In The Simpsons&rsquo; cartoon, &ldquo;Itchy &amp; Scratchy,&rdquo; Itchy, the blue mouse (Dan Castellaneta) repeatedly kills Scratchy, the black cat (Harry Shearer). It&rsquo;s an endless cycle of torment. Creator Matt Groening really got that itchy and scratchy thing right. Just ask anyone who&rsquo;s ever had chronic dry skin, <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/eczema/article/what-to-know-about-eczema">eczema</a> or mosquito or fire ant bites. You gotta scratch, but the scratching just causes more itching!

And now there&rsquo;s proof: A study out of the Center for the Study of Itch (we kid you not!) at&nbsp;Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has identified how scratching damages the top layer of your skin and causes signaling proteins (inflammatory cytokines, for example) to be released. They then activate the skin&rsquo;s itch-sensory neurons, which in turn produce signals that trigger inflammation and cause more scratching. In short, your skin barrier, your immune system and your peripheral nervous system all gang up on you.

What works to break the cycle? The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to itchy areas for 5 to 10 minutes. Moisturize with a cream without additives and fragrances. Apply topical <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/surgical-procedures/article/what-need-know-anesthesia">anesthetics</a> with pramoxine and cooling agents such as menthol or calamine.

And for itchiness that just won&rsquo;t stop, the itch researchers say a drug called nalfurafine hydrochloride may be the answer. It targets certain opioid receptors on spinal cord neurons. The drug is already approved in Japan to alleviate itching in dialysis patients and folks with severe liver disease. Ahh! Relief.

Help! My Skin Won’t Stop Itching

In May 2019, a random tweet from a guy named Conor Arpwel had Twitter users in an uproar when he asked them one simple question: &quot;Do you wash your legs when you take a shower?&quot;

While it may seem random, it&rsquo;s an interesting question to ponder.

The Twitter poll, which generated over 852,000 votes, was split 80-20, with the majority of voters stating yes, they wash their legs while showering. Days later, comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres put up the same poll on her own Twitter account, which garnered similar results.

This entire debate left us wondering if we should be washing our legs when showering. And what about the rest of the body? Is there a proper way to bathe from head to toe?

To settle the debate once and for all&mdash;and to learn the best way to take care of your skin while showering&mdash; we turned to Vinod Nambudiri, MD, a dermatologist at <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/group/grand-strand-medical-center">Grand Strand Regional Medical Center</a> in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Why bathing is important&nbsp;&nbsp; 
First things first: bathing should be a regular part of most everyone&rsquo;s normal routine and it&rsquo;s likely you know why. But as a reminder, regular bathing helps to remove <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/embarrassing-health-questions/slideshow/5-down-and-dirty-facts-about-sweat">sweat</a>, dirt and dead skin cells while preventing body odor. If you don&rsquo;t bathe, sweat can mix together with germs that in some cases make their way inside the body through cuts and scrapes, causing more serious problems like infections.

So should you wash your legs? 
The Twitter users who defended not washing their legs argued that soap and water tend to drip when cleaning other parts of the body, so focusing on those lower limbs is not necessary.

While it is true that soap and water trickle down, &ldquo;I do recommend deliberately rinsing the legs with water,&rdquo; says Dr. Nambudiri. Plus, if you&rsquo;re in the shower or bath already, it&rsquo;s the logical thing to do. But unless they are visibly dirty, you probably don&#39;t need to wash your legs as thoroughly as other areas like your underarms or groin.

If you plan on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/skin-and-beauty/slideshow/foolproof-tips-smooth-shaving">shaving your legs</a>, meanwhile, it may be a good idea to prime them before, and giving them a rinse is a great way to do it.

&ldquo;Make sure your legs are wet before you begin shaving,&rdquo; says Nambudiri, &quot;so your hair and skin will be softer, which will help wash away dead skin and oils that accumulate on the skin surface.&rdquo; A good rule of thumb is to shave your legs at the end of the shower.

Bottom line? While you may not need to spend a lot of time cleansing your legs, it&rsquo;s a good idea to rinse them off each time you take a shower or bathe.

6 bathing tips everyone should know 
Now that you understand leg-washing best practice, you may be curious about the rest of your body. Bathing is a very individualized process, since everyone&rsquo;s skin is different, and some may have conditions that require special treatment or products.

How often you need to shower also varies from person to person. If you&rsquo;re sweating more or your body is dirty, it&rsquo;s likely you&rsquo;ll need to shower more often. However, there are some general tips that most of us can follow:

<ol>
	<li>Start at the top: When bathing and showering, you should consider starting at the top of your body, then working your way down. &ldquo;Shampoo and condition your hair first since some of those products can linger on your skin if you save them until the end,&rdquo; says Nambudiri. &ldquo;Lingering products can promote things like acne or skin irritation, especially on the face.&rdquo; 
	 
	Then, move on to cleansing your face, followed by the upper body, lower body and then feet. This will ensure the products you&rsquo;re using are properly washed away. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Pay special attention to the dirtiest spots: When you&rsquo;re bathing, it&rsquo;s especially important to focus on the areas of your body that tend to be the dirtiest. &ldquo;The areas that have a greater number of sweat glands should certainly be cleaned every day,&rdquo; says Nambudiri. 
	 
