Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Prevention & Early Detection

Posted on May 22, 2013 by

What is skin cancer?

There are 2 main types of skin cancers: keratinocyte cancers (basal and squamous cell skin cancers) and melanomas.

  • Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are by far the most common cancers of the skin. They develop from cells called keratinocytes, the most common cells in the skin.
  • Melanomas are cancers that develop from melanocytes, the cells that make the brown pigment that gives skin its color. Melanocytes can also form benign (non-cancerous) growths called moles.

There are other types of skin cancers as well, but they are much less common.

It is important for doctors to tell these types of skin cancer apart, because they are treated differently. It is also important for you to know what melanomas and basal and squamous cell skin cancers look like. This may help you find them at the earliest possible stage, when they are cured most easily.

Basal and squamous cell cancers (keratinocyte cancers)

Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are the most common cancers of the skin. They develop from skin cells called keratinocytes. Both basal cell and squamous cell cancers are found mainly on parts of the body exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck. These cancers are strongly related to the amount of sun exposure a person has had.

Basal and squamous cell cancers are much less likely than melanomas to spread to other parts of the body and become life threatening. Still, it is important to find and treat them early. If left untreated, they can grow quite large and invade into nearby tissues and organs, causing scarring, deformity, or even loss of function in some parts of the body. Some of these cancers (especially squamous cell cancers) may even spread if not treated, and rarely they can be fatal.

Melanomas

Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, but are more likely to start in certain locations. The trunk (chest and back) is the most common site in men. In women, the legs are the most common site. The neck and face are other common sites.

Melanomas are not as common as basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but they can be far more serious. Like basal cell and squamous cell cancers, melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages. But if left alone, melanoma is much more likely to spread to other parts of the body, where it can be very hard to treat.

Article Source & More Information at cancer.org.

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Allergy Season is Almost Here

Posted on April 12, 2013 by

If you are one of the 35 million American’s who suffer from seasonal allergies, you may want to start thinking about what you can do to keep yourself comfortable in the upcoming months.

  • Schedule appointments now.  Make an appointment with an allergist to confirm your allergy symptoms.
  • Get your medications early, before you need them.  Some items may be out of stock on the day you really need them, so keep some of the over-the-counter medications in the medicine cabinet.
  • Depending on how bad your allergies are, you may want to discuss allergy shots with your doctor.  An early start to this treatment is beneficial.
  • Check the daily pollen information in your area.  If pollen levels are extremely high, you may want to plan your days outdoor activities accordingly.

Article Source

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Smile For Good Skin

Posted on April 8, 2013 by

smile Smile For Good SkinThe saying “laughter is the best medicine” actually has some medical validity. Studies show that our emotions can have positive and negative consequences on our bodies, and affect the appearance of our skin. “I always say that life is in your head,” says Doris Day, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical School and author of Forget the Facelift. “Meaning, your moods and outlook have the greatest impact on how you look, and how others perceive you.”

Full article source on the Dailyglow.

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Great Recipes for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Posted on April 1, 2013 by

What you eat is written all over your face! Foods can both positively and negatively effect the look, feel, and health of your skin. Recently, we posted an article on the Top 10 Foods for Healthy Skin, where we shared some of the best foods to eat for beautiful skin. Here are a few good recipes with these recommended foods!

Summer Spinach Salad
Servings: 1

Ingredients:
2 cups spinach, baby
2 Tbsp Balsamic vinaigrette
2 Tbsp cheese, goat
1 medium beet, roasted, chopped
1 Tbsp walnuts, chopped

Directions:
1. Rinse and thoroughly dry spinach leaves. Place spinach in a serving bowl.
2. Add vinaigrette and toss to combine.
3. Top with goat cheese, beets, and walnuts and serve.

 

Yogurt and Berries
Servings: 1

Ingredients:
3/4 cup yogurt, Greek, non-fat or low-fat, vanilla
1/2 cup assorted blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries (as desired)
1 Tbsp flaxseed, ground
2 Tbsp walnuts, chopped

Directions:
1. Place yogurt in a serving dish
2. Stir in flaxseed and stir to combine. Add berries and stir until just combined
3. Top with chopped walnuts and serve

Article Source: the Dailyglow

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Top 10 Foods for Healthy Skin

Posted on March 25, 2013 by

1197397 3 Top 10 Foods for Healthy SkinAccording to the Dailyglow, the following is a list of 10 foods that help promote healthy skin.

