THE GENTLE LIST

 

  Our collection of products to treat sensitive skin types - including people who are just so sensitive to fragrances alone that they struggle to find products to simply clean and moisturize their skin.   We understand that the olfactory sense itself can make someone react to a scent - natural or not.  For assistance, you are welcome to contact an expert by emailing epidermexperts@yahoo.com.

   Many brands sold in super markets and drugstores may not have a scent but when you read the ingredients you will find they are loaded with chemicals and rarely have 1 natural ingredient listed.  If they actually do, it is probably a trace level, not therapeutic.  Be careful, the FDA does not keep track of labeling (how can they, imagine how many products are sold in America alone, much less on the Internet now).  Ingredients that we are trying to avoid using are in many products that don't reveal this - even top name brands you would expect to be honest and compliant.

   We found in research that many ingredients, natural or lab-produced, affect women's hormones.  Well, that's putting it mildly - they affect reproduction of many species of creatures.  So, we are scrutinizing the brands we sell here for compliance with Environmental Protection Agency guidelines as well as the inept Food and Drug Administration.  Luckily, here in Oregon our Department of Environmental Quality has been a leader in the world for research and standards and we have direct access to them for the latest information, since our founder is working on her degrees in Environmental Science, Chemistry and Occupational Safety.

   We also keep up with the guidelines established by the Environmental Working Group, The Oregon Environmental Council  and The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, all of whom strive to keep our air, water and homes safe. 

Cold weather?  Dry Skin?  Read this page...

Elderly loved one who could use a house call?  Read...

 

Healing Chronic Skin Symptoms of Sensitivity, Inflammation, Dehydration, Itching, Redness... Net weight Cost Buy Now!
Plantae Foaming Wash is not like any other anti-age, sensitive cleanser available on the market, thanks to the amazing talents of TecNiche®'s Chemists.  This facial cleanser contains an exquisite blend of botanicals that work together, softly and gently cleansing and protecting pores while also reducing redness, stinging, and itchiness. It is the perfect one-two punch to help knock out unsightly inflammation.
This cleanser  also guards skin from the stress of environmental toxins, using a unique natural peptide from Moringa Seeds which purifies and refuels nutrient-depleted skin. This seed also boasts a long shelf life due to the extremely high, naturally-occurring antioxidant content. Usage of Moringa Seeds in skincare dates back to Egyptian times, putting it at the top of the skincare pyramid!

The marriage of eight soothing botanicals makes this frothy cleanser particularly effective on sensitive, irritated skin types. Just add water and the gentle, milky wash instantly produces soft, calming frothy suds, pleasing the skin as it removes impurities and reduces redness. Canadian Willowherb is one of the main ingredients. Clinical research has verified the strong, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory activity of this herb as well as its ability to reduce redness on the skin. Extracts of Olive Leaves, Gingko Leaves, Horse Chestnut Bark and Betulinic play supporting roles, and are also anti-inflammatory, as well as antibacterial, anti-irritant, and help strengthen vascular fragility.  Daily use will improve skin health and vibrancy, with optimal cell protection and revitalization, while reducing skin discomfort and sensitivities.

Aqua (Water), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glycerin*, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycol Distearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Bark Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract**, Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract, Gluconolactone, Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid

*ORGANIC

 

6.5 OZ

$35.00

Ja

Jadease Balm/Mask  -  for even the most fragile complexions.  This balm improves skin texture by introducing Oxygen and Nephrite Jade. Jadease is a rare skincare jewel. It is a gel-cream mask with a curious plush, yet light, texture that has multiple applications and talents. Its creation has caused even the biggest skincare brands to be jade-green with envy in regards to TecNiche®'s ability to master this amazing formula fete.  Jadease could be applied as a leave-on mask or massaged into the skin, in order to give skin a beautiful, soft texture. Jadease also quickly relieves sensitized skin, decreases inflammation and calms redness.  This not a normal moisturizer...it is a true head turner. Jadease could easily be sold on 5th Avenue for hundreds of dollars for a 1oz!

 Formula: Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitol, Chlorophyll, Cetearyl Olivate, Squalane, Sorbitan Olivate, Perfluorodecalin, Nephrite Powder, Schrophularia Nodosa (Figwort) Extract, Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Bisabolol (L-alpha), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Allantoin, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan gum. *=Organic.