	The most common culprits are the groin regions, under the breasts, armpits, the underbelly area, or any other place where skin folds overlap upon each other. The crevices of the elbows and backs of the knees and feet also tend to have sweat buildup. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cool it down: Although it can be tempting to make the water temperature hot, doing so can dry out your skin. &ldquo;Hot water actually washes away more of the natural oils, which our bodies produce to hydrate our skin,&rdquo; says Nambudiri. Stick to warm water when you&rsquo;re bathing, and don&rsquo;t stay in any longer than needed. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Choose a mild cleanser: &ldquo;If you&rsquo;re choosing between a soap and a cleanser, cleansers are usually mild and less harsh, and probably won&rsquo;t strip away the oils of the skin,&rdquo; says Nambudiri. This is because they&rsquo;re less likely to contain the ingredient sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a common skin irritant. Cleansers typically work whether you have oily or dry skin. It can also be helpful to pick a cleanser with a moisturizing component to it, he adds. &ldquo;A moisturizer can counteract any of the drying that comes with cleansing the skin.&rdquo; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Don&rsquo;t over-exfoliate: Exfoliation, the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, can be tricky. If done correctly, exfoliation can lead to brighter, more <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/skin-and-beauty/slideshow/how-pamper-neglected-body-parts">youthful looking skin</a>. But overdoing it can have the opposite effect, causing the skin to become red and irritated. 
	 
	&ldquo;If you use anything that&rsquo;s like a scrub, you want to be somewhat gentle,&rdquo; says Nambudiri. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a fine line between exfoliation, which is turning over dead skin cells, and excoriation, which is actually stripping off the healthy skin cells that are on the top layer of the skin.&rdquo; 
	 
	Instead of exfoliating every day, opt for just a few times a week on areas like your face. Men should focus on hair-bearing areas like the chest or back, since they tend to have more dead skin cells. It&rsquo;s best to apply the product in a small, circular motion until the beads or grittiness dissolves, but don&rsquo;t rub the area for longer than 30 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water when you&rsquo;re done. Never exfoliate if you have any sort of open cut or wound. 
	 
	The type of exfoliation and how often you need to do it will all depend on your skin type, so talk with your healthcare provider to learn what&rsquo;s best for you. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Pat-dry and moisturize post-shower: Nambudiri suggests gently patting skin dry post-shower, since rubbing can cause irritation. Then, make a habit of moisturizing the skin 2-3 minutes after showering when your skin is still moist.</li>
</ol>

So, the next time you hop in the shower, practice these healthy skin habits that are sure to keep your body clean, head to toe, legs included.

Medically reviewed&nbsp;in July 2019.

Should You Wash Your Legs? Plus 6 Other Must-Know Showering Tips

Frigid, dry air outside and heated, dry air inside, can do a number on your skin during the winter months. But you don&#39;t need fancy repair creams that cost an arm and a leg to prevent cracking and crinkles. To keep your skin glowing from head to toe, try these tricks that will keep it feeling smooth and youthful all winter long:

Feed your skin wrinkle-fighters. Eat citrus (oranges, tangelos, grapefruit) often. The fruitful bonanza of vitamin C discourages wrinkles because C helps pump up collagen (supportive protein fibers that stop skin from sagging).

Wash with the right stuff. Skip soaps with colors and fragrances. Dyes can leave a dull residue, and scents can trigger allergies. Instead, choose gentle, pH-balanced cleansers that won&#39;t upset skin&#39;s protective acid mantle, which keeps moisture in. Tip: If the soap you&#39;re using doesn&#39;t sting your eyes, it likely won&#39;t bother your skin.

Go for the greens. To keep skin from drying out, up your intake of dark green veggies. Spinach, broccoli and <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/health-value-of-foods/health-benefits-eating-mustard-greens">mustard greens</a> are especially rich in skin-loving vitamin A,&nbsp;which encourages cell turnover, deters dryness, and keeps skin&#39;s surface supple.

Seal in moisture. If you are over 50 or live in a really dry climate like the desert, slather lotion all over your body while you&#39;re still damp from the shower. Repeat on your hands after each cold-and-flu-fighting scrub.

Winter Skin Savers

Keep your skin hydrated with these simple tips from a dermatologist.

6 Ways to Prevent Dry Skin

Congratulations on losing weight! Unfortunately, your battle of the bulge may not be over just yet. That&rsquo;s because substantial weight loss can leave behind loose, saggy skin that can make you feel self-conscious.

Enter <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/body-contouring/what-is-body-contouring" target="_blank">body contouring surgery</a>. Also known as skin removal surgery, body contouring surgery may be the last hurdle to overcome before you&rsquo;re content with your looks.

Why get it done? 
Body contouring surgery is elective; if you&rsquo;re happy with your appearance, you don&rsquo;t need it. But if you&rsquo;ve lost a lot of weight in a short period of time&mdash;as can occur after weight loss surgery&mdash;the excess skin may be bothering you. Body contouring surgery is a way to remove excess skin so that you can feel better about your looks.

