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.

Winter Skin Renewal

Miracles day Spa is featuring an Ayurvedic mineral body scrub treatment with Aromatherapy dry skin formula Massage. We also are offering a facial using Light Stim facial renewal.  Light Stim utilizes light therapy technology to promote collagen and elastin tissue growth . The promotion of collagen and elastin in the skin helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and also lifts and tones the skin. It is an effective and safe way to get your glow back  into your skin. Learn more or Book now http://www.miraclesdayspa.com/bookings/

 

 

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).

The Healing and renewing effects of facial Massage

The Healing and renewing effects of facial Massage
 A well-performed facial massage is a wonderful treat that will help relieve puffiness and improve skin tone and complexion. Other physical benefits of a facial massage include stimulation of the skin’s immune mechanisms, firming of weak muscles, tissue regeneration, and anti-aging effects. There are also many mental benefits, including stress relief and a greater awareness of the body-mind connection.
How the Skin Moves Nutrients In order to fully understand the benefits of facial massage, it is helpful to understand the anatomy and physiology of the skin.
We all know that skin is a complex organ consisting of a number of specialized cells. Its functions include pH and temperature regulation, and sebum and sweat production. The condition of the integumentary system (the skin and its components) depends on homeostasis and the coordination of circulatory, nerve, muscular, endocrine, and lymphatic systems. The skin’s outer layer, the epidermis, does not have a direct blood supply–all nutrients, water, and oxygen needed to feed these cells must come from the dermis. If nutrients are lacking in the dermis, the skin cells will be undernourished.

To move from the dermis to the epidermis, nutrients must cross the basement membrane that joins these two layers. Small molecules, such as water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and glycerol, can cross this membrane by diffusion. Larger molecules must cross by facilitated diffusion (being carried across by proteins). Nutrients or other substances that exist in lower concentrations in the dermis than in the epidermis must be moved into the epidermis by active transport. Water, an effective transportation system, can pass through membranes in response to changes in ion concentration. Hormones and mechanical movements, such as massage, can regulate the rate at which water passes through the membrane.

What about absorption from the outside of the skin into the underlying tissues of the body? Skin permits absorption, but the tightly located coenocytes and lipids between cells make absorption limited. When products are applied to the skin, certain elements play a role in the absorption rate, including the features of the skin, changes in skin barrier function, size of product molecules, and the type of delivery system used in the product.

Connective tissue also plays a role in how the skin moves nutrients. All substances that are transported in the blood must pass through the connective tissue to reach the cells or to be removed as waste. Connective tissue contains cells that produce collagen and elastin, and a half-gel, half-fluid binding mass called the ground substance, which surrounds every cell. Through the ground substance, nutrients are transported from the blood capillaries to the cell, and waste products are moved from the cells to the capillaries. The condition of the ground substance will affect the diffusion rate of nutrients and waste products, creating the cells’ environment. This environment can be clean and healthy, or polluted with metabolic wastes.

Applying pressure and movement through massage can help to normalize the function and composition of the connective tissue, and free it of harmful substances.


Lymphatic MassageThe body’s lymphatic system is responsible for draining away the debris from our cells. It transports water out of the tissue, along with waste substances: bacteria, cell fragments, immobile cells, inorganic substances, large molecular fats, proteins, and viruses. This process is constantly happening all over the body, as the lymph cleanses each cell and drains away the debris in a circulatory system powered only by breathing and muscle movements. With mechanical manipulation such as massage, the lymph system can move up to 10 times more fluid than it normally does.

Manual lymph drainage (MLD), which was developed by Emil Vodder, PhD, is a type of gentle massage that accelerates the natural circulation of the lymph and encourages its movement away from swollen areas. MLD is firm, but gentler than ordinary massage. Because the lymph vessels are all interlinked, lymph flow will be affected in the entire region of the area being massaged. Other types of lymphatic massage include lymph drainage therapy, developed by Bruno Chikly, MD.

