Look for changes in the moles. The ABCD system of the American Cancer Society is very easy to understand.
A-Asymmetry. One half doesn't match the other half.
B-Border irregularity, with ragged, notched, or blurred edges.
C- Color. The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Changes in colour distribution, especially the spread of colour from the edge of a mole into the surrounding skin, also are an early sign of melanoma.
D-Diameter. The mole or skin growth is larger than 6 mm (0.2 in.).
Any other change in the appearance of an existing mole should be looked into for a possibility of Melanoma. Thickening or raising of a previously flat mole, scaling, erosion, oozing, bleeding, or crusting of the mole surface, redness, swelling, etc. in the surrounding skin or sensations, such as itching, tingling, or burning and friability of the mole are symptoms of melanoma. As melanoma grows, the symptoms such as bleeding from a mole or pain may appear.
A melanoma which has begun to spread may include- swollen lymph nodes, colourless lump or thickening under the skin, unexplained weight loss and melanosis(graying skin).These symptoms are not conclusive and are manifested in many other conditions.
Graying of the skin (melanosis). Many other conditions have symptoms similar to melanoma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CD_Mohatta
Skin Cancer - Melanoma - 1
Malignant melanoma is an accelerated, metastatic type of skin cancer that originates in the cells of the epidermis. In this disorder, pigment-producing cells called melanocytes become cancerous, grow, and multiply at a devastating rate. Although melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, it is the most serious form of skin cancer. Melanoma may be cured, if caught and treated early, but it is rarely curable in its later stages.
Melanoma skin cancer cells are more likely than non-melanoma skin cancer cells to spread or metastasize. This means that they break away from the original tumor, travel through the blood or lymphatic vessels, and then grow within other parts of the body.
The most well documented risk factor for malignant melanoma is exposure to UV radiation.
Melanoma affects equal number of men and women and affects any part of the body. It usually appears after age 50, though it can develop at any age. People with light skin are far more likely to develop melanoma than dark-skinned people.
Melanoma Causes -
Melanoma is commonly caused due to:
* Exposure to UV rays of the sun. Greater the intensity of exposure, greater the chances of developing Melanoma.
* Family history of melanoma.
* Presence of atypical moles.
* Suppressed immunity due to an organ transplant, leukemia, or lymphoma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CD_Mohatta
Melanoma skin cancer cells are more likely than non-melanoma skin cancer cells to spread or metastasize. This means that they break away from the original tumor, travel through the blood or lymphatic vessels, and then grow within other parts of the body.
The most well documented risk factor for malignant melanoma is exposure to UV radiation.
Melanoma affects equal number of men and women and affects any part of the body. It usually appears after age 50, though it can develop at any age. People with light skin are far more likely to develop melanoma than dark-skinned people.
Melanoma Causes -
Melanoma is commonly caused due to:
* Exposure to UV rays of the sun. Greater the intensity of exposure, greater the chances of developing Melanoma.
* Family history of melanoma.
* Presence of atypical moles.
* Suppressed immunity due to an organ transplant, leukemia, or lymphoma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CD_Mohatta
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Brilliant Dry Skin and Itching Treatment For Eczema - 5 Eczema Secrets Revealed
Dry skin is one of the skin conditions that make eczema flare ups ripe for the picking. You will need to set a constant vigil to make sure that your skin remains moisturized. However, there are dangers that can be accrued when using moisturizers that will cause your skin to react in the same manner that the skin acts in when it has been exposed to steroid medicines for too long. This article looks at some brilliant tools/methods/ideas that you can use to treat eczema's dry itch with.
Soap
If you made your own soap, you could be guaranteed that you make it with absolutely no irritants as ingredients. Another of the largest problems with soap, the addition of fragrances can be also avoided when you make your own soap. You will need at most only about 3 or 4 different ingredients.
The soaps that you buy commercially actually set up dry skin conditions. As if that were not enough, commercial soaps also include known irritants. The facts are that commercial soaps were not made for people who have eczema. Soaps were invented to do exactly the opposite of what eczema needs to have done.
Whenever you can, you should avoid using soap.
Bath Salts
There are bath salts that will assist you with getting rid of dry skin and itching. When you use a bath treatment with salts that are good for the disease, you will become especially adept at successfully getting rid of eczema that comes from stress.
There is a simple but structured activity that the correct type of salts will perform whenever they are used. This means that you should always be able to use the bath salt and get skin correcting benefits from it.
Moisturizers
Many times when people use moisturizers, they leave more than half of the benefits of using the cosmetic unused. There are differences in the quality of moisturizers. One thing you will want to know about moisturizers is that you want to get away with using the least amount of applications that you can. When moisturizers are used too frequently you will get some of the same side effects that steroid medicines cause.
When using a moisturizer, use the ones that when applied will pull moisture from the body and into the skin. You should also make sure that you know what you can do to enhance the action of skin moisturizers so that you can harness all of its effects so that you do not have to apply them very frequently.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Broyde_McDonald
Soap
If you made your own soap, you could be guaranteed that you make it with absolutely no irritants as ingredients. Another of the largest problems with soap, the addition of fragrances can be also avoided when you make your own soap. You will need at most only about 3 or 4 different ingredients.
The soaps that you buy commercially actually set up dry skin conditions. As if that were not enough, commercial soaps also include known irritants. The facts are that commercial soaps were not made for people who have eczema. Soaps were invented to do exactly the opposite of what eczema needs to have done.
Whenever you can, you should avoid using soap.
Bath Salts
There are bath salts that will assist you with getting rid of dry skin and itching. When you use a bath treatment with salts that are good for the disease, you will become especially adept at successfully getting rid of eczema that comes from stress.
There is a simple but structured activity that the correct type of salts will perform whenever they are used. This means that you should always be able to use the bath salt and get skin correcting benefits from it.
Moisturizers
Many times when people use moisturizers, they leave more than half of the benefits of using the cosmetic unused. There are differences in the quality of moisturizers. One thing you will want to know about moisturizers is that you want to get away with using the least amount of applications that you can. When moisturizers are used too frequently you will get some of the same side effects that steroid medicines cause.
When using a moisturizer, use the ones that when applied will pull moisture from the body and into the skin. You should also make sure that you know what you can do to enhance the action of skin moisturizers so that you can harness all of its effects so that you do not have to apply them very frequently.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Broyde_McDonald
Quick Baby Eczema Treatment - Discover 4 Hidden Steps - Instantly Supercharge Baby Eczema Prevention
There are some things you don't mind waiting for, and there are other things that waiting will allow rapid destruction to take place. Eczema in babies is one of those things that you do not want to be waiting with while your baby eczema treatment is taking its time to perform. This article looks at some of the more hidden knowledge about preventing eczema in babies.
Before birth
If you have eczema, there is a reputable treatment available that has been backed by studies that reveal that you can cut deeply into the chances of your baby getting eczema.
Because you have the disease there are increased chances that your offspring will as well, however a pregnant woman in her last months of pregnancy can adjust her diet with simple nutritional additions that will significantly reduce the chances that her baby will have eczema.
The same holds true with breastfeeding. When small additions are made to the mother's diet, the baby's chances of being bothered with eczema plummet to below 60%.
Bathing
Preventing eczema in babies is also supercharged when you make changes to his bath. There is a basic way that you need to bathe your baby that has eczema. Once you are knowledgeable about exactly what makes for a safe bath vs. an eczema flare up producing bath, you can then begin to use the different bath additives that will enhance your baby's body's ability to prevent his skin from itching.
Bath Salts
There are bath salts that will treat your baby for eczema. When used regularly they will help keep your baby's skin pH balanced so that it does not have an acidic pH that would cause it to itch.
You will want to be careful to use the right type of salt though. Not all salts work alike. While the salts you want to use will add moisture to the skin, there are also salts that will pull your skin's benefits out of it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Broyde_McDonald
Before birth
If you have eczema, there is a reputable treatment available that has been backed by studies that reveal that you can cut deeply into the chances of your baby getting eczema.
Because you have the disease there are increased chances that your offspring will as well, however a pregnant woman in her last months of pregnancy can adjust her diet with simple nutritional additions that will significantly reduce the chances that her baby will have eczema.
The same holds true with breastfeeding. When small additions are made to the mother's diet, the baby's chances of being bothered with eczema plummet to below 60%.
