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 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.

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.

Summer Acne Solved with Zinc

Summer brings fun outside activities, under the hot summer sun. Heat and environmental exposure however can lead to acne break outs and clogged pores, especially for those that have oily or acne skin types. The hot summer sun causes us to sweat more creating more surface oil and a perfect breading ground for dirt and bacteria to clog pores and create acne. There are simple steps to take to keep your skin break out free during the summer.

1. Proper hygiene

Cleansing the skin more often is essential to eliminating dirt and bacteria that can cause clogged pores and acne breakouts. It is important to properly cleanse not only the face but the entire body, as acne is common on other skin surfaces such as the back, and chest as well as the face. Body and face washes that contain salicylic acid or benzyol peroxide are good options as these ingredients fight acne causing bacteria. It is also important to exfoliate regularly over the summer to shed the skin of dead skin that can clog pores. A mild exfoliate for the face and body is recommended, harsh exfoliation treatments are not recommended as this can sensitize the skin. Common areas that become clogged with dead skin cells is the t-zone of the face and the back of arms and legs. If body acne is your concern over summer wear clothing that is loose fitting, this will allow room for the skin to breath making it harder for bacteria to spread and cause break outs.

2. Oil Control

The rising temperature and humidity over summer can cause oil gland to produce more oil. More surface oil combined with bacteria, dirt and dead skin can lead to break outs. Controlling surface oil by cleansing with a foaming cleanser at least twice a day will eliminate potential break outs. Using a rice paper oil blotter or oil control lotion will help oil stay controlled during the day, proper cleansing should be practiced to control oil all summer. If your skin becomes over sensitive to cleansing or is excessively oily a mask that controls oils and replenishes nutrients to the skin can be applied once or twice a week. Try a mask that contains sulfur or clay to control oil, these ingredients treat break outs and add nutrients to the skin.

3. Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin during the summer months is necessary to protect the moisture barrier of the skin, and protect from environmental damaging. During the cooler months skin may be dryer and a heavier more emmolitant moisturizer is necessary, during the summer a light moisturizer is best. Choose a light weigh moisturizer that is non comedogenic and oil free meaning it will not clog pores. There are also formulas that have acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid to fight break outs while moisturizing.

4. Wear Sunscreen

Wearing a daily sunscreen is important year round for all skin types. Acne fighting protects make the skin more sensitive a daily sunscreen will protect the skin from sun damage and scarring. Choose a sunscreen safe for face and body that is oil free and non comedogenic and is labeled SPF 15 or higher. Zinc and Zinc Oxide are the best natural sun blocks you can buy without resorting to harsh chemical constituents that clog pores and cause potential allergic reactions. Zinc blocks the sun with it’s micro-crystal effects, while regular sunscreens only ABSORB harmful UV rays. Zinc also is anti-microbial, which will significantly to help reduce acne breakouts.

Follow these simple all summer to ensure great glowing skin with out break outs.

Natural Facial Treatments for Adult Acne

When one thinks of acne, a teenager may come to mind first. No one expects to have acne as an adult but it is more common than one might think. On average 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men are affected by adult acne. Adult acne is usually attributed to hormonal shifts, allergic reactions to skincare products or medications. The good news is many new treatments and procedures are available.

The cause of adult acne remains unknown, but is often attributed to genetics and hormonal changes. Contributing factors can include: side effects from certain medications, cosmetic products with high oil contents, excessive sweating, diet, stress, pregnancy, and menopause. An acne lesion, blemish or clogged pore is caused when bacteria multiply excessively within the hair follicle. An oil-releasing blockage then develops from the sebaceous gland and enlarged sebaceous oil glands produce an overabundance of oil. Blockages of bacteria and oil then build, leading to adult acne problems such as pimples, inflammation, cysts, and scarring. Adult acne most often appears on the face; however, it can appear on the arms, legs, buttocks, and torso.

Adult acne is a fairly new problem as adult acne has just recently become an epidemic. Acne previously had been a concern of teens and young adults. Dermatological and esthetic treatments for adults will likely be very similar to those used to treat teens. To prevent acne, hormonal and life style changes, such as diet, may be incorporated. The findings have suggested that a lifetime of exposure to hormone enriched foods and medication may be a main culprit in this new wide concern of adult acne.

