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.
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Friday, October 31, 2008
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
Got Eye Wrinkles? 4 Undereye Wrinkles Reducers That Work
Got eye wrinkles? Want to reduce undereye wrinkles? There's a new line of products on the market, specifically formulated to reduce undereye wrinkles, bags and dark circles. They have clinically proven effectiveness, and all of the ingredients are safe and natural. Here are the details.
EYELISS
This is a patented European formula that was at one time only used by movie stars and other celebrities. It was restricted to these groups primarily because of its price. But, it has a dramatic effect and works very quickly to reduce eye wrinkles.
The new product that contains the compound is actually very affordable. The company takes a different approach. They are able to keep their prices down by forgoing the expensive television ad campaigns, in favor of word of mouth support from their loyal customers.
In clinical studies, 62% of volunteers saw a marked reduction in undereye wrinkles after only 28 days of use. Other companies say that best results are seen after 90 days of use. I've read about consumers that "believe" them and use it for the full term, after which time they realize that they wasted their money.
HALOYXYL
This ingredient is specially formulated to reduce bags and dark circles. When added to EYELISS, you get rid of more undereye wrinkles, and the general health and appearance of the skin around your eyes improves.
All of the components of the two patented formulas are derived from plants. They are completely safe, which is very important. Creams designed for getting rid of eye wrinkles have a tendency to "get into your eyes", causing redness, itching and irritation that damages your appearance.
Canadian Brown Algae
Algae, kelp and other types of sea plants have active anti-aging effects. Canadian Brown Algae has been shown in clinical studies to increase the production of new skin cells by 25%. Other ingredients in the new product further increase skin cell production.
While you are getting rid of undereye wrinkles, you are actually growing new skin. How about that? For more details on how on wrinkles see AHealthyRadiantSkin.com
Antioxidants
The cause of eye wrinkles, sagging and other types of skin damage is the tiny free radical. Radicals perform some necessary functions in the cell, but when they get out of control, they damage the cellular membrane and collagen fibers. They cause chronic inflammation that leads to redness, swelling, puffiness, etc. As time goes by, they can damage DNA strands, which can lead to a cancerous growth
Antioxidants are the body's natural defense against free radical damage. They basically turn the radicals off and repair the damage that they have done. So, they are important for preventing undereye wrinkles, as well as repairing them.
This new product contains a number of active antioxidants including; coenzyme Q10, natural vitamin E and honey enzymes. Actually some of the effective components EYELISS and HALOXYL are plant antioxidants known as flavones and bioflavonoids.
I think of the product as a nutritional supplement that I apply directly to my face. You can watch your eye wrinkles disappear and know that you are doing the right thing for your skin's health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Bell
EYELISS
This is a patented European formula that was at one time only used by movie stars and other celebrities. It was restricted to these groups primarily because of its price. But, it has a dramatic effect and works very quickly to reduce eye wrinkles.
The new product that contains the compound is actually very affordable. The company takes a different approach. They are able to keep their prices down by forgoing the expensive television ad campaigns, in favor of word of mouth support from their loyal customers.
In clinical studies, 62% of volunteers saw a marked reduction in undereye wrinkles after only 28 days of use. Other companies say that best results are seen after 90 days of use. I've read about consumers that "believe" them and use it for the full term, after which time they realize that they wasted their money.
HALOYXYL
This ingredient is specially formulated to reduce bags and dark circles. When added to EYELISS, you get rid of more undereye wrinkles, and the general health and appearance of the skin around your eyes improves.
All of the components of the two patented formulas are derived from plants. They are completely safe, which is very important. Creams designed for getting rid of eye wrinkles have a tendency to "get into your eyes", causing redness, itching and irritation that damages your appearance.
Canadian Brown Algae
Algae, kelp and other types of sea plants have active anti-aging effects. Canadian Brown Algae has been shown in clinical studies to increase the production of new skin cells by 25%. Other ingredients in the new product further increase skin cell production.