1 OZ

$32.00

Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation:

Jane Iredale Lip Drink - a clear, natural balm to give your dry lips some TLC without artificial ingredients.  This colorless lip balm really is a drink for the lips. It contains no petroleum-derived products which dry out the lips. People who are regular users of petroleum-based lip balms are on a continual drying cycle – the more they use, the drier their lips become.  This formula is a healing treatment for chapped, sore or cracked lips.
In a base of macadamia nut oil to which is added the active sunscreen ingredient of edible zinc oxide for UVB protection. Edible zinc oxide provides an SPF 15 and broad spectrum sunscreen.  Lip Drink also contains the anti-oxidants: green tea extract, Vitamin E and C. The flavor is a mixture of lemon and orange oils. It feels more moist on the lips than a traditional lip balm.

Wear alone or under lip colors.

.25 OZ $11.00

Joy Mist - a soothing, hydrating toner to use after every cleansing.  For any dryness or discomfort throughout the day, you can safely and effectively mist the face and neck.  Long term use of many prescription drugs may deplete the epidermis of moisture and essential nutrients, leaving it dry and irritated.  This situation can also debilitate the vital function of collagen production, cell regeneration and repair in the dermis layer of skin, too.   When wearing make up, this formula refreshes the color for you, and gives a longer lasting benefit.  The Cacao Extract triggers the release of endorphins and the natural aromatherapeutic scent creates a eurphoric and relaxed state of well being. Mist as often as needed, covering eyes while doing so.

Ingredients: water, witch hazel water, polyglyceryl-4 caprate, zizphus jujuba fruit extract, passiflora incarnata fruit extract, theobroma cacao (cocoa) extract, giant knotweed extract, honey, French Rose flower extract, litchee extract, pearl powder, maris sal, glycerin (organic), gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, alcohol denat., fragrance (natural)

6.5 FL OZ

$38.95

Restore Serum - the first step in protecting and treating freshly cleaned skin, providing multi-symptom relief by restoring the epidermis to a calm, strong and healthy state with continued use. Serum is comprised of natural rice protein, vitamin E and a highly specialized soothing complex of betulinic acid, betuline and iridoids.  This complex reduces skin's reactivity to chemical, physical and biological aggressions, while offering photo-protective (UV) elements to complement the natural sunscreen in this line of skincare.  Restore Serum works to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, supports moisture retention and elevates cellular and collagen production.  No added scent.  pH 3.98.

Formulation: water, glyerin (organic), hydrolized rice (peptide) protein, figwort extract, birch bark extract, squalene (from olive), soybean oil, tocopheryl acetate (D-alpha), broccoli extract, witch hazel water, polyglyceryl-4 caprate, sodium benzoate, gluconolactone, alcohol Denat.,xanthan gum.

1 OZ

$38.00

Embryol Moisture - restores and reinforces lipid barrier function and calms reactivity.  For reactive, sensitive complexions,  it was developed to "mirror" Vernix, the nurturing, protective, wax-like substance surrounding a baby in the womb. Vernix is a special balance of lipids, protein and water.  Emulating Vernix with its own blend of lipids from ceramides and organic seed extracts, with key amino acids and hyaluronic acid, Embryol has protein and water retention capability.  Allows fragile skin to build strength and epidermal health.  We've seen what it does for serious sunburns, quickly.  We keep it for a First Aid solution here.  No added fragrance. pH: 5.84

Formulation: water, asparagine (L),theobroma grandiflorum seed butter*, astrocaryum murumuru seed butter*, beeswax, glutamine (L),glycerin*,sodium lactate, proline (L),candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, sunflower extract, alanine (L),ceramide 3, lecithin, sodium hyaluronate (L), rosemary extract, guar gum, leucine (L), valine (L),hydrogenated coco-glycerides, octyldodecanol, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, polyglyceryl-10 pentastearate, xanthan gum, Hawaiian ginger extract, behenyl alcohol, sodium stearoyl lactylate, caprylyl glycol,phenethyl alcohol.  * = organic.

