Can You Spot Melanoma On Your Skin?

More than Skin Deep: MORE THAN ONE MILLION SKIN CANCERS ARE Diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org), and that number is rising. Melanoma rates in the u.s. have increased by at least 3% each year for the past decade, say statistics appearing in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

Yet , despite widespread efforts to educate and raise awareness of the problem, a recent survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center (consumerreports.org) reveals that 31 % of Americans still don’t use sunscreen.

Despite what you might believe - it isn’t the purview of spa professionals or your local facialists to diagnose or treat skin cancer - they have been taught to spot potential melanoma and inform you of it. But don’t rely too much on someone else. ONLY YOU know your skin better than anyone and will be best able to recognize changes and differences in spots or moles.

Types of Skin Cancer

The three types of cell carcinomas referred to as skin cancers are, in order of severity: basal, squamous and melanoma Dr. Shawn Adhami, a Los Angeles based internist and founder of natural skincare line, Vivoderm describes each type.

Basal cell carcinoma “This is the most common skin cancer. It can be locally destructive, causing a person to lose parts of his or her nose, for example.”

Squamous cell carcinoma “The second most common type. In rare cases, it G ill metastasize and get into the nerves of the skin.”

Melanoma “This is the most rare and deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma gets into the skin, but then, if not caught early, it gets into the blood cells and spreads throughout the body. There’s no cure for melanoma, though some patients get better with chemotherapy.”

The bottom line is this:  NO ONE is immune from the effects of the sun - if you are IN IT, you are suseptable to its damage.

USE SUNSCREEN - Zinc Oxide is beset as a pure natural sunblock.

STAY OUT OF THE SUN FROM 10 AM TILL 2PM - the worst damage is caused at this time.

COVER UP: Don’t expect that little amount of sunscreen you used five hours to keep you safe…keep covered with hats, glasses and appropriate clothing.

 

Zinc Oxide Creams for Natural Skin Care

Zinc oxide moisturizer is definitely one of the handiest and most versatile products you can have in your medicine cabinet.

When you think of zinc oxide moisturizer or cream, one the first thoughts that may come into your mind might be the lifeguard. He sits at his post with a generous coating of white zinc cream covering his nose to help protect him from sunburn. This is without a doubt the most common way zinc oxide cream is used. As a matter of fact, there are many skin experts who believe that zinc oxide sunscreen (even though it’s not very attractive) is superior to today’s chemical sunscreens at blocking and absorbing the dangerous UVAs and UVBs.

What you may not be aware of is that this particular natural skin cream is a valuable addition to your medicine cabinet as a treatment for a wide variety of skin conditions, complications, and disorders. As an example, zinc oxide cream is extremely effective in the treatment of acne. It has many benefits that are specific to the relief of acne conditions. It will reduce inflammation, It will decrease the production of excessive oils, it will draw out infectious toxins, and It will increases the healing process of your skin.

There are a lot of Mothers who use zinc oxide cream to prevent and treat diaper rash. This versatile cream is also great for treating minor cuts, burns and abrasions. Dandruff and dermatitis are also known to respond quite well to the use of zinc oxide. It is also used to treat athlete’s foot, as well as poison ivy, poison oak, and irritating sumac rashes. It works great at suppressing the unbearable symptoms of both itching and inflammation.

How to apply zinc oxide cream. Apply it generously on your skin. Leave it uncovered. Do not use any kind of bandage, unless your Doctor tells you to do so. Before you use zinc oxide cream on infants or children, consult your pediatrician. While reactions with other types of medications are rarely reported, they can occur. If you happen to have a skin cream or other topical lotion already on the affected site, it is in your best interest to clean this area before you begin applying the zinc cream.

The number one reason why zinc oxide cream is so effective is the hundreds of enzymes that depend on this trace mineral in order to function properly. Zinc can be found in almost every cell in the human body. It also contains powerful antioxidant properties and it is an important factor regarding your immune response system. Remember, your skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it absorbs all of the nutrients in zinc oxide cream directly through the skin.

When used properly, you can definitely see that zinc oxide cream is a great remedy to have on hand in your medicine cabinet.