While you are getting rid of undereye wrinkles, you are actually growing new skin. How about that? For more details on how on wrinkles see AHealthyRadiantSkin.com
Antioxidants
The cause of eye wrinkles, sagging and other types of skin damage is the tiny free radical. Radicals perform some necessary functions in the cell, but when they get out of control, they damage the cellular membrane and collagen fibers. They cause chronic inflammation that leads to redness, swelling, puffiness, etc. As time goes by, they can damage DNA strands, which can lead to a cancerous growth
Antioxidants are the body's natural defense against free radical damage. They basically turn the radicals off and repair the damage that they have done. So, they are important for preventing undereye wrinkles, as well as repairing them.
This new product contains a number of active antioxidants including; coenzyme Q10, natural vitamin E and honey enzymes. Actually some of the effective components EYELISS and HALOXYL are plant antioxidants known as flavones and bioflavonoids.
I think of the product as a nutritional supplement that I apply directly to my face. You can watch your eye wrinkles disappear and know that you are doing the right thing for your skin's health.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Bell
The Most Effective Skin Care Line
The human skin is a vital organ of the body; hence it requires proper care and attention. Most people really care for fresh skin care, but unfortunately, are not aware of the fact that the skin is the largest body organ and it easily becomes the most affected by extreme ultra violent rays of the sun. Ultra violet radiation can cause serious skin problems like skin cancer for example.
Skin problems are also caused by selecting and using skin care products that have harmful synthetic ingredients like dioxane, parabens and alcohols. Some effective skin care methods are mentioned below which can be followed to maintain healthier skin.
It is important to remove all the makeup before going to bed. This is because most of the skin care products contain harmful chemicals which can cause wrinkles and other skin problems.
Exposure to solar radiation can cause photo aging. It accelerates the skin's intrinsic aging process which is characterized by wrinkles, dyspigmentation, laxity, roughness, sallowness and telangiectasias. By avoiding the peak solar radiation which occurs between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., by wearing sun-protective clothing and by using sun screens - photo aging can be controlled.
Always use natural skin care products, as they are made of natural substances - side effects caused by artificial skin care products can be avoided. Also, avoid scented soaps to wash your face because it can make your skin dry.
When purchasing a skin care product, look out for ingredients that stimulate new collagen and elastin production in your skin. Collagen is a protein that is fibrous in nature and Elastin is a protein that helps the skin stay "flexible" and firm.
Avoid eating out to much as fatty and acidic foods can cause problems to your skin. Also learn to stop pressing, picking and rubbing your pimples because it can irritate your skin. Avoid shampoos which are acidic in nature and change you're bedding and pillows regularly. Exercise regularly as it not only improves your blood circulation, but also helps you to control stress both short and long term.
Apart from the tips mentioned above, some simple but effective methods can also be followed. Drinking lots of water, avoiding alcoholic drinks and tobacco, as well as introducing habits like swimming and walking in your daily routine can supplement maintaining healthy skin.
As these methods are simple and easy to implement, follow them to avoid premature skin problems like wrinkles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Helmet
Skin problems are also caused by selecting and using skin care products that have harmful synthetic ingredients like dioxane, parabens and alcohols. Some effective skin care methods are mentioned below which can be followed to maintain healthier skin.
It is important to remove all the makeup before going to bed. This is because most of the skin care products contain harmful chemicals which can cause wrinkles and other skin problems.
Exposure to solar radiation can cause photo aging. It accelerates the skin's intrinsic aging process which is characterized by wrinkles, dyspigmentation, laxity, roughness, sallowness and telangiectasias. By avoiding the peak solar radiation which occurs between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., by wearing sun-protective clothing and by using sun screens - photo aging can be controlled.
Always use natural skin care products, as they are made of natural substances - side effects caused by artificial skin care products can be avoided. Also, avoid scented soaps to wash your face because it can make your skin dry.
When purchasing a skin care product, look out for ingredients that stimulate new collagen and elastin production in your skin. Collagen is a protein that is fibrous in nature and Elastin is a protein that helps the skin stay "flexible" and firm.