A facial massage that involves lymphatic work improves circulation to the skin, which increases nutrition to the skin cells and speeds up the filtering of water in and out of cells, removing waste products. The vasodilation of the surface capillaries during massage improves skin color, and facial massage also improves elasticity and suppleness of the skin. With facial massage, the skin becomes more balanced, less prone to breakouts, and more resistant to infection.

This Winter do something nice for your skin when it begins to look sad and dull renew with one of our Spa Specials and Book this Winter by calling Miracles Day Spa 845-702-3526 on the web http://www.Spamiracles.com

Massage Therapy is very Helpful during the cold weather season

So many of us suffer from body changes during the cold weather season. Muscles respond to cold by constricting and If you are already suffering from tight sore muscles and joint inflammation the cold can exacerbate the symptoms. Regular Massage therapy helps to create space in the body and counteracts the constricting effect cold has on the muscles and joints. When the bodies tissues have adequate space many important circulatory, metabolic and immune system responses can occur very efficiently. This efficiency promotes renewed health and well-being. Another added benefit to having regular Massage Therapy during the cold weather season is that massage promotes healthy messages to the nervous system and helps the body resist negative prolonged holding patterns of poor posture and chronic pain “bracing against the cold”. Chronic pain patterns which may be worse when weather  conditions are too cold and damp can be altered into a state of less pain pattern. Giving the body time to adapt to feeling less pain and good health is a very important approach to maintaining a healthy body and mind Massage therapy is extremely helpful in keeping healthy patterns that our bodies can adapt to and begin to adopt.

There are other ways in which you can enhance the benefits of regular Massage therapy. For instance take lots of warm baths and showers. Layer your clothing keep your body warm so that your body may combat the constricting effects of the cold. If you can. Keep active and flexible with regular outdoor and indoor exercise like dancing ,walking and Yoga class.

The holidays are coming give the relaxing and healing gift of Massage . There are many on-line gift certificate providers where you can choose the certificate design and way in which it is sent to the recipient. My site http://www.SpaMiracles.com

Stay warm and well

Christina Powers

Massage and Skincare in your healthy lifestyle

Massage in your healthy lifestyle
November 2014
The Salad Facial
Lynn Parentini
Incorporate fresh vegetables into your skin care routine.
In this Issue
The Salad Facial
Everyone knows the benefits of incorporating fresh vegetables in their diet, but have you ever thought of bringing them into your skin care routine? Salad ingredients are loaded with beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals, and it didn’t take long for researchers to also ponder the power of plants when used on the skin. While making your own products may sound complicated and messy, it’s not. Anyone with a juicer, a food processor,and a fresh market nearby can enjoy these earthy, organic facials as part of a home skin care regime.
Gorgeous Greens No salad would be complete without greens.There are many that impart cooling, hydrating, and soothing effects on skin,but those of note include dandelion greens, parsley,romaine lettuce, and watercress. Dandelion green extract has a cleansing and detoxifying effect on skin The ingredient has been used on ecema and psoriasis and is known to contain high levels of antioxidants and zinc, which boosts immunity. Parsley is high in vitamin C. On skin, the herb is known to help shrink pores as it regulates the production of sebum. It also stimulates the production of collagen, which aids skin healing and reduces wrinkles. Parsley is a free-radical scavenger and helps repair damaged keratinocytes, the most common type of skin cell. Romaine lettuce can be used not only as a compress or wrap, but also in a juice. The extract of this lettuce is high in vitamin K, which strengthens capillaries, and vitamin A, which normalizes skin cell turnover. Watercress is diuretic and therefore anti-inflammatory. This mustard green contains high levels of sulphoraphane, which is antimicrobial and a cancer fighter. Watercress extract has been shown to boost the skin’s UV protection as well. A popular addition to a green salad, or a salad facial, is avocado. The natural oils in avocado offer moisturizing benefits and have gained popularity in skin care. A calming mask leaves the skin hydrated and refreshed. Products and cosmetics as an organic substitute for petrochemicals. Is great for your skin and the environment. Avocados are high in sterols, which are phytochemicals with an anti-cholesterol effect that heal dry skin and eczema. Avocado extract has also been shown to boost the skin’s natural sun protection. It also works against skin laxity as it boosts collagen production.Try this recipe.
Salad Greens Facial Mask
Use only organic ingredients in this
facial rejuvenation mask.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup dandelion greens
1/4 cup parsley
1/4 cup romaine lettuce
1/4 cup watercress
1/4 cup sunflower seed oil
Half a ripe avocado (optional)
A few drops of lemon or lime juice
(optional, for scent and to maintain
color)
1/4 cup of fennel (optional, for scent)
Wash and dry all the salad greens. Pulse
a few times in a food processor. Slowly
add the sunflower seed oil in a constant
stream while the food processor is on.
Allow the mixture to set for at least 10
minutes before application.
Pure Avocado Facial Mask
Avocados are known for their “good
fats” but they are also full of vitamins
and antibacterial 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, then remove
with warm towel.
A Touch of Vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. On skin, it is antifungal and antibacterial, normalizes pH, and cleanses skin as it breaks up excess sebum. It is often used as a foot soak to remedy athlete’s foot and other fungal conditions. Combine it with honey for even more antifungal, antibacterial, and humectant (moistening) benefits. Honey never goes bad because it has high acid pH and low water content. It is good for acne and eczema, as it soothes skin and prevents infections.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic
Use this tonic as an astringent, to
remove product, or to freshen skin.
Ingredients:
7 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 liter distilled water
2 tangerines
1 tablespoon baking soda
Add baking soda to water, and soak the
whole unpeeled tangerines in it for one
hour. This maximizes the amount of oil
that will be extracted in the next step.
Peel the tangerines, cut the peel into
small pieces, and soak the peel pieces in
the apple cider vinegar for up to seven
days in the refrigerator. Strain and pour
into a sterilized bottle.
Lynn Parentini is an author, educator, esthetician,
massage therapist, and author of The Joy of Healthy
Skin (Prentice Hall, 1995).
shared by Miracles Day Spa and Natural Food SkinCare
SpaMiracles.com

