If one were living in any of the colder regions of the world, the tell tale signs of having enjoyed a good vacation would be to wear a tan, acquired from hours of lazing in the sun, on some beach. Better still, is the idea of wearing a tan regularly by resorting to tanning under a tanning bed, under artificial conditions. While the latter form of tanning may look very authentic and satisfactory, it is a process of tanning that is fraught with the risk of cancer.
Thus, the debate on tanning and the risks of cancer has been raging as a debatable issue with strong contenders on both sides. Several studies have shown that tanning under a tanning bed can increase the risk of getting cancer. On the other hand studies have shown that tanning has helped reduce the risks of cancer by its controlled system that reduces the risk of sunburn.
The UV rays that tanning under lights creates stimulates the skin cells. The activated and stimulated skin cells produce more melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Thus a tanning bed activates this principle under controlled conditions and the fashion industry has promoted this method, making it highly popular among Scandinavian women. That is why the effects of tanning and the risk of cancer have been extensively carried out among this category of women. The results have shown that among the women who regularly resorted to tanning, the risk of developing cancer had increased to 55%. In the same way a similar study carried out at Dartmouth concluded that the regular user of the tanning method was two and half times more likely to develop cancer.
The above studies as well as findings from independent sources had led the American Medical Association (AMA) to adopt a resolution calling for a total ban on tanning under light, so as to prevent the incidence of cancer from this source. But the US Federal Trade Commission (USFTC) was no twilling to go with them on this resolution and declined to institute such a ban. The contention of the USFTC was that the use and sale of tanning equipment for cosmetic purposes could be permitted as it had certain healthy benefits accruing from its use.
Supporting the argument put forth by the Federal Trade Commission lobby another organization, namely the Tanning Trends, contended that tanning on a tanning bed actually reduced the risk f developing skin cancer. Their argument was based on the fact that as the conditions of tanning were being done in a controlled environment the tanning process was completely regulated and there was no risk of getting sunburn in the process. In a natural condition, as on a beach the holiday maker for instance, had no control over the tanning process and if the sun was hot then there were chances of getting too much sunburn, in the bargain. Such exposure to sunburn ran the risk of getting cancer even more. Thus by getting a tanning done on a tanning bed, the cancer could actually be prevented altogether.
Tanning And Cancer
by Javier Fuller
Monday, June 23, 2008
Tanning And Cancer
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil
World over people use massage therapy to help promote healthy skin, nourish and strengthen the body, relieve stress, reduce pain, and encourage balance and well being. Massage opens and increases the flow of energy, balancing the entire nervous system and helping to release physical and emotional disharmony. The many benefits of massage are enhanced by the use of high quality massage oil.
Apricot tree is the member of the rose family originating from Central and East Asia. The fruit, rich in vitamins is used to produce the pleasant smelling Apricot Kernel Oil. Apricot Kernel Oil is very mild natural oil, often used in baby products because of its fine gentle nature.
Apricot kernel oil is cold pressed and refined from the dried kernels of the apricot fruit. It is light in colour with pleasant nutty odor and used in manufacturer of creams, balms, lotions and cosmetics.
Sought out for its high vitamin E content and skin softening properties, apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Apricot kernel oil is also popular as massage oil and it used as carrier oil when used with essential oils for aromatherapy.
Rich in essential fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid, apricot kernel oil is high in vitamin A. Since it easily penetrates the skin, it is good oil for prematurely aged, dry or irritated skin. The excellent softening and moisturizing properties is great for face, hands and hair. Vitamins A & C are good for mature dry or sensitive skin. The apricot kernel oil helps skin retain elasticity, clarity, and suppleness. Crushed Apricot Kernels are commonly used as a facial mask to soften the skin.
In addition, Apricot Kernel Oil is used as an antitussive, anti-asthmatic and to treat tumors in traditional Chinese medicine. It helps to calm the inflammation / irritation of eczema and dermatitis. When combined with an equal amount of St. John's Wort Oil, it is acts as anti-inflammatory and has a cooling effect.
Due to its moisturizing, nourishing and revitalizing properties, apricot kernel oil is widely used for massage therapy.
Face Mask Formula - A soft paste made of 2 drops each of frankincense, rose and neroli oils, 6 tsp of apricot oil, 1 tsp clear melted honey and finely ground almond makes a good moisturizing face mask.
For nourished, soft and supple skin, rub apricot kernel oil on your body daily.
Acne Fusion - Pour 1 ounce of apricot kernel oil, 12 drops of lavender essential oil, 7 drops of tea tree essential oil and 1 drop of geranium essential oil in amber coloured clean bottle. Close it tightly and roll the bottle to mix the blend. Apply a small amount of this blend to the acne affected area.
Benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil
by Kevin Pederson
Massage Oil For Dry Scalp
Dry scalp causes flaking, due to extreme dryness of the scalp it leads to dandruff. So, moisturizing a dry scalp can in turn solve many related problems.
Some common tips to be kept in mind
? Avoid applying hair creams, lotions, styling gels and sprays directly on the scalp. This suffocates the hair follicles and also creates dryness of the scalp.
? Do not place the blow dryer directly on the scalp as it may burn the scalp as well as destroy the nutrients present in the hair.
? After swimming, shampoo your hair as soon as possible to remove the chlorine residue. Chlorine can cause huge damage to your hair and scalp.
? Avoid over-exposure of hair to sun and wind.
? Tight caps and hats should be a complete no-no because it hampers blood circulation, stripping the hair from proper nutrition.
? Have a healthy diet rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals.
- Massage
? A warm oil massage is very useful for your scalp. The frequency and the kind of massage helps moisturize your scalp. It keeps the scalp lubricated and conditioned. Massage improves blood circulation to the head and neck area. Improvedblood circulation removes the stress which in turn helps the scalp and hair. A good massage helps in providing sound sleep.
? Taking a hair massage with natural herbal oils it enhances the state of your dry scalp and hair. It makes your hair soft and smooth which can be handled easily. It relaxes the scalp making it soft and supple. It also strengthens the hair roots which promote growth of a stronger and better hair structure. It also relaxes the muscles in the neck area.
- Massage Oil
? You can either use almond oil or sesame oil to nourish your scalp which reduces stiffness and tightness in the scalp.
? You can also use sesame or olive oil as these have purifying properties which keep the pores open.
? Coconut oil massage is another cooling massage to prevent thinning and graying.
? Jasmine Oil helps in alleviating stress.
? Bhringaraj oil is also very nourishing for your hair.
? Amalaki oil prevents dry scalp and flakes. It nourishes and keeps your scalp cool.
? Rosemary and lavender stimulates the scalp for better and healthy growth of hair.
- How to Massage
? Fingers play an important part in massaging. Use your finger tips to apply oil on different parts of your scalp. Work the oil onto the scalp in a circular motion and cover the entire scalp. Slow and steady movements help in relaxing while vigorous movements enhances circulation and energy. Leave this oil overnight on your scalp. For conditioning you can wrap your hair with damp hot towel.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