Zinc Moisturizers and Vitamin E

You  might have noticed the recent trend for natural skincare products and herbal treatments. One of those treatments is a great anti-acne treatments and natural sun protector call Zinc. Zinc Oxide is a natural mineral that is usually found in a powder form and resembles chalk or calcium.

Modern-day zinc moisturizers contain many natural herbal ingredients along with a base oil or water for moisturizing. One really great oil to use in any moisturizer is Vitamin E.

Vitamin E (also known as Tocopheryl Acetate) has amazing healing and regenerative powers to renew skin cells. The great thing about Vitamin E in natural moisturizers like zinc cream, is you can not only ingest it - but it works wonders topically as well.

Vitamin E, which was only discovered 80 years ago, is an antioxidant that will help you to fight free radicals. Good sources of vitamin E are walnuts, almonds, peanuts, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is stored in your body’s fatty tissue, from where it assists with forming red blood cells, in addition to neutralizing free radicals.

The Benefits of Using Zinc Skincare

You may not be familiar with Zinc ( or ZINC OXIDE).  Using zinc in skincare has been a fairly recent trend - except for those historic days at the beach when everyone wrote that bright, white nose cream.

Well, zinc has changed a lot since those goopy, thick formulas, but the benefits are still the same.

New blends of zinc are now super-light and barely noticeable. Zinc is one of nature’s best sunscreens. Aside from sitting in the shade, if you are going to be out in the sun, you want to wear zinc. The reasons are two-fold.

First, zinc is a natural mineral - NOT a laboratory-produced chemical. If you are more concerned about using natural products - as many are these days- then why support another chemical factory? It’s bad for the environment and it’s bad for YOU.

Zinc in it’s natural form is simply a micronized powder ( a lot like calcium) that is bright white once processed - hence the WHITE color of old sunblocks.

Second - zinc’s crystallized properties actually REFLECT the sun’s rays unlike chemical sunscreens that product a think chemical barrier that ABSORBS UV rays into the top layer of sunscreen, which then makers report, stop the rays from sinking into your skin. Doesn’t sound very safe does it?

Another amazing benefit of zinc is not as commonly known - it controls acne and helps prevent breakouts.

Turns out zinc, is also a great anticeptic healing agent - a little like going to natual sulfer springs for a soak, the mineral properties of zinc make it an excellent anti-acne treatment.

Zinc can be found in a carrier agent - like a lotion or moisturizer most often. You can find multiple varites of zinc sunscreens these days in almost any store. Just be sure to read the labels and be on the look out for other chemicals combined with zinc. Try to find as natural a product as you can - one without parabens or chemical perservatives.

Zinc moisturizers make a great acne treatment and can be found online and in some speciality skincare stores.

Using Zinc To Treat Acne

Many of you may have already used zinc oxide as sunscreen at your local beach or swimming pool, but did you know zinc is also excellent for acne and rosacea?

Fist off, you may need to know, “What is Zinc?” Zinc or Zinc Oxide is a natural mineral.  It comes in the form of a silicate - a crystalline structure close to that of salt. Zinc comes from the earth - just like salt. Zinc Oxide is usually white in color and not soluble in water - meaning it wont dissolve when you blend it with water, because unlike salt, it’s chemical properties are harder as a mineral. That’s why its perfect for sun protection, it won’t dissolve, and the mineral particulates actually reflect then sun’s rays instead of forming a false chemical barrier that will sit on your skin.

When used as an ingredient in sunscreen, zinc oxide sits on the skin’s surface i.e. is not absorbed into the skin, and blocks both UVA and UVB rays of ultraviolet light. Because zinc oxide (and the other most common physical sunscreen, titanium dioxide) are not absorbed into the skin, they are nonirritating and non-allergenic. Which also makes it an excellent treat for sensitive skin with acne .

Zinc’s mineral properties also make it an excellent treatment for acne, because the zinc mineral has an anti-microbial effect on the skin. If you do suffer from acne, a zinc moisturizer will be a great treatment since it prevents acne breakouts by reducing the bacteria that causes acne AND the natural sun-protection qualities will help previous acne scars from darkening.

You might be more familiar with other medicinal uses of zinc from your childhood - namely, zinc oxide as a mixture with about 0.5%  iron oxide is called calamine and is used in calamine lotion. It is also the substance used in baby diaper cream to prevent diaper rash and baby powder.

