I apologize for the silence--- I got very sick and then very busy!
It's not fancy or finished yet, but the adorable banner is up and the posts are moved over there---- please change your bookmarks and follow me at http://freeskincarehelp.com --- I've got an article on blackheads coming tonight and I plan to blog a lot more regularly! See you there!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Detecting Skin Cancer
This article reminds me that I need to make an appointment to get a mole biopsied. But I digress. How about the news that we'll soon be able to detect skin cancer by SCENT? Isn't that wild?
So how do you protect yourself from skin cancer?
One way is to sign up for my mailing list (right here on this blog). You'll get all sorts of helpful skin care hints and tips sent to you via email!
Another way is to make sure you're using sunscreen. I have an SPF 30 Sunscreen you should consider.......
UVA/UVB protection, waterproof and sweat-resistant. Non-comedogenic (won’t block pores), oil- free. Clinically tested for skin irritancy and allergy. Suitable for sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested.
This lightweight, oil-free sunscreen absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and moisturized. SPF 30 Sunscreen helps to protect your skin
from the damaging effects of the sun.
INDICATIONS: Protects from the harmful rays of the sun. Provides 30 times your natural protection from sunburn. Retains its sun protection for 80 minutes in water.
(need it? Just let me know! You can email me at heatheramyprice@gmail.com)
Here's the article.....
Simple Tape Test Can Detect Skin Cancer
The incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has been increasing at alarming rates, leading cancer experts to wonder if this represents an actual epidemic or is the result of more widespread screenings, which lead to more and earlier diagnoses. A new study implies that it is the former -- melanoma rates may indeed be escalating. The good news is that easier, more effective new screening technologies are not far behind.
For the study, a research team led by Eleni Linos, MD, DrPH, at Stanford University Medical Center analyzed more than 70,000 invasive melanoma cases diagnosed between 1992 and 2004 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. The researchers explored incidence and mortality rates three ways -- by histological types, thickness of tumors and socioeconomic group. If rising incidence was linked to screenings, they reasoned, there would be a smaller increase for lower socioeconomic groups who have less access to such medical care. The researchers found that melanomas increased at a rate of 3.1% per year for all histological subtypes and thicknesses and that the incidence rates of melanoma doubled in all socioeconomic groups over a 10-year period. This suggests that the rising rates of melanoma are very real. The study was published in the January 8, 2009, online issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million new cases of skin cancer occur annually. Melanoma is the most virulent form of skin cancer, resulting in 75% of all skin cancer deaths, but it’s curable if detected early. The five-year survival rate for people whose melanomas are detected and treated before they spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body is 99%.
NEW TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN EARLY DETECTION METHODS
Until recently, dermatologists had few tools beyond clinical examination to detect suspicious lesions -- which often caused missed diagnoses as well as painful biopsies that proved unnecessary. Now there are new, non-invasive diagnostic tools that help dermatologists find melanoma and other skin cancers earlier, when they are most treatable. "Detecting skin cancer in its earliest stages ultimately saves lives," said Ellen Marmur, MD, chief, Division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery and assistant clinical professor at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. "These new devices lead us to do a biopsy when we may not have thought one was necessary -- and also allow us to see benign features which stop us from doing unnecessary biopsies, too."
Dermascope
The hand-held dermascope magnifies polarized light, enabling dermatologists to see the depth and pattern of skin pigmentation (such as red or brown background colors) so they can detect lesions that may be cancerous. "The dermascope is a fantastic tool," said Dr. Marmur. "If someone walks into my office with 100 scary spots on his skin, I don’t want to biopsy all of them, so I use the dermascope to evaluate which ones are most likely to be dangerous and should be biopsied."
Confocal Imagers
The VivaScope (Lucid, Inc.) is a confocal microscope with which physicians can visualize the actual cells of a skin lesion to determine whether it is cancerous. The newest version, the VivaScope 3000, is a lightweight, hand-held device that can be used in hard-to-access places on the body such as the corner of the nose, tips of ears or between toes and fingers. Doctors can also share images with pathologists via a manufacturer-sponsored secure Internet site. The VivaScope is expensive and is mostly found at university medical centers.