1 OZ

$29.00

Brilliant Eye Serum has maximum ingredient IQ. It is comprised almost entirely of Liquid Crystals, which are biologically "organic" (they are made of the same things as the body: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen). Being structured similarly to liquid crystal, cells love to be supplemented with it as it supports skin's hydration, moisture, flexibility and overall comfort.  Serum also contains Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil (high levels of tocotrienols and gamma-oryzanol antoxidants), Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract (healing, anti-bacterial, antiseptic) and Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Oil (natural oleic acid moisturizes and protects skin).  This eye treatment also contains a highly intelligent antioxidant called "Spin Trap" (Phenyl t-Butylnitrone, or PBN). Spin Trap actually "traps" erratic oxidative free radicals and converts them back into usable oxygen molecules before they collide with and damage cells and mitochondria/DNA.  No added fragrance. Color is 100% natural to ingredients.

Formula: Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Cholesteryl Oleyl Carbonate, Cholesteryl Stearate, Phenyl t-Butylnitrone (Spin Trap), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Silk Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Oil, Tropolone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.

.20 OZ

$48.95

Taheebo Nail Balm - with Pau d'Arco, this greaseless, botanical treatment product soothes chapped, dry lips as well as conditions dry, brittle or cracking fingernails and peeling cuticles. In a tube for transporting with you all day. 1.5 OZ

$19.00

Protect DNA Natural SPF 30 - the first sun protection lotion to address the issues of chemotherapy, radiation, long term prescriptions usage and other medically challenging issues and the skin. Active ingredient: Zinc 13.5%.  Excellent anti-bacterial for acne blemishes - wear it to bed at night!

Also contains: water,caprylic/capric triglyceride, isodecyl neopentanoate, ethyl macadamiate, aleurites moluccana seed oil, witch hazel water, glycerin, citric acid, hydrogenated palm glycerides, candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, potassium cetyl phosphate, ergothioneine (L), porphyra umbilicalis (red algae) extract, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, hordeum distichon (barley) extract, phellodendrom amurense bark extract, malic acid (L), tocopherol (D-alpha), tocopheryl acetate (D-alpha), lecithin, santalum album (sandalwood)extract, honeysuckle flower extracts, glyceryl isostearate, glyceryl stearate, hydroxide, sodium chloride, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, sodium lactate, behenyl alcohol, alcohol denat.,phenoxyethanol.

Dermatologist tested.  Formulated with natural preservatives and scents.   Intelligent use of organic, sustainable options.  Chirally correct to help prevent allergic reaction.  Sulfate free.  Paraben free.  Gluten free. No animal testing.

1.12 OZ

$33.00

For Relief From Dry or Sensitive Complexions Net weight Cost Buy Now!
Quiet Bar -  organic, gentle  and soap-free cleanser for those that prefer a solid bar.  If you are not too sensitive, use this lightly fragranced cleanser (no artificial fragrance). Will not strip the skin of essential oils.  Will keep the pores clear and skin smoothe, using mild doses of Salicylic Acid and Resorcinol to gently exfoliate dry skin and airborne debris every time you wash.  Rinse with lukewarm water - hot or cold is too stimulating to the epidermis and its blood vessels.

 Key ingredients:  Salicylic Acid, Resorcinol (natural derivative of Vitamin A/ retinoid acid), Honey, Saponaria Officinalis (Soapwort) Leaf/Root Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil, Glycerin, Glycine Soya (Soybean) Oil, Echinacea Angustifolia )Coneflower) Extract, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) Extract, Black Tundra Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water.

4 OZ

$22.00

 Quiet Cleansing Gel -  organic, gentle  and soap-free cleansing for symptoms associated with thinning skin, redness, extreme dryness, rosacea, lupus, psoriasis and chronic inflammation.  

Formulation: water, witch hazel water, sweet cherry fruit extract, bitter cherry extract, olive leaf extract, wild cherry bark extract, sodium cocoyl hydrolyzed amaranth protein, glycerin, yucca schidigera leaf/root/stem extract.

6.4 OZ

 

$23.00

 

Quiet Eye Cream - For sensitive skin challenged with Rosacea, dry skin types, those men and women with issues like persistent puffiness, constant environmental stresses and other habitual irritants. Skin in need of calm and balance. Natural peptides strenthen the delicate tissues and firm lines and crowsfeet that have developed, preventing new ones with daily use.  Apply to clean skin morning and evening.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7², Palmitoyl Oligopeptide², Dipeptide-2², Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Ceramide 2, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)², Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Wax², Nymphaea Coerulea (Blue Lotus) Flower Extract², , Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil¹, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract², Terminalia Catappa Leaf Extract², Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract², Tannic Acid²
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil², Squalane², Tocopherol², Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil², Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil.