What areas of my body can be treated? 
After substantial weight loss you can have excess skin in almost any area. Surgeons offer a <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/surgical-procedures/what-plastic-surgeons-bariatric-surgery" target="_blank">variety of procedures</a>, including:

<ul>
	<li>Tummy tuck</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/what-belt-lipectomy" target="_blank">Belt lipectomy</a> (lower abdomen and back lift)</li>
	<li>Brachioplasty (arm lift)</li>
	<li>Face and neck lift</li>
	<li>Inner thigh lift</li>
	<li>Mastoplexy (breast lift)</li>
</ul>

How does it work? 
It depends on which area of the body you&rsquo;re working on, but all body contouring surgeries require an incision to remove excess skin and sutures to close the wounds. The procedures are performed under general anesthesia, so you are asleep during surgery. If you need more than one procedure, they will likely be done in stages, over a period of years to reduce complications and allow you time to heal properly.&nbsp;

What are the risks? 
Body contouring surgery, like all surgeries, has <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/body-contouring/risk-body-contouring" target="_blank">risks</a>. They can include infection, blood clots, scars, and anesthesia complications. There is also a chance you may not be happy with the results &ndash; your skin may still be loose or asymmetrical, or the results might not meet your expectations.

How much does it cost? 
Body contouring surgery can be expensive, and it&rsquo;s usually not covered by insurance. Costs vary widely, depending on the type of procedure, the surgeon&rsquo;s experience and your location. Make sure you understand the total cost of the procedure before you go under the knife.

Skin Removal Surgery After Weight Loss

With a few healthy habits, you can steer clear of cuts and razor burn.

5 Foolproof Tips for Smooth Shaving

Get the facts about vampire facials, cryotherapy, fish pedicures and other strange spa trends.

10 Bizarre Beauty Treatments You Won’t Believe Actually Exist

Wrinkles may be an inevitable part of aging, but that doesn&#39;t mean fighting them is useless. Protecting your skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most significant thing you can do to prevent wrinkles, sagging and discoloration. And some people try invasive techniques, such as chemical peels, Botox, dermal fillers or surgery. But those efforts are all done from the outside. What about protecting your skin from the inside?

Can something as simple as modifying what you eat and drink help to smooth the lines on your face or prevent future wrinkles?

Erase wrinkles: No . . . look younger: Yes 
Studies show that what you eat or don&#39;t eat has a definite effect on the health of your skin. As your body&#39;s outermost barrier and largest organ, your skin is continuously exposed to various sources of stress, including many environmental factors. So, although a new diet won&#39;t clear away all your wrinkles or halt skin aging, nutrition can make a huge difference not only in how you look but also in how you feel.

Foods to fight aging 
Experts suspect that vitamins A, C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium may keep wrinkles at bay by reducing the amount of potentially damaging free radicals produced by skin cells. And carotenoid-rich fruit and veggies such as cantaloupe, apricots, carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach may also boost your skin&#39;s health. Tip: Choose fruits and vegetables that have deep green, yellow, orange and red hues. The intense color is the calling card of carotenoids.

Minimize your intake of simple or high-glycemic-index carbohydrates, such as enriched bread or flour products, processed and refined foods, candy and soft drinks. These are often low in nutrients and high in sugar. Instead, choose complex or low-glycemic-index carbs, such as legumes and whole-grain breads and cereals.

Healthy food choices for your skin 
Vitamin A

<ul>
	<li>Spinach, leaf lettuce, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes</li>
	<li>Papayas, mangoes, cantaloupe</li>
	<li>Low-fat milk, eggs</li>
</ul>

Vitamin C

<ul>
	<li>Red bell peppers, broccoli</li>
	<li>Peaches, oranges, papayas, kiwifruit</li>
</ul>

Vitamin E

<ul>
	<li>Nuts and seeds</li>
</ul>

Zinc and Selenium

<ul>
	<li>Fortified whole-grain cereals</li>
	<li>Eggs, low-fat milk</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/healthy-skin/good-skin-food">Find more skin-healthy foods</a>.

Visit the water fountain of youth 
Imagine what happens to a plant when it goes without water for too long. It begins to droop, and then it becomes dry and brittle. Watering the plant may bring it back, but it will likely have damaged leaves. Water works similarly within people. By drinking water, you moisturize your skin from the inside out, helping to maintain its elasticity and suppleness, which means less droop, less dryness and less damage.

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/water-liquid-nutrient/article/how-much-water-do-you-really-need">How do you know if you&#39;re drinking enough water? Here&#39;s how to tell.</a>

You&#39;ll get out what you put in 
It may not be a sure cure for crow&#39;s-feet, brow furrows, or laugh lines, but improving a few food and behavior choices could help your skin. Although studies specific to wrinkle prevention are currently limited, a host of other studies reveal that the same vitamins and nutrients that may protect your skin also are beneficial to the health of your eyes, teeth, nails, bones and circulatory system. So if a more youthful appearance overall is what you&#39;re after, then skin is only one part of the equation. Eating a <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/healthy-eating-guidelines/why-eat-variety-healthy-foods">diverse diet</a>, with plenty of fruit and vegetables can make your RealAge younger and can bring out a healthier and younger-looking you.

Medically reviewed in April 2020.

Is Your Diet Giving You Wrinkles?

Immunotherapy is a category of cancer treatment that helps the body&rsquo;s natural immune system fight cancer. It has been called &ldquo;the fourth pillar&rdquo; of cancer treatment (the other three pillars being chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy).

Although they are a recent development in cancer treatment, numerous immunotherapy drugs are being used to treat a variety of cancers, including skin cancers like advanced basal cell carcinoma, advanced squamous cell carcinoma, and melanomas.

