How to care for your dry feet

Having dry skin and calluses can be a problem for many people. Many times it is a problem we just notice when it is too late. The first appearance of calluses and cracked heels will be most noticeable signs you have dry skin and you nnedto coorect this soonest. Reasons are simple, discomfort and ugly feet which usually we are not proud of.

Important Tools to Care for your Dry Feet

You can care for your feet all you want but if you don't have the right tools to care for your feet, you may be left with even more problems to your feet. The main tools you should have are the right foot file, the proper exfoliating cream, and a skin moisturizer that will keep your feet soft and moist.

Selecting the Right Foot File

On the market, you will find electrical files and manual files. Electrical files will have roller heads covered of a coarse topping that will role and act like sandpaper on sander. They are more expensive than the manual foot file but they will a lot less of your precious time to take the dead skin off.

With the manual foot files, they are cheaper but
it will take much more time to remove that dead skin.

When selecting a foot file to get rid of those calluses, you have to select a file that has the proper coarseness and the right grate. Some are very sharp and their blades will take that dead skin easily. As a matter of fact many of them will warn you to be ver careful when shaving off that dead skin.

Many foot files are available and it is important to choose one that is ergonomically designed and a sharp enough to remove the dead skin. Be careful when your shaving that dry skin off. You shouldn't apply too much pressure. It will remove skin that is still alive and good resulting in very irritated feet.

Many foot files will remove dead skin wet or dry. If you are removing dead dry skin, keep in mind it will make dusty mess. You should always set some papers under the foot you will file to reduce the skin dust on your floors.

You should always soak your feet after in a small tub for both of your feet to give them a chance and your skin to soften and for your skin pores to open.

When selecting an exfoliating cream, you should focus on a cream that will loosen the dead cells effectively. Always check for the proper application guidelines to follow and the ingredients. Some may not work for you or initiate an allergic reaction.

If you have any question, feel free to comment or leave a question.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

After a small hiatus of a few weeks, and I truly apologize for that; I came back in full force on this beautiful Mother's Day. May is a special month of the year because it is the beginning of summer; the flowers are blooming, the temperature are warming up. But May is also this year the Skin Cancer Month. A true awareness period when too many times may is the month when we start shedding the clothes and exposing more skin.

What is Skin Cancer? there are three types of skin cancer and they are:

• Basal cell carcinoma  
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Malignant melanoma

Basal cell carcinomas are present on sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially the face. They rarely metastasize, and rarely cause death. They are easily treated with surgery or radiation. Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are common, but much less common than basal cell cancers. They metastasize more frequently than BCCs. Even then, the metastasis rate is quite low, with the exception of SCCs of the lip, ear, and in immunosuppressed patients. Melanomas are the least frequent of the 3 common skin cancers. They frequently metastasize, and are deadly once spread. Less common skin cancers include: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, keratoacanthoma, spindle cell tumors, sebaceous carcinomas, microcystic adnexal carcinoma, Pagets's disease of the breast, atypical fibroxanthoma, leimyosarcoma, and angiosarcoma

The BCC and the SCC often carry a UV-signature mutation indicating that these cancers are caused by UV-B radiation via the direct DNA damage. However the malignant melanoma is predominantly caused by UV-A radiation via the indirect DNA damage. The indirect DNA damage is caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Research indicates that the absorption of three sunscreen ingredients into the skin, combined with a 60-minute exposure to UV, leads to an increase of free radicals in the skin, if applied in too little quantities and too infrequently. However, the researchers add that newer creams often do not contain these specific compounds, and that the combination of other ingredients tends to retain the compounds on the surface of the skin. They also add the frequent re-application reduces the risk of radical formation.

The mechanism that generates the first two forms is different from the mechanism that generates the melanoma. The direct DNA damage is responsible for BCC and SCC while the indirect DNA damage causes melanoma. The mortality rate of BCC and SCC is around 0.3% causing 2000 deaths per year in the US. In comparison the mortality rate of melanoma is 15-20% and it causes 6500 deaths per year.