Bathing
Preventing eczema in babies is also supercharged when you make changes to his bath. There is a basic way that you need to bathe your baby that has eczema. Once you are knowledgeable about exactly what makes for a safe bath vs. an eczema flare up producing bath, you can then begin to use the different bath additives that will enhance your baby's body's ability to prevent his skin from itching.
Bath Salts
There are bath salts that will treat your baby for eczema. When used regularly they will help keep your baby's skin pH balanced so that it does not have an acidic pH that would cause it to itch.
You will want to be careful to use the right type of salt though. Not all salts work alike. While the salts you want to use will add moisture to the skin, there are also salts that will pull your skin's benefits out of it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Broyde_McDonald
Six Super Tips to Find Out the Best Nightcream For Your Skin
An organic nightcream can help you in two ways. If you have soft, flawless skin, you can prevent premature aging and keep your skin that way for a long time by using a good night skin cream. If you already suffer from wrinkles, dark spots, saggy skin, and other such signs of premature aging, a night skin cream can help you get rid of those problems and rejuvenate your skin.
A good nightcream can go a long way in making you look younger. However, there is an important thing you should know about nightcreams. Not every night cream in the market is the same and gives the best results. Some of them are very good, some of them are average, and some of them are just plain bad. You need to be able to differentiate between the good, the bad, and the best. In order to do so, you should know some important facts about night creams. Let us take a look at them now.
1. Go for an organic nightcream. Organic skin care products are way better than artificial cosmetic products and they are safer to use.
2. Artificial cosmetic products are not safe at all. You should avoid such products, even if they are from some big brands.
3. There is a list of chemicals found in skin care products that are very, very harmful to your health. They include phenol carbolic acid, alcohols, artificial fragrance, toluene, triclosans, parabens, and mineral oils. Artificial cosmetic products are most likely to have these ingredients in them and you should make sure you stay away from them as they are capable of causing some very serious health problems.
4. The best nightcreams are the ones that are completely organic and have effective natural ingredients that deliver the best results.
5. Make sure you look out for ingredients like phytessence wakame, functional keratin, manuka honey, natural vitamin E, natural oils like olive oil, macadamia oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, and jojoba oil, fruit extracts, and other herbal extracts. You can find these ingredients only in the best nightcreams as they are very rare and very effective.
6. You cannot find a great product within hours. It takes some time. While shopping, you need to have the patience to spend some time and find out the best nightcreams in the market. Once you have found them, use them regularly. Within a few weeks, you will see surprisingly good results in your skin.
Now that you have all the information you need to find the best nightcream, it is time for you to take some action. Get started today and get yourself the best skincare product. Use it regularly and get ready to say goodbye to wrinkles, dark spots, and other skin problems.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cher_Sern_Lim
A good nightcream can go a long way in making you look younger. However, there is an important thing you should know about nightcreams. Not every night cream in the market is the same and gives the best results. Some of them are very good, some of them are average, and some of them are just plain bad. You need to be able to differentiate between the good, the bad, and the best. In order to do so, you should know some important facts about night creams. Let us take a look at them now.
1. Go for an organic nightcream. Organic skin care products are way better than artificial cosmetic products and they are safer to use.
2. Artificial cosmetic products are not safe at all. You should avoid such products, even if they are from some big brands.
3. There is a list of chemicals found in skin care products that are very, very harmful to your health. They include phenol carbolic acid, alcohols, artificial fragrance, toluene, triclosans, parabens, and mineral oils. Artificial cosmetic products are most likely to have these ingredients in them and you should make sure you stay away from them as they are capable of causing some very serious health problems.
4. The best nightcreams are the ones that are completely organic and have effective natural ingredients that deliver the best results.
5. Make sure you look out for ingredients like phytessence wakame, functional keratin, manuka honey, natural vitamin E, natural oils like olive oil, macadamia oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, and jojoba oil, fruit extracts, and other herbal extracts. You can find these ingredients only in the best nightcreams as they are very rare and very effective.
6. You cannot find a great product within hours. It takes some time. While shopping, you need to have the patience to spend some time and find out the best nightcreams in the market. Once you have found them, use them regularly. Within a few weeks, you will see surprisingly good results in your skin.
Now that you have all the information you need to find the best nightcream, it is time for you to take some action. Get started today and get yourself the best skincare product. Use it regularly and get ready to say goodbye to wrinkles, dark spots, and other skin problems.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cher_Sern_Lim
How To Prevent Skin Cancer
Summer is a time for swimming, outings, picnics, and fun. But it's also the best time to get a bad sunburn or worse, a bad case of skin cancer.
Adequate sunlight helps your body make vitamin D but too much can kill you. Aside from premature aging, wrinkles and cataracts, long-term exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays causes skin cells to grow abnormally and develop into a tumor that can be cancerous.
The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Melanoma is less common but more serious. This usually occurs in the fourth or fifth decade of life but 80 to 90 percent of sun-related damage that leads to melanoma occurs before the age of 18.
"There are three major types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinomas and most squamous cell carcinomas are slow growing and highly treatable, especially if found early. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It affects deeper layers of the skin and has the greatest potential to spread to other tissues in the body. Squamous cell carcinoma also can spread internally," according to the Mayo Clinic.
In the United States alone, there are over one million cases of skin cancer reported every year and thousands of deaths annually. This year, the Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that over 59,000 melanomas will be diagnosed and 8,810 people will die of the disease.
At risk are those who spend too much time under the sun like laborers, farmers, sailors as well as students undergoing military training, scouts, campers, athletes, sunbathers, and swimmers.
Others who need adequate sun protection are the elderly who have thin skin and are more vulnerable to the sun's deadly rays, babies with delicate skin that burns easily, those taking drugs like diuretics, tranquilizers, and antibiotics, and those applying astringents.
"Skin cancer begins in your skin's top layer - the epidermis. The epidermis is as thin as a pencil line, and it provides a protective layer of skin cells that your body continually sheds. Normally, skin cells within the epidermis develop in a controlled and orderly way. In general, healthy new cells push older cells toward the skin's surface, where they die and eventually are sloughed off. This process is controlled by DNA - the genetic material that contains the instructions for every chemical process in your body," the Mayo Clinic said
"Skin cancer occurs when this process malfunctions. When DNA is damaged, changes occur in the instructions, which can cause new cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells," it added.
Fair-skinned individuals are more likely to develop malignant melanoma but that's no reason for those with dark skin to rejoice. While people with dark skin have more melanin pigment which protects them from burning, experts say melanin-rich complexions are not immune from the sun's harmful rays. The longer you stay under the sun, the greater your risk of getting skin cancer regardless of the color of your skin.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to stay out of the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wear sunscreens regularly, wear dark, tightly woven clothes, and use a good pair of sunglasses. To prevent wrinkles caused by the sun, use Dermaxin, a potent anti-aging formula that revitalizes and nourishes your skin. Check out http://www.dermaxin.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Martin
Adequate sunlight helps your body make vitamin D but too much can kill you. Aside from premature aging, wrinkles and cataracts, long-term exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays causes skin cells to grow abnormally and develop into a tumor that can be cancerous.
The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. Melanoma is less common but more serious. This usually occurs in the fourth or fifth decade of life but 80 to 90 percent of sun-related damage that leads to melanoma occurs before the age of 18.
"There are three major types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinomas and most squamous cell carcinomas are slow growing and highly treatable, especially if found early. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It affects deeper layers of the skin and has the greatest potential to spread to other tissues in the body. Squamous cell carcinoma also can spread internally," according to the Mayo Clinic.
In the United States alone, there are over one million cases of skin cancer reported every year and thousands of deaths annually. This year, the Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that over 59,000 melanomas will be diagnosed and 8,810 people will die of the disease.
At risk are those who spend too much time under the sun like laborers, farmers, sailors as well as students undergoing military training, scouts, campers, athletes, sunbathers, and swimmers.
Others who need adequate sun protection are the elderly who have thin skin and are more vulnerable to the sun's deadly rays, babies with delicate skin that burns easily, those taking drugs like diuretics, tranquilizers, and antibiotics, and those applying astringents.
"Skin cancer begins in your skin's top layer - the epidermis. The epidermis is as thin as a pencil line, and it provides a protective layer of skin cells that your body continually sheds. Normally, skin cells within the epidermis develop in a controlled and orderly way. In general, healthy new cells push older cells toward the skin's surface, where they die and eventually are sloughed off. This process is controlled by DNA - the genetic material that contains the instructions for every chemical process in your body," the Mayo Clinic said
"Skin cancer occurs when this process malfunctions. When DNA is damaged, changes occur in the instructions, which can cause new cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells," it added.