Hand-Held Imaging Devices and Computer Software
The MelaFind (Electro-Optical Sciences, Inc.) is a type of dermascope that employs light wavelengths to capture thousands of characteristics of a skin lesion, then uses a computer algorithm to determine the degree of risk. "The computer grades the lesion according to certain features, and if the score is high enough on the risk scale, it will recommend a biopsy," explained Dr. Marmur. Also very expensive, the MelaFind is still undergoing clinical trials, so is not yet widely available.
Total-Body Photography to Map Moles
Total-body photography is used for mole mapping, which uses digital photography to monitor the size and shape of moles, comparing past and present images to find changes that warrant further evaluation. It is valuable as an objective tool to compare changes in moles, notes Dr. Marmur, adding that new digital technology is bringing continued improvement.
Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (Tape Stripping)
Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (EGIR), otherwise known as tape stripping, uses adhesive tape to pick up genetic material from the top layer of the skin so it can be analyzed for the presence of key markers that indicate early-stage melanoma. As with other technologies, lesions are then analyzed and classified by computer to determine whether a biopsy is needed. Dr. Marmur calls it an "unbelievably exciting innovation." EGIR (from DermTech) is currently in clinical studies.
Diagnosis by Scent
As reported recently in Daily Health News (November 20, 2008), skin cancers may one day be detected by scent. Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia have measured compounds in the air above a skin lesion that can identify basal cell carcinoma. These promising results may lead to the ability to detect other forms of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, and the development of mechanical sensors that can identify these compounds, possibly in very early stages.
THE ART OF MEDICINE
While these innovative new tools are quite promising, dermatologists must still call upon their experience in the art of medicine, otherwise known as doctor’s intuition. "Ultimately, we will still listen to the patient, rely on the physical examination, and go with our own judgment," said Dr. Marmur. "We see these spots on the skin of patients every day and we’re constantly comparing them to other spots, so if we sense that a mole is dangerous even if the tape strip says it’s normal, we must still have the courage to go ahead and biopsy it."
TIPS FOR REDUCING SKIN CANCER RISK
To reduce your risk for skin cancer, Dr. Marmur advises "healthy habits from a young age: good nutrition, good sun protection, good athletic fitness and no smoking, because smoking increases your risk of skin cancer."
Remember to go for annual dermatology checkups, and keep in mind the ABCDs -- and now Es -- that characterize suspicious moles:
* Asymmetry -- one half unlike the other half;
* Border -- irregular, ragged, notched or poorly defined;
* Color -- varies from one area to another... shades of tan and brown, black, sometimes white, pink, red or blue;
* Diameter -- the size of a pencil eraser or larger; and
* Elevation -- a mole or skin lesion raised above the skin and/or has an uneven surface. If a mole exhibits any of these characteristics, it should be brought to a dermatologist’s attention.
Source(s):
Ellen Marmur, MD, is chief, Division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery and assistant clinical professor at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Her book, Simple Skin Beauty, is due out in August 2009 (Atria).
So how do you protect yourself from skin cancer?
One way is to sign up for my mailing list (right here on this blog). You'll get all sorts of helpful skin care hints and tips sent to you via email!
Another way is to make sure you're using sunscreen. I have an SPF 30 Sunscreen you should consider.......
UVA/UVB protection, waterproof and sweat-resistant. Non-comedogenic (won’t block pores), oil- free. Clinically tested for skin irritancy and allergy. Suitable for sensitive skin. Dermatologist-tested.
This lightweight, oil-free sunscreen absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and moisturized. SPF 30 Sunscreen helps to protect your skin
from the damaging effects of the sun.
INDICATIONS: Protects from the harmful rays of the sun. Provides 30 times your natural protection from sunburn. Retains its sun protection for 80 minutes in water.
(need it? Just let me know! You can email me at heatheramyprice@gmail.com)
Here's the article.....
Simple Tape Test Can Detect Skin Cancer
The incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has been increasing at alarming rates, leading cancer experts to wonder if this represents an actual epidemic or is the result of more widespread screenings, which lead to more and earlier diagnoses. A new study implies that it is the former -- melanoma rates may indeed be escalating. The good news is that easier, more effective new screening technologies are not far behind.
