Tag Archive for: skin

Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween and during thanksgiving week, I am seeing them everywhere. If you’re like me and love pumpkin or bought so many for the Fall, that you feel like you are living in a pumpkin patch, then have no fear. Pumpkin can be used in a plethora of ways. Not only is this magical squash incredibly effective on the skin it is also delicious and can be incorporated into a many everyday recipes.

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Pumpkin contains fruit enzymes and AHA which brighten, smooth and aid in cell turnover. High levels of vitamin A and vitamin C boost collagen and zinc helps with acne by controlling oil production. A DIY pumpkin mask is a perfect and easy way to try pumpkin on your skin. All you need is 1/4 cup of plain yogurt, tablespoon of honey and 1/2 cup of pureed pumpkin(canned is fine-preferably organic). Mix together in a bowl and apply a thick coating to the face for 20 mins. rinse with warm water. Bring on the glow!

Eating pumpkin also proves to be very healthy as it contains very high levels of potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Pumpkin Butter:

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups pumpkin puree, or 1 (29 ounce) can (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup apple cider or juice
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1-2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (to taste)

Directions:

Combine pureed pumpkin, vanilla, apple juice, spices, cinnamon sticks and sugar in a large saucepan; stir well. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 – 40 minutes or until thickened. Stir frequently. Adjust spices to your taste. Makes 3 3/4 cups.

Pumpkin and Black Bean Burgers:

for the patties:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (or sweet potato puree)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves)

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp coriander

3/4 tsp sea salt

1 cup cooked and cooled brown rice

1-15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained (or about 2 cups cooked black beans)

2 tbsp flaxmeal

about 1/3 cup oat flour

coconut oil to cook the patties

Combine the pumpkin, oil, spices, and salt in a food processor and process until smooth.  Add the brown rice, flax-meal, oat flour, and half of the beans and pulse until the mixture is thick and chunky (not smooth).  Add the rest of the beans and pulse a few times just to break them up.  The mixture should be tacky with some texture to it, not smooth.  Divide the mixture into 4 or 5 patties about 1/2 inch thick.  Place the patties in the freezer for no more than 5 minutes just to firm them up a bit.  Heat a thin layer of coconut oil in a skillet over medium.  Cook the patties for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.  Wrap and refrigerate (or freeze) leftovers.  Makes 4 or 5 patties.

Screen Shot 2014-11-28 at 1.06.08 PMPhoto via ICrashedTheWeb

Whether you wear it or eat it pumpkin can be delicious, nutritious and beneficial for a holiday glow.

Juliet Plastic

1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Skin cancer is most common cancer in the United States with over 3.5 million skin cancers affecting 2 million people a year. Skin cancer has been on the rise in the past three decades. With more than half of American adults reporting a sunburn within the past year, we are literally cooking and even killing ourselves.

What happens when you get sunburned?

A sunburn is literally what it sounds like-the sun is burning your skin. The sun has three types of rays, UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach Earth or us. UVA or Ultra Violet Rays are long waves and go deep into our skin, while UVB rays are short waves, but still go into our skin and cause damage. When skin is over exposed to the sun the body revolts with side effects, one of which is a sunburn.  Skin gets red, sore, itchy and in some severe cases blisters and then peels. Severe sunburns can also cause nausea, headaches, dehydration, fever and fatigue. If you experience a high fever due to a sun burn seek medical attention immediately.

Are you at risk?

Everyone is at risk for a sunburn! Main risk factors that will determine if you burn or tan, are skin type, how long you are exposed to the sun and the proximity of the sun. For example a blonde, fair skinned, light eyed person will burn faster than an olive toned complexion. The closer you are to the sun, the higher your risk of burning(think high altitudes and climates close to the equator). UV rays are stronger during the warmer months May-August, but sunburns and UV damage can still happen during cold months.

Tips to protect yourself:

Stay out of the sun from 10am-3pm(when it is most intense)

-Wear a hat with a broad rim preferably made out of UV protective material

-Wear UVA/UVB blocking clothing

-Wear UV blocking sunglasses

-Always wear a broad spectrum SPF30 or higher

-Reapply sunscreen every 30-60 minutes if in direct sun

-Reapply SPF after swimming

-Wear gloves to protect the tops of hands

How to treat a sunburn?

If you happen to get burned there are a few things to ease the pain. Take a cool shower or bath and then apply a serum or moisturizer that contains soothing ingredients like oatmeal, honey, milk, or organic red tea. Organic red tea helps to minimize redness, irritation and inflammation. Oatmeal is anti-inflammatory and can be added to a bath. Honey minimizes pain and helps to speed up healing. A cool milk compress coats the skin with a protein barrier which helps with pain and reduces heat. Taking ibuprofen can help as well. Do not go in the sun if you already have a sunburn-this will make it worse. If symptoms worsen or a fever develops seek medical attention.

The sun feels good and we need Vitamin D it provides, but it doesn’t have to burn us. Education and protection are the best defense!

 

The definition of skin cancer from skincancer.org is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are many types of skin cancer but the three we hear the most about are Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma. To the naked eye these can all look similar which is why it is imperative to see your Dermatologist once a year for a full body scan. If you notice something different or new on your body go see your doctor. All of these skin cancers can be cured or treated if detected early. SCC (in rare cases) and Melanoma more frequently can cause death if they grow and spread. Learn the symptoms and get checked. Most likely anything you find is in very early stages and is easily treatable. Knowledge is your greatest weapon.

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma

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  • Found in outer most layers of the skin
  • Can be disfiguring if allowed to grow
  • Very rarely metastasizes (spreads)
  •  Most common form of cancer

Symptoms/Warning Signs

  • Open sore that bleeds
  • Red patch (can be mistaken for rosacea)
  • Shiny bump
  • Pink growth-can be elevated with a depression in the middle
  • Scar like looking area that can be void of color and looks stretched and shiny

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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  • Found in upper layers of skin
  • Can cause disfigurement if allowed to grow
  • Can cause death if allowed to grow (although very rare)
  • Grow deeper into the skin than BCC
  • Usually found on face, ears, lips, neck and tops of the hands

Symptoms/Warning Signs

  • Thick and rough sore
  • Scaly red sore
  • Red patch/crusty/bleeds
  • Sore with irregular boarders and crust
  • Can be brown/darker than BCC
  • Can look like a wart
  • Can be elevated with depression in middle

3. Melanoma

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  • Caused by mutation of cells found in the pigment of moles and freckles.
  • DNA is mutated due to UV exposure or predisposition
  • Can cause death
  • Can return once treated
  • Can develop without having had over UV exposure or sunburn
  • Can spread fast

Symptoms/Warning Signs

  • Asymmetry
  • Changes in size or color(pigment) of an existing mole
  • Uneven boarders of a mole
  • Can be black in color or brown
  • Can be pink in color or multi-colored
  • Diameter can be large but not necessary
  • Cancer can show up in places we may not always think to check. Seeing your Dermatologist once a year can put your mind at ease and possibly save your life.

A few areas skin cancer can show up are the following:

  • Moles – look for change is size, color or shape
  • Nail beds
  • Scalp
  • Soles of feet
  • Palms of the hands