Avoid cleansers that use harsh surfactants or sudsing agents that actually strip the skin of its environmental protective barrier. Creamy cleansers are less alkaline than soaps and gels and may be used at night to wash the face. Consider eliminating your morning cleanse and opting instead for a gentle splash of tepid water.
RETAIN MOISTURE AND AVOID TRANS-EPIDERMAL WATER LOSS
In non-science speak TEWL is the loss of water from skin through evaporation. You can make a mist with green tea or white tea that is safe to use whenever your skin needs hydrating. In hot weather, refrigerate the tea and spritz it on cold—very refreshing! Since green teas have catechins and polyphenols that provide UV protection take a big bottle with you to the beach. Spray it on or drink it, it’s all good.
USE YOUR SUNSCREEN
Wearing sunscreen every day is the best way to prevent basal and squamous cell carcinomas, and non-nano zinc oxide is the ingredient you want to see in your sunscreen. Zinc oxide because it is safe, even for babies, and it provides full spectrum UV protection. Non-nano because the larger the particle the smaller the risk that the zinc oxide will penetrate past the epidermal barrier. Nano-particles are often coated to achieve greater stability, but the coating can break down to generate free radicals that cause cellular and DNA damage.
READ THE LABELS ON YOUR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS
Because we absorb 60 to 70% of what we put on our skin it stands to reason that topical substances will have an impact on our health.
This is a short list of the chemicals/ synthetics to avoid and what you can use instead:
- Triclosan. Lab studies link this ingredient to cancer. It is found in many products, including anti-bacterial hand washes and wipes. Plain soap and water works just as well.
- Fragrance or “parfum.” Most contain contaminated aromatic hydrocarbons that are carcinogenic. Look for fragrance-free or products with essential oils only.
- Parabens. Used for preservative purposes, ingredients belonging to the paraben family are endocrine disruptors. Look for paraben-free products.
AVOID DRYING INGREDIENTS AND PROCEDURES
Products containing alcohol can dry skin that may already be extra dry due to certain medical procedures. Sometimes even “moisturizers” contain denatured alcohol. Avoid this ingredient, but don’t confuse it with fatty alcohols like cetyl and stearyl alcohol, which are fine. Creamy cleansers are less alkaline than soaps and gels and may be used at night to wash the face. In the morning a splash or two of tepid water is enough.
EAT WHOLE FOODS
By whole foods, we mean foods that are not processed. Eat these as much as possible. Whole foods provide better nutrition to your body and contain the least amount of preservatives and other harmful chemicals. Quick tip: when eating out, stick to fresh salad bars and food that is grilled or steamed.
EAT A BALANCED DIET
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is important to vary your diet to include lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains. When it comes to selecting your entrees, the American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors:
• Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
• Choose healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, rather than saturated fats or trans fats.
• Select proteins that are low in saturated fat, such as fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds and legumes.
• Opt for healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables.
This combination of foods will ensure that you're eating plenty of the vitamins and nutrients you need to help make your body strong.
LIMIT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Studies have found a link between alcohol intake and the risk of getting a number of cancers: Mouth Throat Larynx, Esophagus, Liver and Breast.
Alcohol use may be linked to colon cancer, too. In people who have already been diagnosed with cancer, alcohol intake could affect the risk for new cancers in these sites. Alcohol intake can also increase levels of estrogens in the blood. In theory this could increase the risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer coming back after treatment, but studies so far have not addressed questions like this.
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