Avoid eating out to much as fatty and acidic foods can cause problems to your skin. Also learn to stop pressing, picking and rubbing your pimples because it can irritate your skin. Avoid shampoos which are acidic in nature and change you're bedding and pillows regularly. Exercise regularly as it not only improves your blood circulation, but also helps you to control stress both short and long term.
Apart from the tips mentioned above, some simple but effective methods can also be followed. Drinking lots of water, avoiding alcoholic drinks and tobacco, as well as introducing habits like swimming and walking in your daily routine can supplement maintaining healthy skin.
As these methods are simple and easy to implement, follow them to avoid premature skin problems like wrinkles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Helmet
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
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.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
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.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
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.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CD_Mohatta
The 3 Best Methods in Making Home Remedies For Stretch Marks
Home remedies for stretch marks are quite easy to make and don't require expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. There are many ways to apply home remedies. You can choose which ones you think suits you best.
One method is by simply applying a home solution on affected areas on your skin. Give the solution a bit of time to absorb and start working on the stretch marks. This method works well with ingredients that have just the right consistency so that they cling to the skin better. You can use vitamin E oil capsules in this case. Punch a hole in a vitamin E oil capsule and dab some of the oil on affected areas. You may also use other home remedies for stretch marks with a similar consistency like lavender oil and almond oil. Massage them directly on to the affected areas and simply wash or wipe off after a few minutes.
Another method is by using wraps. Coffee is considered one of the best home remedies for stretch marks but can be quite messy to apply, so wraps are useful in this case. Grind some coffee beans until they are the consistency of powder, and combine with an oil base (i.e.: olive oil). Apply on your stretch marks and rub in a circular motion for about 30-60 seconds. Wrap the area with plastic cling wrap for the solution to warm up and absorb effectively into the skin.
The final method is by consuming or drinking your home remedy! Simply drink lots of water, around 8-10 glasses a day, as this enhances the flexibility of the skin. Also change your eating habits. Start eating more nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables to improve the overall condition of your skin. Sudden weight gain is one of the causes of stretch marks, so by eating healthily, you can prevent this from happening.
All these methods are very effective in treating stretch marks. However, the results are more gradual. If you want something more convenient, equally effective, natural and that doesn't take long to provide results, you can opt for natural stretch mark creams.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maia_Pells
One method is by simply applying a home solution on affected areas on your skin. Give the solution a bit of time to absorb and start working on the stretch marks. This method works well with ingredients that have just the right consistency so that they cling to the skin better. You can use vitamin E oil capsules in this case. Punch a hole in a vitamin E oil capsule and dab some of the oil on affected areas. You may also use other home remedies for stretch marks with a similar consistency like lavender oil and almond oil. Massage them directly on to the affected areas and simply wash or wipe off after a few minutes.
Another method is by using wraps. Coffee is considered one of the best home remedies for stretch marks but can be quite messy to apply, so wraps are useful in this case. Grind some coffee beans until they are the consistency of powder, and combine with an oil base (i.e.: olive oil). Apply on your stretch marks and rub in a circular motion for about 30-60 seconds. Wrap the area with plastic cling wrap for the solution to warm up and absorb effectively into the skin.
The final method is by consuming or drinking your home remedy! Simply drink lots of water, around 8-10 glasses a day, as this enhances the flexibility of the skin. Also change your eating habits. Start eating more nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables to improve the overall condition of your skin. Sudden weight gain is one of the causes of stretch marks, so by eating healthily, you can prevent this from happening.
All these methods are very effective in treating stretch marks. However, the results are more gradual. If you want something more convenient, equally effective, natural and that doesn't take long to provide results, you can opt for natural stretch mark creams.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maia_Pells
The Top 3 Home Remedies For Stretch Marks
Many people are now using home remedies for stretch marks for a number of reasons. Home ingredients are highly accessible and affordable, too. Humans have been using natural ingredients to treat different kinds of problems, and now more and more individuals are adopting this practice. Home remedies are popular in treating a variety of skin conditions also because they are effective yet safe.
