Displaying items by tag: DERMASCOPE Magazine

Breast Cancer and Nutrition

Vitamin E: Women consuming other forms of vitamin E called tocotrienols have been found to have dramatically lower risk of contracting breast cancer – 50 percent less risk for women without family history of breast cancer, and as much as 90 percent for pre-menopausal women with family history.
Copyright© 007 Breasts

Flaxseed: Also known as linseed, Flaxseed is an ancient grain that may have originated in Egypt. The seeds, oil, and seed meal can be used in many ways. Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens, which may reduce your risk of breast cancer and possibly prevent a recurrence. They have two anti-cancer components: lignans and an omega-3 fat called "alphalinolenic acid" (ALA). Flaxseeds may also be helpful in reducing your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, breast and endometrial cancers. Flaxseed oil has been used for the relief of hot flashes, breast pain, arthritis pain, and pain related to constipation. Several studies have been done to determine how the phytoestrogens in flaxseeds may help cancer. One theory compares the estrogen-receptor blocking ability of flaxseeds with estrogen-receptor modulation drugs. The weak plant-
based estrogens block the estrogen receptors on cells within breast tissue, starving them of full-strength female estrogen, possibly stopping tumor growth and preventing cell damage. This effect may be most effective for younger, pre-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor negative cancers.
Copyright© About.com

Soy: In laboratory studies, animal studies, and research looking at groups of people and what they eat, certain chemical components of soy have been linked to a lower risk of breast and prostate cancer. Most studies that have shown benefit have used whole soy protein rather than soy components and extracts. As a protein source, soybean products are promoted as a healthier alternative to meat and as an aid to weight loss. Soy products are also used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and to relieve symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis. Soy protein in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol is also promoted as a method to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Soy can be consumed in many forms with tofu, soy milk, roasted soybeans, soy powder, and textured vegetable protein being some of the more popular. Soy protein powders and bars are available in nutrition stores and health food markets.
Copyright© The American Cancer Society®

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health but the body cannot make them – you have to get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. They have also become popular because they may reduce the risk of heart disease. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Although not all experts agree, women who eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids over many years may be less likely to develop breast cancer. More research is needed to understand the effect that omega-3 fatty acids may have on the prevention of breast cancer.
Copyright© 2010 University of Maryland Medical Center

Garlic: Garlic is a vegetable commonly used to enhance the flavor of foods. Garlic is currently under study for its ability to reduce cancer risk. However, there is not enough evidence at this time to support eating large amounts of garlic or taking garlic supplements for cancer prevention. It is reasonable to include garlic as part of a balanced diet, unless one has a particular health problem or is taking medication that has been shown to be adversely affected by garlic. Garlic and garlic supplements are sometimes promoted to prevent or treat cancer. Several compounds in garlic may have anti-cancer properties, but compounds of one type in particular – the allyl sulfur compounds – are said to play a major role. These compounds reportedly help the body get rid of cancer causing chemicals and help cause cancer cells to die naturally, a process called apoptosis. There have also been claims that garlic has immune boosting properties that may reduce
cancer cell growth and help the body fight off diseases such as colds or the flu. These claims are currently being studied. Proponents claim garlic can be used to treat bacterial, yeast, fungal, and
parasitic infections and can be used to treat high blood sugar levels. They also say it has properties that may help stomach and abdominal problems. Garlic has also been claimed to reduce risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure.

Copyright© The American Cancer Society®

The Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Here is what you should look for:

• Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
• Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin

A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)

Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you are at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you have reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.

Part 2: What Causes Dandruff?

The exact cause of dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii is unknown. However, most experts do agree that it is not caused by poor hygiene.

