Friday 31 August 2012

Men Fall Short in Skin Cancer Knowledge and Preven...

In a new survey, just 51 percent of US men reported using sunscreen in the past 12 months, and an alarming 70 percent did not know the warning signs of skin cancer. Created by The Skin Cancer Foundation and the makers of Banana Boat® and Hawaiian Tropic® brand sunscreens, the survey was administered online by the market research firm TNS to 1,000 male and female respondents. www.surgery.org

everydayliving™: Men Fall Short in Skin Cancer Knowledge and Preven...:

Wednesday 29 August 2012

How to get glowing skin: Five anti-wrinkle foods your face will love

Get your youthful glow back by adding these proven skin savers to your daily routine


Wrinkles, crow’s feet, and sagging skin all start at the cellular level. Aging is, in part, the result of accumulated damage to the molecules that make up our cells. To get your youthful glow back I recommend incorporating the following foods, packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and proteins,  into your diet to keep your cells and skin looking healthy well into your golden years:

1. Minimize sugar-intake for fewer wrinkles
If you’re looking to smooth out your skin and prevent the signs of aging,  you need to break off your relationship with sugar. Wrinkling and accelerated aging occurs with high insulin and sugar intake because of an increase in abnormal attachment of sugar molecules to the collagen (a process called glycation) and an increase in free radical stress.

Bottom line: If you’re spending half your paycheque on expensive creams and potions, you may not see the benefits if sugar is wreaking havoc on your skin. Instead opt for skin-friendly ways to sweeten your dishes or smoothies such as adding cinnamon, unsweetened cocoa powder or stevia. It can take up to three weeks for your taste buds to adapt to a diet without sugar so patience is key. If you find your cravings are high during this time, add 200-600 mcg (micrograms) of chromium with breakfast and/or dinner.

2. Love your olive oil and eat your veggies
One interesting study looked at the relationship between food and wrinkling, particularly how food can affect skin damage. Researchers found that participants with a higher intake of vegetables, olive oil, monounsaturated fat and legumes had less skin wrinkling than their counterparts who consumed milk/milk products, butter, margarine and sugar products.

A similar study showed that topping your dishes with olive oil, and sticking to a diet high in fish and colourful fruits and veggies (which is like SPF on a plate) can go a long way towards preventing skin cancer. One group was provided a drink high in antioxidants, while the other enjoyed beverages such as sodas. Those who hydrated with the antioxidant-rich drink had fifty percent fewer oxidation products in their blood at the end of the two-week period, which included five to six hours of exposure to the sun daily.

Bottom line: Enjoy at least one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil daily, and be sure to add a little colour to your plate with a wide assortment of seasonal veggies.

3. Fatty fish for fewer wrinkles
Fresh, wild salmon is high in essential fatty acids and natural anti-inflammatory compounds which help to keep our skin smooth and supple. Fish oil has been found to be effective in reducing wrinkle formation and thinning of the skin by boosting collagen and elastin levels.

Bottom line: In addition to incorporating fatty fish (think salmon, mackerel, trout) twice a week, I recommend taking 3 capsules (or 1 teaspoon) of a high quality fish oil with meals twice daily for reduced inflammation, weight loss and healthy, glowing skin.

4. Beautify your skin with berries
Anything that reduces oxidative stress in the body can also help you turn back the clock and reduce your risk of various diseases. Strawberries have been proven to help with just that by improving the antioxidant capacity of blood. A group of volunteers ate half a kilo of strawberries every day for two weeks to demonstrate that eating this fruit improves the antioxidant capacity of blood. Each day, the scientists fed 12 healthy volunteers 500 grams of strawberries throughout the day. They took blood samples from them after four, eight, 12, 16 and 30 days.

Bottom line: The results show that regular consumption of this fruit can improve the antioxidant capacity of blood plasma and also the resistance of red blood cells to oxidative stress which can impact both how you look and feel. Add half a cup of berries to your smoothies or as a side dish 1-2 times a day. Citrus fruits and red apples (with the peel on) are also high in antioxidants.

5. Kick up your salad with kale
Chances are you’ve heard of kale by now – maybe you’ve even had homemade kale chips (if you haven’t, you’re in for a delight). Kale contains high amounts of antioxidants that are necessary for skin healthy essentials like iron, lutein and vitamin A. As a bonus, one cup of kale has only 36 calories and a whopping 5 grams of fibre.