Skincare routine Basics

If you ever wanted to know the basics needed in a healthy skincare routine here is a comprehensive guideline

Begin with the basics and observe the changes in your skin as you learn what works best for your skin. Include in your routine the facial skin as well as the skin on your neck area and décolleté ( the upper chest area).

Cleanse – The first step starts here most importantly your cleanser must never have a drying effect on your skin. Even if your skin is oily use a cleanser that contains emollients .Throughout your skincare routine beginning here with Cleanse choose products that never strip your skin of it’s natural oils and let each product add moisture and balance to the acid mantle of the skin. This will ward off blemishes and premature aging of the skin.

Exfoliate – After you cleanse follow up with a gentle exfoliant use a product that has moisturizing ingredients too. An exfoliant will eliminate the gummy flakey skin surface and prepare the skin to better absorb skincare ingredients that nourish and balance the skin. Manual exfoliation also stimulates the skin to create collagen, which can help to refine pores and help with pre mature aging of the skin. Exfoliate your skin every other day be gentle. Scrubbing too hard can damage your skin.

Mask – The mask is used to further correct unbalanced skin by incorporating active ingredients specifically needed for your skin type. For example if you have oily skin the mask would contain properties that gently balance your skin to produce the correct amount of oil. If you have combination skin don’t be afraid to use two different masks at the same time apply each mask to their specific problem area. Masks can be used 3-4 times a week or on the opposite days of exfoliation.

Tonic/Toner – A toner removes any leftover cleanser, exfoliant, or mask and balances your skins ph level. Use a toner before you apply your final step, which is the moisturizing step.

Moisturize – A moisturizer is your last step in your skincare routine. Choose one to match your skin type and choose a lighter formula for hot weather.

