Skin cancer is more common than all other cancer types combined!

Skin cancer is more common than all other cancer types combined.

 It is the most common form of cancer in the young population and in South Africa. Skin cancer origin is in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis).This is why a tumor is usually cleary visible.there are many types of skin cancer but commonly, it refers to three different conditions.Skin cancer is either made up of basal cell carcinomas (BCC), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) or malignant melanoma (MM). BCC arise in the basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis, meanwhile SCC arises in squamous cells (upper layer) that make up most of the skin’s epidermis. Every third melanoma develops from a mole. MM is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, because it tends to spread (metastasize) quickly throughout the body.It occurs when melanocytes ( the pigment cells) in the lower part of the epidermis, become malignant, meaning that they start dividing uncontrollably. If melanoma spreads to the lymph nodes it may also reach other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs or brain. In such cases, the disease is called metastatic melanoma. MM makes up just 4% of the skin cancer rate but it causes the most deaths. With 81% of skin cancer cases being BCC, it is the most common form of skin cancer yet and luckily the least serious. It rarely causes death because these cancer cells almost never metastasize to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads to other parts of the body.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC can surface everywhere, but it is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially the face, shoulders and neck. Its appearance is flesh-coloured, symmetrical in nature and shows signs of ulceration. 

They proceed as growing lumps and cicatrices or psoriasis form dots on the skin that usually come up as a red, crusted, or scaly patch.  Squamous cell carcinoma spreads more often than basal cell carcinoma, but still is considered rare. 

Squamous Carcinoma

Squamous cells, which are flat, make up most of the epidermis.Together BCC and SCC are the two major forms of non-melanoma skin cancer. These cancer types are often associated with chronic exposure to UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds. Strong UV radiation, but also recurring sunburns and hereditary dispositions are reasons for MM. 

Malignant Melanoma

The characteristic sign of Malignant Melanoma (MM) is an asymmetrical area with an irregular border and colour variation. The more moles that exist, the higher the risk of developing MM. In general, skin cancer develops in people of all race, however high-risk groups are blond or red haired people, with light skin and a tendency to burn or freckle when exposed to the sun. Anyone with a family history of skin cancer also has an increased risk of developing the disease.

Skin cancer does not just suddenly appear. 

Non-meloma skin cancers normally affect the elderly, because their cancer cells grow slowly over decades and are the consequence of overexposure to the sun. The most common warning sign is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. However, MM appears in groups of all ages. A (new grown) blurry mole or a mole that grows, you can feel and doesn’t have a round, asymmetric form is another indication for melanoma and should be reason enough for a consultation. A dermatologist can easily check out whether your symptoms are serious. Sometimes the removal of an ominous mole is sufficient and saves lives. With proper treatment, the cure rate for melanoma is about 95%, but once it spreads the prognosis is poor. An early detection can save suffering and also your life. On account of this you should examine your skin from time to time carefully and never forget that one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence or more than five sunburns at any age more than doubles a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life!

South Africa has the second highest skin cancer rate after Australia. This fact should make South Africans realise, that overexposure to the sun is unhealthy.

There is also no such thing as a healthy tan!

What does UV mean?

Ultra violet rays are part of the light spectrum that reaches the earth. There are two kinds of UV rays that damage our skin. The broader UVB rays cause the browning reaction that we call ‘tanning’ and are responsible for the painful burning, redness and ultimately skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can damage the structure of the cells, causing ageing, as well as increasing the risk of cancer. Due to the hole in the ozone layer, South Africa has received increased amounts of UVA and UVB rays from the sun as the ozone layer is what protects the earth from the sun.

What does a sun protection factor (SPF) mean?

If you usually start to burn within 5 minutes, a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 protects you skin for 15 times as long, ie 75 minutes. Remember, there is no such thing as a ‘complete’ block. Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10:00 and 15:00 when the sun’s rays are most dangerous.

Spot the Spot

Check your skin carefully every month and ask a family member or friend to examine your back and the top of your head. If you notice any of these warming signs, see a doctor or dermatologist immediately:

    A-symmetry - a mole or mark with one half unlike the other. Common moles are round and symmetrical

    B-order irregularities - scalloped or poorly defined edges. Common moles have smooth, even borders.

    C-olour variations and inconsistency – tan, brown, black, red, white and blue. Common moles are usually a single shade of brown or black.

    Diameter larger than 6 mm

Written by:by Nicola Langengoven

Revive Skin Lounge

Bayside Mall  

Whats going on with my skin!

Whats going on with my skin!

Have you noticed a sudden change in your skin, due to no apparent reason. Chances are that your skin is affected by some systemic or external reason, and not always the result of a product application. 