Cancer and the immune system 
One of the main functions of the immune system is to rid the body of anything that doesn&rsquo;t belong&mdash;including harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as damaged cells and cells that have mutated (like cancer cells). To do this, the immune system creates antibodies that attack and destroy anything abnormal.

To protect normal, healthy cells from antibodies, the body uses something called immune checkpoints. These are proteins that signal the immune system not to attack certain cells.

Some cancerous cells&mdash;including some skin cancer cells&mdash;use immune checkpoints to remain undetected. This allows the cancer to continue to grow and divide without being attacked by the immune system.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors 
The immunotherapy drugs used in the treatment of skin cancer are called immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs work by disabling immune checkpoints, which allows the immune system to identify and attack cancerous cells.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are typically used for advanced skin cancers, skin cancers that have spread to other sites in the body, and/or skin cancers that cannot be treated with surgery.

Different immune checkpoint inhibitors are indicated for different types of skin cancer:

<ul>
	<li>Basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. The first immune checkpoint inhibitor indicated for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma was approved by the FDA in February 2021. It is used to treat advanced BCC that has not responded to other medications.</li>
	<li>Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common form of skin cancer. There are two immune checkpoint inhibitors that can be used in the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma when surgery and/or radiation therapy are not appropriate treatment options.</li>
	<li>Melanoma. Melanoma is less common than the other two skin cancers on this list, but it is more likely to spread. There are four immune checkpoint inhibitors approved for the treatment of melanoma, which target different checkpoints. These are used in cases where the melanoma cannot be treated by surgery or have metastasized (spread to other sites in the body). Some are also used as adjuvant treatments&mdash;therapies that help prevent a recurrence or relapse of cancer.</li>
	<li>Merkel cell carcinoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may also be used in the treatment of this rare-but-aggressive form of skin cancer, usually when the cancer has spread.</li>
</ul>

It is important to remember that not every treatment is right for every person, and that every case of skin cancer is different. Like other cancer treatments, immunotherapy drugs cause side effects, and a person should work with their healthcare team to understand the potential risks and potential benefits before starting any treatment.

Sources:

Philip Hunter. &ldquo;The fourth pillar: Despite some setbacks in the clinic, immunotherapy has made notable progress toward becoming an additional therapeutic option against cancer.&rdquo; EMBO reports, 2017. Vol. 18, No. 11. 
American Cancer Society. &quot;Immunotherapy for Advanced Basal or Squamous Cell Skin Cancers.&quot; 
American Cancer Society. &quot;Immunotherapy for Melanoma Skin Cancer.&quot; 
Cancer Research UK. &quot;The immune system and cancer.&quot; 
National Cancer Institute. &quot;Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.&quot; 
NCI Dictionary. &quot;Immune checkpoint inhibitor.&quot; 
American Academy of Dermatology Association. &quot;Types of Skin Cancer.&quot; 
U.S. Food &amp; Drug Administration. &quot;FDA approves cemiplimab-rwlc for locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma.&quot; 
Skin Cancer Foundation. &quot;Melanoma Overview.&quot; 
American Cancer Society. &quot;Targeted Therapy Drugs for Melanoma Skin Cancer.&quot; 
American Academy of Dermatology Association. &quot;Skin Cancer Types: Merkel Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis &amp; Treatment.&quot; 
Elsevier Point of Care. &quot;Clinical Overview: Merkel cell cancer.&quot;

Can Immunotherapy Treat Skin Cancer?

&quot;I want to look older.&quot;

Said no one ever (no one over 20, that is).

Six weeks after my daughter was born, I saw them. Lines! Crow&rsquo;s feet! When did that happen? Of course, I&#39;m proud of the life experiences that brought these lines. But that doesn&rsquo;t mean I won&#39;t put up a leeeetle bit of a fight to prevent them. Fortunately, we have many options now&mdash;from minimal to more involved treatments. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of hype and false claims around skin care products and anti-aging treatments. So, to tell us what really works, I asked two of my favorite dermatologists&mdash;Amy Kim, MD, dermatologist at MetroDerm in Atlanta and founder of Baby Pibu Products, and Brian Raphael, MD, dermatologist and fellow at Skincare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Consider this your a&#39;la carte menu for getting skin that&rsquo;s smoother than a baby&#39;s you-know-what.

What to do at home 
1. Sunscreen:&nbsp;This one&rsquo;s a no-brainer. Daily use prevents wrinkles and <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/anti-aging-skin-care/what-treatments-for-age-spot">age spots</a> in the first place. News flash: most of us aren&rsquo;t using it correctly. You need to use a nickel-sized amount for your face and reapply every one to two hours to get nonstop protection. Make sure to use SPF 30 and above, broad spectrum. Don&rsquo;t want to mess up your makeup? Use a mineral powder with SPF for touchups (I keep this in my purse, and writing this just reminded me to reapply&mdash;so thank you!).

