Playing it Safe with Skin Moles

Most adults have about 10 to 40 moles on their body, and they're usually harmless. However, atypical moles can be a sign of skin cancer. That's important because early detection can save lives.

Even though self-examination is simple, you may be confused about what to look for. In general, new moles and changes in moles are a good reason to call your doctor for a checkup.

Almost half of all melanomas, the most serious form of skin cancer, are discovered by patients, so be smart and master these basics.

ABCDE Rule of Skin Assessment:

The ABCDE Rule is a commonly used guide to checking moles. This helpful acronym doesn't cover every kind of skin cancer, but it's an excellent starting point.

1. Look for asymmetry. Normal moles look the same on both sides. Have it checked if one half of the mole doesn't match the other.

2. Check borders. It could spell trouble if the edges of a mole start to shift. Are they ragged or uneven instead of smooth?

3. Observe colors. Darkening or multi-colors are another warning sign. That could include shades of brown and black, as well as specks of white, red, and blue.

4. Measure diameter. The overall dimensions matter. Make sure your moles are less than a quarter inch across. That's about the size of a pencil eraser.

5. Focus on evolution. Moles that first appear after the age of 25 or undergo any visible change are of particular concern. In addition to the 4 characteristics named here, pay attention to any bleeding, oozing, itching, or tenderness.

Other Suggestions for Monitoring Skin Moles

1. Look in a mirror. Perform self-examinations with a full-length mirror and a hand-held version. They'll help you see yourself from different angles.

2. Ask for help. A loved one can assist you with difficult spots like the top of your scalp. Take turns giving each other a hand.

3. Scan thoroughly. Start from the top of your head and work your way down to your feet. Remember less obvious places like the back of your knees and palms of your hands. Areas that are exposed to sun more often, like your face and chest, may need to be checked more often.

4. Take pictures. Photographs give you a baseline for comparison. Store them by date so you can track any changes.

5. Think beyond numbers. Experts believe that having more than 100 moles puts you at five times the normal risk for skin cancer. An easy way to estimate this is to see if you have more than 10 moles on one arm. At the same time, keep in mind that patients with very few moles can also develop melanoma, so self-examinations and checkups are still needed.

6. Start early. While skin cancer rates increase with age, children can be affected too. Check your children's skin until they're old enough to do it for themselves. Adopting the habit early in life will help you to become familiar with your body and more likely to spot changes.

7. Rethink tanning. Experts agree that no amount of indoor tanning is safe. When you're outdoors, use a sunblock, especially if you have fair skin.

8. Follow your doctor's recommendations. Doctors recommend that even low-risk individuals perform self-examinations monthly or bimonthly, and have an annual screening. Your primary care doctor or dermatologist may recommend a more frequent schedule based on your family history and other factors.

Only about 25% of adults check their skin regularly, and melanoma rates have increased dramatically over the last 30 years. Monthly self-exams and annual checkups are an easy way to protect your skin and your health.

See How Easily You Can Repair Your Dull Skin

Skin is in! Having glowing skin is a must. Now if only you could get yours to glow, right?

Dull skin is a common challenge faced by many different age and race groupings, as well as varying nationalities. Recent climate changes are also doing more harm than good to skin all around the world!

The great news is that it's actually very easy to repair your dull skin.

Follow these steps, so you won't have to be worried about standing out in a crowd for the wrong reasons:

1. Determine your skin type. Understanding your skin type is important. It can help you determine many things about your skin.

* How long can you stay outdoors in the sun?

* What type of cleansers should you use for the best results?

* What dietary triggers cause trouble for your skin?

2. Invest in a skin care regimen. Once you've determined your skin type, it's time to treat it well. Spend the time to identify the right skin products for you. Remember what you use will give different results.

* First, use a cleanser to remove dirt and oil.

* Second, exfoliate based on your skin type. Some products can be rough on the skin.

* Next, use toner to decrease the size and appearance of pores.

* Then, apply any special serum or cream that you may use. Under the eyes is a common area to target.

* Last, apply a moisturizer formulated for your skin type. Many moisturizers now come with sunscreen, so try to get one with that added protection.

3. Stay hydrated. When conscious about the dullness of your skin, water is your friend! Staying hydrated benefits all your cells, including the skin cells.

* Did you know that the typical body is 80 percent water? Now you can understand why your skin looks dull when you aren't hydrated!

* Practice hydration in phases. Ensure you drink a glass of water as you get out of bed. End the day with the same regimen before turning in. In between, try to get sips here and there. Eventually aim for 8-10 8 oz. glasses per day.

* Although water is the best option, you can also drink low-calorie beverages like flavored water or sugar-free juices. They also add to your overall fluid intake.

4. Get lots of rest. Sure, 8 hours of restful sleep each night is great. But there are other ways to give your body a break.

* When you're on your lunch break, take a break! Avoid eating at your desk at all costs. Working while eating doesn't send a signal to your brain that you're at rest.

* Use your vacation days for vacation and not to sort out family issues. And even if you aren't able to get extra sleep during vacations, ensure you do things that are relaxing.

5. Limit sun exposure. Direct exposure to sunlight wreaks havoc on even the best skin texture. From blemishes to widening pores and dullness, the negative effects are alarming.

* Limit direct sun exposure to 15 minutes per day. This allows your body to generate enough vitamin D for the day and saves your skin from damage.

* Wear sun block whenever you're going outdoors.

So there you have it. This is a simple, yet effective way to repair dull skin. All it takes is a little investment in the right products, and a lot of investment in self-care. The effort you put into your skins always matches the results it produces.

Now you can look forward to healthy, glowing skin. But always remember that most of your glow comes from within!

Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: Natural Skincare guide and also download the free health report available there!

Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over 35 years and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.

Just send him a note on the form here - Contact Us - to request a personal no obligation one-on-one consultation with Warren

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