The signs ans sypmtoms vary amongst the three types:

There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms. These include changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcering in the skin, discolored skin, and changes in existing moles, such as jagged edges to the mole and enlargement of the mole.

Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal. This form of skin cancer is the least deadly and with proper treatment can be completely eliminated, often without scarring.

Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Some are firm hard nodules and dome shaped like keratoacanthomas. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass. Squamous cell is the second most common skin cancer. It is dangerous, but not nearly as dangerous as a melanoma.

Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions. Unfortunately, a few melanomas are pink, red or fleshy in color; these are called amelanotic melanomas. Warning signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. Other signs are the appearance of a new mole during adulthood or new pain, itching, ulceration or bleeding.

Merkel cell carcinomas are most often rapidly growing, non-tender red, purple or skin colored bumps that are not painful or itchy. They may be mistaken for a cyst or other type of cancer.

Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, the risk of developing such a cancer can be reduced significantly with the following steps:

• Avoid the use of tobacco products.  
• Reducing overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in early years
• Avoiding sun exposure during the peak UV times during the day, typically from 10 AM to 3 PM (dependent on country) when the sun is directly over head
• Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors
• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation
• Reapply sun block as per the manufacturers directions
• Ensuring suitable unprotected exposure (15 minutes a day suggested maximum) to the sun to allow adequate Vitamin D formation.

Australian scientist Ian Frazer who developed a vaccine for cervical cancer, says that a vaccine effective in preventing for certain types of skin cancer has proven effective on animals and could be available within a decade. The vaccine would only be effective against Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

So even though today it is mother's Day and we should have a thought for our beloved mother. We shall also have a thought for those who were diagnosed with cancer and more specifically with skin cancer. happy Mother's Day Mom!!

P.S. Just wanted to shoot out a quick blurb to let you all know about the 20% off sale at SkinCareRx. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness month and to celebrate SkinCareRx has created a coupon code to save 20% on sunscreen and more. The code works Store-wide minus a few exclusions.

Celebrate Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Save 20% Off Storewide at SkinCareRx.com! Use Code: SUNSMART20

Skin Care After Sun Exposure and Sunburns

We have looked at various sunscreen lotion aimed at protecting your skin while on the beach, working in your garden or simply reading a good book at the local park. We have all experienced sunburns at one time or another. Either we forgot the sunscreen application not realizing the strength of the UV index or we simply thought a quick sun exposure will facilitate and expedite a quick tanned look. One must remember that many sunburn areas of our body are the one we likely ignore all the time, such as our lips, our nose, and also our head. Yes our head, even though we have hair and also some don't, which makes it worst but our scalp is vulnerable to sun exposure. Since applying sunscreen in our hair to reach our scalp, a sun-brimmed hat is the best approach. But if you have a Yul Brynner look and and you have no hair, a sunscreen is strongly recommended.

Sunburns can have a devastated effect on your skin and the long term side effects are apt to occur if not taken care right away. Factors such as aging skin, dry skin, and even skin cancer are dangers which must be considered. Frequent sunburns are dangerous and must be properly cared. I will always remember that one trip to Miami, in my teenage years where I fell asleep by the pool and slept all afternoon in my lounge chair. When I woke up at 4:00pm; I couldn't move and the comparison to a lobster were close. Needless to say, the rest of my vacation was a nightmare, in my room shaking like it was 20 degrees Farenheit and walking like a robot. All this to say, the sun gave me eventually 2nd degree burns on my chest, legs and face. To this day, 28 years later, I remember like it was yesterday. I have noticed since my skin is more sensitive to the sun and I must be vaery careful now.

It doesn't take long get burnt by the sun in 2010. If you listen to your local radio weather news, they will tell you what the UV Index for that day and tell you how long before your skin will burn if unprotected. Always take that info with you when heading outside in the sun. It may save your life! By knowing the UV index, you will find out too what type of sunscreen you need to bnring with you.