Zinc oxide is widely used to treat a variety of other skin conditions such as anti-dandruff shampoos, and antiseptic ointments.  It is also a component in tape (called “zinc oxide tape”) used by athletes as a bandage to prevent soft tissue damage during workouts.

Zinc Moisturizer Wards Off Acne

If you have been following the news about zinc creams lately then you know how great they are for protecting you from the sun.  But did you also know that zinc creams and moisturizers containing zinc are excellent for preventing and healing acne?

Yep, you read right.  Zinc Oxide - that white stuff many of you used on your nose at the beach in the 80’s is also an excellent anti-acne treatment.

No one likes to have acne or pimples. Zinc Oxide has been found to be an natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial - which means when you suffer from acne, those pores are clogged in your skin. You skin is your bodies natural defense against toxins, so the first place it will try to flush them out is through your exposed skin - usually you will see acne the most on your back and your face.  The reason acne shows on the face is due to the rate of exposed, thin skin. Your face is hardly ever covered, or protected by fabric like the rest of your body.  So the skin on the face will be the first place you want to treat and protect with Zinc or moisturizers made of Zinc Oxide.

The natural minerals in a zinc treatment or zinc cream will help pul the toxins out of your skin and also heal any previous acne scars you may have suffered.

If you are worried about using chemicals or buying products from your local drugstore that might not be safe or cause allergic reactions, then you should consider using a natural zinc cream.  Unlike those chemical compositions full of parabens, food dyes and fragrances, zinc cream is non-comedogenic,  (meaning it won’t cause breakouts) and it also needs no added fragrances.

So nest time you suffer from a breakout - be sure to check out a natural zinc moisturizer or zinc cream!

Zinc Moisturizers Are Best For Sun Protection

If you are tired of putting chemicals on your face or using products to protect you from the sun, only to find out they irritate your skin, why not try a Zinc Moisturizer?

Zinc Oxide is the main ingredient in the zinc moisturizers and many all-natural sun screens. Unlike chemical versions of suncare that “block” harmful UV (UVA and UVB) rays with a layer of chemicals, Zinc Oxide actually REFLECTS harmful UV rays with microscopic crystalline formations. Since these crystalline formations are found in nature, they are much less harmful to your skin.

You might already be using a form of zinc oxide if you have a small child - it’s the exact stuff that you can find in their diaper cream to prevent diaper rash. So, you know if its safe for a baby, its safe for your face and body too!

New versions of Zinc moisturizers and creams have been formulated in recent years and hardly ever resemble that stuff you saw on the beach in the 80’s.  Unlike the white “lifeguard nose” the new blends are light and fresh, masking them easy to apply and blend in.There are even lighter version being formed today that include “micro-fine” zinc oxide compounds that show little to no white tint at all.

So, before you head out into the sun today, be sure to try a natural zinc cream or moisturizer to protect your face!  As always, remember to use natural sun protection to keep the rest of your body protected too. Protective clothing, including hats, sun glasses and long sleeves can do much to prevent your skin from developing age spots, wrinkles and even harmful skin cancers.

Always remember to wear sunscreen, even when you think you don’t need it, the suns UV rays are powerful and can penetrate even the thickest clouds.

Sun Protection to Prevent Premature Aging

Zinc Sun Care and Summer Skin

Summer is rapidly approaching and it is time to once again stock up on sunscreens and hats. Sunrays can have a detrimental effect on the skin, so it is very important to protect the skin from too much sun exposure. Sun damage to the skin can show up almost immediately and will also appear over time. Different sunrays have different effects on the skin. A great way to remember the difference is by the letter A or B. UVA rays or ‘aging rays’ cause wrinkles, pigmentation and cancer. UVB rays or ‘burning rays’ are the rays that cause a tan and sunburn. These rays also age the skin but do not penetrate as deep as UVA rays.

