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Today is Melanoma Monday, a day that stresses melanoma and other skin cancer prevention as well as early detection. It was established by the American Academy of Dermatology as part of Skin Cancer Awareness month in May.

Cancer of the skin is the most common of all cancers, accounting for more than 50% of new cancer cases. The two main types are non-melanoma and malignant melanoma skin cancers.

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can appear suddenly on any part of the body or develop from a mole. Melanoma caused 8,110 of the 10,850 deaths due to skin cancer in 2007, according to the American Cancer Society.

The other types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma - rarely spread, are less worrisome, and are treated differently than melanoma.

Lawrence A. Mark, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at the Indiana University School of Medicine and a researcher with the IU Simon Cancer Center, advises people to know their bodies and talk with their physicians about any changes they notice. Also be mindful that skin cancer can develop in places you may not consider: between the toes, on the soles of the feet, on the palms of the hands, under finger and toe nails, and on oral or genital mucous membranes.

Dr. Mark and his colleagues use the ABCD's to evaluate melanoma:

- A, asymmetry: Half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other half
- B, border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred
- C, color: The color isn't the same all over but may have differing shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of red, white or blue
- D, diameter: The area is larger than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger

Most of the more than one million cases of skin cancer diagnosed yearly in the United States are considered to be sun-related, according to the American Cancer Society.

Physicians recommend limiting outdoor sun exposure, ultraviolet radiation is often the strongest between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also effective ways to protect against exposure to UV light. The American Cancer Society advises using a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or higher.

Labels: cancer, melanoma, skin cancer, skincare

During my morning routine of getting ready for work, I always take time to wash my face. It's a ritual I do every morning and night actually because I know how important a good skin care routine is for women AND men.

Let's face it, as much as outward appearance shouldn't matter so much, it really does. I know I just don't feel as well about myself if I haven't take steps to make myself for more clean and fresh. You know what I mean? And a good skin care routine is VERY important to me.

I often switch up on the products I use, because it seems they inevitably stop working over time or just stop working as well. Right now I'm using one that is supposed to energize you, I have to say the scent is quite uplifting but I'm not sure it gives me anymore energy. =o)

One of the sites I use for more information on health and what I'm going to term "beauty wellness" is BORBA. They have tips on skin care products, acne solutions, remedies for oily skin or dry skin, whatever your needs are there are great articles offered.

Earlier this month there was an entry specifically about skin care for me. I think it is important for men to have a good skin care routine because they have facial hair and need to make sure to keep their skin clean and healthy. Otherwise it's going to itch and break out and all that other not-so-fun stuff. Right ladies? In fact, exfoliation is one of the highly recommended tips from BORBA in regards to men's skin care and you have to admit, it makes sense.

Overall BORBA is a great resource for anyone and I must admit I do love reading about the latest trends in cosmetics as well. I am a girl after all. And yes I do want to know about the latest lip gloss which "nourishes, moisturizes and rejuvenates" don't you?

BORBA is all about achieving total beauty... inside-out.

Labels: beauty, skincare, wellness

Even when I was a wee gal people commented on the dark circles under my eyes. So though right now they may be puffy from lack of sleep, I know the circles would be there regardless.

This morning on MSN: Health & Fitness, there is a column about these horrid dark circles. Most of it is self explanatory if you know anything about your body, but I thought I'd quickly recap some of the highlights because it is interesting to me.

First of all, dark circles are hereditary. My Dad has dark circles and so I have dark circles. Somehow my brother ended up with my Mom's facial genes. =o) My son has dark circles under his eyes all the time. He gets sick a lot and when he does his skin is pale which only makes the dark circles more prominent.

The column on MSN explained the physiology involved, "The skin under our eyelids is extremely thin. That is an important thing to remember in trying to soften those dark circles. The extremely thin skin has the potential to reflect the dark blue color of the circulating blood in the soft tissues below its surface."

Some factors, other than genetics, which contribute to raccoon eyes are:

• Bone structure. Deep set eyes and a prominent forehead may create a shadowing effect and the illusion of dark circles.
• Menstruation and pregnancy. The hormonal changes may cause the facial skin to appear pale, leaving the darker pigments of the circulating blood in the veins under the eyes to stand out.
• Sun exposure, which triggers the skin pigment melanin to increase, resulting in a darker appearance.
• Allergies that may cause itching or rubbing around the eyes or lids. This causes the fragile blood vessels to dilate or bruise, leading to that dark appearance under the eyes known as "allergic shiners." This is especially noticeable in those with seasonal allergies, such as hay fever.
• Colds or sinus infections, which can lead to an increased pressure on the blood vessels under the eyes, leading to a temporary dark circle appearance.

For more from the article, click here.

Labels: dark circles, skincare

Labels: skincare, sunblock