Home care remedies as prescribed by our parents and grandparents are still good natural options. A cool bath or cool compress is one of the first option that come to my mind. If you have aloe plants and you can apply aloe extract to the compress it will enhance the soothing effect and provide nutrients to the burnt skin. Alternatively, you can also use one- half cup of ordinary baking soda into a tub full of water. Using lubricants such as Vaseline can also provide skin care. However, this type of lubricant retains heat and therefore should not be used during the first day of sunburn. Some people use benzocaine to relieve pain. However, this can cause skin irritation and may lengthen the course of healing. To ease the pain caused by sunburn, aspirin may be taken. I recommend to keep the skin as moist as much as possible. Again, aloe cream can also be beneficial. Finally do not re-expose the sunburnt area of your skin for at least 72 hours. And when exposed after that rehabilitation period, ensure you have protected it with a proper clothing apparel that will not rub against the irritated skin. And if you don't cover the area with clothing, use a strong sunscreen with an SPF of 30 as a minimum.

Be careful when heading out next time because the sun won't tell you when you're done!

Sunscreen Options Part II

In my previous post, we did look at some of the sunscreen option out there which are made for all type of activities and all type of skin. At Dermstore, the array of selection of sunscreen available is excellent. I must mention they are recommended by certified dermatologists.

Keeping in mind our little one and protecting their skin is a product offered by Dermstore called: SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion - Citronella Bug Blend (2.9 oz.) It's a is a non-chemical broad-spectrum sun block that is ideal for babies, children and adults with sensitive skin. This sunscreen features a blend of natural plant and flower extracts to naturally repel insects. The soothing formula even helps relieve existing bug bites. This light, elegant lotion glides on easily and lasts for hours. Even after 80 minutes in the water, this sunscreen still protects your skin and your baby's skin from the sun's harmful rays.

One other product is the Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 (3 oz.) which is a broad-spectrum formulation that uses 7% transparent zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate to protect the skin against UVA and UVB damage. Featuring an elegant, moisturizing base, it promises a comfortable finish that's perfect for high-altitude climates. Free of PABA, oils and fragrances, this formulation may be used for all skin types, including sensitive. With an SPF 30, this ultimate UV defense sunscreen will minimize skin damage and while creating a comfortable moist skin

Finally, I couldn't resist talking about the Defense UV Extra Comfort Sunscreen SPF 20 (7.04 oz.) which is This soothing and softening sunscreen provides moderate protection against UVA and UVB rays while ensuring an even, gradual suntan. Perfect for use on the face and body and suitable for use by all skin types. It's soothing effect will make your skin feel soft and avoid any crispiness created by sun overexposure.

Well, have a look at these sunscreen; they each have their own benefits and advantages. Thery will be an added safeguard against sunburns created by UVA / UVB rays. Let me know what you think and feel free to comment.

Suncreen Options

As I discussed in the previous post, it's important to select the right sunscreen for your skin. It is certainly overwhelming to be in a drugstore and having to choose the right sunscreen. Again, like I mentioned previously, selecting the right for sunscreen is on your own terms but also which is the amount of activity you are doing. If you are a sun worshipper with limited activity maybe a waterproof sunscreen is not what you need. If you're someone who will be surfing, snorkeling, in a tropical country, then your options will be different.

The array of selection is vast and to narrow it down; I hope this post will make it easier for all to select the best sunscreen out there as the summer is fast approaching. My main basin of selections comes from Dermstore. DermStore.com is a health & beauty ecommerce site that was created by a board certified dermatologist who saw the need to provide accurate skin care information and qualified, healthy skin care product solutions on the web. Since its launch in 1999, DermStore has grown to offer a range of more than 300 skin care and cosmetic brands along with expert advice and esthetician recommended regimens. Because they are online only, it makes it easier to select the right sunscreen for you and actually any skin care products. Their product offering consists of brands with physician-strength formulas otherwise only available through a doctor’s or surgeon’s office, widely available quality drugstore brands, exclusive spa care lines, salon -grade brands, and difficult to find niche and specialty brands from around the world.