Fair-skinned individuals are more likely to develop malignant melanoma but that's no reason for those with dark skin to rejoice. While people with dark skin have more melanin pigment which protects them from burning, experts say melanin-rich complexions are not immune from the sun's harmful rays. The longer you stay under the sun, the greater your risk of getting skin cancer regardless of the color of your skin.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to stay out of the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wear sunscreens regularly, wear dark, tightly woven clothes, and use a good pair of sunglasses. To prevent wrinkles caused by the sun, use Dermaxin, a potent anti-aging formula that revitalizes and nourishes your skin. Check out http://www.dermaxin.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Martin
Sun Tan & Cancer - A Very Scottish Affair
There is growing concern about the link between cosmetic sun bed use and the rising incidence of skin cancer in Scotland. This issue was highlighted at the Scotland Against Cancer conference last year at which a case was made for thorough regulation of sun bed operators. It was felt that tighter controls could have a positive impact on skin cancer prevention efforts.
Individuals and organisations with an interest in skin cancer prevention have continued to express concern about rising sun bed use and the effect this may have on levels of skin cancer which is the fastest rising cancer in Scotland, and a particular problem in the West of Scotland. The risk of skin cancer is related to lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light and intense exposure to such light is the most dangerous to the skin. For example, too much time spent in the sun on holidays abroad or excessive time spent in the sun on the occasional hot day in Scotland, constitutes this type of exposure.
Sun bed use also provides a form of intense exposure to ultraviolet light. Just one session a month will double the average individual’s annual dose of ultraviolet radiation. Sun bed use is on the rise in Scotland and there is now a significant body of evidence to suggest that the sunbed industry suffers from a lack of regulation. Cases of malpractice by operators have been documented in a survey by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS). In particular there is evidence that children, who are especially sensitive to ultraviolet light, are now regularly using sunbeds. Just one day of burning as a child increases the risk of getting skin cancer as an adult.
Tanning in General
Tanning is your body’s natural protection against sunburn; it’s what your body is designed to do. Developing a tan is your body’s natural way of protecting against the dangers of sunburn and further exposure.
Whether you tan outdoors under the sun or indoors in a tanning facility, the tanning process is the same. This natural process takes place when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Light is composed of energy waves that travel from the sun to the Earth. Each energy wave can be identified by its length in nanometres, (nm), which is one-billionth of a meter. Light can be broken into three general categories: infrared, visible and invisible. Ultraviolet light is in the invisible light spectrum. There are three kinds of ultraviolet light: UVA, UVB and UVC. Tanning itself takes place in the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis. There are three major types of skin cells in your epidermis: basal cells, keratinocytes and melanocytes. All play different roles in the tanning process. Everyone has roughly the same number of melanocytes in their bodies—about 5 million. Your heredity determines how much pigment your melanocytes can produce. Melanocytes release extra melanosomes whenever ultraviolet light waves touch them. This produces a tan in your skin.
Skin Types
I. - Always burns; never tans, pale white skin; "Celtic"
II. - Burns easily; tans minimally; White skin
III. - Burns moderately; tans gradually to light brown average; Caucasian skin
IV. - Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately brown; Olive skin
V. - Rarely burns; tans profusely to dark; Brown skin
VI. - Never burns; deeply pigmented; Black skin
Effects of UV
There is a body of scientific research demonstrating that the production of the activated form of vitamin D is one of the most effective ways the body controls abnormal cell growth. Moderate exposure to sunlight is only way for the body to manufacture the vitamin D necessary for producing activated vitamin D.A 1997 report by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine recommends 200 IU/day of vitamin D for women aged 50 years or younger, 400 IU/day for those aged 51-70 and 600 IU/day for those older than 70. Moderate exposure to sunlight helps the body manufacture vitamin D and eating salmon or mackerel and drinking fortified milk or juices is a step in the right direction. The amount of vitamin D formed in a given period of exposure depends on the colour of your skin—that is, how rich your skin is in melanin. Melanin absorbs UV radiation. Therefore it diminishes the production of vitamin D. The darker a person's skin, the longer he or she has to be in the sun or exposed to UVB radiation to form a significant amount of vitamin D.
Like melanin, sunscreen also absorbs UV radiation and therefore greatly diminishes the skin’s vitamin D production. For example, sunscreen with a PDF of 8 diminishes a person’s ability to produce vitamin D by 95%. In addition, winter sunlight in the northern latitudes does not have enough UVB radiation to produce vitamin D in the skin leading to diminished vitamin D levels in winter.
Moderate exposure is the most responsible way to maximize the potential benefits of sun or UV exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight. Avoiding sunburns is critical to moderation. Experiencing painful sunburns before the age of 20—not lifetime exposure to the sun—is the factor associated with an increased risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
History and Facts of Indoor Tanning
Europeans started tanning indoors with sunlamps that emitted ultraviolet (UV) light as a therapeutic exercise to harness the positive psychological and physiological effects of exposure to UV light. This practice became widespread in Europe, particularly in the sun-deprived northern countries by the 1970s—several years before the first indoor tanning facility was established in the UK. Although indoor tanning is considered a cosmetic exercise the roots are therapeutic and many people do in fact visit tanning facilities for that purpose.
The indoor tanning industry has grown substantially in 25 years. Today it is a strong part of the small business community. And each year about 10 percent of the public visits an indoor tanning facility. This business is estimated to be worth lb3 billion worldwide.
The indoor tanning industry’s position is summed up in this declaration:
“Moderate tanning, for individuals who can develop a tan, is the smartest way to maximize the potential benefits of sun exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight.”
The indoor tanning salon industry claims to be part of the solution in the ongoing battle against sunburn by teaching people how to identify a proper and practical life-long skin care regimen. No legislation covers indoor tanning just the following government guidance:
“Like the sun, sun-beds give out UV rays that can increase the risk of skin cancer. The more you use sunbeds, the greater the risk is likely to be and when the tan fades, the skin damage remains. If you're under 16 you should never use a sunbed, as young skin is more delicate and prone to damage than older skin. Even if you are over 16 you should be very careful if you choose to use one. You should also really avoid sunbeds altogether if you:
a. - have fair or freckly skin
b. - burn easily
c. - have a lot of moles
d. - have a family history of skin cancer
e. - use medication that increases your sensitivity to UV.
If you do decide to use one, limit yourself to two sessions a week, over a period of 30 weeks, every year. But remember that if you don't tan in the sun, you won't tan any more easily on a sunbeds.”
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer has a 20- to 30-year latency period. The rates of skin cancer we are seeing today are most likely the result of bad habits from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s that were based on ignorance and misinformation about sun tanning. In those days, many people still considered sunburns an inconvenient right of spring, a precursor to developing a summer tan. People believed that sunburns would “fade” into tans, and so tanners hit the beaches with baby oil and reflectors. Severe burns were commonplace. Today we know how reckless and uninformed that approach was. What’s more, the photobiology research community has determined that most skin cancers are related to a strong pattern of intermittent exposure to ultraviolet light in people who are genetically predisposed to skin cancer. These skin cancers are not simply the result of cumulative exposure. Once again, this suggests that heredity and a pattern of repeated sun burning are the primary factors associated with skin cancer.
Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). An increased risk of melanoma has been associated with people who have moles or repeated sunburn experiences as a child or young adult. Most melanomas occur on non-sun-exposed parts of the body. For example, melanoma is infrequently found on the face. Although melanoma accounts for only 5% of all newly diagnosed skin cancer cases each year, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is the only form of skin cancer that is aggressive with any regularity.
Heredity, fair skin, an abnormally high number of moles on one’s body (above 40) and a history of repeated childhood sunburns have all been implicated as potential risk factors for this disease. As a nation high in Celtic heredity Scotland needs to consider these facts.
Scotland’s Skin Cancer Epidemic
Scotland may be experiencing a skin cancer epidemic with the incidence of skin cancer tripling in the last thirty years. There were over 7,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in 2001, up from 2,200 in 1975 and higher rates of melanoma incidence have been reported in Scotland than in the rest of the UK.
In the age group 20-39 years, malignant melanoma is the second most common cancer in the UK. This is an unusually young age distribution for an adult cancer and emphasises the importance of its prevention and early treatment to avert the potential loss of many years of life.