.5 oz $30.00

Gentle Cell Science Formulations from Glymed Advanced Aesthetics Net weight Cost Buy Now!
Skin Recovery Mist -  Instantly revitalize and refresh dry, lackluster skin from head to toe with this hydrating toner.  Spray on right after shower, before body lotion or facial products to enhance moisturization, freshen up make up throughout the day with a spritz, and use generously on any sunburns or insect bites to reduce inflammation or irritation.  

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate, Allantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

4 FL OZ $32.00

Stem Cell Power Serum - An instant power surge to reset aging skin at the cellular level with a clinically proven high-tech plant cell culture and powerful peptides.  Contains a clinically proven high-tech plant cell culture extracted from the stem cells of the Swiss Uttwiler Spatlauber apple. This advanced biopeptide, neuropeptide and phytotechnological formula also contains 4 powerful peptide boosters to help stimulate new cell growth and reprogram aging skin fibroblasts, increasing collagen production. Essential cellular lipids and squalene lock in water for further hydration while vitamin C helps brighten epidermal hyperpigmentation.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Creatine, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Squalene, Sodium PCA, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-11, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Folic Acid, Lecithin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 60, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA

1 OZ

$115.00

 Eye Calm - a luxurious formulation with a special blend of 100% natural ingredients including natural peptides, essential oils, anti-oxidants, vitamins, and potent skin immune boosters.  Eye. Calm also contains Alpha Lipoic Acid, an extraordinary anti-wrinkle/antioxidant agent that gently tightens and firms the tissue around the eyes. High levels of Ascorbyl Palmitate, Bearberry Extract, Licorice Extract and Blackberry Extract combine to lighten dark circles.  Apply morning and evening around the entire eye area including the lids.  A cooling sensation is immediately experienced followed by a slight tightening.   Apply to clean, toned skin first thing in the morning and again at bedtime.  Can be used through out the day, even touched on over make up.  

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia (Echinacea) Extract, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Caprylic Acid, Glycine, Hyaluronic Acid, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Co Q10, Copper Peptide, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Fragrance, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Alpha Lipoic Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

.3 FL OZ $38.00

GlyMed Plus Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex targets lines and stressed blood vessels deep within the skin's surface.  As part of the GlyMed  Injecta-ceutical skin care products, its an innovative cream formula that deliver five potent amino acid complexes clinically proven to correct problems  within the skin's infrastructure. These 5 micro-protein fragments are cellular building blocks and messengers of the natural process of tissue repair to support the regeneration of collagen for skin firmness and elasticity. This exclusive formula is also packed with Ceramide 2, an essential skin molecule that improves hydration while supporting tissue repair, and vitamin E to combat free radical damage. Contains sea whip extract, to soothe and calm inflammation associated with Rosacea, and licorice root and bearberry extract to inhibit melanin biosynthesis (hyper-pigmentation).

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, Phyllanthus Emblica (Amalaki) Fruit Extract, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Galactoarabinan, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Tribehenin, Ceramide 2, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Steareth-20, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Stearic Acid, Corylus Americana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Cetyl Phosphate, Sea Whip Extract, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Glucosamine HCI, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Urea, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Root Extract, Triethanolamine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, BHT

1 OZ $79.00

A Common Irritant:  Some companies use sodium laureth and lauryl sulfate in cleansers and lotion products because it gives a luminescent appearance and fluffy whipped look to a product. In leave-on products, it is an irritant and can cause problems. The Environmental Working Group and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics list it as health risk to humans and the environment.   We no longer sell or use any products that contain these 2 ingredients.  You will notice these 2 controversial ingredients  in lotions, crèmes, foundations, sunscreens, and soufflés. 

 Read labels before you buy.  Avoid any words that end in "paraben", these ingredients are the root of many skin sensitivity issues.  Avoid "mineral oil" - linked to cancers and tumor growth (visit Dr. Mercola's website).


Are Soft Drinks Endangering Your Health?