Cherries – Studies have found that the chemicals in the tart fruit can help inhibit pigmentation and contain a hormone linked to slowing the aging process.

Bell peppers – bell peppers offer amazing skin benefits. Peppers contain high levels of vitamin C which is a crucial nutrient for collagen production. Vitamin C also helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, agents that attack a cell’s DNA.

Berries – Brightly colored berries contain antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals that can damage the DNA of healthy skin cells. Blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries have some of the highest antioxidant levels of any food.

Green Tea – One of the most powerful skin foods is actually a drink. This is another antioxidant powerhouse that offers protection against damage like UV rays and helps prevent damage that can lead to cancer. Sipping green tea helps your skin repair itself and help fights premature aging.

Ground Turkey – Lean protein, such as ground turkey provides skin with the building blocks for collagen and elastin, the fibers that help skin look firm and wrinkle free. Research also shows that the levels of zinc and niacin in ground turkey may also help treat inflammatory acne.

Olive Oil – You may consider olive oil a humble condiment, but this delicious oil is a crucial ingredient for healthy skin. A cornerstone of the über-healthy Mediterranean diet, olive oil helps fight oxidative damage (from the sun or pollution) and prevents inflammation, one of the main causes of premature aging.

Salmon – These meaty fish contain high levels of omega-3 fats which are known for their ability to fight inflammation — a damaging process that causes acne, premature aging, and irritation.

Shrimp – These tiny shellfish have big nutrition benefits. They contain a potent antioxidant (it’s what gives them their pink color), and they contain omega-3s for additional antioxidant power. Plus, these little guys also contain zinc, an excellent anti-inflammatory that scientists have found can help reduce acne breakouts.

Spinach – This leafy salad staple is another source of omega-3s, the nutrient that our skin can’t get enough of. And high levels of lutein mean these greens provide additional defense against damage caused by UV rays.

Sweet Potato – A healthy alternative to plain potatoes, sweet potatoes contain high levels of beta-carotene. In addition to its antioxidant benefits, beta-carotene helps to encourage skin cell turnover, so the skin’s surface looks smooth and fresh.

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Adult Acne: Causes and Natural Treatments

Posted on March 20, 2013 by

Adult acne is on the rise.  Just when you thought you were in the clear, it’s back. Treat your adult skin gently with natural ingredients that help your skin.

Things have changed in our society over the years and if you are noticing breakouts for the first time in years, you are not alone.  Adult acne is a very common form.  Treat your adult acne with care and consider if any of the following could be a cause of your blemishes.

  • Food allergies can sometimes show up as acne. If you’re breaking out every time you eat a specific food, there may be a link. According to a new study from the AAD, dairy may aggravate acne.  So try to limit your dairy intake and see if that helps.
  • What is going on in your life when you have a breakout?  Do you have a lot of stress or anxiety at one particular time.  Stress is very often the cause for an acne related issue.

If you already have a breakout and a few blemishes, treat them with natural acid and oils.
Cleanse and moisturize daily.  Use products that treat the cause of the blemishes.  Use a gentle exfoliator twice a week to keep dead skin from building up.

Advanced Laser and Skin Center has facials that can reduce facial acne. See our spa facials here.

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Five Must Have Make Up Brushes

Posted on March 11, 2013 by

Which Make-up Brushes are the most important?

brushes Five Must Have Make Up Brushes

Here are the top five:

Foundation Brush

Use a foundation brush to apply even foundation every time.  A foundation brushes flat sides hold onto liquid and powder foundation so that you will get a smooth application and help conceal fine lines and wrinkles.

Powder Brush

Use a powder brush to a powdered foundation or blush.  Use a circular motion to blend bronzer or foundation all over your face.  When applying blush, use sweeping motions from your nose outward and upward arcoss your cheekbone. The bristles of this brush help pick up powder foundation and blushes.

Angled Liner Brush

Apply liners with a liner brush from the outer corner of your eye inward.  This brush is also useful for filling your thin brows.  Sweep on your brow powder in the same direction of the hair growth.

Eyeshadow Brush

Use a shadow brush to apply color from the inner and outer corners.  Look for a brush that is a similar width of your eyelid.  With a brush for just you, your shadow can go on in one swipe.