2. Retinoids: Every dermatologist I know swears by retinoids&mdash;a vitamin A derivative that comes in cream or gel form. Retinoids work their magic by preventing collagen breakdown and stimulating skin cell turnover, giving you what Dr. Kim calls the &quot;Retinoid Glow.&quot; They also prevent and treat acne (No one warned me that you could get both acne and wrinkles in adulthood. Whose idea was that?). Opt for the prescription form (often called tretinoin or Retin-A), as they are much more effective than over-the-counter forms. Most insurance companies won&rsquo;t cover retinoids and&mdash;warning&mdash;they can be expensive. But one tube will last you at least two to three months and is a better investment than most expensive over-the-counter creams. Expect your skin to peel at first, and only use a small amount as directed. Those with sensitive skin may find that they can only tolerate it every other night.

3. Basic Moisturizers: Moisturizers are great for hydration, and are important as our skin ages. However, most of the claims for expensive/&quot;high tech&quot; moisturizers don&rsquo;t provide significant benefit over those from reputable drugstore brands and probably don&rsquo;t merit the additional splurge.

Treatments to Consider at the Dermatologist 
If you want to go a step further to brighten dull skin, reduce wrinkles and fade brown spots, here are the most effective options. Note: You do not have to do all of these to get positive results (in fact, please don&rsquo;t&mdash;look no further than certain celebrities to know that more is often less when it comes to cosmetic procedures).

4. Chemical Peels: To really reduce lines and improve the tone and texture of your skin, derms recommend getting a &quot;medium depth peel&quot; two to three times a year. The downside: You&rsquo;ll look (and feel) like you have a really bad sunburn for three to five days, so be sure not to schedule this before any important events. It&rsquo;s smart to get a <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/skin-disorders/what-are-chemical-peels">chemical peel</a> in the winter, since you have to avoid all sun exposure for a few days after treatment.

5. Laser Treatments: These treatments are newer and can be pretty expensive, but they do smooth the surface of the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. There are a variety of <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/video/sharecare-experts/shirley-madhere/how-can-laser-treatments-help-my-skin">laser treatments</a>, some which have a similar effect to peels, and others with greater intensity for older skin. Your dermatologist will be able to recommend which is better for your skin.

6. Botox: Dr. Raphael noted that Botox injections are helpful for not simply treating wrinkles, but preventing them in the first place. Botox is best for between the eyebrows, around the eyes and forehead and will need repeat injections every three to six months to maintain its effect. Botox placement can truly change your appearance (ever seen the permanently &quot;shocked&quot; people?) so if you do go this route, please avoid the &quot;Discount Botox&quot; places, and instead go to a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon&rsquo;s clinic.

7. Fillers: These are effective for rejuvenating the lower portion of the face, says Dr. Raphael, especially around the nose and mouth and under eye area. Depending on the type of fillers, they can last anywhere from six months to two to three years.

While these cosmetic fixes can improve your look from the outside, don&rsquo;t forget the impact that a healthy body has on your skin. Even in the ER, I can often tell someone&#39;s health status from their skin&mdash;it reveals their nutrition and exercise habits, whether they smoke, have heart disease, get enough sleep and have good social support. Especially the last one&mdash;because having beauty doesn&rsquo;t guarantee you&rsquo;ll be happy and loved, but being happy and loving certainly ensures that you&rsquo;ll be beautiful.

Medically reviewed in April 2018.

Busy Woman's Guide: 7 Best Anti-Aging Beauty Secrets

Are you keeping an eye on your skin? Research shows that people who regularly check themselves for suspicious skin changes are 44% less likely to die from melanoma than those who do not check. In fact, one study found that nearly three quarters of all incident melanomas were discovered by self-examination or by family members. Because melanoma becomes more dangerous the thicker it grows above and below the skin&rsquo;s surface, early detection of melanoma is essential to survival.

Nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/skin-cancers">skin cancer</a> at least once.

Skin cancer is highly curable as long as it is detected in the early stages of the disease. But if it goes undetected and untreated, it can be horribly disfiguring and even life threatening. Melanoma is the leading cause of death due to malignancy among women between the ages of 20 and 30.

Skin Cancer Types

Skin cancer starts in the epidermis -- the part of the skin you can see. So the warning signs are easy to spot.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Description: This nonmelanoma skin cancer originates in the bottom layer of the epidermis (the basal layer). These tumors are slow-growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body. <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/skin-cancers/what-is-basal-cell-carcinoma?myAttribute=yay">Basal cell carcinoma</a> is considered a less deadly form of skin cancer than squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. However, inadequately treated tumors can cause considerable damage and deformity over time.

Incidence: Approximately 75% of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. There is a 95% cure rate when the cancer is properly treated. It is the most common type of skin cancer.

Appearance: It often appears as a flat, scaly growth that is red, pink, or white; or as a small, raised bump that is shiny or waxy. It may also have a crusty texture or involve an open sore that has not healed or heals temporarily. Most tumors arise on the sun-damaged skin of the head and neck.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Description: This nonmelanoma skin cancer originates in the upper part of the epidermis. These tumors are more likely than basal cell carcinomas to spread to tissues beneath the skin, and unlike basal cell carcinomas, they can metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). However, it is rare for these carcinomas to spread to other organs of the body.

Incidence: <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/squamous-cell-carcinoma">Squamous cell carcinoma</a> accounts for approximately 20% of all skin cancers and results in approximately 2,300 deaths each year. However, when properly treated, squamous cell carcinomas have a 95% cure rate. It is the second most common type of skin cancer.

Appearance: It may appear as a lump that grows and has a rough surface or as a flat, reddish patch that grows slowly and is scaly. It is found mainly on areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, neck, hands, and arms.

