PopSugar

Thinking of Getting Inked?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:09 -0800

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.

Pay the money and go to a shop that has licensed tattoo artists. Since getting a tattoo involves breaking the skin with a metal object and coming into contact with blood, you want to make sure the studio is clean, so there's the lowest risk possible for infection.
There are serious risks involved, such as contracting life-threatening HIV or hepatitis C from unclean equipment. You could also get other infections including impetigo, MRSA, or cellulitis. It's OK if you don't know what these are, just know you don't want them.
It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink, so before getting an enormous fairy imprinted across your back, you probably want to do a small patch test on your skin first.

To find out what else you should know, read more.

Also note that your skin will look a lot different at age 25 than it will at 65, so keep that in mind when choosing the design, size of tattoo, and area of your body.
The artist should thoroughly wash his or her hands before they begin, and wear gloves to prevent the spread of infection.
Be sure all needles are removed from a sterile, single-use package, and all equipment is sterilized after each use.
Make sure you don't drink alcohol or take drugs (including aspirin) the night before or while getting a tattoo.
If you're sick, wait until you're healthy to get your tattoo, since you'll need energy to heal.
Follow the after-care instructions so your skin heals quickly and without any complications.
After you've had a tattoo, you can change your mind and have it removed by a doctor, but know that your skin most likely won't look like it did pre-tattoo. The procedure tends to require a series of visits, it's expensive, and often the tattoo can't be completely removed.

Do you have a tattoo? Did you have any complications? Tell me in the comments section below.

Source: Flickr User geishaboy500

Blame Your Family For Skin Cancer?

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:00:53 -0700

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.

I know this news sounds depressing, but keep in mind that although these studies prove that skin cancer can run in families, it doesn't mean you'll definitely develop it if a close relative has. It does mean that you should be extra vigilant about dousing on the sunscreen year-round, try to limit your sun exposure, and get your skin checked regularly by a dermatologist.

Has anyone you're related to been diagnosed with skin cancer?

Minutes to a Healthier You: Shorter Showers

FitSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:48:08 -0700

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.

If you want to do your largest organ a favor, aim to be under the water for less than 10 minutes, and opt for warm water instead of a steaming hot stream. When you get out of the shower, pat yourself dry (don't rub), and then immediately moisturize your skin to seal in the moisture.

Skin Quiz: Pimple Problems

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:00:58 -0700

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.

Take the quiz

Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Want a Tan

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0700

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. You should know that when your skin tans, it means there has been damage to your skin. Tanning is your body's way of trying to protect itself from further UV exposure and damage. In other words, tanned skin is damaged skin, and the darker the tan, the more damage that's been done. Think of all the tans you've had over your lifetime. It all adds up and can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, and sun spots.

That's why it's critical that you wear sunscreen every time your skin is exposed to the sun. If you still want that kiss of a golden glow, fake it. Spray tans, self tanning lotions, and bronzers will give your skin that tanned look without the permanent damage.

Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Break Out

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:30:50 -0700

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. For some people, it's so embarrassing that it makes them want to forget the sunscreen altogether. Remember though that not all sunscreens are created equal. To help prevent breakouts caused by sunscreen, read more.

First of all, if your skin is acne prone, you'll want to use a special sunscreen designed just for your face and another for the rest of your body. Go for an oil-free face lotion like the one shown that is specifically formulated not to clog your pores - the technical terms is noncomedogenic. If your body is prone to breakouts, choose an oil-free body sunscreen that's also noncomedogenic.

If you have acne lotion or topical medication you use, apply it to your clean skin first, and then apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out into the sun. As soon as you come inside wash the sunscreen off. If you've tried a certain brand of sunscreen, and it's caused pimples then try another one. It may take a few tries or a visit to your dermatologist for suggestions, but whatever you do, don't give up and forget the sunscreen. Your skin will thank you later.

UVSunSense Bracelets Prevent Skin Cancer

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:30:10 -0700

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.

This recyclable plastic bracelet monitors UVA and UVB rays. All you do is put on the wristband, and then apply a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher to your skin and also to the bracelet. As your sunscreen loses its effectiveness, the bracelet changes color. When it turns tan, you know to reapply, and when it turns yellow, it's time to get out of the sun. A seven-pack costs $6, which is definitely worth it since it can prevent sunburn and sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. Skin experts want to urge you not to rely on this bracelet, and to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, even if the bracelet hasn't changed color yet.

Anything that encourages people to wear sunscreen is a plus in my book, but tell me, would you wear a UVSunSense bracelet?

Are Henna Tattoos a Health Risk?

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 06:00:00 -0700

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. After the paste dries, it's peeled or picked off after about 24 hours and you're left with an orangey-brown stain tattoo on your skin.

Since it's made from a plant, it has to be safe, right? To find out read more.

Henna is perfectly safe, when mixed with lemon, water, and other natural ingredients such as eucalyptus oil. The problem is, some henna artists apply something called black henna. This type of henna is dangerous because it contains para-phenylenediamine (PPD) hair dye. When applied to your skin it leaves a black stain, but can cause blisters, open sores, and scarring.

How can you tell if a henna tattoo is safe or not? Traditional henna paste will look dark green, khaki, or greenish brown, not black, so if a henna artist is applying a slick black paste, do not get a tattoo from them. You can also ask the artist how long you're supposed to leave the paste on. If they say less than one hour, they're using PPD. Traditional henna doesn't stain your skin that quickly. Also ask the artist what color the stain will be once the paste comes off. If the answer is black, walk away. Henna will leave an orange stain that will darken to red brown or dark brown, but it's never black. If you're just not sure, it's best to skip out on the henna tattoo. If you're set on getting one, buy a henna kit ($24) and do it yourself.

How-To: Heal Cracked Heels

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 -0700

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. They most often occur on your heels, but you can get them anywhere you have extremely dry skin. If you continue to run, the fissures can split open further and become deeper. When that happens, the fissures can bleed and expose the underlying tissue to infection. Plus they're really painful, which makes running downright impossible.

Want to know how you can prevent fissures? Then read more.

Before you go to sleep, soak your feet in water or take a bath or shower. Then lather your feet up with intense moisturizing lotion, salve, or body butter, and wear socks over them.
Wear socks and shoes that cover your feet to help keep the skin moist. I know this can be a pain during the Summer, but it will really help heal your cracked heels.

Drink lots of water throughout your day to help moisturize your body from the inside out.

To get rid of dry skin on your heels, try using a pumice stone in the shower. It gently sloughs off dead skin cells, eventually revealing softer, smoother skin. If you already have small cracks, just be careful not to irritate those areas.
If you live in a dry area, try using a humidifier in your home to help keep moisture in the air.
I know it's tempting to continue running, but if you have a deep fissure, pounding your feet will only make it worse. Switch to walking until your cracked heel is under control.
If you already have a big crack, make an appointment with a podiatrist. They can help get rid of the hard, dry skin on your feet, so that your fissure can heal.

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Relax Already: Make Your Own Citrus-Mint Sugar Scrub

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:00:00 -0700

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?

Here's a recipe that incorporates the summery scent of citrus. To see it read more.

You'll need:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup sweet almond oil
1 teaspoon fresh tangerine juice
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon fresh grapefruit juice
3 to 5 drops of peppermint oil

Mix the sugar and almond oil first. Then add the juices. Lastly, mix in the peppermint oil. Store in a sealed container.

If citrus isn't your favorite scent, try this recipe for Brown Sugar Body Scrub. Not only will a sugar scrub relieve tension, but it's also a gentle way to exfoliate dead skins cells from your body.