On average, about 20 years of life are lost for each melanoma death in the UK.
The NHS and a number of cancer charities have most clearly linked the steep rise in incidence to changing cultural perceptions of a tan as desirable and the steep rise in the number of people taking holidays in the sun.
Tanning grew significantly in popularity through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s and as skin cancer may take 20 or more years to develop; the high rates of skin cancer can be expected to continue for many years to come.
Mortality from skin cancer, particularly melanoma, it’s most aggressive form, has not fallen despite major public health initiatives to raise awareness of sun protection and skin cancer. Attempts are being made by health promotion agencies to tackle this growing problem through encouraging people to change their behaviour on holiday and convincing Scots to take care on sunny days at home.
Another source of ultraviolet light is that derived from sunbed use and medical evidence on the risk of sunbeds to health is increasing. Sunbeds have been linked to a variety of negative health effects, including eye damage, photodermatosis, photosensitivity, premature skin ageing and skin cancer.
Ultraviolet rays from sunbeds have been classified as Group 2A carcinogens by the International Association for Research into Cancer (IARC) that is, “probably causing cancer in humans.” Recent analyses from studies in different countries over the last ten years have shown that the use of sunbeds increased the risk of cancer and the risk appears to be higher if use begins early in life.
Furthermore, in the UK a significant study from the British Medical Association found that sunbed users were 2.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer. The risks appear to be higher in the young.
A model has been developed to estimate human ultraviolet exposure to both sunlight and sunbeds, and this information was used to predict the contribution of sunbeds to melanoma mortality in the UK. The results of this study indicate that sunbeds cause 100 deaths from melanomas each year in the UK
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended in 2005 that no one under 18 should use a sunbed and that there is a need for guidelines or legislation to reduce the risks associated with sunbed use. WHO argues that growth in the use of sunbeds, combined with the desire and fashion to have a tan, are considered to be the prime reasons behind the fast growth in skin cancers in developed countries. The highest rates are found predominantly in those countries where people are fairest-skinned and where the sun tanning culture is strongest: Australia, New Zealand, North America and northern Europe. The people of Scotland are particularly fair-skinned and therefore at relatively high risk of developing skin cancer.
Risk Associated with Sunbeds Use
Despite common claims, radiation from sunbeds is no safer than exposure to the sun itself. The emission from many sunbeds is greater than that from the midday sun in the Mediterranean. The UVA portion of the emission spectrum can be 10-15 times higher than that of the midday sun.
A 1986 survey found that people believed that sunbeds cause less damage to skin than outdoor tanning. This is partly because of the marketing of sunbeds as a way of getting a ‘safer’, ‘controlled’ tan. Positive health claims are still being used to market cosmetic sunbeds.
In 2005 the action of ultraviolet light on skin to synthesise Vitamin D in the body was used in an advertisement funded by The Sunbed Association to promote the use of sunbeds as healthy. When a consumer complained about the inference, the Advertising Standards Authority upheld the complaint, in recognition of the fact that health professionals do not recommend sunbeds as the main source of Vitamin D, because of the risk associated with skin damage and cancer.
This was also the conclusion of the recent American Academy of Dermatology conference in May 2005. This conference reviewed evidence and recommended that Vitamin D supplements are a safer, cheaper and better alternative to raise Vitamin D levels than ultraviolet light, especially for the frail elderly and possibly for dark-skinned people with low sun exposure. Because of the documented causal relationship between skin cancer and sunbeds, many international and UK health organizations have publicly recommended that sunbeds should not be used, or their use should be limited and regulated to protect public health.
Lack of Regulation
There exists no relevant legislation other than the general Health and Safety guidance, mentioned earlier, to control the use of sunbeds.
The HSE has issued guidelines and cosmetic sunbed premises and machines are subject to the requirements of health and safety legislation in Scotland. Control of exposure is governed by the general provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999.
To comply with this legislation, duty holders are required to assess the health and safety risks caused by their work activities which will include the risks to employees and customers from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and put in place measures to control these risks as far as is reasonably practicable.
Specific guidance has been issued by the HSE on Controlling the Risks from the Use of Ultraviolet Tanning Equipment and can be found at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg209.pdf
Some businesses operate under a voluntary code of conduct agreed by the Sunbed Association. The Sunbed Association claims 20-25% of cosmetic sunbed premises are in membership. Consequently, with those numbers, voluntary arrangements can only have limited effect.
Although the Sunbed Association provides training schedules, there appears to be no requirement for training associated with the use of non-therapeutic UV radiation. The responsibility is on the provider to supply appropriate information that will allow potential clients to make an informed decision about whether or not sunbeds are suitable for their use. International legislation is diverse but it is significant that the need for regulation is recognized in France, Belgium, Sweden, Canada and the USA. European standards exist to regulate ultraviolet lamp emission strength and sunbed products.
The Case for Sunbed Salon Licensing
It is only within the last decade that public health authorities in Scotland have begun to highlight the health risks associated with sunbed use and in particular, the increased risk of developing skin cancer. In the past, many local authorities provided tanning facilities within their own leisure centres. The association of sunbeds with leisure facilities reinforced the perception that a tan is a sign of good health. Fortunately, over the last decade most sunbeds have been removed from local authority premises. In the main, this has been done because local authorities perceive this to be an action they can take to discourage the use of sunbeds for cosmetic tanning purposes, and to highlight the dangers associated with use.
In addition, the problem of skin cancer has often been viewed as a local community issue, with the subsequent onus on local authorities to take action. However, while the provision of sunbeds in local authority facilities has decreased, the number of commercial sunbed premises has increased.
Furthermore, there are growing concerns that some cosmetic sunbed premises are poorly run and offer little advice on the health risks associated with sunbed use.
A 2003 REHIS survey of 794 cosmetic sunbed premises in all 32 Scottish local authority areas identified a number of un-staffed and unsupervised premises and salons that were failing to check the age of customers or enquire about skin type or medical conditions which may deem sunbed use particularly ill advisable. In addition, the survey highlighted a number of salons that were failing to offer customers adequate eye protection.
Surveys in the UK and North America show that tanning salon operators typically show ignorance of sunbed risks and fail to enforce rules for using sunbeds.
The University of Dundee and Perth and Kinross Council in a joint study of privately operated premises in Tayside revealed the following major incidences of poor practice:
o 89% exercised no administrative control on the number of sessions/customer
o 81% failed to give adequate advice to customers
o 59% maintained no customer records
o 33% displayed no guidance to users
The recent change by many commercial operators to adopt more powerful UV lamps using shorter wavelengths has led to even greater concern amongst health professionals. An assessment by the Photobiology Unit at the University of Dundee Ninewells Hospital concluded that “all tanning units are potentially harmful and that the newer stand-up type has a much greater risk than has been generally appreciated.
Scottish Executive Proposal
Compel local authorities to issue licences regulating cosmetic sunbeds premises. Require providers of cosmetic tanning facilities, or equipment, to obtain a licence to operate from the local authority. The licensing conditions would be set so that local authorities could:
o Prevent the use of sunbeds by children
o Protect adults from over-exposure
o Ensure that sunbed users are supervised
o End the use of coin-operated machines
o Ensure that sunbed sessions are monitored and limited
o Provide health risk information in sunbed parlours
o Inspect premises
The proposal seeks to achieve a number of objectives. By providing health risk information it aims to ensure adults are equipped to make informed choices about the risks of sunbed use. The conditions of licensing would require staff to be on premises, which would help to prevent overexposure to ultraviolet light, especially by those who are more sensitive such as users with fair skins. Reduce the number of burns and accidents currently attributed to the misuse of unsupervised equipment and would drive up standards amongst operators. Premises not holding a licence would not be permitted to trade.
The lack of sunbed regulation in commercial premises and the damaging impact this can have, is best illustrated by example.
In the summer of 2004, two young boys aged 11 and 13 years old used unsupervised sunbeds in Stirling and were so badly burnt, they had to be admitted to hospital. Stirling Council environmental health officers were alerted to investigate the incident but because there was no legislation covering the regulation of sunbeds, action could not be taken against the salon for being un-staffed or for allowing young people under the age of 16 years to use a sunbed.
Impact of Licensing Scheme
It is anticipated that those businesses which could not meet a licensing requirement would be required to either invest in their businesses or be forced to cease trading. This would also eliminate the existence of coin-operated sunbed machines as well as the presence of un-staffed locations.
