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Signs Of Skin Cancer Moles And What To Look For

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It is very important for you to keep track of your moles and to notice any changes that happen to your skin. Skin cancer can be very serious and potentially fatal illness for some people, but is usually easily detectable when you know what to look for.

There are several types of skin cancers, the definition being cancer that forms in the tissues of the skin.
Although most of the skin cancers develop in older people with years of exposure to the sun, or in people who have weakened immune systems, anyone can get skin cancer. When skin cancer is found early, it can be treated more easily.

Below are some helpful self-examination tips for skin cancer and to know when to contact your doctor. Self-examination is part of prevention, and you should always watch your moles and and be aware of any changes.

Are Moles Harmless?

Typically, the moles we have, develop when we are young children or young adults, however, it is also possible to get new moles as we get older.
Most of the time, these moles are always harmless, but sometimes for some people, new moles as well as old one's could be a potential sign of skin cancer.

Ideally it is recommended to look for new moles every month.
It is important to notice any new or old moles growth so you can keep a check on them. By checking your skin regularly, you'll learn what is normal for you and  be able to detect any changes easily.

Again, most moles are harmless, and you don't have anything to worry about with them. However, if you do have a lot exposure to the sun, you really must watch for any new moles that develop.


Changes In A Mole

Look at the shape, color, and size of each mole you have. Most harmless moles are no larger than a pencil dot and are circular shaped.
As far as color goes, moles can be brown, black or even red. Also, a normal mole should be just one color, so if you notice that it has two or more colors, again you should see a dermatologist or doctor just to be on the safe side.
If you notice your moles to be getting larger or changing color very quickly, you should immediate check with your dermatologist or doctor.

Images below are from Wikipedia

Skin Cancer with color differences

Normal mole with no color differences




Skin cancer with diameter change

Normal mole with no diameter change

Skin cancer with uneven borders









Normal mole with border
Normal mole with no asymmetrical


Asymmetrical melanoma

             





 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Keep Note Of Any Mole Changes

Moles will of course grow and change a little, but you're checking for cancerous changes, so make sure that you are noticing these changes, if any. If the mole or moles have changed, you should write down what has changed so you can tell your doctor precisely what has changed in the moles appearance.
Photograph the mole if you can and try to compare it with general family photos you have already taken in the past. This will help show the change in appearance and also give a good idea of time frame, which will help your doctor with the diagnosis and treatment if any is needed.

Contact your doctor and make an appointment if you feel any concerns.
Make sure you bring your notes with you so you can show your doctor as mentioned before. Your doctor will know what to do and may recommend a skin specialist so the specialist is going to be the person to help you, if that is what is recommended.

If one of your moles comes back suspicious, do not freak out. More testing may show some irregularities, but it may not be something to worry about. If a mole comes back cancerous, try to remain calm. There are many forms of skin cancer, so try to find out more about the kind you have and participate in whatever treatment your doctor recommends. Remember when skin cancer is found early, it can be treated more easily.

In conclusion, doctors tell their patients to regularly check their skin for a good reason; skin cancer is nothing to take lightly.

Use the advice above as a monthly guideline for things you should watch for and things that need to be examined.

Learn more about skin cancer here http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/melanoma



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Posted by Cindy

Natural Beauty Treatments In the Kitchen Cupboard

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Some of the best all natural beauty treatments available, are already in your own home and kitchen cupboards. You do not really need to buy a lot of expensive beauty products to look your best.  Use these homemade beauty tips and look fabulous knowing you are using all natural skin care.

Aloe Vera Plants
Aloe Vera is one of my favorite all natural beauty treatments because of it's amazing benefits both inside your body and out. I am talking of the natural variety straight from the plant itself. Many older people have these plants indoors and in their gardens and they have no idea of the benefits they could get from them. They are also extremely quick and easy to grow. 
When you cut the top off the leaf you have access to your own supply on natural Aloe Vera gel. Simply squeeze the gel from the plant and smooth onto clean skin. It can be used to moisturize, cool sunburn, alleviate itching eczema, heal cuts and so much more because of it's natural healing properties and over seventy nutrients. The gel can also be mixed with other ingredients to make healthy smoothies etc.