Causes may include, but are not limited to:

• Not enough hair brushing: People who do not comb and/or brush their hair regularly have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff. This is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing and/or brushing provides.
• Yeast: People who are sensitive to yeast have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff, so it is logical to assume that yeast may play a part.
• Dry skin: People with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often.
• Seborrheic dermatitis (irritated, oily skin): People with seborrheic dermatitis are very prone to dandruff.
• Not enough shampooing: Some people say that if you do not shampoo enough there can be a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, causing dandruff. However, many experts doubt this is true.
• Certain skin conditions: People with psoriasis, eczema, and some other skin disorders tend to get dandruff much more frequently than other people.
• Some illnesses: Adults with Parkinson's disease and some other neurological illnesses are more prone to having dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes, and some people with weak immune systems may have dandruff more often than other people.
• Reaction to hair or skin care products: Some people react to some hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp.
• Malassezia: Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everybody's scalp. Generally, it will cause no problems at all. However, it can grow out of control. It feeds on the oils our hair follicles secrete. When this happens the scalp can become irritated and produce extra skin cells. These extra skin cells die and fall off; they mix with the oil from hair and scalp, and turn into what we see as dandruff.
• Diet: Some experts say that people who do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruff.
• Mental stress: Experts believe there is a link between stress and many skin problems.
• HIV: A study found that 10.6 percent of people with HIV have seborrheic dermatitis.

 

NPA Products 300 strong

Consumers who care about the quality of their personal care products now have hundreds of reasons to look for the “certified natural” seal of approval on their purchases. The Natural Products Association (NPA) is pleased to announce that more than 300 natural personal care products have been certified through its two-year old natural standard certification program.
Under the NPA’s program, to merit bearing the seal, products must follow strict guidelines set by the association. Products must be made up of at least 95 percent natural ingredients – coming from a renewable or plentiful
source found in nature (flora, fauna, mineral). Non-natural ingredients are allowed only when viable natural alternative ingredients are unavailable and only when there are absolutely no suspected potential human health risks. Products cannot
use animal testing beyond what is required by law, and must
use a majority of bio-degradable and post-consumer recycled content in their packaging.
NPA also certifies ingredients as natural. These 100 percent natural ingredients can be used by manufacturers to develop products that are in compliance with the natural standard. Currently, there are 100 certified natural ingredients.
Copyright© WorldPressOnline.com

De-Stress with Herbs

For physical and mental well-being, it is crucial to find ways to slow down. Herbal rituals: A teatime, a long soak in an herbal bath, and a restful slumber with an herbal pillow can help soften the pace.

Herbal Tea Time
Whether you need to relax before climbing into bed, de-stress after a busy day at work, or even get your day off on the right (calm) foot, a cup of herbal tea can help. Try different herbs that are known for their soothing properties, then pick your favorites and enjoy them solo or in combinations. As a general guideline, use about a teaspoon of herb per cup of water, and steep for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Copyright© Frontier™ Natural Products Co-op

Fall Tips

by Cat Tatman, Director of Marketing for gloProfessional

Make sure your clients are wearing the proper shade of foundation. During the warmer months, skin is typically a little darker; however as we move towards the cooler months complexions will get lighter, which means a slightly lighter shade of foundation is needed. This does not mean looking pale and pasty though, simply use bronzer and contour certain areas of the face for a natural glow. Apply the bronzer in the shape of a capital cursive “E” to each side of the face. These are areas where the sun naturally hits the face, by applying bronzer to these areas it will look natural and complement a lighter complexion.
Skin can also become dehydrated and look dull when the climate is cooler. Combat lack-luster skin by keeping it properly moisturized and by selecting makeup that will help skin look more vibrant. You may consider transitioning your client from a pressed base foundation that has a matte finish to a liquid foundation or loose base that offers a more satin or dewy finish. Additionally, cream blushes are great for cooler months to keep skin looking fresh; highlighters and shimmer bricks are great to create a brighter looking complexion.
Clients will also be in need of services and products to address their end-of-summer skin care issues such as hyperpigmentation. Offer specials on services such as brightening facials, peels like TCA’s or Jessner’s and that includes a complimentary skin care and makeover consultation. This makes it easy for your client to get their professional treatment, products, and makeup all in one stop!