So often, clients  want to find the answer to all skin problems in a product, and also maybe blame that product if a reaction occurs.

Here is a list of the most common external and internal factors that contribute to yours skins health:

Medication and vitamins
1. Birth Control Pills may affect the skin by causing hyperpigmentation and clients may see a change in the amount of acne breakouts they get. This is of special interest with a client who may never have experienced acne in her teens, but is seeing frequent breakouts after discontinuing a pill high in estrogen, or starting a pill high in androgens.
2. Antihistamines, which are so often taken by those clients suffering allergic reactions and sinus congestion, may cause excessive dehydration on the skin surface, and some are reactive with ultraviolet light.
3. Antibiotics, and in particular the tetracycline so often given for acne, cause increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light.
4. Steroids, especially cortisone, can in some cases cause a certain type of "acne," which is in fact an inflammation of the follicles.
5. Medicines containing bromides and diodides, as found in many cold remedies, can cause acne breakouts.
Similar acne-type lesions are caused by certain barbiturates and high doses of Vitamin B12.
6. Clients having a predisposition to acne should screen their vitamins for kelp, seaweed or straight iodine (potassium iodide), and eliminate these from their intake.

Environmental pollution
1. The effects of environmental pollution are seen on the skin in both obvious and subtle ways. Oriental diagnosis believes the lungs and skin to be sister organs, and this does seem to bear out when the skin of a person living in high pollution is viewed. I
 2. A client who complains of sinus problems very often has broken capillaries over cheekbones, and pressure around nose and eyebrows.
3. The actual amount of grime in the atmosphere of a polluted environment contributes to the need for scrupulous cleansing of the skin, as it leads to congestion and breakouts if not cleansed thoroughly every day. High levels of sulfur and ozone in the smog-type pollution also lead to dry, irritated skin conditions and resulting hyper-sensitive skin.
4. Within the topic of pollution must come smokers, who by the reason that they inhale toxic fumes, are creating their own personal pollution.
5. Within the subject of the environment must come the effects of sunlight. "Favre-Racouchots" disease, or "senile comedones," is generally felt to be a result of extreme sun damage. It is characterized by groups of blackheads and sometimes yellowish nodules commonly occurring in both cheeks and the area next to the eyes, in men. These areas may also be extremely wrinkled.

Dental work, x-rays and anesthesia
1. Excessive dental work may result in broken capillaries (couperose), on the crest of the cheekbone. The side on which this occurs will correspond to the side on which the work was done. This seems to be especially obvious after wisdom teeth extraction, due to the amount of manipulation and trauma to the face during the procedure.
2. After dental anesthesia by injection, an increase in sensitivity to the skin may be noticed. Again, the sensitive areas will correspond to the side on which the dental work was performed.
3. X-rays inhibit sebaceous gland activity. The client may notice a marked decrease in the amount of oil production, and breakouts of the skin after dental X-rays.

Stress and lifestyle pressure
1. Stress has long been known to influence and aggravate acne breakouts. So often we think of this as being major stress, when in fact it can be as simple as being "uptight." When stress occurs, the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more hormones. One of the androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands of the skin, causing them to produce more oil.
2. Based on the effects that stress has on the adrenal glands, it also influences the production of adrenaline, cortisone and the male hormone, testosterone. A great many clients under stress, display the classic effects of adrenal stress. These effects include hyperpigmentation on the face, an increase in the amount of coarseness or length of the facial and body hair, and acne-type breakouts.

Menstruation and pregnancy
1. Menstruation predisposes the skin to reactions because of the abnormal hormonal balance (excess and then decrease in the production of folliculin, increase of androgens).  Menstruation will predispose the client to allergies, and reactions to pressure (massage), pain (waxing), and heat (paraffin, steaming, etc.). Menstruation is accompanied by a hyper secretion of the sebaceous glands, explaining why clients are more susceptible to oiliness and breakouts. A greater sensitivity to light during the period also contributes to increased sunburn and sensitivity around the eyes.
2. During pregnancy, scars may darken, and extraction work may leave pigmented marks on the skin. Vascular spiders, those small red blood vessels on the face, neck, chest and arms may show up during the second to fifth month, and disappear after delivery.

Elimination and digestion
1. Excessive use of diuretics and laxatives will cause the skin to become dehydrated. Caffeine, antihistamines and cold remedies are all very dehydrating to the body, as is a bout of vomiting or diarrhea.
2. The skin being an organ of elimination, aids the kidneys in releasing wastes from the body. In the Orient, they believe skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and acne to be a result of kidney and elimination problems, and if the kidneys are treated, the skin will clear up. It is also believed that the appearance of gravelly "goose flesh" on the backs of the arms and back is evidence of excess uric acid in the system, and better elimination is needed.
3. The quality of the skin depends largely on the quality of the blood and lymph responsible for nourishing and detoxinating it. Metabolic wastes build up in the tissues, causing a decrease in oxygen absorption. This condition can be aided in the salon with dietary advice from a nutritionist, and treatments. Manual Lymphatic Drainage would be indicated and the use of essential oils for detoxination.