Herbs
So what are the best home remedies for stretch marks? There's quite a lot of them and you'll find many already stocked up in your kitchen or backyard. Holy Basil is an herb known to treat stretch marks, as it can prevent tissue damage and scarring. Another useful herb is the Indian Margosa, which treats abscesses and alleviates itchiness that often develops alongside stretch marks. A similar soothing effect comes from the herb Sandalwood, which cools the skin and protects it from over-stretching, especially during pregnancy.
Butters & Oils
There are many other home remedies for stretch marks you can easily find in your kitchen. Cocoa butter has been used for ages specifically to treat stretch marks. It is known to minimize the appearance of stretch marks, as it improves the elasticity of skin. Castor oil and olive oil are also great moisturizers for stretch marks. These home remedies for stretch marks are the most accessible.
Other Plant Sources
Plant sources are some of the best home remedies for stretch marks because they are very potent yet safe. Coffee grinds are popular in treating stretch marks as they are said to absorb toxins and improve the overall condition of the skin. You can use essential oils or go ahead and pick out some Aloe Vera and apply its juice on affected areas on your skin. There are many Aloe Vera products in the market today, and you might want to try those for more convenience. The best stretch mark treatments come in a cream or lotion, which contains natural ingredients like Aloe and Vitamin E.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maia_Pells
Herbs
So what are the best home remedies for stretch marks? There's quite a lot of them and you'll find many already stocked up in your kitchen or backyard. Holy Basil is an herb known to treat stretch marks, as it can prevent tissue damage and scarring. Another useful herb is the Indian Margosa, which treats abscesses and alleviates itchiness that often develops alongside stretch marks. A similar soothing effect comes from the herb Sandalwood, which cools the skin and protects it from over-stretching, especially during pregnancy.
Butters & Oils
There are many other home remedies for stretch marks you can easily find in your kitchen. Cocoa butter has been used for ages specifically to treat stretch marks. It is known to minimize the appearance of stretch marks, as it improves the elasticity of skin. Castor oil and olive oil are also great moisturizers for stretch marks. These home remedies for stretch marks are the most accessible.
Other Plant Sources
Plant sources are some of the best home remedies for stretch marks because they are very potent yet safe. Coffee grinds are popular in treating stretch marks as they are said to absorb toxins and improve the overall condition of the skin. You can use essential oils or go ahead and pick out some Aloe Vera and apply its juice on affected areas on your skin. There are many Aloe Vera products in the market today, and you might want to try those for more convenience. The best stretch mark treatments come in a cream or lotion, which contains natural ingredients like Aloe and Vitamin E.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maia_Pells
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Sunburn, Uv Overexposure & Skin Cancer: Prevention Or Cure?
Overexposure to the sun and UV rays is rarely obvious at the time, -- and on many occasions, probably quite unintentional. However repeated exposure has rather more adverse long-term implications for our bodies and our health.
We’re all well aware of the more obvious and painful symptoms of sunburn including hot, red, tender skin – which in the case of a more heavy burn can also include blistering, peeling and dehydration.
The damage that occurs beneath the skin as a result of sunburn is considerably ‘less obvious’ at the time of exposure, and may in fact take years to produce symptoms visible to the naked eye.
The fact that damage caused to skin cells during sunburn can not only accelerate the aging process, but also increase the risk of cataracts and skin cancer, should certainly demand our attention.
When faced with the potential risk of having to treat more than just the temporary symptoms and pain of sunburn, doesn’t it make more sense to avoid the risk in the first place?
Seek prevention rather than cure!
So before you venture out into the sun again, remember these important tips to protect yourself from overexposure of UV rays and sunburn, and its associated risks:
1. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeve shirt and a hat. Consider the ‘additional’ protection of an umbrella or shade where appropriate.
2. Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm if at all possible.
3. Remember that UV rays are present even on cloudy days.
4. Remember that sunlight is strongly reflected from sand, snow, ice, water and concrete, which can intensify your direct sunlight exposure.