Watch this video just below on how to use an Aloe Vera plant for skin care.
                   Apple Cider Vinegar
Cider vinegar is an item nearly everyone has in their kitchen, and it can be used to improve the appearance of both your skin and hair. Vinegar is antibacterial because it is high in potassium. It is also natural natural alpha hydroxy acid, which helps to gently exfoliate the skin. Make sure you have only the natural unfiltered apple cider vinegar. 
To rinse your hair after shampooing, mix one part vinegar to two parts water and use as a final rinse to leave your hair with more body and luster as well as reduce hair loss.
You can use the same organic vinegar mix (one part vinegar to two parts water) on cotton wool balls to naturally remove dirt, oil and gently exfoliate the skin. Then rinse your face in fresh clean water and pat dry.
Some people use vinegar as a gentle face peel by using it neat and leaving it on your face for 10 - 20 minutes. Although I have not done this yet, (on my to do list) I would proceed with caution especially if you have sensitive skin. I would recommend using the cider vinegar watered down first, then leave for 10 mins and gradually leave on longer each time and then strengthen the solution. If you do have any redness or reaction just cool your face down with plenty of cold water.
Honey is a Natural Humectant
hone
Image by akarlovic Click image for details
You do not need to buy expensive face mask products because you probably have one of the best natural beauty treatments in your refrigerator.  Honey is a natural humectant (retains water) and able to keep moisture in your skin without drying it out.  Honey is also great for acne prone skin because it reduces oil in the skin which can cause acne, and is anti inflammatory so it reduces the redness which results from acne.  
Honey is great for all skin types and reduces wrinkles, dark spots and is a natural skin lightener.  There is no chemical version of this wonderful substance the bees make naturally, and no facial mask works better to make your skin soft and supple. Just smooth onto your skin and leave for 5 - 30 minutes. It is the tastiest face pack ever!!
Sleep and Melatonin
Your bedroom provides a health product and that's your bed! Your body heals itself while you sleep, and that includes your skin. Seven to eight hours of sleep is said to be of most benefit. Between 10pm - 2am your body naturally produces melatonin (This hormone helps regulate our aging clocks) so try to get some early nights a few times a week and most definitely before midnight. Make sure you remove all your makeup before you go to bed as well so your skin can breath and be fresh for the morning, after getting plenty of good quality melatonin sleep. Also change your pillowcases and bed linen on a regular basis.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is another product you may have in your kitchen. Some people use it for cooking because of the health benefits, but it is also great for your skin and hair. Polynesian women have always had beautiful shiny hair and healthy skin, probably because they used coconut oil on both. Coconut oil is relatively cheap, has a pleasant scent and lasts a long time because you only need a little.
For hair, use it as a deep conditioning treatment after you have washed your hair. Make sure you rinse thoroughly as you don't want to be left with greasy looking hair. Once you have used it a few times you will know how much to use.
Coconut oil is not oil as such because it comes in solid format, so for your skin it is easy use as a body cream. I also use it as a very effective hand moisturizer.
I do prefer to use organic coconut oil and even though it is more expensive, again it lasts such a long time.
Olive Oil
Use a mixture of olive oil and sea salt, or sugar, to exfoliate in the shower. There are many expensive scrubs sold for use in the shower and they really do not work any better than these three products you have in your own kitchen. Your skin will feel lush after using this and not a chemical in sight.
Watch the video below for a few more natural beauty treatments that you could consider using from your kitchen cupboard, it also includes details using sugar and oil as a body scrub.
I hope you have enjoyed this post Natural Beauty Treatments In the Kitchen Cupboard as the treatments are all very simple and effective, and I am sure you will be very pleased with the results and happy to save a little money besides.



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Posted by Cindy

Skin Care On A Budget

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Read on to discover some great ways to get your skin care on a budget so you can have gorgeous skin without spending a fortune.

You don't need a movie star's salary to having glowing skin like they do. With a little research and a solid skin care plan, you can have a great complexion.

Online Reductions
Look for bargains online. Chances are really good that no matter how low the price is in a brick and mortar shop or boutique, it can be purchased for less money online. Subscribe to your favorite site for notifications of sales on specific types of products so you don't miss out. Just make sure nobody is pulling the wool over your eyes with cheap knock-off products that are not really what you had in mind.