The cost of a licensing scheme must be balanced against the cost of reducing the harm caused by sunbeds. Although there would also be an administrative charge to operators of premises, in the long run the regulations would reduce the number of Scots – presently around 7,000 per year - who are being treated for skin cancer by the National Health Service.
Conclusion
Scotland needs to take action to tackle skin cancer and the public health message that sunbeds are potentially dangerous needs to be heard loud and clear. A system of licensing for sunbed salons could do for skin cancer what the health warning on packs of cigarettes has done for lung cancer.
It would introduce health controls in an otherwise very unregulated area, it would protect our young people and children from harm and it would raise public awareness of the dangers of skin cancer.
It is suggested that the voluntary regulation scheme is ineffective, and there may be a need for formal regulation in this area. Regulating sunbeds to ensure that children do not use them and to ensure that all users are aware of the risks associated with sunbed use, could be a major step forwards in the drive to control Scotland’s skin cancer epidemic.
Reference Material: (If you have a deeper interest)
1. Statistical Information Team Cancer Research UK (2006) ‘CancerStats, Malignant Melanoma-UK’Information available online at http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/ 2. Spencer, J. & Amonette, R. Indoor tanning: risks, benefits, and future trends. 3. Solar and ultraviolet radiation. (IARCPress, Lyon, 1992) 4. Gallagher RP, Spinelli JJ, Lee TK. Tanning beds, sunlamps and risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma,Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14:562 5. Young AR, Tanning devices – fast track to skin cancer? Pigment Cell Res 2004;17:2-9 6. Karagas MR, Stannard VA, Mott LA, et al. (2002) Use of tanning devices and risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 94:224-6. 7. Westerdahl J, Olsson H, Masback A et al. (1994) “Use of sunbeds or sunlamps and malignant melanoma in Southern Sweden”.American Journal of Eepidemiology 140:691-9. 8. Diffey, B. A quantitative estimate of melanoma mortality from ultraviolet A sunbed use in the U.K.Br J Dermatol 149, 578-81 (2003). 9. WHO fact sheet : Sunbeds, tanning and UV exposure, March 2005, at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs287/en/ 10. Gerber, B., Mathys, P. Moser, M., Bressoud, D. & Braun-Fahrlander, C. Ultraviolet emission spectra of sunbeds. Photochem Photobiol 76, 664-8 (2002). 11. Wester, U., Boldemann, C., Jansson, B. & Ullen, H. Population UV-dose and skin area--do sunbeds rival the sun? Health Phys 77, 436-40 (1999) 12. Autier, P. Perspectives in melanoma prevention: the case of sunbeds. Eur J Cancer 40, 2367-2376 (2004). Advertising Standards Authority- non-broadcast adjudication, 7September 2005, www.asa.org.uk 13. Lim HW, Sunlight, tanning booths and Vitamin D, J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52;868-76 14. British Medical Association- www.bma.org.uk 15. REHIS calls for Executive Action on Sunbeds, poor standards putting Scots at risk,November 2003 16. Ross, R. & Phillips, B. Twenty questions for tanning facility operators: a survey of operator knowledge. Can J Public Health 85, 393-6 (1994) 17. Moseley, H., Davidson, M. & Ferguson, J. A hazard assessment of artificial tanning units. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 14, 79-87 (1998). 18. Culley, C. et al. Compliance with federal and state legislation by indoor tanning facilities in San Diego. J Am Acad Dermatol 44, 53-60 (2001). 19. Moseley, H, MDavidson and J Ferguson. (1999) “Sunbeds and the need to know” British Journal of Dermatology. 141: 573-609 20. Royal Environmental Health Institute survey, November 2003 [cited in note 2]. 21. NHS Scotland - Survey of Sunbed Salons in Scotland. Information collated by Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland, 3 Manor Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7DH, November 2003.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Muir
Individuals and organisations with an interest in skin cancer prevention have continued to express concern about rising sun bed use and the effect this may have on levels of skin cancer which is the fastest rising cancer in Scotland, and a particular problem in the West of Scotland. The risk of skin cancer is related to lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light and intense exposure to such light is the most dangerous to the skin. For example, too much time spent in the sun on holidays abroad or excessive time spent in the sun on the occasional hot day in Scotland, constitutes this type of exposure.
Sun bed use also provides a form of intense exposure to ultraviolet light. Just one session a month will double the average individual’s annual dose of ultraviolet radiation. Sun bed use is on the rise in Scotland and there is now a significant body of evidence to suggest that the sunbed industry suffers from a lack of regulation. Cases of malpractice by operators have been documented in a survey by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS). In particular there is evidence that children, who are especially sensitive to ultraviolet light, are now regularly using sunbeds. Just one day of burning as a child increases the risk of getting skin cancer as an adult.
Tanning in General
Tanning is your body’s natural protection against sunburn; it’s what your body is designed to do. Developing a tan is your body’s natural way of protecting against the dangers of sunburn and further exposure.
Whether you tan outdoors under the sun or indoors in a tanning facility, the tanning process is the same. This natural process takes place when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Light is composed of energy waves that travel from the sun to the Earth. Each energy wave can be identified by its length in nanometres, (nm), which is one-billionth of a meter. Light can be broken into three general categories: infrared, visible and invisible. Ultraviolet light is in the invisible light spectrum. There are three kinds of ultraviolet light: UVA, UVB and UVC. Tanning itself takes place in the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis. There are three major types of skin cells in your epidermis: basal cells, keratinocytes and melanocytes. All play different roles in the tanning process. Everyone has roughly the same number of melanocytes in their bodies—about 5 million. Your heredity determines how much pigment your melanocytes can produce. Melanocytes release extra melanosomes whenever ultraviolet light waves touch them. This produces a tan in your skin.
Skin Types
I. - Always burns; never tans, pale white skin; "Celtic"
II. - Burns easily; tans minimally; White skin
III. - Burns moderately; tans gradually to light brown average; Caucasian skin
IV. - Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately brown; Olive skin
V. - Rarely burns; tans profusely to dark; Brown skin
VI. - Never burns; deeply pigmented; Black skin
Effects of UV
There is a body of scientific research demonstrating that the production of the activated form of vitamin D is one of the most effective ways the body controls abnormal cell growth. Moderate exposure to sunlight is only way for the body to manufacture the vitamin D necessary for producing activated vitamin D.A 1997 report by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine recommends 200 IU/day of vitamin D for women aged 50 years or younger, 400 IU/day for those aged 51-70 and 600 IU/day for those older than 70. Moderate exposure to sunlight helps the body manufacture vitamin D and eating salmon or mackerel and drinking fortified milk or juices is a step in the right direction. The amount of vitamin D formed in a given period of exposure depends on the colour of your skin—that is, how rich your skin is in melanin. Melanin absorbs UV radiation. Therefore it diminishes the production of vitamin D. The darker a person's skin, the longer he or she has to be in the sun or exposed to UVB radiation to form a significant amount of vitamin D.
Like melanin, sunscreen also absorbs UV radiation and therefore greatly diminishes the skin’s vitamin D production. For example, sunscreen with a PDF of 8 diminishes a person’s ability to produce vitamin D by 95%. In addition, winter sunlight in the northern latitudes does not have enough UVB radiation to produce vitamin D in the skin leading to diminished vitamin D levels in winter.
Moderate exposure is the most responsible way to maximize the potential benefits of sun or UV exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight. Avoiding sunburns is critical to moderation. Experiencing painful sunburns before the age of 20—not lifetime exposure to the sun—is the factor associated with an increased risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
History and Facts of Indoor Tanning
Europeans started tanning indoors with sunlamps that emitted ultraviolet (UV) light as a therapeutic exercise to harness the positive psychological and physiological effects of exposure to UV light. This practice became widespread in Europe, particularly in the sun-deprived northern countries by the 1970s—several years before the first indoor tanning facility was established in the UK. Although indoor tanning is considered a cosmetic exercise the roots are therapeutic and many people do in fact visit tanning facilities for that purpose.
The indoor tanning industry has grown substantially in 25 years. Today it is a strong part of the small business community. And each year about 10 percent of the public visits an indoor tanning facility. This business is estimated to be worth lb3 billion worldwide.
The indoor tanning industry’s position is summed up in this declaration:
“Moderate tanning, for individuals who can develop a tan, is the smartest way to maximize the potential benefits of sun exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight.”