5. Apply sunscreen containing a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, at least 15 minutes before going out into the sun.
6. Reapply sunscreen at regular intervals while out in the sun, especially if you are perspiring heavily or swimming.
7. Remember that UV overexposure is not limited to ‘sun exposure’. Sunburn can also occur as a result of UV exposure from other sources including tanning beds/lamps, welding arcs etc.
Prevention is a far better treatment than cure. In the event however, that you discover any unusual moles or growths on your skin – (particularly if they’re irregular in shape, bleed, itch, or appear to be changing) - consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
When it comes to overexposure of UV rays and sunburn that result in skin cancer, early detection will certainly assist in providing you with more effective treatment. But considering your options beforehand – what will provide the best outcome for your health? Prevention or Cure? I know which one I’d choose...!
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
We’re all well aware of the more obvious and painful symptoms of sunburn including hot, red, tender skin – which in the case of a more heavy burn can also include blistering, peeling and dehydration.
The damage that occurs beneath the skin as a result of sunburn is considerably ‘less obvious’ at the time of exposure, and may in fact take years to produce symptoms visible to the naked eye.
The fact that damage caused to skin cells during sunburn can not only accelerate the aging process, but also increase the risk of cataracts and skin cancer, should certainly demand our attention.
When faced with the potential risk of having to treat more than just the temporary symptoms and pain of sunburn, doesn’t it make more sense to avoid the risk in the first place?
Seek prevention rather than cure!
So before you venture out into the sun again, remember these important tips to protect yourself from overexposure of UV rays and sunburn, and its associated risks:
1. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeve shirt and a hat. Consider the ‘additional’ protection of an umbrella or shade where appropriate.
2. Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm if at all possible.
3. Remember that UV rays are present even on cloudy days.
4. Remember that sunlight is strongly reflected from sand, snow, ice, water and concrete, which can intensify your direct sunlight exposure.
5. Apply sunscreen containing a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, at least 15 minutes before going out into the sun.
6. Reapply sunscreen at regular intervals while out in the sun, especially if you are perspiring heavily or swimming.
7. Remember that UV overexposure is not limited to ‘sun exposure’. Sunburn can also occur as a result of UV exposure from other sources including tanning beds/lamps, welding arcs etc.
Prevention is a far better treatment than cure. In the event however, that you discover any unusual moles or growths on your skin – (particularly if they’re irregular in shape, bleed, itch, or appear to be changing) - consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
When it comes to overexposure of UV rays and sunburn that result in skin cancer, early detection will certainly assist in providing you with more effective treatment. But considering your options beforehand – what will provide the best outcome for your health? Prevention or Cure? I know which one I’d choose...!
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Sun Exposure & Uv Rays: The Basic Facts
The human body benefits from sun exposure. And a little bit of tan protects you from the sun. Right? Wrong!
The body does indeed benefit from sun exposure. But a little bit of tan does not necessarily protect you from the sun. Let’s see why.
The sun’s rays are a major source of vitamin D and help the body’s systems acquire much needed calcium for building healthy bones. However, most people don’t need to spend large amounts of time exposed to the sun in order to get their required amount of vitamin D.
In fact, the body’s health can actually suffer negative effects when it’s exposed too long to the sun’s rays, especially if it’s unprotected. Results can vary from skin and eye damage to immune system suppression and ultimately cancer, even for the young.
So let’s look at the basic facts about sun exposure.
There are three kinds of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun that reaches earth: UVA, UVB, and UVC. When these rays come in contact with our skin, affects of UVA and UVB can be - tans, burns and other reactions (e.g. like acne and cancer).
It’s also notable that the effects of all UV rays are not the same. Depending upon the season, time of day and place on the planet in relation to the sun - (i.e. your altitude and latitude), the rays’ intensities vary. For example, during summertime, UV rays are at their strongest. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the rays are strongest. And close to the equator and at high altitudes (where air and cloud cover are less, resulting in increased harmful penetration of UV rays into the environment), the rays are also strongest.