When looking at the various sunscreen Dermstore offers, they have a large selection of products ranging in prices and quality. With nearly 500,000 new cases of skin cancer yearly, growing awareness of sun exposure has led to advances in sun protection. The sun produces two types of ultraviolet radiation that affect the skin. UVB, also know as the burning ray, is the shorter wavelength and is more damaging. UVA, the aging ray, is longer and is damaging to the skin as well. There are two main types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens, which are less irritating, work by reflecting or blocking the sun's rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb the ultraviolet rays. Most sunscreens today contain both, known as broad spectrum sunscreen. A sunscreen’s SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how long someone can stay out in the sun without burning. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 lets you stay out in the sun 15 times longer than without sunscreen.

Some of the products they have at an affordable price while still have an excellent quality is: One Extraordinary Sunscreen SPF 20 (2 oz.) .This non-chemical sunscreen uses natural zinc oxide to provide physical protection against UVA and UVB sun rays. Its gentle formulation is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, making it perfect for the entire family. With regular use, this elegant formulation can help prevent premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, collagen damage and even skin cancer.

One other product for the beach volleyball enthusiast is: Play-Day Sunscreen SPF 30 (4 oz.) This sunscreen is made for a day of play in the sunshine completes your day with the proper protection. This lightweight sunscreen from Noodle and Boo offers non-irritating UV protection that’s non-oily and water resistant. Aloe and vitamin E nourish and protect while SPF 30 prevents skin damage and painful burns. This quick-drying formula is hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists and pediatricians.

And if you bring the children to the beach, their skin being very sensitive to sun exposure will appreciate the excellent sun protection from:  SPF 18 Moisturizing Sunscreen (4.5 fl oz.) This California Baby Sunscreen Lotion is a non-chemical broad-spectrum sun block that is ideal for babies, children and adults with sensitive skin. This sunscreen is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it is free of common allergens. Its light lemongrass fragrance refreshes the senses This light, elegant lotion glides on easily and lasts for hours. Even after 40 minutes in the water, this sunscreen still protects your skin and your baby's skin from the sun's harmful rays. Ideal for use every day of the year to protect against UVA and UVB sun rays.

I have many more sunscreen products of high quality at a very decent price through Dermstore. DermStore is your one stop shop for all your skin care and cosmetic needs. But their vast array of sunscreen is next to none recommended by certified dermatologists.  Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen from Dermstore! and let me know how it works for you. In my next post, we will further explore other sunscreen which have a lasting effect on your skin.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

In my previous post, I talked on how the sun can seriously damage your skin and what is the best protection against sun exposure. Although clothing, sun-hats are important to sun protection, an efficient sunscreen is important is essential to protect the bare part of your body fully exposed to the UV rays.

Heading to the local drugstore and choosing a sunscreen which will work for you can be quite a task. Which one to choose? Do I go for a water resistant sunscreen? Which SPF do I need? How much do I want to pay for it. And yes, we also ensure what they smell like...

Let's look at what kind of SPF you need. First SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and we all know the higher the SPF number, the longer you can stay out of the sun without burning. How it is graded is as follow: take the common SPF 15, if you are using an SPF 15, for a person that it generally take 15 minutes to burn with an SPF 15 will allow the same person to stay in the sun 15 times longer without burning. That is the principle of the number with the acronym SPF. Of course factors such as a proper application like a certain amount prior to head out in the sun are important. Most dermatologist and health care specialist will recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and higher. Myself, depending on the UV index of the day, I will often use a 30 or even higher. Also factors such as where you are located geographically and how you are planning to be outin the sun are also issues to consider. Most of the sunscreen found out there in drugstore or from dermatologist range from 2 to 60. It's important you choose what is best for your skin. Some people have a darker complexion and pigmentation which is also a factor. If you burn easily, you will want to go higher than an SPF 15 and consider an SPF 30 or even SPF 45. keep in mind that an SPF 50 will only provide 2% more protection than an SPF 30.