Summer time skin

Every season has it’s own effect on our skin. Summer time weather is something most of us look forward to all year. The long hours of sunlight extending our days, delicious fresh fruits , Al fresco dining  and outdoor fun in the sun. Sun exposure however without the right sun protection can premature the aging of the skin and make us more susceptible to skin cancer. So don’t forget your hat and sunglasses and your SPF. Another effect Summer sun has on the skin is the dehydrating effect and clogged skin pore effect. Our skin can get over dry, loose it’s nutrients and produce more oil that can get trapped and cause blemishes. In addition to SPF it is important to nourish your skin , keep it clean ( never go to sleep without removing your makeup) and protect it. Drink lots of water and get Facials.Image

Summer Indulgence

With summer in full swing, there’s no better time than now to indulge in one of our sweet summer treats. Showcase your radiant skin and schedule an appointment for one of our rejuvenating spa treatments. It’s just the thing you need to help maintain you healthy, summer glow all season long.

Make your appointment with us today.www.spamiracles.com

Natural at home Acne treatment

Always start a good skincare regime by drinking water throughout the day, performing 20 minutes of cardio activity (preferably outdoors), eating a diet rich with wholefoods (not processed), add supplements to your daily diet for ex. probiotics and Omega essential oils 3,6,9 .

Why start here what about the skincare products? Skincare products are only a part of a healthy beautiful skin care regime. Our skin needs to be hydrated in order to fight acne causing bacteria that’s where drinking plenty of water helps and our skin needs to flush out and detox there is no better way then getting our heart rate up everyday for at least twenty minutes to help the cardiovascular system pump out toxins in our bodies so they don’t show up on our skin.

Incorporating (wholefoods) into our diets for example fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains , fish , free range meat and eggs, and organically produced dairy products feed our skin with the vital nutrition it needs to give us that healthy glow we all long for. Probiotic supplements help clean out our digestive tract keeping harmful toxins moving out of our bodies instead of living in our bodies this improves the texture and tone of the skin. The Omega 3,6,9 essential food oils are vitally essential to our skin they help heal the skin from the inside out.

Now lets talk about fun home made skincare products for Acne. My last blog covered helpful essential oils for the Acneic skin and how the healing properties help heal blemishes. Let’s incorporate Tea Tree oil , Lavender , and Lemongrass essential oils into our skincare recipes. Any good skincare product system consists of a cleanser , toner , mask , moisturizer , and sometimes an extra boost product.

Cleanser: start with Dr. Bonner’s Castile baby soap (found in most health food stores) add 5 drops of tea tree essential oil to 4 oz of soap. Mix three drops in your palm add water lather up and wash your face for 1 minute. The Tea tree is a natural antiseptic known to control and heal Acne.

Toner: start with Bragg unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar mix 4oz vinegar in glass spray bottle with 2 oz water and 5 drops of Lemongrass essential oil . Spray on face after cleanser. A toner balances the skins ph so that bacteria cannot infect the skin and soothes red irritated Acne skin. Store in refrigerator to insure freshness.

Mask: 2 Tablespoons of honey 1Tablespoon of powdered cinnamon mix and apply paste to face . Leave mask on ten minutes rinse with warm water. Honey and Cinnamon contain anti microbial properties that kill bacteria on the skin . Honey is a natural humectant which brings moisture deep into the skin. Mix only enough for 1 application each time to insure freshness.

Moisturizer: Oils high in Linoleic acid are great moisturizers for Acne skin. What put oil on my Acne oily skin! Yes it’s all about chemical compounds that heal and regulate the oil production of the skin. Linoleic oils moisturize Acne skin in a healing balanced way controlling overproduction of harmful sebum. Use Grape seed oil, Evening Primrose oil or Rose hip oil add 5 drops of essential oil of Lavender to 1 oz of oil. Apply moisturizer only to clean skin. Store in glass in a cool darker place to insure freshness.

Boost product: on blemish spots 1 drop of Tea Tree mixed in 10 drops of water. Use a q -tip to dab this watery mixture on to blemish spots on larger areas use cotton ball. Make a fresh batch each time to insure freshness.

All of these products can be used on the body where ever your Acne blemishes appear. Be gentle with your skin so it can heal back into balance and function. Remember don’t squeeze. Get regular facials from a professional offering Acne facial.Good Luck!