Health problems and medical background
1. Diabetic clients have a skin with a poor healing quality. Diabetics can also suffer extreme redness of the face and increased skin infections, boils and pustules.
2. Thyroid conditions affect the skin, and thyroid hormones are responsible for the production of connective tissue in the lower layers of the skin, and the secretion of skin sebum. An overactive thyroid condition acts on the skin by causing it to become thin, moist or covered with sweaty fine hair. An under-active thyroid gland shows up as rough, dry skin with decreased sweat and hair growth.
3. Liver diseases such as yellow jaundice increase the skin"s susceptibility to bruising, and the amount of spider naevi (red dilated blood vessels).

Conclusion

Above all, skin manifestations of systematic and external effects show us that we cannot treat a part of our bodies without affecting the whole. It is important that when you are suffering with a specific skin condition not to self medicate when it comes to skincare product, but rather seek advice from a professional skin care coach or Dermatologist.  Revive Skin Lounge offers a comprehensive Clinical Skin consultation. We use a skin diagnostic machine that accurately measures sebum (oil) , hydration (water) and melanin (pigment) levels.When booking your next facial treatment ask for  a skin diagnostic Consultation.

Q&A with Karina Els from Revive Skin Lounge - Women's Business Network and Lifestyle Magazine - DestinyConnect

Q&A with Karina Els from Revive Skin Lounge - Women's Business Network and Lifestyle Magazine - DestinyConnect

 

Karina Els is the founder and Managing Director of Revive Skin Lounge in Blaauwberg Strand, Cape Town.

“Helping a person with their skin not only improves the overall health, it also gives that person strength, higher self-esteem and confidence. To me, this is success," is Els's favourite quote when describing her professional passion.  

This highly successful woman takes time out of her busy day to share some insider beauty tips with us.

What is your personal philosophy regarding beauty?

Exfoliation is king! It’s the one thing most woman neglect, although it only takes 30 seconds. I’ve seen that when my own skin isn’t exfoliated it really goes haywire. Body exfoliation is also great as it smoothes the skin and can even improve the appearance of stretch marks.

What are the biggest beauty mistakes you see women making?

• The most problematic skin conditions we see are as a result of the following:
• Using products with astringent ingredients, such as harsh toners, on their face. This can cause severe sensitivity and eczema.
• Using 2-in-1 cleansers/exfoliators. These products are too rough for everyday use and damage skin in the long term.
• Using rough exfoliators to get that squeaky clean feeling. Use something gentle.
• Using body bar soaps to wash their face. This strips the skin’s protective layer, making the skin susceptible to infection.

What signature treatments does your salon offer?

• Signature facial 90min:  By combining the very best of nature with technology, this facial targets one’s skin in a way to leave it revitalised and glowing. It includes thorough cleansing and exfoliation, followed by a warm oxygen wrap to open pores and ease extraction and electrical therapies to improve product penetration. It includes a targeted treatment mask and lymphatic drainage and acupressure massage to the chest, arms, legs and face by incorporating warm stones. It is finished with a cool lavender and chamomile compress to close pores and bring the client back to reality. 
• Signature hot milk pedicure 75m:  The client’s soles are submerged in hot milk. After his or her heels are buffed, scrubbed, clipped and trimmed, the treatment is top off with a soothing application of Revive’s moisturizing mask. It is finished with a luxurious scalp massage and a fresh coat of nail polish.

What is the question you’re most often asked, and your answer?

How do I get rid of my pigmentation (brown spots) on my face? My response: stay out of the sun!

What are your all-time favourite beauty tips?

• One of the best ways to protect your skin is by taking preventive measures. Prevention is better than cure, after all. Protection from the elements is one of the most important steps. An effective broad-spectrum sunscreen with antioxidants is one of the best anti-ageing products you can ever buy. If you start at a young age, skin damage from the sun can be prevented – and so also the wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, premature ageing and skin cancers that come with it.
• A knife and fork is also one of the best weapons against ageing skin. Think of it as a two-pronged attack – your topical skin products do the work on the surface and your diet tackles the task from inside.

Any final words of beauty wisdom?
To get and maintain a happy skin means taking good care of it. Be gentle with it and love your skin, because what you put in today is what you’ll get out tomorrow.