The indoor tanning salon industry claims to be part of the solution in the ongoing battle against sunburn by teaching people how to identify a proper and practical life-long skin care regimen. No legislation covers indoor tanning just the following government guidance:
“Like the sun, sun-beds give out UV rays that can increase the risk of skin cancer. The more you use sunbeds, the greater the risk is likely to be and when the tan fades, the skin damage remains. If you're under 16 you should never use a sunbed, as young skin is more delicate and prone to damage than older skin. Even if you are over 16 you should be very careful if you choose to use one. You should also really avoid sunbeds altogether if you:
a. - have fair or freckly skin
b. - burn easily
c. - have a lot of moles
d. - have a family history of skin cancer
e. - use medication that increases your sensitivity to UV.
If you do decide to use one, limit yourself to two sessions a week, over a period of 30 weeks, every year. But remember that if you don't tan in the sun, you won't tan any more easily on a sunbeds.”
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer has a 20- to 30-year latency period. The rates of skin cancer we are seeing today are most likely the result of bad habits from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s that were based on ignorance and misinformation about sun tanning. In those days, many people still considered sunburns an inconvenient right of spring, a precursor to developing a summer tan. People believed that sunburns would “fade” into tans, and so tanners hit the beaches with baby oil and reflectors. Severe burns were commonplace. Today we know how reckless and uninformed that approach was. What’s more, the photobiology research community has determined that most skin cancers are related to a strong pattern of intermittent exposure to ultraviolet light in people who are genetically predisposed to skin cancer. These skin cancers are not simply the result of cumulative exposure. Once again, this suggests that heredity and a pattern of repeated sun burning are the primary factors associated with skin cancer.
Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). An increased risk of melanoma has been associated with people who have moles or repeated sunburn experiences as a child or young adult. Most melanomas occur on non-sun-exposed parts of the body. For example, melanoma is infrequently found on the face. Although melanoma accounts for only 5% of all newly diagnosed skin cancer cases each year, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is the only form of skin cancer that is aggressive with any regularity.
Heredity, fair skin, an abnormally high number of moles on one’s body (above 40) and a history of repeated childhood sunburns have all been implicated as potential risk factors for this disease. As a nation high in Celtic heredity Scotland needs to consider these facts.
Scotland’s Skin Cancer Epidemic
Scotland may be experiencing a skin cancer epidemic with the incidence of skin cancer tripling in the last thirty years. There were over 7,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in 2001, up from 2,200 in 1975 and higher rates of melanoma incidence have been reported in Scotland than in the rest of the UK.
In the age group 20-39 years, malignant melanoma is the second most common cancer in the UK. This is an unusually young age distribution for an adult cancer and emphasises the importance of its prevention and early treatment to avert the potential loss of many years of life.
On average, about 20 years of life are lost for each melanoma death in the UK.
The NHS and a number of cancer charities have most clearly linked the steep rise in incidence to changing cultural perceptions of a tan as desirable and the steep rise in the number of people taking holidays in the sun.
Tanning grew significantly in popularity through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s and as skin cancer may take 20 or more years to develop; the high rates of skin cancer can be expected to continue for many years to come.
Mortality from skin cancer, particularly melanoma, it’s most aggressive form, has not fallen despite major public health initiatives to raise awareness of sun protection and skin cancer. Attempts are being made by health promotion agencies to tackle this growing problem through encouraging people to change their behaviour on holiday and convincing Scots to take care on sunny days at home.
Another source of ultraviolet light is that derived from sunbed use and medical evidence on the risk of sunbeds to health is increasing. Sunbeds have been linked to a variety of negative health effects, including eye damage, photodermatosis, photosensitivity, premature skin ageing and skin cancer.
Ultraviolet rays from sunbeds have been classified as Group 2A carcinogens by the International Association for Research into Cancer (IARC) that is, “probably causing cancer in humans.” Recent analyses from studies in different countries over the last ten years have shown that the use of sunbeds increased the risk of cancer and the risk appears to be higher if use begins early in life.
Furthermore, in the UK a significant study from the British Medical Association found that sunbed users were 2.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer. The risks appear to be higher in the young.
A model has been developed to estimate human ultraviolet exposure to both sunlight and sunbeds, and this information was used to predict the contribution of sunbeds to melanoma mortality in the UK. The results of this study indicate that sunbeds cause 100 deaths from melanomas each year in the UK
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended in 2005 that no one under 18 should use a sunbed and that there is a need for guidelines or legislation to reduce the risks associated with sunbed use. WHO argues that growth in the use of sunbeds, combined with the desire and fashion to have a tan, are considered to be the prime reasons behind the fast growth in skin cancers in developed countries. The highest rates are found predominantly in those countries where people are fairest-skinned and where the sun tanning culture is strongest: Australia, New Zealand, North America and northern Europe. The people of Scotland are particularly fair-skinned and therefore at relatively high risk of developing skin cancer.
Risk Associated with Sunbeds Use
Despite common claims, radiation from sunbeds is no safer than exposure to the sun itself. The emission from many sunbeds is greater than that from the midday sun in the Mediterranean. The UVA portion of the emission spectrum can be 10-15 times higher than that of the midday sun.
A 1986 survey found that people believed that sunbeds cause less damage to skin than outdoor tanning. This is partly because of the marketing of sunbeds as a way of getting a ‘safer’, ‘controlled’ tan. Positive health claims are still being used to market cosmetic sunbeds.
In 2005 the action of ultraviolet light on skin to synthesise Vitamin D in the body was used in an advertisement funded by The Sunbed Association to promote the use of sunbeds as healthy. When a consumer complained about the inference, the Advertising Standards Authority upheld the complaint, in recognition of the fact that health professionals do not recommend sunbeds as the main source of Vitamin D, because of the risk associated with skin damage and cancer.
This was also the conclusion of the recent American Academy of Dermatology conference in May 2005. This conference reviewed evidence and recommended that Vitamin D supplements are a safer, cheaper and better alternative to raise Vitamin D levels than ultraviolet light, especially for the frail elderly and possibly for dark-skinned people with low sun exposure. Because of the documented causal relationship between skin cancer and sunbeds, many international and UK health organizations have publicly recommended that sunbeds should not be used, or their use should be limited and regulated to protect public health.
Lack of Regulation
There exists no relevant legislation other than the general Health and Safety guidance, mentioned earlier, to control the use of sunbeds.
The HSE has issued guidelines and cosmetic sunbed premises and machines are subject to the requirements of health and safety legislation in Scotland. Control of exposure is governed by the general provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999.
To comply with this legislation, duty holders are required to assess the health and safety risks caused by their work activities which will include the risks to employees and customers from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and put in place measures to control these risks as far as is reasonably practicable.
Specific guidance has been issued by the HSE on Controlling the Risks from the Use of Ultraviolet Tanning Equipment and can be found at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg209.pdf
Some businesses operate under a voluntary code of conduct agreed by the Sunbed Association. The Sunbed Association claims 20-25% of cosmetic sunbed premises are in membership. Consequently, with those numbers, voluntary arrangements can only have limited effect.
Although the Sunbed Association provides training schedules, there appears to be no requirement for training associated with the use of non-therapeutic UV radiation. The responsibility is on the provider to supply appropriate information that will allow potential clients to make an informed decision about whether or not sunbeds are suitable for their use. International legislation is diverse but it is significant that the need for regulation is recognized in France, Belgium, Sweden, Canada and the USA. European standards exist to regulate ultraviolet lamp emission strength and sunbed products.
The Case for Sunbed Salon Licensing
It is only within the last decade that public health authorities in Scotland have begun to highlight the health risks associated with sunbed use and in particular, the increased risk of developing skin cancer. In the past, many local authorities provided tanning facilities within their own leisure centres. The association of sunbeds with leisure facilities reinforced the perception that a tan is a sign of good health. Fortunately, over the last decade most sunbeds have been removed from local authority premises. In the main, this has been done because local authorities perceive this to be an action they can take to discourage the use of sunbeds for cosmetic tanning purposes, and to highlight the dangers associated with use.
In addition, the problem of skin cancer has often been viewed as a local community issue, with the subsequent onus on local authorities to take action. However, while the provision of sunbeds in local authority facilities has decreased, the number of commercial sunbed premises has increased.
Furthermore, there are growing concerns that some cosmetic sunbed premises are poorly run and offer little advice on the health risks associated with sunbed use.