Part 1: What is Dandruff? What are the Symptoms of Dandruff?

Dandruff is: The presence, in varying amounts, of white or gray scales in the hair of the scalp, due to excessive or normal branny exfoliation of the epidermis
-according to MediLexicon's medical dictionary

Dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii, affects the scalp and causes flakes of skin to appear - it is a common condition. Our skin cells are forever renewing themselves. When the skin cells on our scalp are renewed the old ones are pushed to the surface and out of the scalp. For a person with dandruff the renewal is faster, meaning more dead skin is shed, making the dandruff more noticeable. Dandruff can also occur if the scalp is frequently exposed to extreme temperatures.
Dandruff can be chronical (long-term) or the result of certain triggers. People with dandruff may also experience irritation and redness on the scalp. Excessive flaking may be caused by an underlying illness or condition, such as psoriasis, a fungal infection (Malassezia), seborrheic dermatitis, or even head lice. Some individuals with severe dandruff may have social or self-esteem problems. Therefore, treatment may be important for both physiological and psychological reasons.
A significant number of people with dandruff find it improves as they get older. It is estimated that about 50 percent of people in Western Europe and North America suffer from dandruff. Dandruff is more common in men than in women, and in people with oily skin. Some studies have suggested that diets that are too salty, sugary or spicy and accompanied by excessive alcohol may exacerbate dandruff. Dandruff does not contribute to hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This is a skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed or flaky. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is a severe form of dandruff. When it affects the scalp most people refer to it as dandruff. When babies have it, it is referred to as cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis causes larger, greasier flakes than most other types of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects not only the scalp, but the skin in other parts of the body too.

What are the signs and symptoms of dandruff?

The hallmark sign of dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, is white flakes on the scalp and in the hair. If the person is wearing dark clothes, the flakes will be more noticeable when they fall on their shoulders. The scalp may also feel itchy, tight, or sore.

Signs and symptoms in babies and children

Often referred to as cradle cap, signs and symptoms may appear when the baby is between two weeks and six months of age, especially between the ages of three to eight weeks - this usually disappears after a few weeks; in some cases it may take months. Although cradle cap may be alarming to parents, it is not dangerous.

New Survey Finds Rosacea Worsens With Exposure

While many adults still look forward to summer as eagerly as school children, new survey results show that increased exposure to sun and hot weather can wreak havoc on those with rosacea, a widespread, red-faced skin disorder now estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans. The survey also found that a variety of common heat sources can affect the condition year-round.
In a recent survey of 431 rosacea patients conducted by the National Rosacea Society (NRS), 80 percent of the respondents said they had suffered a flare-up of symptoms as a result of being out in the sun, and 80 percent said their condition was aggravated by hot weather. Excessive indoor heat was a trigger for 56 percent of those surveyed, while 55 percent said heavy exercise had set off a rosacea flare-up. Fifty-four percent said a hot bath had induced an outbreak of rosacea signs and symptoms, and 42 percent said heated beverages had done the same. Heavy clothing had triggered a flare-up for 32 percent, and 26 percent cited menopausal hot flashes.
“Although medical therapy is available to help control this widespread and chronic disorder, it is also important for rosacea patients to identify and minimize any environmental or lifestyle factors that may trigger or aggravate their symptoms,” said Dr. Joseph Bikowski, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Ohio State University. He said he advises patients to keep a diary to determine what factors might be affecting their individual cases.
In addition to common heat triggers, survey respondents reported a host of other sources of heat that had aggravated their individual conditions, including fireplaces and bonfires, high-intensity lamps, steam baths, saunas, and cooking over a hot stove.
The good news is that the survey showed rosacea flare-ups can often be prevented. Nearly 84 percent of the respondents reported that avoiding sources of heat had reduced the frequency of their flare-ups. Seventy-four percent said they now bathe or shower in cooler water, and nearly 69 percent said they go outside less often in hot weather to avoid exacerbating their condition. Sixty-seven percent said they frequently or sometimes leave an overheated room to prevent an outbreak, and 55 percent said they had changed their exercise routine to avoid flare-ups.
“Rosacea sufferers should wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 year-round, and especially in the summer, they should minimize time outdoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when sunlight is the strongest,” Bikowski said. He noted that a fan or chewing ice chips can effectively reduce flushing from heavy exercise or excessive indoor heat.