Lip Brush

A lip brush will apply your color in a sweep across your natural lipline. This brush is also helpful in applying concealer to dark spots or blemishes.

 

*Photos from TheBeautyDepartment

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Winter Hair Tips

Posted on March 1, 2013 by

Hat Head Prevention
It has been so cold recently in the New England area that a warm hat is a must.  However, it can leave hair looking flat and give you that “just rolled out of bed” look. To combat the hat head problem, use a leave-in conditioner or a volumizing hairspray before heading out into the cold.  Hair that is well conditioned is more likely to spring back to life after being layers with a warm hat. To be left with a full flowing hair, try to gather your hair into a messy bun at the top of your head and put your hat over your hair.

Fight Flyaways
An annoying winter hair problem is hard to manage flyaway hair.  The cause of the frizziness, flyaways and staticky hair is the cold air and winter winds.  This weather causes a build up of negative ions on the hair strands.  Use a good conditioner that will help keep these bad hair days at a minimum.

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Quick Beauty Tips

Posted on February 25, 2013 by

RadiesseNIS Quick Beauty TipsHere is a list of beauty tips and tricks to help your daily beauty routine and keep you healthy and beautiful. Every Tuesday is Beauty Tip Tuesday so check our Facebook, Twitter, or back here on our blog to find more tips!

  1. If you need to shave your legs in a hurry and don’t have time for a full shower (we’ve all been there!), rub baby oil on them first to protect them from the razor.
  2. Clean your lip and eye pencils every month simply by sharpening them.
  3. You should still wear sunscreen in the fall & winter seasons to protect your skin. Try a daily facial moisturizer with an SPF 15 or 30.
  4. You should wash your makeup brushes once a week, or at least once a month to keep them clean and bacteria free!
  5. When blow drying your hair, flipping your head over and drying your roots before the rest of your hair can add just enough lift so the roots don’t fall flat.
  6. Applying a moisturizing lip balm before using a lip color will give your lips a boost of hydration.
  7. Toss your pillowcases in the wash every week. They house sweat and oils from your face and hair, which can cause breakouts.
  8. Throw out your makeup sponge after every use (or at least once a week). It’s a breeding ground for bacteria. You can buy a 32-pack for less than a Starbucks coffee.
  9. Wash your face every night before bed, or at least keep cleansing wipes on your nightstand to get the makeup and oils off.
  10. Use a heavier moisturizer in the winter to protect your skin.
  11. Post-shower, apply your body lotion before you completely towel off. The moisture will lock in better on damp skin.
  12. Get rid of your mascara every six months. It’s a breeding ground for bacteria!
  13. Use a Q-tip dipped in eye cream to clean up any mistakes or smudges from your eye makeup.
  14. Rinsing your hair with cold water after you wash and condition it in the shower helps it looks smoother, shinier and less frizzy, if you can brave the cold that is!
  15. Switch your skin care cleanser. A gel face cleanser worked for summer, but for fall use a moisturizing cream cleanser to make sure you skin gets enough moisture for the fall air.

 

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Essential Oils for your Hair

Posted on February 25, 2013 by

permmakeup1 194x300 Essential Oils for your HairBlow dryers, flat irons and curlers, hair coloring, and even strong shampoos can all leave your hair dry and damaged, especially during the winter months. Essential oils can help restore your hair and greatly improve it’s appearance. You only need a little bit of oil for your hair. Put a couple drops in the palm of your hand and rub then together, then smooth it through your hair evenly. These essential oils can give your hair moisture, luster, and shininess that makes it look healthy and less dry.

You should look for these essential oils to help with your dry hair:

  • Almond oil- moisturizes scalp
  • Cedarwood oil- promotes hair growth
  • Chamomile oil- adds shine and softness
  • Clary sage oil- promotes hair growth
  • Coconut oil- softens hair and gives it shine
  • Geranium oil- strengthens hair
  • Jojoba oil- moisturizes and adds nutrients
  • Lavender oil- deep conditions, gives shine and controls dandruff
  • Moroccan argon oil- moisturizes, nourishes and gives hair antioxidants
  • Rosemary oil- stimulates roots and helps hair growth
  • Sandalwood oil- helps with dry ends and adds a fragrance

Article Source

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