Review Skin Care and Beauty Forums
Study reviews and beauty forums to discover which products actually deliver on their promises. Join the discussion, if you are so inclined, and pose questions to other women who face the same issues as you. These online forums are a great place to preview products without having to invest a dime. I have definitely learned a lot from online forums!! Just type into Google "skin care forums" or similar and you will often find up to date bargains posted by member

Avoid Gimmicks
Stop falling for gimmicks. Everyone does it at one time or another and marketing departments make a science out of convincing us to buy things, so don't feel bad if you have one hundred and one skin care products in your vanity that are gathering dust. Once you become thoroughly educated about what your skin needs, avoiding the waste will be easier.


Stock Up
Buy in bulk when the price is really low. Look for clearance deals on your favorite skin care items or beauty products and stock up on them. Make sure you are buying something you will use, not just something at an irresistible sales price. Once you really have found a great skin care product, you will want to stick with it, so keeping a steady supply on hand will work in favor of a great complexion.

Effective Ingredients
Always read the labels! Specific ingredients are formulated for specific conditions and you really do not want a whole lot of unnecessary chemicals in your skin products. It's really all a matter of simple chemistry, so do your homework on the effective ingredients your skin needs and look for them on the list of ingredients.

You can achieve beautiful results with budget skin care products, provided you do a little research on the ingredients and match them with your skin type, lifestyle and age group. Enjoy looking your very best and saving money doing it!
  
Diane Irons shares her budget skin care tips in her video below... She even talks about using cat litter for a clay face mask. Now that's what I call skin care on a budget!!

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Posted by Cindy

Organic Beauty Products: How Organic Are They?

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How can you tell if your organic beauty products are truly organic or not, because at the moment there is NO certified government labeling program.

Treating your skin is as important as what you eat, so it's understandable that you may want to go organic when it comes to everything which touches your body. The problem is that most people don't know how, where or what to buy when it comes to organic skin care products. This article will explain to you everything you need to know to get started. And check out the video at the bottom of this article on how to choose organic skin care and organic beauty products.

Why Organic Beauty Products?
Imagine eating a salad where all the ingredients were dosed with pesticides, had chemical fertilizers leeched into them from the soil, and the dressing on top was made of ingredients you couldn't even pronounce. Just like you would pass on the salad, you should also pass on the beauty product because applying chemicals to your face will allow them to enter your body (the same as food) and may cause problems within your organs. Sticking to organic beauty products and natural treatments will ensure that your skin remains chemical free and healthy while still looking beautiful.

Should You Read Organic Labels?... Yes most definitely
Knowing what the labels mean is the most important part of understanding what goes into organic skin care products. You want to look for ingredients you can pronounce, or that have an explanation of their origin next to them on the ingredient list. This will ensure that what you're getting is actually as natural and harmless as you expect it to be.
Check this website to find what ingredients are in your toiletries. This is a favorite website of mine which I visit often. You can type in any product or it's ingredients and check for health concerns of each ingredient. Be warned, you may spend a long time in here checking all your beauty products

Certified Organic Logo
Many products now carry a "certified organic" logo, proof that all of their ingredients have been checked by an agency who vouches for their being organic. This lets you know that the company is honest when it comes to its labeling practices, giving you the peace of mind necessary when purchasing from their brand.

Cheap Chemicals
Some people wonder why organic beauty care products often cost more than chemical based items. The truth is that chemicals are a cheap way to keep products fresh, colorful and in the state they need to be in, be it pressed powder, liquid foundation, body lotions etc. Finding organic alternatives which produce the same results without any harmful chemical takes more time and research, and the higher price is intended to cover these costs.  It's worth every penny when you have smooth, healthy skin!

Many makeup or skin care products contain a lot of water. Yes, the same water you can get out of the tap! Do you really want to pay for all that water when a concentrated, organic alternative is available? Check out your options and compare the ingredient labels to see exactly what you're paying for when buying traditional or organic items.

One cause of skin blemishes is that your organs are not well. Repeated damage from chemicals can cause any organ, from your liver to your skin, to not perform as it should. This can lead to dull skin, irritation and even acne. Using chemical free products on your skin will ensure that you remain looking young and healthy, actually reducing your need for make-up and other cover up accessories, which cost you even more money over time. Going organic doesn't just make you look good, it can save you money over time!