Next you want to consider what kind of sunscreen will best fit your activities for the day. Do you want a water resistant sunscreen or a waterproof one. If you are planning to be in the water such as swiiming, surfing, you will want to select a waterproof sunscreen. The difference resides in the amount of time you will be protected from the sun exposure while in the water. A waterproof sunscreen will be more effective and should normally last 60 to 90 min while a water resistant should last half that time.

Next thing you want to understand are the types of UV rays. There are two types: the UVA and UVB. Try to find a sunscreen that will cover both types of rays. It will be indicated on the tube or bottle and should be verified prior to purchasing a sunscreen. The difference in the types of rays that UVA are mostly responsible for the aging effect of the sun while the UVB are the one causing sunburns. Both can cause skin cancer and shouldn't be overlooked.

Like I said above, people will even buy sunscreen because they smell nice but that shouldn't be the dominating factor in purchasing a good sunscreen. be careful on possible allergies some may cause you. depending on the ingredients used in them, some suncreen may be allergenic to some people's skin and create rashes and itchy skin. One other part not to forget to protect is your lips. There are good sunscreen lip balm that will keep you lips moist while protecting them from the sun.

Bottom line of all this is to get a sunscreen which will protect your skin based on your activities for the day. i recommend buying two different SPF level and at least a SPF 15 as your lowest SPF level of sunscreen. I strongly disagree in buying  the oil one with an SPF 4 that makes your skin smell like a coconut tree. What you need is sun protection. Your skin will thank you when get back from the beach... In my next post, i will look at some of the efficient sunscreen out there which will make your skin soft, not oily and water resistant / water proof.  

Sun Protection and Sunscreen

As Spring is intensifying and the world seems to come back to life we are of course driven to head outside and take advantage of the nice weather and to have the sun hit our cheeks. I am totally for it as long as it is taken in moderation. You see a small dose of sun is good for your skin. But too much could be the precursor for first a bad sunburn but also skin problems  such as skin cancer if you abuse it too much. That's why a good sun protection routine is to your advantage.

What is sun protection? Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is a known risk factor for the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Sunburns can be prevented in many ways. The best ways to avoid sunburn are to limit time in the sun, especially between peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m, wear protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed sun hat, a shirt with sleeves that cover the arms and a long skirt or pants with long legs, use a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you are to wear shorts stay in the shade.

With all the discussions about how the ozone layer depleting and the sun increasing its rays on us; the sunscreen market has expanded and created a vast array of selection of sunscreen products out there. Heading to the local drug store you will see many brands and strength of protection offered. At times this can be quite confusing. Which one to use? But first know what a sunscreen is. A sunscreen is any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation. Sunscreens are available in the forms of topical lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or spray that can be applied to the skin; a salve or stick that can be applied to the lips, nose, and eyelids; a moistener in towelettes that can be rubbed against the skin; sunglasses that protect the eyes; certain types of sun-protection clothing; and film screen that can be affixed to the windows of a car, room, or office.

Many cream and lotion are graded by SPF. SPF is an abbreviation for sun-protection factor associated with a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates the degree of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. SPF is related to the total amount of sun exposure rather than simply the length of sun exposure. It is a common mistake to assume that the duration of effectiveness of a sunscreen can be calculated simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen, because the amount of sun exposure a person receives is dependent upon more than just the length of time spent in the sun. The amount of sun exposure depends upon a number of factors including the length of exposure, time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions.

A common mistake by many is applying too little sunscreen, which can drastically reduce the effective SPF of the product. About 1 ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen is recommended to cover the entire body. Further, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Sunscreen should also be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. People with sensitive skin who burn quickly and must spend a lot of time outdoors should always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. In a future post we will look at the good sunscreen out there in preparation for the sunny seasons. Have fun in the sun....