The appropriate treatment for acne varies depending on each individual. Adult acne treatments include ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retin-a, accutane, sulfur, tetracycline and/or a variety of over the counter medications. However, there’s more than medicine to treating adult acne. To obtain the best results treatments should include not only skin care products that target acne bacteria, but make changes that affect the body’s internal system. A multifaceted approach of treatments, behaviors, and diet is often most effective. Here are a few simple strategies to help you combat adult acne:

•    Consult your doctor about hormonal changes
•    Follow a daily skin care regimen
•    Protect skin from pollution and environmental damage
•    Avoid touching your face
•    Avoid exposure to sun and excessive cold
•    Select non-oil based cosmetic products
•    Eat a well-balanced diet

Natural remedies can also work alone or in combination with professional assistance in clearing adult acne. As stated earlier, diet is a very important factor in adult acne. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, help fight free radicals and skin damage that may be left behind after the acne has cleared. Ointment or creams that are rich in Vitamin E can fight against bacteria and sooth the sensitized acne are. Tea tree oil and herbal extracts have been known to clear acne by fighting bacteria and regulating oil production. Zinc and Zinc Oxide are also excellent to reduce acne breakouts and prevent acne due to their anti-microbial properties.

Herbal extracts or herbs to look for in topical or ingested formulas include burdock, yellow dock, cleaver, and sarsaparilla. As adult acne has been a fairly new area of study for dermatologists and estheticians, it is best to follow a treatment plan that is unique to your severity of acne.

Four Step Skin Care for Men

Today more than ever, men are concerned with skin care and taking care of their skin. Most skin care lines are geared toward women and concerns that women have with skin health, while few are geared towards men’s skin health. The following are easy and fast tips for men to follow to start taking care of their skin, without the confusion of too many products or steps. Men’s skin care should include a daily face wash, a mild facial scrub, proper shaving techniques, and a moisturizer containing sunscreen.

Face Wash

Men should cleanse their skin with a mild facial cleanser morning and night. Cleansers should contain cleansing agents and be mild with moisturizing ingredients that help balance skin ph levels. Cleansing, morning and night, will remove excess oil and dirt, keeping pores clear and skin less prone to break outs.

Facial Scrub

A mild facial scrub that contains micro beads or exfoliating components such as papaya seeds can aid in over all skin health and shaving irritation. A facial scrub can be used a few times a week. A good tip is to leave the scrub in the shower and use on days following shaving. Scrubs help to shed dead skin and keep pores free of debris. Using a scrub a few times a week will also reduce ingrown hairs.

Proper Shaving Techniques

Whether you choose a wet shave or electrical, the skin should be cleansed prior to shaving. If using the traditional wet shave techniques, cleanse the skin first and use a shaving gel or cream to reduce irritation, cuts and skin snags. Shaving gels aid the blade over the skin causing the razor to catch the hairs and not the skin. For electrical shavers, cleanse and dry the skin and be sure that the blades of the electrical shaver are properly cleansed and sanitized. Electrical shavers can harbor bacteria that can then be transferred to the skin, causing irritation. An after-shave or mild facial moisturizer should always be applied after shaving. . After shaves often contain ingredients that will help reduce irritation and sooth the skin, while a moisturizer will sooth and hydrate the area.

Moisturizer with Sunscreen

As men tend to have more oily skin than women, a morning moisturizer containing a sunscreen is usually enough to properly moisturize men’s skin. However, if moisturizing at night is preferred, choose a light moisturizer that does not contain sunscreen. A day time moisturizer with sunscreen will protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, while moisturizing and hydrating the skin, leaving it healthy and smooth. A night moisturizer would follow a night cleanse and would be beneficial for older men or men that have a drier skin type. The same moisturizer can be used day and night if it does not contain sunscreen, however a sunscreen should then be applied over the moisturizer during the day. Zinc Oxide or Zinc Moisturizers are a perfect alternative to keep skin hydrated and prevent sun damage.

While it is widely known that most men will not take the same amount of time women may to take care for their skin, these tips are the basics to a great complexion for any man. With a little bit of discipline, any man can have younger-looking, smoother skin too.

By Tiffany Oney

Tiffany Oney is a licensed esthetician, professional makeup artist and natural skincare authority.  She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies California State University, Long Beach and interning with Vivoderm Natural Skincare in Los Angeles, California.

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