Tips for Doing a Skin Cancer Self-Examination

Tips for Doing a Skin Cancer Self-Examination
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, adding to the 5.4 million new cases that are diagnosed in the United States each year. Being diligent about skin cancer all year long, however, is the best way to beat the odds and keep risks of getting it lower.

“The American Academy of Dermatology reports that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country,” says Katherine Goldman, celebrity esthetician/waxologist and owner of the Stript Wax Bar. “The good news is that there are plenty of things we can do to help minimize the risks of getting it.”

Skin cancer is when the cells in the skin have been damaged by tanning beds or the sun. Those damaged cells begin to quickly multiply out of control and form a tumor. Doing routine self-examinations is the best way to catch possible skin cancer sites early so they can be treated. To conduct a self-examination, keep these tips in mind:
– Twice a year, conduct a self-examination of the entire body.
– While examining the entire body, look for moles, birthmarks, beauty marks, or any brown marks.
– Once you have identified those particular marks, pay attention to whether or not they change in color, size, and texture. Look for any spots that are irregularly shaped or that are larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
– Also, look for skin growths that appear brown, black, translucent, pearly, or multicolored, as well as those that may be sore, hurt, itch, bleed, or scab.
– If you find spots that meet the criteria and are concerning, be sure to have them checked out by a doctor.

“Along with regular examinations, it’s important to protect the skin from the start,” says Goldman. “We need to take measures from the start to help keep our skin safe from the sun and to choose safer tanning options. Spray tanning is very popular, looks great, and helps people avoid the ultraviolet (UV) light risks.”

Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, which is a known carcinogen. There are 419,000 cases of skin cancer each year that are linked to indoor tanning. Despite the information available about the dangers of tanning beds, many people are still putting themselves at risk. Spray tans are a healthier way to have a tan, because they allow people to avoid tanning by being in the sunlight or using tanning beds. People can still have the same bronzed and beautiful look, without all of the health risks of going to a tanning bed. Plus, it’s estimated that 90 percent of skin aging is caused by sun exposure, so people can protect their skin from cancer and from aging at the same time when they opt for a spray tan, rather than tanning in the sun or a tanning bed.

Tips for Doing a Skin Cancer Self-Examination

Tips for Doing a Skin Cancer Self-Examination
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, adding to the 5.4 million new cases that are diagnosed in the United States each year. Being diligent about skin cancer all year long, however, is the best way to beat the odds and keep risks of getting it lower.

“The American Academy of Dermatology reports that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country,” says Katherine Goldman, celebrity esthetician/waxologist and owner of the Stript Wax Bar. “The good news is that there are plenty of things we can do to help minimize the risks of getting it.”

Skin cancer is when the cells in the skin have been damaged by tanning beds or the sun. Those damaged cells begin to quickly multiply out of control and form a tumor. Doing routine self-examinations is the best way to catch possible skin cancer sites early so they can be treated. To conduct a self-examination, keep these tips in mind:
– Twice a year, conduct a self-examination of the entire body.
– While examining the entire body, look for moles, birthmarks, beauty marks, or any brown marks.
– Once you have identified those particular marks, pay attention to whether or not they change in color, size, and texture. Look for any spots that are irregularly shaped or that are larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
– Also, look for skin growths that appear brown, black, translucent, pearly, or multicolored, as well as those that may be sore, hurt, itch, bleed, or scab.
– If you find spots that meet the criteria and are concerning, be sure to have them checked out by a doctor.

“Along with regular examinations, it’s important to protect the skin from the start,” says Goldman. “We need to take measures from the start to help keep our skin safe from the sun and to choose safer tanning options. Spray tanning is very popular, looks great, and helps people avoid the ultraviolet (UV) light risks.”

Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, which is a known carcinogen. There are 419,000 cases of skin cancer each year that are linked to indoor tanning. Despite the information available about the dangers of tanning beds, many people are still putting themselves at risk. Spray tans are a healthier way to have a tan, because they allow people to avoid tanning by being in the sunlight or using tanning beds. People can still have the same bronzed and beautiful look, without all of the health risks of going to a tanning bed. Plus, it’s estimated that 90 percent of skin aging is caused by sun exposure, so people can protect their skin from cancer and from aging at the same time when they opt for a spray tan, rather than tanning in the sun or a tanning bed.