A 2003 REHIS survey of 794 cosmetic sunbed premises in all 32 Scottish local authority areas identified a number of un-staffed and unsupervised premises and salons that were failing to check the age of customers or enquire about skin type or medical conditions which may deem sunbed use particularly ill advisable. In addition, the survey highlighted a number of salons that were failing to offer customers adequate eye protection.
Surveys in the UK and North America show that tanning salon operators typically show ignorance of sunbed risks and fail to enforce rules for using sunbeds.
The University of Dundee and Perth and Kinross Council in a joint study of privately operated premises in Tayside revealed the following major incidences of poor practice:
o 89% exercised no administrative control on the number of sessions/customer
o 81% failed to give adequate advice to customers
o 59% maintained no customer records
o 33% displayed no guidance to users
The recent change by many commercial operators to adopt more powerful UV lamps using shorter wavelengths has led to even greater concern amongst health professionals. An assessment by the Photobiology Unit at the University of Dundee Ninewells Hospital concluded that “all tanning units are potentially harmful and that the newer stand-up type has a much greater risk than has been generally appreciated.
Scottish Executive Proposal
Compel local authorities to issue licences regulating cosmetic sunbeds premises. Require providers of cosmetic tanning facilities, or equipment, to obtain a licence to operate from the local authority. The licensing conditions would be set so that local authorities could:
o Prevent the use of sunbeds by children
o Protect adults from over-exposure
o Ensure that sunbed users are supervised
o End the use of coin-operated machines
o Ensure that sunbed sessions are monitored and limited
o Provide health risk information in sunbed parlours
o Inspect premises
The proposal seeks to achieve a number of objectives. By providing health risk information it aims to ensure adults are equipped to make informed choices about the risks of sunbed use. The conditions of licensing would require staff to be on premises, which would help to prevent overexposure to ultraviolet light, especially by those who are more sensitive such as users with fair skins. Reduce the number of burns and accidents currently attributed to the misuse of unsupervised equipment and would drive up standards amongst operators. Premises not holding a licence would not be permitted to trade.
The lack of sunbed regulation in commercial premises and the damaging impact this can have, is best illustrated by example.
In the summer of 2004, two young boys aged 11 and 13 years old used unsupervised sunbeds in Stirling and were so badly burnt, they had to be admitted to hospital. Stirling Council environmental health officers were alerted to investigate the incident but because there was no legislation covering the regulation of sunbeds, action could not be taken against the salon for being un-staffed or for allowing young people under the age of 16 years to use a sunbed.
Impact of Licensing Scheme
It is anticipated that those businesses which could not meet a licensing requirement would be required to either invest in their businesses or be forced to cease trading. This would also eliminate the existence of coin-operated sunbed machines as well as the presence of un-staffed locations.
The cost of a licensing scheme must be balanced against the cost of reducing the harm caused by sunbeds. Although there would also be an administrative charge to operators of premises, in the long run the regulations would reduce the number of Scots – presently around 7,000 per year - who are being treated for skin cancer by the National Health Service.
Conclusion
Scotland needs to take action to tackle skin cancer and the public health message that sunbeds are potentially dangerous needs to be heard loud and clear. A system of licensing for sunbed salons could do for skin cancer what the health warning on packs of cigarettes has done for lung cancer.
It would introduce health controls in an otherwise very unregulated area, it would protect our young people and children from harm and it would raise public awareness of the dangers of skin cancer.
It is suggested that the voluntary regulation scheme is ineffective, and there may be a need for formal regulation in this area. Regulating sunbeds to ensure that children do not use them and to ensure that all users are aware of the risks associated with sunbed use, could be a major step forwards in the drive to control Scotland’s skin cancer epidemic.
Reference Material: (If you have a deeper interest)
1. Statistical Information Team Cancer Research UK (2006) ‘CancerStats, Malignant Melanoma-UK’Information available online at http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/ 2. Spencer, J. & Amonette, R. Indoor tanning: risks, benefits, and future trends. 3. Solar and ultraviolet radiation. (IARCPress, Lyon, 1992) 4. Gallagher RP, Spinelli JJ, Lee TK. Tanning beds, sunlamps and risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma,Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14:562 5. Young AR, Tanning devices – fast track to skin cancer? Pigment Cell Res 2004;17:2-9 6. Karagas MR, Stannard VA, Mott LA, et al. (2002) Use of tanning devices and risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 94:224-6. 7. Westerdahl J, Olsson H, Masback A et al. (1994) “Use of sunbeds or sunlamps and malignant melanoma in Southern Sweden”.American Journal of Eepidemiology 140:691-9. 8. Diffey, B. A quantitative estimate of melanoma mortality from ultraviolet A sunbed use in the U.K.Br J Dermatol 149, 578-81 (2003). 9. WHO fact sheet : Sunbeds, tanning and UV exposure, March 2005, at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs287/en/ 10. Gerber, B., Mathys, P. Moser, M., Bressoud, D. & Braun-Fahrlander, C. Ultraviolet emission spectra of sunbeds. Photochem Photobiol 76, 664-8 (2002). 11. Wester, U., Boldemann, C., Jansson, B. & Ullen, H. Population UV-dose and skin area--do sunbeds rival the sun? Health Phys 77, 436-40 (1999) 12. Autier, P. Perspectives in melanoma prevention: the case of sunbeds. Eur J Cancer 40, 2367-2376 (2004). Advertising Standards Authority- non-broadcast adjudication, 7September 2005, www.asa.org.uk 13. Lim HW, Sunlight, tanning booths and Vitamin D, J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52;868-76 14. British Medical Association- www.bma.org.uk 15. REHIS calls for Executive Action on Sunbeds, poor standards putting Scots at risk,November 2003 16. Ross, R. & Phillips, B. Twenty questions for tanning facility operators: a survey of operator knowledge. Can J Public Health 85, 393-6 (1994) 17. Moseley, H., Davidson, M. & Ferguson, J. A hazard assessment of artificial tanning units. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 14, 79-87 (1998). 18. Culley, C. et al. Compliance with federal and state legislation by indoor tanning facilities in San Diego. J Am Acad Dermatol 44, 53-60 (2001). 19. Moseley, H, MDavidson and J Ferguson. (1999) “Sunbeds and the need to know” British Journal of Dermatology. 141: 573-609 20. Royal Environmental Health Institute survey, November 2003 [cited in note 2]. 21. NHS Scotland - Survey of Sunbed Salons in Scotland. Information collated by Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland, 3 Manor Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7DH, November 2003.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_Muir
Skin Cancer - Early Detection And Prevention Is The Key
The word cancer brings fear to all of us. We've all spent time in the sun as children, and never gave a second thought to it's effect on our bodies during that period in our active lives. As we mature and become adults, we are faced with the fact that all of those childhood hours in the sun can't be erased. Many of us will hear the words, "You have skin cancer," spoken to us by a doctor in the future.
Your doctor or another medical professional can give you a list skin cancer signs to look for on your body. Some of the larger medical schools and cancer institutions in the United States are now providing free skin cancer screening programs to the public in order to do research in this field with their students. In our large metropolis, there is such a school that has saved untold numbers of people from horrible scarring and even death by such screenings. If left undetected, some skin cancers may mutate and turn into deadly melanoma cancer. Contact your doctor and/or medical schools in your area to see if such research may exist. If not, learn the signs of different types of skin cancer and notify your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent noticeable scarring, and the risk of future problems associated with skin cancer.
Now, for a word of wisdom from all of the wonderful professionals I've had the unfortunate opportunity to have to speak with over the past few years. ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN! Check with your family doctor for the recommended types of sunscreen they feel are best for your family. If you are the parent of an infant, toddler or underage child, make sure they have sunscreen on before playing in the sun. Now, a few further words of wisdom for all of us adults who still do, play in the sun...ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_French
Your doctor or another medical professional can give you a list skin cancer signs to look for on your body. Some of the larger medical schools and cancer institutions in the United States are now providing free skin cancer screening programs to the public in order to do research in this field with their students. In our large metropolis, there is such a school that has saved untold numbers of people from horrible scarring and even death by such screenings. If left undetected, some skin cancers may mutate and turn into deadly melanoma cancer. Contact your doctor and/or medical schools in your area to see if such research may exist. If not, learn the signs of different types of skin cancer and notify your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent noticeable scarring, and the risk of future problems associated with skin cancer.
