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Skin
Thinking of Getting Inked?
I have never gotten a tattoo unless you count the temporary henna kind, but it looks like I might be in the minority. About 25 percent of 18- to 30-year-olds have been inked, and 65 percent of them are women. If you've always wanted to get your fave butterfly etched onto your ankle, here are some things WebMD wants you to know before anyone puts a needle to your skin.
Blame Your Family For Skin Cancer?
Wearing sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the harmful rays that can lead to skin cancer, but unfortunately, two new studies suggest that your risk could be inherited. One study found that if an identical twin had melanoma, it increased the other twin's risk as well. The second study showed that those who had a sibling or parent with skin cancer also had an increased risk of developing this disease.
Minutes to a Healthier You: Shorter Showers
Itchy, flaky, dry skin is a common issue among fit women because they often shower twice a day — once in the morning, and once after a workout. The water washes away the natural oils in your skin that protect it from drying out. On top of that, now that cooler temps are moving in for many of us, we're indulging in longer, hotter showers to warm us up, which dries our skin out even more.
Skin Quiz: Pimple Problems
Who hasn't had a blemish show up at the worst time? As embarrassing as breakouts can be, knowing what is behind these flare-ups can help. So take this quiz to test your acne aptitude.
Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Want a Tan
Unless you live in a cave, you are well aware that cigarettes cause lung cancer and tanning causes skin cancer. However, that doesn't stop people from smoking or baking in their bikinis on the beach. One main reason people continue to expose their skin to the sun without wearing any protection is that they want to have that nice healthy golden glow.
Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Break Out
If you're regularly exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays, it can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, and sunspots. The obvious solution is to protect your skin with sunscreen. One problem though is that lathering your skin with SPF lotion can cause breakouts on your face, neck, shoulders, and back.
UVSunSense Bracelets Prevent Skin Cancer
Most forms of skin cancer are linked to sun exposure, so if you wear sunscreen, it's 100 percent preventable. The problem is, if you put it on before you head outside, it's hard to remember to reapply. So the UVSunSense Wristband wants to help you remember.
Are Henna Tattoos a Health Risk?
Summer festivals are in full swing, and one thing I see at many of them is women applying Henna tattoos. Also known as Mehndi, these tattoos are not actually permanent and only last between one and three weeks, depending on your skin and the quality of the henna. The tattoo is applied in the form of a paste that looks like chocolate frosting made by grinding up dried leaves from the henna plant and is mixed with water, lemon, and essential oils.
How-To: Heal Cracked Heels
Warm Summer weather inspires many of us to wear flip-flops and walk barefoot. When your feet are exposed to air, it can cause dry skin on your feet, which will create calluses. The pressure of pounding your feet on the ground when you run can then lead to heel fissures, or cracks in the skin.
Relax Already: Make Your Own Citrus-Mint Sugar Scrub
Indulging in a hot shower or bath is one of my favorite ways to reduce stress. Couple it with a sugar scrub, and it's just as good as a full-body massage — well, almost). Why buy a sugar scrub, when it's so easy to make your own?
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