Light Stim FDA approved therapeutic light.

Light Stim uses LED FDA approved light as a natural, wholistic and scientific way to care for your skin. Just as plants absorb and convert sunlight into cellular building blocks, skin absorbs therapeutic light and uses it as a source of energy to stimulate cellular production of collagen and elastin, kill p. acnes bacteria, reduce inflammation and speed healing. http://www.miraclesdayspa.com

Get Your Glow Back

The Indian food spice Tumeric is all the rage in skincare and healthcare alike. It’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a dynamic ingredient in facial masks. Tumeric contains Tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC) are derived from curcuminoids (extracted from the roots of curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric root). Tetrahydrocurcuminoids are phenolic in nature, acting as antioxidants, protecting against free radicals and preventing the generation of free radicals.   Tetrahydrocurcumin has been shown to efficiently inhibit tyrosinase. As such, it is an effective skin lightening agent.  It has been tested to determine its safety for topical use with no irritant or sensitization side effects.The anti-inflammatory effects of THC combined with their efficient antioxidant action render them useful as ingredients in anti-aging formulations, skin lightening and brightening products and topical formulations designed to maintain general skin health and integrity. We are featuring a new skin brightening and anti aging facial with Tumeric and Light Stim technology all Summer.

Check out our skin brightening and anti aging facials at http://www.miraclesdayspa.com/prices/

Aromatherapy Massage Reduces Neuropathic Pain

A new randomized controlled clinical study published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship evaluated the effects of aromatherapy massage

on neuropathic pain severity and quality of life (QoL) in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.

The massage group received aromatherapy massage three
times a week for four weeks. The aromatherapy massage used rosemary, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus,

and chamomile essential oils. According to the study,

“Neuropathic pain scores markedly decreased in the intervention
group compared with the control group in the fourth week of the study.” In addition, “QoL scores exhibited a prominent improvement in the intervention group in the fourth week of the study.”

aromatherapy-essential-oils

Ease Pain

Winter skin bath recipes for February and March

Winter skin is here. Is your skin extra dry and itchy? Do you have red scaly patches that appear in spots every winter? If your a Winter skin sufferer try a luxurious bath filled with ingredients to soothe and moisturize your skin and at the same time unwind your mind.

The first tool in your fabulous bath kit is your favorite candle. Candlelight creates a relaxing glow that signals your brain to know this is warm bath leave the world behind time.

Let’s get creative with some soothing skin ingredients: add 8 drops of the essential oil of Rose into 2 cups of water, add 2 bay leaves,1/2 oz crushed cloves, and two cups apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, Simmer for 1 hour add water as needed to keep the liquid at 4 cups. Store the infusion in the fridge use.

When your ready to bathe fill your bath tub with warm water add 1/2 cup of your infusion, Mix in 4 Tablespoons of your favorite skin oil (some examples are Organic olive oil, coconut oil, apricot seed oil, almond oil, grape seed oil.) Light your candle, dim the lights, and enjoy a good for your skin and mind soak.

When you ready to come out and face the world again distribute the oils in your bath onto your skin, lightly rinse under the shower  so that some of the oils remain on your skin, and lovingly put on you favorite cotton pajamas, wrap up in blankets and rest.

Good foods to put on your face

Miracles Day Spa

Everyone knows the benefits of incorporating fresh vegetables in their diet, but have you ever thought of bringing them into your skin care routine? Ask your esthetician if any of these natural treatments will complement your current recommended home-care routine.