For the study, a research team led by Eleni Linos, MD, DrPH, at Stanford University Medical Center analyzed more than 70,000 invasive melanoma cases diagnosed between 1992 and 2004 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. The researchers explored incidence and mortality rates three ways -- by histological types, thickness of tumors and socioeconomic group. If rising incidence was linked to screenings, they reasoned, there would be a smaller increase for lower socioeconomic groups who have less access to such medical care. The researchers found that melanomas increased at a rate of 3.1% per year for all histological subtypes and thicknesses and that the incidence rates of melanoma doubled in all socioeconomic groups over a 10-year period. This suggests that the rising rates of melanoma are very real. The study was published in the January 8, 2009, online issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million new cases of skin cancer occur annually. Melanoma is the most virulent form of skin cancer, resulting in 75% of all skin cancer deaths, but it’s curable if detected early. The five-year survival rate for people whose melanomas are detected and treated before they spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body is 99%.
NEW TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN EARLY DETECTION METHODS
Until recently, dermatologists had few tools beyond clinical examination to detect suspicious lesions -- which often caused missed diagnoses as well as painful biopsies that proved unnecessary. Now there are new, non-invasive diagnostic tools that help dermatologists find melanoma and other skin cancers earlier, when they are most treatable. "Detecting skin cancer in its earliest stages ultimately saves lives," said Ellen Marmur, MD, chief, Division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery and assistant clinical professor at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. "These new devices lead us to do a biopsy when we may not have thought one was necessary -- and also allow us to see benign features which stop us from doing unnecessary biopsies, too."
Dermascope
The hand-held dermascope magnifies polarized light, enabling dermatologists to see the depth and pattern of skin pigmentation (such as red or brown background colors) so they can detect lesions that may be cancerous. "The dermascope is a fantastic tool," said Dr. Marmur. "If someone walks into my office with 100 scary spots on his skin, I don’t want to biopsy all of them, so I use the dermascope to evaluate which ones are most likely to be dangerous and should be biopsied."
Confocal Imagers
The VivaScope (Lucid, Inc.) is a confocal microscope with which physicians can visualize the actual cells of a skin lesion to determine whether it is cancerous. The newest version, the VivaScope 3000, is a lightweight, hand-held device that can be used in hard-to-access places on the body such as the corner of the nose, tips of ears or between toes and fingers. Doctors can also share images with pathologists via a manufacturer-sponsored secure Internet site. The VivaScope is expensive and is mostly found at university medical centers.
Hand-Held Imaging Devices and Computer Software
The MelaFind (Electro-Optical Sciences, Inc.) is a type of dermascope that employs light wavelengths to capture thousands of characteristics of a skin lesion, then uses a computer algorithm to determine the degree of risk. "The computer grades the lesion according to certain features, and if the score is high enough on the risk scale, it will recommend a biopsy," explained Dr. Marmur. Also very expensive, the MelaFind is still undergoing clinical trials, so is not yet widely available.
Total-Body Photography to Map Moles
Total-body photography is used for mole mapping, which uses digital photography to monitor the size and shape of moles, comparing past and present images to find changes that warrant further evaluation. It is valuable as an objective tool to compare changes in moles, notes Dr. Marmur, adding that new digital technology is bringing continued improvement.
Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (Tape Stripping)
Epidermal Genetic Information Retrieval (EGIR), otherwise known as tape stripping, uses adhesive tape to pick up genetic material from the top layer of the skin so it can be analyzed for the presence of key markers that indicate early-stage melanoma. As with other technologies, lesions are then analyzed and classified by computer to determine whether a biopsy is needed. Dr. Marmur calls it an "unbelievably exciting innovation." EGIR (from DermTech) is currently in clinical studies.
Diagnosis by Scent
As reported recently in Daily Health News (November 20, 2008), skin cancers may one day be detected by scent. Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia have measured compounds in the air above a skin lesion that can identify basal cell carcinoma. These promising results may lead to the ability to detect other forms of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, and the development of mechanical sensors that can identify these compounds, possibly in very early stages.
THE ART OF MEDICINE
While these innovative new tools are quite promising, dermatologists must still call upon their experience in the art of medicine, otherwise known as doctor’s intuition. "Ultimately, we will still listen to the patient, rely on the physical examination, and go with our own judgment," said Dr. Marmur. "We see these spots on the skin of patients every day and we’re constantly comparing them to other spots, so if we sense that a mole is dangerous even if the tape strip says it’s normal, we must still have the courage to go ahead and biopsy it."