To protect the skin from harmful sun exposure it is important to use a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection. These sunscreens are commonly known as dual spectrum sunscreens. It is also important to check for ingredients that absorb and block sunrays. Ingredients such as oxybenzo absorb sunrays while zinc oxide actually blocks the rays. It is also important to look for sunscreens that are non comedogenic and non acnegenic which means that the sunscreen will not clog pores or promote acne. A SPF or sun protection factor of 15 or higher is recommended. A generous application is needed in order to attain protection; most people do not apply sunscreen liberally enough.

The SPF indicates how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning. For example, if your skin will burn within 10 minutes of sun exposure with no sun protection you can be exposed to the sun for 150 minutes with a sun protection factor of 15 before burning.

To estimate how long you can be exposed to the sun before burning, multiply the probable time you can be exposed to the sun with no sun protection before burning and multiply it by the SPF on the label of the sunscreen. Multiple applications throughout the day are necessary in order to be protected, and it is recommended to reapply every two hours, as sweating and water activities may rub off the sun screen. Sunscreens do more than just protect skin from burning, so reapplication is necessary to shield the skin from other harmful damage like premature age spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

Regular sunscreen use will protect the skin from burning, premature aging and possible skin cancer. It is important to make sunscreen use as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. As summer is approaching it is even more important to wear sunscreen as the sunrays are stronger and more harmful during this time of year.

Who Says You Don’t Need A Facial Moisturizer?

Facial moisturizers are an absolutely essential part of one’s daily skincare regime. The choice of moisturizer may differ from one person to another for instance people with dry skin need a moisturizer with strong hydrating agents. Likewise people with ultra delicate skin will look out for a gentle moisturizer but a moisturizer is essentially required by each and everyone regardless of one’s age, gender and skin type. A facial moisturizer helps to improve facial health considerably and regular usage of quality hydrating lotions can eliminate the chances of developing skin disorders. Regular use can also diminish wrinkles and other aging signs. This is but only possible if you use a high quality moisturizer.

The best time to use a facial moisturizer is immediately after washing the facial skin. At this time, the skin pores are open and now if the facial moisturizer is applied, it will penetrate down into the deepest layers of the facial skin.

Do not forget to check the expiry date of beauty products before applying them. You got to be careful about their storage as well. The moisturizer should be stored in moderate temperature. Excessive cold and excessive heat both are harmful and may cause the moisturizer to lose its efficiency.

Whatever be the skin type, your moisturizer must contain an SPF factor 15 or more. Some moisturizers do not contain sunscreen at all but it is always better to purchase one that contains adequate sun-block, preferably a natural agent, like zinc or zinc oxide.

One last thing- do not listen to those who tell you apply a moisturizer or for that matter any facial cream in downward stroke. A facial lotion should be always applied in an outward and upward motion. Applying a moisturizer in a downward motion will bring premature aging of the facial skin. It will make your skin sag down prematurely.

Take The Road To Herbal Facial Skincare

Herbs offer excellent solutions for skincare. Herbal facial skincare is one of the most promising and effective skincare options. Natural skincare options are way better than synthetic chemicals. The use of natural gifts as beauty enhancers can be traced back to as long a time as 3000 B.C.

Herbal facial skincare products are adept in transforming a rough, fissure and dull skin into a youthful, taut and radiant skin. There is a significant rise in the number of people who are thronging the herbal world.

Some herbs are strongly stocked with medicinal properties. These herbs help the skin to fight giant skin problems. There are many other herbs which help to detoxify the body and skin. These have been used since days immemorial and have been exceptionally beneficial in expelling all types of toxins.

Those who are battling the displeasing problem of pimples may take the herbal way to shoo them away. There are many herbs which promise to fight the root cause of pimples. Herbs like flaxseed, senna, chamomile and buckthorn are known to regularize bowel movements. Similarly herbs like Black cohosh and macafem help in cases of hormonal imbalance.

You may have access to these cause-related herbal products at any well known herbal store. There are many crooked dealers around the world who are selling harsh chemicals in the garb of herbal facial skincare products. So, you see it is not only important to get hold of an herbal beauty product. What’s important is to get hold of a qualitative herbal skincare product.

There are many people who are scared of chemical-based beauty products. Herbal facial skincare is a safe road for them. Unlike synthetic body products, herbal skincare products seldom cause any allergy or irritation. They enrich the skin by making it all the more smooth, soft and glowing!

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