Malignant Melanoma

Description: By far the deadliest form of skin cancer, it begins in the melanocytes, the cells of the skin responsible for producing pigment (melanin). Because <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/melanoma/what-is-malignant-melanoma?myAttribute=yay">malignant melanomas</a> have a tendency to spread, treatment is essential.

Incidence: Although this is the rarest form of skin cancer, malignant melanomas are on the rise. In 2004, about 55,100 persons in the United States are expected to develop melanoma and approximately 7,910 will die of it. If treated in the early stages, melanoma is highly curable.

Appearance: It can appear without warning, but may develop from or near a mole. Early melanoma can look like an irregular, inflamed, or flat spreading mole. One way to remember the signs and symptoms of this type of cancer is to remember &quot;ABCDE&quot;:

<ul>
	<li>Asymmetry -- One half of the mole doesn&#39;t match the other half.</li>
	<li>Border -- The edges of the mole are ragged.</li>
	<li>Color -- The pigmentation is not uniform and may spread into the surrounding skin.</li>
	<li>Diameter -- The mole&#39;s diameter is more than 6 millimeters (larger than the size of a pencil eraser).</li>
	<li>Elevation -- The mole is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface.</li>
</ul>

Any one, or all, of these traits may indicate malignant melanoma.

Patrol Your Skin in 6 Easy Steps

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for and what&#39;s at stake, it&#39;s time to patrol your skin for potentially cancerous lesions. Getting to know what&#39;s normal for you is the best place to begin. The better you know your skin, the more likely you&#39;ll be able to notice if there are any changes. Learn where your birthmarks, freckles, moles, and blemishes are and what they usually look and feel like.

The goal of a skin self-exam is to look thoroughly at all areas of your body, so you&#39;ll need a well-lit room with a full-length mirror and a hand mirror and a blow dryer. The bathroom is generally an ideal location. In addition, it may be easier to do your skin exam with a partner, if you wish.

<ol>
	<li>Look at the front and back of your body in a mirror.</li>
	<li>Look at your left and right sides. Raise your arms and bend your elbows.</li>
	<li>Look at your underarms, forearms, the backs of your upper arms, and your palms.</li>
	<li>Sit down and look at the back of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet. (Think about the times your soles may have been sunburned as you lay on your stomach.)</li>
	<li>Use a mirror to examine the back of your neck and scalp. Use a blow dryer on a low setting to examine your entire scalp.</li>
	<li>Use a hand mirror to examine your back and your buttocks.</li>
	<li>Finally, take photographs of any suspicious-looking skin marks. Save these pictures; during your next skin exam, check your skin for any changes against the photos you took.</li>
</ol>

Change Can Be Bad

Changes in existing moles or blemishes, especially enlargement of lesions, may indicate cancerous cells. If you find changes when you are examining your skin and taking photographs, speak with your doctor or dermatologist. Not all skin cancers look the same, and changes in the skin are not sure signs of cancer. However, key symptoms of all three of the major skin cancers, include:

<ul>
	<li>The development of any new colored growth</li>
	<li>A spot or bump that has been getting larger or has changed texture or color</li>
	<li>A sore that has not healed within 3 months</li>
</ul>

Skin cancer can appear on any part of the body; however, the disease is typically found on areas that are most often exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms. Men and women are likely to have melanomas on different parts of their body. Men should pay special attention to their trunks, whereas women should pay special attention to their lower limbs.

Appointment with Your Mirror

Although skin cancer is about three times more common in men than in women, studies show that men are much less likely to perform regular skin self-examinations.

It&#39;s important that you schedule a regular time to examine your skin. This may be as often as once a month. It&#39;s also useful to record the dates of your skin exams and the dates that you took photos of existing moles or blemishes.

Another way to detect skin cancer is to have a professional examination. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have one or more risk factors for developing skin cancer, so that he or she may conduct a total-body skin exam.

What Else Could It Be?

Sometimes it&#39;s hard to tell cancerous skin conditions from noncancerous ones. The skin conditions below are noncancerous, but a doctor&#39;s expert eye is needed for diagnosis:

<ul>
	<li>Actinic keratosis: Thick, rough, scaly patches of skin that are red or brown in color</li>
	<li>Cherry angiomas: Small, smooth, noncancerous skin growths that appear as a cherry-red bump</li>
	<li>Seborrheic ceratoses: Benign lesions that vary in color from light tan to black -- often found on the chest or back</li>
	<li>Sebaceous hyperplasia: Common, benign, round, flesh-colored or yellow lesions, usually found on the face</li>
</ul>

Skin cancer is more common than any other cancer, and the annual rates of all forms of skin cancer are increasing each year. However, unlike almost any other type of cancer, all forms are easily detectable and curable in early stages. The catch is that you need to learn how to spot the early stages of the disease and make a habit of regularly looking for them.

Medically reviewed in April 2020.

More Than A Mole

We&#39;ve got solutions to your embarrassing body problems and more.

6 Embarrassing Body Issues, Solved

This winter you can still hear Dean Martin in TV commercials crooning &quot;Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful,&quot; which pretty much describes why you&rsquo;re extra susceptible to sinus woes and your skin is so itchy and flakey! Going back and forth from cold and wind into hot, dry air is not good for your skin or your mucous membranes in your sinuses and nose.