Watch this brilliant video below, to find out exactly what is in your beauty products, organic or not!!

Here is the website link to check out your ingredients 
This article was written to answer some of your questions about organic skin care treatment. Hopefully, you now see the advantages of using organic beauty products and can treat yourself to healthy, natural and beautiful skin.

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Posted by Cindy

Winter Skin Care Tips ... For All Skin Types

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Here are some great winter skin care tips to keep your skin in tip top shape over those cold winter months. The cold wintery air, wind, and indoor heat are just three of the reasons your skin can get much dryer in the winter and for some people it can be a real problem especially if you already suffer with dry skin. 

Avoid Harsh Products
Using harsh deodorant soaps or antibacterial soaps can strip away your skin's natural protective oils, so don't use them. Instead look for gentle skin care products or even try skin care ranges for babies which of course are always much more gentle.
If your skin feels especially dry, you could look for over the counter cleansing and moisturizing products that eczema sufferers use, as they are usually rich in emollients and are non drying to your skin. Emollient based products are really good for eczema treatment and dry skin treatment because they increase the skin's hydration/water content, by reducing evaporation.

Hot Baths Dry Your Skin
Avoid having prolonged hot baths. We all love a long, hot bath during colder weather but they will dry your skin even further. Instead opt to have a quicker warm shower.                                          
When you finish your shower and before you dry yourself,  rub about a tablespoon of baby oil, or similar body oil, all over your body and then gently pat yourself dry with your towel. You will find that the water disperses really quickly and you are left with instantly soft skin. You could also put your oil into a clean spray bottle for easier application.
Just as a safety precaution if you are using oil in or near the bath be very care not to spill the oil in the bath, as you don't want to create a slippery surface and fall over.
You could still use your favorite body moisturizer a few minutes after using the oil as well, giving you super double moisturization. If you already use body lotion after your shower anyway, a good tip is to put it on while you skin is still damp. This locks moisture in before your skin begins to dry out. Again remember to use gentle products.


Hydrating Face and Body Cleansers
Hydrating face and body cleansers are a really popular product at the moment as they apparently gently remove dirt, oil and makeup without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier. I have not used these myself, so perhaps do a Google search for "hydrating face and body cleansers" and do some investigation to see what seems to be the most popular product. Be aware that you don't always have to have the most expensive product either. Click to read my post about Skin Care on a Budget

Day and Night Moisturizers
You should use a face moisturizer every single day after cleaning your face and if you don't you really should look into making this a basic requirement for you skin. If you do already have a favorite brand moisturizer then see if they have a night time moisturizer to compliment it. You could always use the night time moisturizer during the day on particularly cold days as well as an added protection factor, but do be aware that the night time creams normally have no sun protection factor (SPF)

Age Defying Foundation
If you don't normally use a skin foundation then think about using one just for the winter cold months when you have to go outdoors. Very dry skins could even benefit from using an age defying foundation even if you are a young person. Pop along to your favorite make up counter and ask for some advice and free samples. They normally have many free samples to give you especially as they will see you as a potential future customer. Again the cheaper brands can be as good if not better than the more expensive brands.

Look After Your Nose
Another important area of the face that nobody mentions is the end of your nose.

It is an area you don't even think to put moisturizer. 
I always continue to moisturize the very edges of my nostril area because this area can dry very very quickly and before you know it, you have bits of unsightly dry skin all around the end of your nose (especially so when you get a cold). So be aware to moisturize the  edge of your nose routinely to prevent any dryness before it begins.

Dry cracked lips can be a problem  too so don't forget to moisturize your lips with a good lip balm and preferably one with a good Sun protection factor (SPF)


Humidify your Home
Humidifiers are said to be great for treating dry skin and can apparently be very beneficial in helping soothe skin dryness and itchiness.
Again I have not tried humidifiers myself, but I do have small bowls of water in every room in my house, to try and combat the drying effect of heated stuffy rooms and I believe it really does help with the humidity in my house.
You will be surprised how quickly these bowls of water evaporate so don't forget to top them up.

