Do You Know Your ABCDE'S Of Melanoma?

Warm, sunny weather is fast approaching and soon beach chairs, swimming pools and playing in the sand will be calling our names. Please, please, please don't forget your sunscreen! Women in the US have had significant increases in the two most common non-melanoma skin cancers, basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

At GlamourJunkie we are firm believers in treating your skin like gold. We believe in seeing a dermatologist once a year to have all moles and freckles checked. We also believe in doing self exams throughout the year. Do you know what to look for? Would you recognize something suspicious? Look for the ABCDE's of melanoma. If  you see one or more, head straight to your dermatologist. A = ASYMETRY: if you draw a line through this mole, the two sides will not match.


B = BORDER: the borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. the edges may be scalloped or notched.

C = COLOR: having a variety of colors is another warning signal. a number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. a melanoma may also become red, blue or some other color.

D = DIAMETER: melanomas are usually larger in diameter than the size of the eraser on a pencil (1/4 inch or 6mm) but they may be smaller when first detected.

E = EVOLVING: any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptoms such as bleeding, itching or crusting- points to danger.





SPF stands for sun protection factor. It is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent the sun's rays from damaging the skin. It takes 20 minutes for your skin to start turning red without sunscreen. Using a sunscreen with SPF 15 theoretically prevents burning 15 times longer- about 5 hours. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours.

You don't have to wear a beach sunscreen during a normal day. If you wear cosmetics, try using a moisturizer or foundation that has an SPF included. My favorite sunscreen to wear under makeup is Derma Defense SPF 30 by Esente'. It is super light and dries fast. We often forget to apply sunscreen to our ears, necks, hands and chest. These areas of our bodies get sun everyday because they are always exposed. Have you noticed the left side of your face has more freckles than the right? That is from driving. The sun's rays can penetrate through glass windows. I recently had a biopsy of a pre-cancer freckle on my left ear, probably from driving. Scroll down below to watch the video. Don't forget: the sun's rays are the strongest between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Looking for a newtrend, broad rimmed hats are very Glamorous!

Watch How Easy A Skin Cancer Biopsy Can Be

Last year for Christmas my husband gave me a beautiful pair of earrings. While I was looking in the mirror putting them on I noticed a brown spot in the crease of my left ear. I had not noticed it before and wondered how long it had been there. At about this same time I was gathering comments from the GlamourJunkie fan page for the Beauty Resolution list for 2010. It became very clear to me that the #1 resolution had to be: Go to your dermatologist and have your moles, freckles and sunspots checked.

I had a body check a couple of years ago for the first time ever and I dreaded it. I was sure I had something "bad" on me somewhere considering my skin is very fair, I was a sunbather and a tanning bed user. On that 1st visit my dermatologist found a small brown spot on my stomach that needed to be removed. The removal process took about 10 minutes, did not hurt at all and for the life of me I can't find that scar anywhere. So when I saw the spot on my ear I knew what I had to do. Like the spot on my stomach, the spot on my ear was removed and both were pre-cancerous. I am definitely glad they are gone!

 I know the unknown can be scary especially when you're talking skin cancer or any type of cancer. But do yourself a very glamorous favor and have your skin checked out. Melanoma can be completely treated if you catch it early. Watch my video to see just how easy, fast and painless a skin biopsy can be.

Mmmmm...Aaaahhhh..., Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, seeds or blossoms of plants. They can be inhaled or applied to the skin and sometimes taken orally. Each oil contains its own mix of active ingredients and this mix determines what the oil is used for. Oils are used to promote physical healing, to enhance relaxation and can provide psychological benefits. Inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefits as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Aromatherapy is the use of essentail oils for healing. The aroma of the natural essential oil stimulates the brain and triggers a reaction. If you have ever smelled Lavender oil, you may have suddenly felt very relaxed and calm.

Essential oils are used in skin care, hair care and body products to promote physical and psychological benefits. Some popular and useful essential oils include:

Rose Oil: excellent in skin care for dry, ageing skin. It is rich in antioxidants and it purifys the skin. Rose oil is found in This Works Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil and Enjoy Really Rich Lotion.

Lavender Oil: its aroma is calming and relaxing. It is used for headaches and minor burns. Lavender oil can be found in This Works Deep Calm bath oil and shower gel.

Neroli Oil: the aroma is instantly uplifting. It is great in skin care for encouraging new cell growth. Neroli oil is found in This Works Fresh Skin.

Pomegranate Oil: this oil contains 60% punicic acid which is a powerful anti inflammatory agent and it can strengthen the skin to fight fine lines and wrinkles. This oil has antioxidant, moisturising and nourishing properties. Pomegranate oil can be found in This Works Perfect Cleavage.

Evening Primrose Oil: excellent in skin care because it contains linoleic acid which moisturises, softens and soothes skin. Evening Primrose Oil can be found in This Works Super Moisture.

My favorite thing to do with lavender oil is to put a couple of drops on my pillow before I go to bed at night and take a deep breath in. Before I know it I am sound asleep. Adding a few drops of essential oils to a hot bath is very relaxing too, or putting a drop under your nose while in the shower. Have fun experimenting with essential oils.

F.Y.I. Essential oils don't become rancid but they do oxidize and lose their beneficial therapeutic properties over time. You should buy pure essential oils in dark glass bottles to keep out deteriorating sunlight.