Did You Do Your Posture Exercise Today? – STEP 2

by Renee North, Certified Posture Exercise Professional (CPEP) and personal trainer (NASM)

The first step to strengthen your posture was discussed, in the
July 2010 issue of DERMASCOPE Magazine.

STEP 2: Do Posture Strengthening Exercises

All exercise is not created equal. Exercising with poor posture can train you to stand and move poorly. Yoga, Tai-Chi, and Pilates are all great for building body awareness and control. According to Dr. Weiniger, a smart way to exercise efficiently and get the most out of any workout is with a pre-exercise "posture break" to set your internal baseline. Before taking a walk or hitting the gym Weiniger recommends these posture strengthening exercises:

• STORK - Train yourself to stand tall while building good posture by balancing on one foot. First, stand tall with your best posture, and then keep straight as you lift your thigh so your knee is at hip height. Keep standing tall for 30 seconds on each side, focusing on keeping your body well aligned.
• WALLSTAND - Back up to a wall so your heels, buttocks, shoulders and head all lightly touch the wall while you keep everything level, relaxed and aligned – take three slow breaths, feeling your body’s best posture. Note: If you feel any areas of stress, get your posture checked by a professional.

Skin Exfoliation:

Does Pain Equal Gain?

The Science behind this Question:

by Dr. Diana Howard

Lactic acid and glycolic acid are the front-runners in the world of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliation. So, which ingredient works best to reveal a newer, fresher you? Independent research studies on AHAs have determined that:

• Glycolic acid, the smaller molecule of the two, penetrates the skin more readily than lactic acid, and as a result is more irritating to the skin.
• The activity of both AHAs is controlled by the pH of the solution: Optimum activity is a pH 3.0-3.2. Anything lower will damage and irritate skin.
• Scientific studies have demonstrated that when one compares lactic acid to glycolic acid, lactic acid stimulates cell turnover and cell renewal at a higher rate than glycolic acid and with less irritation! (Stimulating cell renewal and cell turnover rates is the immediate and long term benefit of using alpha hydroxy acids.)
• Unlike glycolic acid, lactic acid has added benefits: It hydrates the skin, increases natural barrier lipids in the epidermis and helps lighten hyperpigmentation (age spots).

So why do professionals and consumers believe glycolic acid is the preferred AHA to user? Unfortunately, people often equate irritation with efficacy. Just because glycolic acid is more irritating does not mean it is more efficacious. In this case, pain does not equal gain.

The Skin Care Expert’s View of the Question:

by Annet King

Over-exfoliation is one of the most common “skin-mishaps” professionals see among consumers today, which leads to sensitization, inflammation, accelerated aging, and an increased susceptibility to UV damage. Before you scrub, take skin condition into consideration:

• Oily/Breakout-prone skin: Choose non-abrasive hydroxy acid exfoliants gently dissolve dead cells while delivering purifying, oil-absorbing benefits. Salicylic acid, clays, sulfur, and soothing lavender and aloe are friends to your skin. Steer clear of physical scrubs!
• Sensitive skin: Choose gentle, superfine powders that activate with water. Key ingredients include brightening rice bran, phytic acid, and micro-exfoliating (milder, yet effective) fruit enzymes.
• Aging, dry, lackluster skin: Choose a warming skin polisher that helps drive age-fighting ingredients into the skin. Also look for combined physical/chemical exfoliants including lactic acid and silica with skin-shielding vitamins A, C, and E, white tea, and licorice.