August 2007 Summer Skin-Care Tips

Skin is the largest organ of your body containing over 300 million cells and covering 21 sq.ft!! It is responsible for regulating temperature, excreting waste and providing a barrier against dehydration, infection and the environment. Over-exposure to the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and causes 90% of wrinkles, so make sure to take proper care of your skin this summer!!
FROM THE WHOLE FOODS SKIN-CARE GUIDE, NOW AVAILABLE IN STORES OR ONLINE:

• Because the sun is so hard on skin, choose suncare that not only protects, but nourishes and soothes with high levels of nutrient-rich natural ingredients. Some of these—green tea, soy, milkthistle, caffeine, carotenoids (carrot oil)—offer additional protection, too!
• Taken orally, vitamin E and mixed carotenoids may help decrease the risk of skin damage from the sun. Vitamin C is your best friend under the sun. It supports: collagen production (wrinkles are the result of collagen breakdown); hydration to keep the skin smooth and firm; immune function; and, like other antioxidants, protectionfrom free radical damage. Look for facial care products with vitamin C and get plenty into your daily diet.
• Stores like Whole Foods offer a wide selection of suncare products to suit all ages and skin types: mineral based, unscented, water resistant, PABA free, oilfree, sensitive skin and more.

For more information visit a Whole Foods store or their website:

FOODS THAT KEEP YOUR SKIN SUN-PROTECTED!!

In addition to using sunscreen certain foods also help to protect your skin:

• Studies show that carotenoids, found in red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables, have reduced sunburn in humans. Good choices include pumpkin, red bell peppers, butternut squash, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe.
• Perillyl alcohol found in tart cherries and peppermint leaves halted cancer formation in a study where human cells were placed under intense UV light.
• Lutein and xeoxanthin found in spinach, kale, chicory, collard greens, lettuce, and green peas stopped UV-induced cell growth in animals.
• The antioxidants found in green tea prevented DNA damage to skin cells exposed to light at a University of Wisconsin-Madison study.
• Limonene, found in oranges, limes, and lemons, was found to reduce skin cancer risk by 34% in a University of Arizona study.
• Fish oils protect against sunburn and DNA changes. Good sources include wild salmon, tilapia, and bay scallops.

Posted to AOL : Jun 11th 2007 by Maggie Vink



FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS:

Summer is a great time to take advantage of A FREE skin cancer screening program called "Skin Cancer Takes Friends", sponsored by Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Participating doctors are offering free screening for you and a friend, to find a doctor in your area and for more information go to www.skincancertakesfriends.com.



SUMMER READING:

Looking for something a little different to add to your summer reading list? Check out these books which offer new insights and perspectives on healing:

Intuitive Wellness by Laura Alden Kamm (Founder of Applied Energy Medicine)
Twenty years ago Laura had a near-death experience that left her with an amazing new ability to telepathically scan the structure of a person's body and see inner disturbances in intricate detail. She has since created educational programs to train others in the intuitive way to prevent or reverse disease. This book is a guide to becoming your own healer, as well as to develop intuition and the ability to resolve emotional and physical pain. It is available on www.amazon.com, or www.barnesandnoble.com.

Life Is Short - Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta LaRoche
A humorous approach to learn to reduce feelings of tension and to bring joy, passion and gusto into your life. You
will learn techniques to help you recognize the ten simple truths that will help lead you to "an intense, happy, successful life"! You will find this book at www.amazon.com, or www.barnesandnoble.com.

The 12 Stages of Healing by Donald M. Epstein
This book focuses on the complex relationship between mind, emotions, and body, and shows how to promote greater health in our bodies and harmony in our relationships. This book is available at
www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.