TIPS FOR REDUCING SKIN CANCER RISK
To reduce your risk for skin cancer, Dr. Marmur advises "healthy habits from a young age: good nutrition, good sun protection, good athletic fitness and no smoking, because smoking increases your risk of skin cancer."
Remember to go for annual dermatology checkups, and keep in mind the ABCDs -- and now Es -- that characterize suspicious moles:
* Asymmetry -- one half unlike the other half;
* Border -- irregular, ragged, notched or poorly defined;
* Color -- varies from one area to another... shades of tan and brown, black, sometimes white, pink, red or blue;
* Diameter -- the size of a pencil eraser or larger; and
* Elevation -- a mole or skin lesion raised above the skin and/or has an uneven surface. If a mole exhibits any of these characteristics, it should be brought to a dermatologist’s attention.
Source(s):
Ellen Marmur, MD, is chief, Division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery and assistant clinical professor at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Her book, Simple Skin Beauty, is due out in August 2009 (Atria).
Monday, May 25, 2009
Can Women Outgrow Acne?
Watch this video with Paula Begoun to find out.
I think it's interesting (and maddening!) that men CAN "outgrow" acne, but with women's hormones fluctuating throughout life, we never really get to "outgrow" it. I use 5% benzoyl peroxide on my skin daily to PREVENT acne from forming and it works like a charm.
One skin care tidbit I like to tell my clients is that if you're "blessed" with acne late in life... into your 30's and 40's, it's generally true that your wrinkles will start a bit later than those who appear to "outgrow" their acne in their 20's. Fewer acne breakouts in your 30's GENERALLY seem to mean an earlier onset of wrinkle formation.
I think it's interesting (and maddening!) that men CAN "outgrow" acne, but with women's hormones fluctuating throughout life, we never really get to "outgrow" it. I use 5% benzoyl peroxide on my skin daily to PREVENT acne from forming and it works like a charm.
One skin care tidbit I like to tell my clients is that if you're "blessed" with acne late in life... into your 30's and 40's, it's generally true that your wrinkles will start a bit later than those who appear to "outgrow" their acne in their 20's. Fewer acne breakouts in your 30's GENERALLY seem to mean an earlier onset of wrinkle formation.
Tea Tree Oil Or Benzoyl Peroxide?
Welcome to my new blog!
I've been working in the skin care/ cosmetics field for 9 years now and my plan for this blog is to help you answer those pesky skin care questions--- how do I control my acne? How are wrinkles formed? What can I do about the dark circles under my eyes?
I represent a large, popular skin care/ cosmetics company. Due to company advertising restrictions, I don't advertise their name here on this blog but you can email me anytime to get my personalized recommendations at heatheramyprice@gmail.com -- I want to help you achieve your best looking skin! How old you are is your business but how old you LOOK is mine!
Here's the first post for this blog.... in this article, tea tree oil is compared to benzoyl peroxide. My personal recommendation is benzoyl peroxide for a variety of reasons. The only drawback I see in benzoyl peroxide is its drying factor. But a good moisturizer can counteract that nicely.
-----------------------------
I love this article from Paula Begoun:
Tea tree oil has some interesting research demonstrating it to be an effective antimicrobial agent. The Journal of Applied Microbiology (January 2000, pages 170–175) stated that, "The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Its mode of action against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli AG100, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325, and the yeast Candida albicans has been investigated using a range of methods. The ability of tea tree oil to disrupt the permeability barrier of cell membrane structures and the accompanying loss of chemiosmotic control is the most likely source of its lethal action at minimum inhibitory levels." In addition, "In a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study of tea tree oil in the treatment of herpes cold sores, tea tree oil was found to have a similar degree of activity as 5% acyclovir" (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, May 2001, page 450). For acne there is also some credible published information showing it to be effective as a topical disinfectant for killing the bacteria that can cause pimples (Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology, October 1995, pages 242–245). However, the crux of the matter for tea tree oil is: How much is needed to have an effect? The Medical Journal of Australia (October 1990, pages 455–458) compared the efficacy of tea tree oil to the efficacy of benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne. A study of 119 patients using 5% tea tree oil in a gel base versus 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion was discussed. There were 61 in the benzoyl peroxide group and 58 in the tea tree oil group. The conclusion was that "both treatments were effective in reducing the number of inflamed lesions throughout the trial, with a significantly better result for benzoyl peroxide when compared to the tea tree oil. Skin oiliness was lessened significantly in the benzoyl peroxide group versus the tea tree oil group." However, while the reduction of breakouts was greater for the benzoyl peroxide group, the side effects of dryness, stinging, and burning were also greater—"79% of the benzoyl peroxide group versus 49% of the tea tree oil group."