In order to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays, let’s look at the skin’s first defense - melanin.
Melanin is a chemical present in a variety of colors and concentrations in most people's skin that helps with defense from the sun. Melanin reacts with UV rays and absorbs them. Or rather, to be more specific, the rays act upon melanin, causing the melanin to spread out or grow, increasing its presence in response to the sun’s exposure. The result? A ‘sun tan’. The darker the skin color, the more melanin the skin has for protection. And ‘tanning’ for darker color is included here; ‘color’ does not have to refer to just the original skin color.
A word of caution…
Tanning may look great on the surface, - but the amount and length of time a person is exposed to the sun, determines the amount of possible damage. It also determines the future risk of damage that’s likely.
For example, people who are exposed to the sun in huge doses like ship crews, field workers and beach surfers, are at higher risks for skin damage than indoor workers. What happens is that when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what the skin's melanin can handle, sunburn can result. And those with lighter, fairer skin, who have less melanin, absorb less UV, suffering less protection.
Since research has shown that UV damage from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, (with as high as 20% of some populations developing skin cancer during their lifetime), we need to take a proactive approach in relation to sun exposure to avoid harmful skin damage.
As we say colloquially here in Australia - “Slip, Slop, Slap”. (I.e. ‘Slip’ on a shirt, ‘Slop’ on a hat, ‘Slap’ on a sunscreen). Look after the skin you’ve got, because you’re the one who will be living with it!
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The body does indeed benefit from sun exposure. But a little bit of tan does not necessarily protect you from the sun. Let’s see why.
The sun’s rays are a major source of vitamin D and help the body’s systems acquire much needed calcium for building healthy bones. However, most people don’t need to spend large amounts of time exposed to the sun in order to get their required amount of vitamin D.
In fact, the body’s health can actually suffer negative effects when it’s exposed too long to the sun’s rays, especially if it’s unprotected. Results can vary from skin and eye damage to immune system suppression and ultimately cancer, even for the young.
So let’s look at the basic facts about sun exposure.
There are three kinds of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun that reaches earth: UVA, UVB, and UVC. When these rays come in contact with our skin, affects of UVA and UVB can be - tans, burns and other reactions (e.g. like acne and cancer).
It’s also notable that the effects of all UV rays are not the same. Depending upon the season, time of day and place on the planet in relation to the sun - (i.e. your altitude and latitude), the rays’ intensities vary. For example, during summertime, UV rays are at their strongest. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the rays are strongest. And close to the equator and at high altitudes (where air and cloud cover are less, resulting in increased harmful penetration of UV rays into the environment), the rays are also strongest.
In order to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays, let’s look at the skin’s first defense - melanin.
Melanin is a chemical present in a variety of colors and concentrations in most people's skin that helps with defense from the sun. Melanin reacts with UV rays and absorbs them. Or rather, to be more specific, the rays act upon melanin, causing the melanin to spread out or grow, increasing its presence in response to the sun’s exposure. The result? A ‘sun tan’. The darker the skin color, the more melanin the skin has for protection. And ‘tanning’ for darker color is included here; ‘color’ does not have to refer to just the original skin color.
A word of caution…
Tanning may look great on the surface, - but the amount and length of time a person is exposed to the sun, determines the amount of possible damage. It also determines the future risk of damage that’s likely.
For example, people who are exposed to the sun in huge doses like ship crews, field workers and beach surfers, are at higher risks for skin damage than indoor workers. What happens is that when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what the skin's melanin can handle, sunburn can result. And those with lighter, fairer skin, who have less melanin, absorb less UV, suffering less protection.
Since research has shown that UV damage from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, (with as high as 20% of some populations developing skin cancer during their lifetime), we need to take a proactive approach in relation to sun exposure to avoid harmful skin damage.
As we say colloquially here in Australia - “Slip, Slop, Slap”. (I.e. ‘Slip’ on a shirt, ‘Slop’ on a hat, ‘Slap’ on a sunscreen). Look after the skin you’ve got, because you’re the one who will be living with it!
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