Bottom line:
To make kale chips simply add a touch of sea salt and olive oil to a bowl of freshly washed, chopped and dried kale. Place on a baking sheet and put it in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until the kale is crisp but not burnt. Enjoy 1-2 cups per day (either fresh or baked) for maximum results.

Click here to see more anti-aging ingredients.
Natasha Turner, N.D. is a naturopathic doctor, Chatelaine magazine columnist, and author of the bestselling books The Hormone Diet and The Supercharged Hormone Diet. Her newest release, The Carb Sensitivity Program, is now available across Canada.

How to get glowing skin: Five anti-wrinkle... | Chatelaine.com

Monday 27 August 2012

Cold sores, symptoms, causes, treatments


Just like pimples, cold sores always seem to crop up whenever it's least convenient - when you're on vacation, before a big date or on the eve of an important work function. These painful fluid-filled blisters usually appear on the lips, chin, cheeks or nostrils or inside the mouth on the gums or the roof of the mouth.


Cold sore causes Cold sores around the mouth are caused by type 1 of a contagious virus called herpes simplex. Herpes simplex type 2 causes sores on the genitals, called genital herpes. Cold sores are contagious — often passed along through kissing, or sharing utensils, towels or other personal items. Engaging in oral sex with someone who has cold sores can lead to genital herpes. Sores usually appear within a week of exposure to the virus. After the initial exposure, the virus lies dormant in the body and may trigger another cold sore as a result of stress, menstruation, fatigue or sun exposure.

Cold sore symptoms A painful blister forms, breaks and oozes. A yellow crust then forms and sloughs off, revealing pinkish skin that heals without scarring.  Tingling may indicate that a cold sore is forming. The blisters usually last 10 to 14 days.

Cold sore diagnosis/tests If you're frequently getting cold sores (six or more times annually) or you notice your eyes are hurting when you develop them, pay a visit to your family doctor, who will discuss your medical history, including if you have any conditions that may be weakening your immune system, such as pregnancy.

Cold sore treatment There is no cure for cold sores; typically the blisters clear up without treatment. Topical treatments, such as lidocaine, may provide pain relief. Oral antiviral medications may shorten the duration of a cold sore and prevent recurrences.

Cold sore prevention It may be possible to guard against cold sores and avoid spreading them to other people and other parts of your own body. Use sun block if you’re going to be spending prolonged time in the sun. Avoid your triggers, for example, not getting enough sleep, being overly stressed or excessive sun exposure. If you have a cold sore, do not kiss or have skin-to-skin contact with other people, which can spread the virus; and avoid sharing lipsticks, utensils or other items. Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your eyes or genitals which may be especially susceptible to the herpes virus.

More info from Chatelaine
Two views: Cold sores
Outside resources
Mayo Clinic


Cold sores, symptoms, causes, treatments | Chatelaine.com

Friday 24 August 2012

What is Acne Vulgaris ?

Acne vulgaris (cystic acne or simply acne) is a common human skin disease, characterized by areas of skin with seborrhea (scaly red skin), comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules  (pinheads), pustules, (pimples), nodules  (large papules) and possibly scarring.the back.
Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in noninflammatory forms.  See your skin care specialist for proper treatment.

Wednesday 22 August 2012

EUCERIN

Today is your last chance to claim your Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion and we still have some left. Get yours before it’s too late!

Monday 20 August 2012

Burt’s Bees Births Lifestyle Line



 

The well-loved and trusted natural skin care brand, which has gained global consumer trust, has announced the launch of Burt's Bees Baby, a licensing venture with Ayablu, Inc.


The Burt's Bees lifestyle brand for babies and moms debuts with a collection of newborn essentials, including apparel, accessories, bath linens and gift sets, and will soon expand into multiple categories across baby, home, and lifestyle. It has recently launched at select Target stores, Target.com and will be available August 1st at buybuy Baby and BabiesRUs.com.


Burt's Bees Baby will launch its website, www.burtsbeesbaby.com  in September 2012.

Friday 17 August 2012

Perfume and Jewellery - Don't Mix !

Did you know it’s unwise to spray perfume on the body close to jewellery? Why? The metal in the jewellery could acidify the skin.