Posts tagged: skin health

Skin Cancer Is The Most Commonly Diagnosed Cancer (One In Five Persons In USA)

Skin Cancer Is The Most Commonly Diagnosed Cancer (One In Five Persons In USA)
Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com

Skin cancer is defined as abnormal development of cells of the epidermis. It often develops in areas of the skin that receive greater sun exposure, but it is possible for it to develop in other skin areas too. There are three main varieties of skin cancer – and these are named based on cells they arise from: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous malignant melanoma (CM) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring type of malignancy in humans, especially in the white population. It has the highest incidence rate among all cancers in the United States. [1] According to recent estimates, the risk of getting skin cancer among Americans is an astonishing one in five persons during their lifetime, with almost 9,500 people diagnosed daily.

An increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, both natural and artificial has been identified as a primary cause of skin cancer. [2] Intermittent exposure to sunlight during childhood and adolescence is linked to the risk of skin cancer. Even sunburns during childhood and adolescence can contribute to the development of skin cancer later in life. High exposure to tanning beds can also increase the chances of developing skin cancer.

Skin cancer can be avoided by avoiding increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation by wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and using sunscreen. Research has found that the use of sunscreen with an SPF of higher than 15 can reduce skin cancer risk [3] – however some sunscreens may contain toxic ingredients and even the ubiquitous titanium dioxide is now thought to be a possible cancer risk!

Regular self-examination of skin is important in the early skin cancer diagnosis. Early warning signs include any new spots, moles that are itching or bleeding, moles with “odd shapes” or marked colour variations within the mole, change in the size of any lesion on the skin, or a wound or sore that is not healing. Early diagnosis is absolutely critical in providing life-saving treatment of skin cancer.

See also:

How To Recognize Skin Cancer – This Could Save Your Life: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/how-to-recognize-skin-cancer-this-could-save-your-life/

Cinnamon Increases Survival From Melanoma (Skin Cancer) 130% In Vivo: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/this-is-huge-cinnamon-increases-survival-from-melanoma-skin-cancer-130-in-vivo/

7 Worst Sunscreens For Kids: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/most-sunscreens-are-bad-but-these-7-brands-have-been-reported-worst-for-kids/

References:

[1] Guy Jr, G.P., et al., Vital signs: melanoma incidence and mortality trends and projections—United States, 1982–2030. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 2015. 64(21): p. 591. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4584771/

[2] Cokkinides, V., et al., American cancer society: Cancer facts and figures. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, 2005. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/…/cancer-facts-and-figures-2005.pdf

[3] Green, A.C., et al., Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. Journal of clinical oncology, 2011. 29(3): p. 257-263. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21135266/

3-Ingredient Juice For Beautiful Skin (Science Supported!)

Science Supported 3-Ingredient Juice For Beautiful Skin
Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com

The type of food you eat impacts numerous areas in your life, including physical well-being, mental health, and disease prevention.

However, many people are unaware of the fact that food plays an important role in determining the health of your skin, hair, and general appearance.

Beauty starts with nutrition! The food you consume can either be a great way to optimize your beauty or an exacerbating factor that wreaks havoc on your looks.

To best understand the effects of our three ingredients, let us first discuss briefly the research regarding each one:

Carrots – carrots are a rich source of β-carotene, which protects the skin from UV light-induced damage. This compound also reduces the risk of inflammatory conditions affecting the skin. [1]

Tomatoes – according to research, prolonged consumption of tomatoes mitigate UV light damage and lowers the risk of keratinocyte carcinoma. [2]

Cucumber – this fruit has cleansing properties on the skin that work by removing pockets of waste materials and chemical toxins. Using this fruit in a fresh juice cocktail nourishes the skin and reduces the risk of irritation and swelling. [3]

Takeaway message: Carrots, tomatoes, and cucumber have a science-supported ability to enhance skin complexion and reduce the risk of several skin diseases (e.g., acne, rashes, blackheads).

Further reading: Ultimate Guide To Natural Removal Of Warts, Dark Skin Spots, Skin Tags And Blackheads:

https://herbshealthhappiness.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-naturally-removing-warts-dark-spots-blackheads-and-skin-tags/

References:

[1] Schagen, S. K., Zampeli, V. A., Makrantonaki, E., & Zouboulis, C. C. (2012). Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermato-endocrinology, 4(3), 298-307. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235881552_Discovering_the_link_between…/

[2] Cooperstone, J. L., Tober, K. L., Riedl, K. M., Teegarden, M. D., Cichon, M. J., Francis, D. M., … & Oberyszyn, T. M. (2017). Tomatoes protect against development of UV-induced keratinocyte carcinoma via metabolomic alterations. Scientific reports, 7(1), 1-9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318432620_Tomatoes_protect_against_development_of_UV-induced_keratinocyte_carcinoma_via_metabolomic_alterations

[3] Mukherjee, P. K., Nema, N. K., Maity, N., & Sarkar, B. K. (2013). Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia, 84, 227–236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.003

Is Your Deodorant Toxic?

Is Your Deodorant Toxic
Graphic: © herbs-info.com. Image source – Wikipedia – lic. under CC 3.0

Would you swallow a spoonful of toxic ingredients? Of course not! So why does it seem okay to smear the same toxic compounds on your underarms every day in the form of antiperspirants and deodorants? We forget that some of what goes on our skin is absorbed into the body, going into the bloodstream and organs.

Let’s be honest; deodorants are a staple in our daily hygiene routines. While there is great benefit to smelling nice and feeling confident, the issue is with the ingredients used in some products. As shown below, some of the common ingredients in deodorants have been linked to health issues including hormonal imbalance, liver damage, and even some types of cancer.

1. Aluminum: Aluminum is a common compound commonly put in antiperspirants due to its ability to stop sweating by plugging sweat ducts. Unfortunately, it’s linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer in men, breast cancer in women, and Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Parabens: Parabens are predominantly used as preservatives in several personal care products such as deodorants. Exposure to parabens is linked to hormonal imbalances, organ toxicity, and birth defects. [1]

3. Propylene Glycol: Prolonged exposure to this compound can cause damage to the heart, liver, and central nervous system.

4. Phthalates (pronounced tha-lates): Phthalates are chemicals occurring fragrance ingredients in personal care products and used for making other constituent compounds more flexible. They are notoriously associated with an increased risk of cell mutations (hence tumor growth), disruption of hormone receptors, and birth defects.

5. Triclosan: Did you know that Triclosan is classified as a probable carcinogen and pesticide by the EPA and FDA, respectively? Despite it’s known dangers, the chemical is still used in products such as deodorants due to its ability to kill odor-causing bacteria. But at what price?

Please note that this content should never be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.

References:

[1] Darbre, P. D., & Harvey, P. W. 2008. Paraben esters: review of recent studies of endocrine toxicity, absorption, esterase and human exposure, and discussion of potential human health risks. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18484575.

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Is Your Deodorant Toxic
Graphic ©herbs-info.com. Image source – Wikipedia – lic. under CC 3.0