Now, for a word of wisdom from all of the wonderful professionals I've had the unfortunate opportunity to have to speak with over the past few years. ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN! Check with your family doctor for the recommended types of sunscreen they feel are best for your family. If you are the parent of an infant, toddler or underage child, make sure they have sunscreen on before playing in the sun. Now, a few further words of wisdom for all of us adults who still do, play in the sun...ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_French
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Tanning Beds - Do They Cause Cancer
Let's face it, nobody wants to spend 2-3 hours under the hot sun, just to get a tan. And if you've ever used the spray stuff, you know the drawbacks of it: Sticky skin, short lasting, and can you say messy? Sure you can have a professional sprayer tan your body, but not only can it be very uncomfortable for the client, it can get spendy.
Meet the tanning bed. A quick 10-15 minute, relaxing session in a tanning bed can not only be therapeutic, but you get a great tan at the same time! Just bring your favorite music, put your goggles and lotion on, and relax. What could be better?
Unfortunately, the benefits of tanning beds do have their disadvantages. Namely the effects on your skin. Both commercial and home-use tanning beds are equipped with high powered, high energy Ultraviolet bulbs that can cause severe damage to your skin cells. Studies have shown that the UVB and UVA rays emitted by tanning beds can damage our skin cells in an irreversible effect. Scientists have proven that these harmful rays damage the DNA in our skin, which has been directly related to the development of skin cancers and damage to the immune system. It has also been shown that the deep penetrating effects of UVA rays can reduce skin elasticity and cause premature wrinkles. Not fun!
What can we do?
Although research has proven that tanning beds can have detrimental effects on our skin, research is limited, and there are precautionary measures we can all do to lower the risk of side effects. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to limit your tanning sessions, especially if you have sensitive / fair skin. 10-15 minutes is usually enough time for the melanin in our skin to soak up the required energy to darken our skin. Any time spent beyond the recommended limit is unnecessary and can cause burning and greatly increase the risk of side effects.
Most, it not all tanning salons are stocked with lotion, lip balm, and goggles. Proper use of this protective gear is crucial to your safety, namely your eyes and lips. The eyes and lips do not contain the protective protein melanin, so any over-exposure to UV rays can severely damage them. And although our skin has a natural defense to the harmful UV rays, tanning lotion with the proper amount of SPF can add a new layer of protection without interfering with your tan.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Croy
Meet the tanning bed. A quick 10-15 minute, relaxing session in a tanning bed can not only be therapeutic, but you get a great tan at the same time! Just bring your favorite music, put your goggles and lotion on, and relax. What could be better?
Unfortunately, the benefits of tanning beds do have their disadvantages. Namely the effects on your skin. Both commercial and home-use tanning beds are equipped with high powered, high energy Ultraviolet bulbs that can cause severe damage to your skin cells. Studies have shown that the UVB and UVA rays emitted by tanning beds can damage our skin cells in an irreversible effect. Scientists have proven that these harmful rays damage the DNA in our skin, which has been directly related to the development of skin cancers and damage to the immune system. It has also been shown that the deep penetrating effects of UVA rays can reduce skin elasticity and cause premature wrinkles. Not fun!
What can we do?
Although research has proven that tanning beds can have detrimental effects on our skin, research is limited, and there are precautionary measures we can all do to lower the risk of side effects. The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to limit your tanning sessions, especially if you have sensitive / fair skin. 10-15 minutes is usually enough time for the melanin in our skin to soak up the required energy to darken our skin. Any time spent beyond the recommended limit is unnecessary and can cause burning and greatly increase the risk of side effects.
Most, it not all tanning salons are stocked with lotion, lip balm, and goggles. Proper use of this protective gear is crucial to your safety, namely your eyes and lips. The eyes and lips do not contain the protective protein melanin, so any over-exposure to UV rays can severely damage them. And although our skin has a natural defense to the harmful UV rays, tanning lotion with the proper amount of SPF can add a new layer of protection without interfering with your tan.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Croy
Just How Much Protection Does Your Sunscreen Really Give?
We all enjoy going out on a sunny day, whether to garden, go to the beach, or just for a walk, and we have trained ourselves to slap on the sunscreen before venturing outdoors, but have you ever wondered just how much protection does sunscreen really give? Did you know that the label of your favorite brand of sunscreen does not tell you what amount of protection you are actually getting from it? Well if a newly proposed. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule for sunscreen products is adopted, we will have that information on every bottle, and will be able to understand it in a much clearer way.
One million people in North America will be diagnosed with some type of skin cancer this year, and that is far too many. Excessive exposure to UV radiation is the one most important preventable cause of skin cancer. It is common knowledge that the effects of sunlight damage on our bodies is growing every year, due to lowered ozone levels that allow more of the harmful rays though the earths atmosphere.
The newly proposed rule seeks to establish standards for testing, formulating, and labelling all over-the-counter sunscreen products with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. UVA light is responsible for tanning and UVB light is responsible for sunburn. Both of these types of light will damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer with over exposure.
Presently, the only way for consumers to find out the level of UVB protection in their sunscreen product is by its SPF or, sun protection factor.
This new rating would establish a scale of one to four stars. One star on the label would represent low UVA protection, two stars on the label would represent medium protection, three stars on the label would represent high protection and, of course, four stars would represent the highest UVA protection that available in an over-the-counter Sunscreen product. The FDA is also proposing that the product, if it does not have at least a low level or one star of protection, that the manufacturers will be required to have a "NO UVA PROTECTION" marking on the front label adjacent to the SPF value.
The FDA is also proposing a required warning statement to be placed in the "Drug Facts" box for all sunscreen product manufacturers. The warning will state: "UV Exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin Aging, and other skin damage. It is important to decrease UV exposure by Limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing, and using a Sunscreen." The warning is being put on the label to remind people that sunscreens are only a part of a sun protection program.
With over one million cases of skin cancer in North America alone, I feel that these measures will dispel any worries about what exactly the protection is that we are getting in our over the counter sunscreens. This proposal is an excellent step towards letting the consumer take control of the amount of protection that they put on themselves daily. I hope that it goes through and is implemented quickly. The idea of a symbol being used (Stars) is genius, giving people of any age, including children, the knowledge they need to be proactive in the fight against skin cancer. Of course, labeling "sunscreen" that has no UVB protection in it is no-brainer, and an excellent idea. There are many varieties of sunscreen at the market, and being able to simply make a wise and knowledgeable choice about how much protection you want cannot be anything but a good idea.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Georgina_Grant
One million people in North America will be diagnosed with some type of skin cancer this year, and that is far too many. Excessive exposure to UV radiation is the one most important preventable cause of skin cancer. It is common knowledge that the effects of sunlight damage on our bodies is growing every year, due to lowered ozone levels that allow more of the harmful rays though the earths atmosphere.
The newly proposed rule seeks to establish standards for testing, formulating, and labelling all over-the-counter sunscreen products with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. UVA light is responsible for tanning and UVB light is responsible for sunburn. Both of these types of light will damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer with over exposure.
Presently, the only way for consumers to find out the level of UVB protection in their sunscreen product is by its SPF or, sun protection factor.
This new rating would establish a scale of one to four stars. One star on the label would represent low UVA protection, two stars on the label would represent medium protection, three stars on the label would represent high protection and, of course, four stars would represent the highest UVA protection that available in an over-the-counter Sunscreen product. The FDA is also proposing that the product, if it does not have at least a low level or one star of protection, that the manufacturers will be required to have a "NO UVA PROTECTION" marking on the front label adjacent to the SPF value.
The FDA is also proposing a required warning statement to be placed in the "Drug Facts" box for all sunscreen product manufacturers. The warning will state: "UV Exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin Aging, and other skin damage. It is important to decrease UV exposure by Limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing, and using a Sunscreen." The warning is being put on the label to remind people that sunscreens are only a part of a sun protection program.
With over one million cases of skin cancer in North America alone, I feel that these measures will dispel any worries about what exactly the protection is that we are getting in our over the counter sunscreens. This proposal is an excellent step towards letting the consumer take control of the amount of protection that they put on themselves daily. I hope that it goes through and is implemented quickly. The idea of a symbol being used (Stars) is genius, giving people of any age, including children, the knowledge they need to be proactive in the fight against skin cancer. Of course, labeling "sunscreen" that has no UVB protection in it is no-brainer, and an excellent idea. There are many varieties of sunscreen at the market, and being able to simply make a wise and knowledgeable choice about how much protection you want cannot be anything but a good idea.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Georgina_Grant
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