Refreshing CucumbersImages of women basking with cucumber slices over their eyes are practically synonymous with spas. Many people have pooh-poohed it as a cliche, but there’s real power in those slices. Cucumber extract is good for acne, contains high levels of antioxidants, modulates transepidermal water loss, and fortifies the skin lipid barrier, all of which mean healthier skin.
Cucumber WaterUse this water as a toner, or for eye and facial compresses.
Ingredients:
2 organic English cucumbers (seedless); 24 ounces of warm water; Lemon or lime (optional, for scent); 3 sprigs of fresh mint (optional, for scent);
Wash cucumbers and pat dry. Slice cucumber (with peel on) paper-thin. Add…

View original post 533 more words

Good foods to put on your face

Everyone knows the benefits of incorporating fresh vegetables in their diet, but have you ever thought of bringing them into your skin care routine? Ask your esthetician if any of these natural treatments will complement your current recommended home-care routine.

Refreshing CucumbersImages of women basking with cucumber slices over their eyes are practically synonymous with spas. Many people have pooh-poohed it as a cliche, but there’s real power in those slices. Cucumber extract is good for acne, contains high levels of antioxidants, modulates transepidermal water loss, and fortifies the skin lipid barrier, all of which mean healthier skin.
Cucumber WaterUse this water as a toner, or for eye and facial compresses.
Ingredients:
2 organic English cucumbers (seedless); 24 ounces of warm water; Lemon or lime (optional, for scent); 3 sprigs of fresh mint (optional, for scent);
Wash cucumbers and pat dry. Slice cucumber (with peel on) paper-thin. Add slices to sterilized container with warm water. Cover and shake container. Let steep for 10 minutes. Make fresh daily.

The same ingredients can be used to make a pure cucumber juice concentrate by running them through a juicer. The resulting concentrate should be kept in a sterilized container and can be added to many treatments, including clays and dry exfoliants. This should also be made fresh daily.


Botanical OilsThe use of oils to condition the skin is as ubiquitous as using water to cleanse it. Historically, oils were used as cleansers, slathered on and then scraped off with an implement called a strigil. Today, botanical oils are used for their moisturizing and healing benefits.

Flaxseed oil contains some of the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and calms skin that is raw and irritated due to conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It helps repair skin cells and hydrates even the driest skin.

Flaxseed Gel MaskFlaxseeds, when boiled and cooled, make gel. This gel can be used alone as a compress, or other ingredients can be added to it for a customized treatment.
Ingredients:
One-third cup whole flaxseeds; 2 cups filtered water or cucumber juice; 4 ounces of aloe vera gel (optional); One-half teaspoon of honey (optional); One-half teaspoon of sunflower seed oil (optional)

Bring water to a boil. Stir in flaxseeds and immediately reduce heat. Stir and simmer until the gel forms (about 10 minutes). Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and then transfer to a sterilized container. Apply to face and decollete with a fan brush for five to ten minutes. Remove with warm towel. Flaxseed gel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Pure Avocado Facial MaskAvocados are known for their “good fats” but they are also full of vitamins and anti-bacterial properties. Flaxseed helps fight inflammation. When combined together, this calming mask will leave the skin looking hydrated and refreshed.

Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado (peeled, pitted, and cubed); 2 tablespoons sunflower seed oil or rice bran oil; 2-3 drops lemon or lime juice (optional); 2 ounces flaxseed gel (optional); 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

In a blender or food processor, process the avocado until smooth. Add other ingredients to mixture slowly. Once mixture is combined, apply to face and decollete with wooden spatula. Leave on skin for 10-15 minutes, remove with warm towel.


Healthy ProbioticsProbiotics–the live cultures in yogurt–exhibit antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits when used on skin. They have been shown to reduce acne lesions by half over an eight-week period. Probiotics increase ceramide production, which boosts skin protection against the bacteria that causes acne.

Creamy Yogurt Facial TreatmentUse this recipe on skin with acne.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon sunflower seed oil or rice bran oil; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); Crushed mint leaves (optional; remove before treatment)

Combine the ingredients together in a bowl. Apply mixture with a fan brush to face and decollete for five to ten minutes. Remove with warm towel. Enjoy learning more and having Natural skincare treatments at our spa llink below
miraclesdayspa.com

Lynn Parentini is a respected author, educator, esthetician, massage therapist, and author of The Joy of Healthy Skin (Prentice Hall, 1995).