Skin Hydration
As always it is just as important to drink plenty of water during the winter season as well as in the hotter season, as your skin still needs plenty of hydration. Drinking water will always promote healthy skin and lips.

I hope you find this article on winter skin care tips useful and implement as many of my suggestions as often as you can.

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Posted by Cindy

Basics Skin Care

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A simple basic skin care routine is very easy to implement when you know how.
Not caring for your skin properly can create many problems such as acne breakouts, dry skin and rough patches among many other problems.
In this article I will show you the very simple basics I use, so that you can begin to care for your skin easily too. Remember these are the basics and if you continue to read my blog you you will find lots more information in my other posts.



Healthy Skin Needs To Be Clean
This really is the basic premise of healthy skin. If your skin isn't washed frequently, dead skin, toxins, bacteria and pore-clogging oils can build up on your body on a daily basis, damaging your skin and making it look unsightly.
Face washing should be done in the morning and before you go to bed and never go to bed with your make-up still on as this will cause acne outbreaks. Daily showering or bathing your body is preferable too for hygiene reasons.
When cleaning your skin though, make sure to use a gentle cleanser or body wash. Also too many scents and perfumes can dry skin, making it easier to wrinkle and dry out much quicker over a long time. Natural, scent-free cleansers and without chemicals in are much so better to use in my opinion so organic skin care products would be a good choice
Never rub the delicate skin on your face too hard, treat it gently. When you dry your face you should pat dry with a soft towel.

Exfoliate Dead Skin
An important part of basic skin care is to exfoliate the dead skin that builds up on a daily basis. Dry, dead skin should be removed to keep the good skin underneath looking smooth and radiant. This sounds like a really harsh treatment, but only needs to be done maybe 1-3 times per week depending on your skins condition and type.
There are many gentle exfoliators you can find that will do this job in a non-abrasive way. Again, gentle is the key word here especially on your face. Harsh exfoliators can damage the skin especially if you rub to hard for to long, because you will leave it red, sore and irritated.

Look out for my post on how to exfoliate your face and your body properly, where I will also provide some home made skin scrubs you can try first if you have never exfoliated before.

Moisturize Your Skin Often
Even frequent cleansing and exfoliating can't prevent all dryness and aging. Moisturizing keeps skin soft and smooth while preventing early lines and wrinkles from forming. Choose a natural or scent-free moisturizer and massage into your entire body each time you bath or shower. It is best to use a facial moisturizer for sensitive eyelids and face and again use it each time you wash your face. If I forget to use my moisturizer after I wash my face I can feel my skin start to tighten.



Drink Plenty Of Water
Because our bodies are made up of about 72% water it  makes sense that we need to hydrate ourselves often, so make sure to drink plenty of water. The general consensus is to drink on average about six - eight glasses of water a day, but of course this is only a guide because it depends on your weight, height and how  active you are. If you want to know the correct amount of water you need to drink for your weight and height etc you can find this information through the Google search engine.

Daily Sunshine For vitamin D
Sunshine feels great and the Vitamin D it offers is necessary for your health. Twenty minutes a day can be very beneficial, but too much sun can cause early aging, as well as some types of skin cancer. You can enjoy a moderate amount of sun exposure if you protect your skin with a good sunscreen, as it will filter out some of the sun's harmful rays. A hat that covers the face is a good idea to protect the most sensitive of skins.
Lack of sun exposure can lead to bone problems, osteoporosis and other illnesses, because of diminished production of vitamin D. A good quality Vitamin D supplement would be very beneficial if you don't get to see much sunshine on a daily basis.


Think About Your Skin
Recognize that different body parts have different needs when it comes to caring for the skin. Face and eyes need the gentlest treatments, while feet and heels can withstand files, buffing and other things you wouldn't use anywhere else. Check your department or health food store for ideas on what to use where.

Be good to your skin, and it will be good to you. Treat it kindly, use gentle products for sensitive areas, and keep it away from dangerous chemicals and harsh treatments. If you are a smoker think about trying to smoke less or even quit, as smokers quite often have older looking faces than non smokers.

It's not difficult to care for your skin, but it is often neglected because people don't realize that it needs special care like any other part of the body. By caring for your skin and treating it well, you will feel younger, look more vibrant and just feel better about yourself.

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