Given these results, a 2.5% strength benzoyl peroxide solution would be better to start with to see if it is effective, rather than starting with the more potent and somewhat more irritating 5% or 10% concentrations. However, if you were interested in using a 5% strength tea tree oil solution to see if that would be effective, at this time I know of no products stating the amount of tea tree oil they contain. It appears that almost all of the tea tree oil products on the market contain little more than a 1% concentration, if that, which is probably not enough to be of much help for breakouts. Pure tea tree oil products can contain more, but the essential oil is typically diluted to no more than a 3% concentration to avoid damaging skin.
I've been working in the skin care/ cosmetics field for 9 years now and my plan for this blog is to help you answer those pesky skin care questions--- how do I control my acne? How are wrinkles formed? What can I do about the dark circles under my eyes?
I represent a large, popular skin care/ cosmetics company. Due to company advertising restrictions, I don't advertise their name here on this blog but you can email me anytime to get my personalized recommendations at heatheramyprice@gmail.com -- I want to help you achieve your best looking skin! How old you are is your business but how old you LOOK is mine!
Here's the first post for this blog.... in this article, tea tree oil is compared to benzoyl peroxide. My personal recommendation is benzoyl peroxide for a variety of reasons. The only drawback I see in benzoyl peroxide is its drying factor. But a good moisturizer can counteract that nicely.
-----------------------------
I love this article from Paula Begoun:
Tea tree oil has some interesting research demonstrating it to be an effective antimicrobial agent. The Journal of Applied Microbiology (January 2000, pages 170–175) stated that, "The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Its mode of action against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli AG100, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325, and the yeast Candida albicans has been investigated using a range of methods. The ability of tea tree oil to disrupt the permeability barrier of cell membrane structures and the accompanying loss of chemiosmotic control is the most likely source of its lethal action at minimum inhibitory levels." In addition, "In a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study of tea tree oil in the treatment of herpes cold sores, tea tree oil was found to have a similar degree of activity as 5% acyclovir" (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, May 2001, page 450). For acne there is also some credible published information showing it to be effective as a topical disinfectant for killing the bacteria that can cause pimples (Source: Letters in Applied Microbiology, October 1995, pages 242–245). However, the crux of the matter for tea tree oil is: How much is needed to have an effect? The Medical Journal of Australia (October 1990, pages 455–458) compared the efficacy of tea tree oil to the efficacy of benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne. A study of 119 patients using 5% tea tree oil in a gel base versus 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion was discussed. There were 61 in the benzoyl peroxide group and 58 in the tea tree oil group. The conclusion was that "both treatments were effective in reducing the number of inflamed lesions throughout the trial, with a significantly better result for benzoyl peroxide when compared to the tea tree oil. Skin oiliness was lessened significantly in the benzoyl peroxide group versus the tea tree oil group." However, while the reduction of breakouts was greater for the benzoyl peroxide group, the side effects of dryness, stinging, and burning were also greater—"79% of the benzoyl peroxide group versus 49% of the tea tree oil group."
Given these results, a 2.5% strength benzoyl peroxide solution would be better to start with to see if it is effective, rather than starting with the more potent and somewhat more irritating 5% or 10% concentrations. However, if you were interested in using a 5% strength tea tree oil solution to see if that would be effective, at this time I know of no products stating the amount of tea tree oil they contain. It appears that almost all of the tea tree oil products on the market contain little more than a 1% concentration, if that, which is probably not enough to be of much help for breakouts. Pure tea tree oil products can contain more, but the essential oil is typically diluted to no more than a 3% concentration to avoid damaging skin.
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