[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/womensvoice.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/12\/freckles_banner_1000x480-copy.png” alt=”Three middle aged men jumping and very happy” title_text=”freckles_banner_1000x480 copy” admin_label=”Fullwidth Image” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][et_pb_fullwidth_code raw_content_tablet=”<\/p>\n
Parents face ongoing challenges in raising healthy, well-nourished children in a world where sugary temptations lurk around every corner.<\/p>\n
” raw_content_phone=”” raw_content_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Text – Fullwidth Leader Text” module_id=”fullwidth-leader-text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”500″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”] We all have small marks that make us uniquely ourselves \u2013 freckles, beauty spots, and moles that tell the story of our skin\u2019s journey. For most women, especially those with lighter skin or a history of sun exposure, freckles and moles are simply part of life. But sometimes changes in these features can be early signs of something more serious.<\/p>\n FRECKLES<\/strong>\u00a0(ephelides) are small, flat, tan or light brown spots that usually appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, shoulders, and arms. They often become more noticeable in the summer and fade during the winter. Freckles are generally harmless and more common in people with fair skin and red or blonde hair, although they can occur on any skin type.<\/p>\n What about large, flat, freckle-like patches that don\u2019t fade in the off-season? It\u2019s most likely a LENTIGO,<\/strong> <\/b>which tends to appear on the face and hands in middle age because of sun exposure. They\u2019re harmless but can give rise to more problematic skin lesions, so they should be monitored by a professional periodically.<\/p>\n MOLES<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b>(nevi) are usually darker, can be raised or flat, and may appear anywhere on the body. Moles can be present from birth or develop over time, especially during childhood or adolescence. While most moles are benign, some can change and become melanoma \u2013 a serious form of skin cancer.<\/p>\n The ABCDE<\/span> rule\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n One of the most important tools in skin monitoring is the ABCDE rule, developed by dermatologists to help identify warning signs of melanoma. If you notice a mole or spot that meets any of the following criteria, it\u2019s time to book an appointment with a health care practitioner:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A<\/span> \u2013 ASYMMETRY:<\/strong> <\/b>One half of the mole doesn\u2019t match the other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n B<\/span> \u2013 BORDER:<\/strong> <\/b>The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n C<\/span> \u2013 COLOR: <\/strong>There are multiple colors or uneven shading (brown, black, red, white, or blue).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n D<\/span> \u2013 DIAMETER: <\/strong>The spot is larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n E<\/span> \u2013 EVOLVING:<\/strong> The mole changes in size, shape, color, or texture \u2013 or begins to itch, bleed, or crust.<\/p>\n Monthly skin self-exams are a smart habit. Use a mirror to check your entire body, including often-overlooked areas like your scalp, the soles of your feet, and under your breasts. Have your partner or good friend check your back. And don\u2019t skip your yearly skin check with a dermatologist, especially if you have risk factors.<\/p>\n While sun protection and regular checks are your primary defense, nutrition also plays a vital role in skin health and resilience. Specific nutrients help your skin repair itself, reduce inflammation, and handle sun exposure, including vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One standout nutrient is ASTAXANTHIN,<\/strong> a potent antioxidant found in microalgae, salmon, and krill. Astaxanthin helps protect skin cells from UV-induced oxidative stress and has been shown to improve skin elasticity and hydration, and even reduce the appearance of age spots. It acts like an internal sunscreen \u2013 it offers valuable extra support (though it\u2019s not a substitute for SPF).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Not every mole or freckle is cause for concern, but it\u2019s wise to stay alert. The earlier skin changes are caught, the better the outcome. Trust your instincts: if something seems off, don\u2019t wait, get it checked.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We all have small marks that make us uniquely ourselves \u2013 freckles, beauty spots, and moles that tell the story of our skin\u2019s journey. For most women, especially those with lighter skin or a history of sun exposure, freckles and moles are simply part of life. But sometimes changes in these features can be early […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":40463,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beauty","category-expert-advice","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhen to be concerned:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/b><\/h5>\n
Nourish skin from within\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/b><\/h5>\n