Which item in your diet contributes to diabetes, weight gain, inflammation and worsening of PCOS symptoms? If you answered "soft drinks", you're absolutely right!
Which item in your diet is the single largest source of calories in your diet? If you answered "soft drinks", you're right again.
We sincerely hope you no longer consume any soft drinks, but if you do, please read further.
Another analysis of the Nurses Health Study revealed that soft drink consumption is directly related to diabetes and obesity (to say nothing of other health problems). The women who consumed the fewest sugar-sweetened soft drinks or who reduced their consumption were less likely to have weight trouble and develop diabetes.
Part of the problem is the high level of calories in many beverages. In general, women who drink soft drinks and similar beverages do not reduce calories in other parts of their diet, so they end up taking in more total calories than they can handle. It's estimated that drinking one 12-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage per day could result in a weight gain as high as 15 lbs. per year.
In addition to calories, soft drinks contain nothing more than a brew of unhealthy ingredients and additives, like high fructose corn syrup which disrupts the body's insulin and glucose levels.   Then there is the subject of sodium (salt) and its harmful effects on the very cells in our bodies.  For example, we cited a study of mice where those drinking cola instead of water developed DNA damage in eight weeks.
Many soft drinks are also very high in phosphorous, which binds magnesium and increases urinary loss of calcium. You need magnesium for many things, including reduction of diabetes risk. You need calcium for many things, including weight control. You definitely need these minerals to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis).
If you value your health, there is absolutely no reason to ever drink a soft drink or similar beverage.  Now the soft drink industry is targeting young people with "high energy" herbal drinks which contain more caffeine than a pot of coffee!

ACTINIC KERATOSIS

In January 2009 it was been estimated that over 10,000 Americans have this skin disorder, the most common pre-cancer.  This figure is generally accepted as the best current estimate of the number of Americans with actinic keratosis (AK). People with a fair complexion, blond or red hair, and blue, green or gray eyes have a high likelihood of developing one or more of these common precancers if they spend time in the sun and live long enough. Location makes a difference: The closer to the equator you live, the more likely you are to have actinic keratosis.

The incidence is slightly higher in men, because they tend to spend more time in the sun and use less sun protection than women do. African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and others with darker skin are not as susceptible as Caucasians but still may develop it especially at higher elevations or outdoor lifestyles and occupations.

Actinic keratosis can be the first step leading to Squamous Cell Carcinoma and is therefore known as a “precancer.” Although the vast majority of actinic keratosis remain benign, some studies report that up to ten percent may advance to Squamous cell carcinoma. This percentage does not sound very large, but it has a large impact. When it comes to Squamous cell carcinomas, 40-60 percent begin as untreated actinic keratosis and may advance to invade the surrounding tissues. About 2 to 10 percent of these Squamous cell carcinomas spread to the internal organs and are life-threatening.

Another form of actinic keratosis, actinic cheilitis, develops on the lips and may evolve into Squamous cell carcinoma.

The more keratosis you have, the greater the chance that one or more may turn into skin cancer. In fact, some scientists interpret actinic keratosis as the earliest form of Squamous cell carcinoma. An actinic keratosis, also known as a solar keratosis, is a scaly or crusty growth (lesion). It most often appears on the bald scalp, face, ears, lips, backs of the hands and forearms, shoulders, neck or any other areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun. You’ll most often see the plural, “keratosis,” because there is seldom just one.

In the beginning, actinic keratosis are frequently so small that they are recognized by touch rather than sight. It feels as if you were running a finger over sandpaper. There are many times the number of invisible (sub clinical) lesions as visible ones on the skin surface.

Most often, actinic keratosis develop slowly and reach a size from an eighth to a quarter of an inch. Early on, they may disappear only to reappear later. Most become red, but some will be light or dark tan, pink, red, a combination of these, or the same color as your skin. Occasionally they itch or produce a pricking or tender sensation. They can also become inflamed and surrounded by redness. In rare instances, actinic keratosis can even bleed.

If you have actinic keratosis, it indicates that you have sustained sun damage  over many years and could develop any kind of skin cancer – not just Squamous cell carcinoma.

  Read more about skin cancers and the sun.

To schedule a visit for skin care and consultations, phone 503-310-4649

No Walk Ins Please: Clients Relaxing!