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/skin-and-beauty/article/get-great-winter-skin-with-three-essentials">Related: Try these 3 great winter skin essentials.</a>

So how can you keep your skin&mdash;inside and out&mdash;healthy this winter? (The first thing Deano should have done&mdash;you still have the chance&mdash;quit smoking, and go easy on the alcohol!) Then&hellip;

<ol>
	<li>Humidify your house. Indoor humidity can hit 10 to 15 percent in the winter, causing dry sinuses, bloody noses, breathing problems and skin irritation. Super-Alert: Fill your humidifier with clean water daily and keep filters mildew-free. Aim for around 40 percent humidity.</li>
	<li>Seal in moisture. Use a thick moisturizer within three minutes of getting out of the shower or bath. That&rsquo;s particularly important if you have eczema (red, flaky skin triggered by allergy, irritation or a genetic predisposition). Also, use moisturizing UVA/B sunscreen (SPF of 15+) daily to avoid snowburn (all that reflected sunlight)!</li>
	<li>Feed your skin. Vitamin A-rich greens and orange and yellow veggies help your skin&rsquo;s elasticity (so wrinkles don&rsquo;t stick!). And consider taking 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily&mdash;turns out this mood- and immune system-booster also helps renew skin cells.</li>
</ol>

Then, you can join Mr. Martin, singing, &ldquo;Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Medically reviewed in April 2020.

Keep Your Skin and Sinuses Healthy This Winter

In the 2009 film Julie &amp; Julia, a blogger played by Amy Adams attempts to cook her way through Julia Child&rsquo;s iconic tome, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. When she encounters a recipe for aspic, she says, with a touch of sarcasm, &ldquo;Aspic is sort of a beef-flavored Jell-O mold. Doesn&#39;t that sound delicious?&rdquo; But whether you like it or not, there&rsquo;s one aspect of aspic that neither Julia nor Julie seemed to realize: A protein in this dish&mdash;collagen&mdash;may do wonders for your skin.

Although aspic isn&rsquo;t on menus very often these days, folks are gobbling up collagen&mdash;the main structural protein of skin, connective tissues, tendons and cartilage&mdash;in supplement tablets, gummies and powders (98 million dollars&rsquo; worth this year).

The trend is fueled by small studies linking collagen supplementation to improved skin appearance, less brittle nails and reduced pain from <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/osteoporosis/article/bone-strengthening-foods-to-fight-osteoporosis">osteoarthritis</a>. And folks hope it will reverse age-related collagen loss that causes wrinkles, crepey skin and weaker joints and muscles.

But your best bet, says the Cleveland Clinic, is to:

<ul>
	<li>Eat foods containing the amino acids that are the building-blocks of collagen in your body&mdash;chicken (skinless), <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/article/eating-fish-may-be-tied-to-lower-rheumatoid-arthritis-risk">fish</a>, egg whites and nonfat diary. The powdered collagen may not make it through your stomach acid, but food&rsquo;s building blocks of collagen will!</li>
	<li>Get collagen-building vitamin C from fruits, red and green peppers, and greens; and zinc and copper from nuts, whole grains and beans.</li>
</ul>

If you do take supplements, use hydrolyzed collagen powder&mdash;and make sure it&rsquo;s sourced and manufactured reliably.

Medically reviewed in February 2020.

Should I Take Collagen Supplements?

When Johnny Depp and Winona Rider parted ways, Depp reworked one tat to read Wino Forever. When Geena Davis split with first husband Renny, her tattoo redo showed up as the Denny&#39;s logo. But if you&rsquo;re trying to completely remove your old tattoo, fasten your seatbelt. Mark Wahlberg decided to set an example for his two oldest kids and brought them along to his more than 20 laser-powered tat-removal sessions. &quot;It&#39;s like getting burned with hot bacon grease... Hopefully that will deter them.&quot;

The number of tattoo-removals in the U.S. hit 100,000 in 2011, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, up from around 86,000 in 2010. And every year should see thousands more. That comes as no surprise; a Harris poll found 1 in 8 American adults with tattoos regrets getting one. As someone once said &quot;A tattoo is a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling.&quot;

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/tattoos/remember-before-tattoo-remove" target="_blank">Related: Here&#39;s what to consider before having a tattoo removed.</a>

The most popular method of <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/tattoos/what-complications-laser-tattoo-removal" target="_blank">tattoo removal uses lasers</a> (dermabrasion and surgery are the other alternatives). That&rsquo;s because in the right hands (a board certified, licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon) colors can be zapped away using various laser densities and effective after-treatment minimizes scarring.

So our advice? Think (twice) before you ink. It seems the most common problem associated with having toxins etched into your skin is...<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/tattoos/how-remove-tattoo" target="_blank">how to get rid of them</a>. You might want to consider veggie dye ink. Your tattoo artist may have to special order it for you, but it can be removed much less painfully.

<a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/tattoos" target="_blank">Related: Find out more about tattoo safety and removal.</a>

Medically reviewed in May 2019.

Tattoo Removal (It Seemed like a Good Idea at the Time)

At the end of a long day, it&rsquo;s all too easy to skip a step in your nighttime routine and go to sleep without washing your face. But you may be doing more harm to your skin than you think by sleeping with makeup on. &ldquo;Makeup and oil buildup can cause breakouts, infections, rashes, enlarged pores, wrinkles and a dull complexion,&rdquo; says James Ralston, MD, dermatologist and founding president of the <a href="https://www.dermatologymckinney.com" target="_blank">Dermatology Center of McKinney</a> and dermatologist at&nbsp;Medical City McKinney. Here&rsquo;s why that 30 seconds of cleansing is worth it.

Worst-case scenario #1: You could breakout, big-time. 
Not washing off makeup, like foundation and concealer, can bring on the pimples. &ldquo;When makeup clogs the pores, the bacteria involved with acne formation can get trapped in those pores and cause breakouts,&rdquo; says Dr. Ralston.

Lip-gloss and lipstick, which often contain pore-clogging waxes, are zit culprits, too. &ldquo;If you sleep with lipstick on, you can get blackheads or acne right around your lip area,&rdquo; says Ralston.

Worst-case scenario #2: You could get an eye infection. 
Leaving your mascara or eyeliner on overnight can lead to clogged eyelid pores and a nasty <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/bacterial-eye-infections/what-is-stye">stye</a>. Plus, &ldquo;rubbing your eyes on the pillowcase while you&rsquo;re sleeping can get makeup in your eye, and can cause inflammation or an infection,&rdquo; explains Ralston.

Worst-case scenario #3: You could add years to your skin. 
A clean face gives your skin room to breathe and repair itself overnight. While you&rsquo;re sleeping, melatonin in your skin fights the development of fine lines and hormones help collagen-producing cells improve elasticity and tightness. &ldquo;Pollution and free radicals collect on your skin throughout the day and&mdash;if skin isn&rsquo;t cleansed properly at night&mdash;stay on your skin, breaking down collagen. This causes wrinkling and gives you a dull complexion,&rdquo; says Ralston.

Oops, you did it again. What now? 
Reverse repeat-offender damage by getting back on a regular cleansing routine. Keep your face-washing regime simple so you&rsquo;ll stick to it. &ldquo;In general, wash your face for 30 seconds at night with warm water and a gentle cleanser,&rdquo; advises Ralston. He recommends mild cleansers that are fragrance-free and have a neutral <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/lab-tests/what-is-ph">pH</a> to avoid irritation and dryness. Keeping makeup-removing wipes on your bedside table can also help you remember to cleanse your face before bed. See your dermatologist to discuss a skin care routine that&rsquo;s right for you.

Medically reviewed in November 2018.

Worst Case Scenario: Sleeping With Makeup On

Five things your hair is trying to tell you.

What Your Hair Says About Your Health

You probably know that <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/type-2-diabetes/article/better-blood-sugar-in-a-bowl">oatmeal&#39;s</a> a fiber-rich superfood that does an all-star job of sopping up cholesterol and speeding it out of the body. But do you also know that its grainy little flakes perform mini miracles when applied to skin? Oatmeal whisks away dead cells, irritation, and redness, leaving a soft, moist glow behind.

While this could be news to you, oatmeal&#39;s long been a staple among skin pros&mdash;even ancient ones. Its skin-soothing powers were known as early as 2000 BC, and to this day, the FDA cites it as effective for relieving dryness and inflammation, including insect stings, rashes, and eczema. That&#39;s why finely powdered (&quot;colloidal&quot;) oatmeal is sifted into soothing body soaks, moisturizers, and soaps. (Pulverizing the oats into powder makes it easier to disperse their healing goodness&mdash;and in soaks it keeps them from collecting in the bottom of the tub.)

&quot;There are four reasons why your skin adores oatmeal,&quot; explains New York City dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD:

1. Dryness fighting: Oats contain polysaccharides, which become gelatinous in water and leave a fine protective film on the skin, preventing dull, flaky dryness.

2. Moisturizing: Oats are full of healthy, lubricating fats.

3. Defense building: The proteins in oatmeal help maintain the skin&#39;s natural barrier function, which ensures that the world outside the skin stays out, and what&#39;s inside the skin stays in.

4. Pore cleansing: Oats are filled with natural cleansers (called saponins) that gently remove dirt and oil from the pores.

To reap all of these benefits, Wechsler suggests treating your skin to a colloidal oatmeal mask every week or two. Here&#39;s her super simple recipe&mdash;good bet the ingredients are already in your kitchen.

The skin doc&#39;s smoothing, soothing oatmeal mask

<ul>
	<li>2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats</li>
	<li>2 tablespoons hot water</li>
	<li>1/2 tablespoon honey</li>
</ul>

1. Put the oats into a clean herb or coffee grinder on the finest setting, and process into powder.

2. Pour into a small bowl and stir in hot water and honey. Let stand for 5 minutes.

3. Wash face with warm water. While skin is still damp, massage paste onto face, circling around eyes and mouth. Leave on for 10 minutes.

4. Remove with tepid water and a washcloth. Apply your favorite moisturizer to seal the deal and set the glow.

P.S.: Don&#39;t stop eating oats just because you&#39;ve transformed them into a beauty treatment! They&#39;re hard to beat as a source of <a href="https://www.sharecare.com/health/type-2-diabetes/article/diabetes-blood-sugar-cholesterol-fiber">health-protective soluble fiber</a>&mdash;and eating a high-fiber diet can make your RealAge up to 6 years younger.

Medically reviewed in April 2020.

Beauty and Personal Care