In 2003, at the American Association for Cancer Research Second Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, studies were presented that found pomegranate fruit extract a novel agent for skin cancer prevention. Researchers say if further studies confirm preliminary findings, skin care products such as creams, patches, and sunscreens containing pomegranate may be developed to protect the skin against cancer.

"The incidence of skin cancer is rising faster than any other solid tumor in the United States. It is critical that we develop novel approaches to both primary and secondary prevention of what appears to be becoming an epidemic," stated Dr. David Alberts, M.D., of the University of Arizona. "We are pleased to see numerous studies exploring the therapeutic value of topically-applied natural ingredients that people can begin incorporating into everyday life."

While research of pomegranate extract is ongoing, and the bath and beauty skin care products featured in this post do not claim to reduce skin cancer risk, they do all contain pomegranate extract. Pampering yourself with these delightful bath and body products is simply a treat -- and if research does prove that pomegranate extract provides topical health benefit, all the better. Indulge yourself, you deserve it.

St Helena Olive Oil Co. Pomegranate Soap

Made with olive oil and the fruit of the pomegranate, which gives St Helena Olive Oil Co. Pomegranate Soap its rich pink color and refreshing scent, according to the product description, pomegranate is known for its soothing properties for sensitive skin. View product details here.

Noveya All-Natural Pomegranate Soap

Noveya makes its All-Natural Pomegranate Soap from a special formula of pomegranate extract, pomegranate juice, pomegranate leaves, pomegranate peel, essential oil of patchouli, essential oil of lavender, vanilla extract, organic goat's milk, and pure wildflower honey all enhanced by red clay from the Negev to hydrate and enrich the skin with nutrients. View product details here.


Archipelago Botanicals Pomegranate Collection

Archipelago Botanicals has developed a line of pomegranate bath and beauty products. According to the company webpage, ancient Greeks touted its medicinal benefits, while modern beauty editors point out that the fruit is loaded with powerful antioxidants. Two of the products they offer are:

Archipelago Botanicals Pomegranate Triple Milled Soap made with a blend of pomegranate, white tea, cranberry, and chamomile extracts in a 100 percent vegetable base. View product details here.

Archipelago Botanicals Pomegranate Body Polish is formulated with ground pomegranate and cranberry seeds to gently exfoliate and detoxify. View product details here.

Aqua Dessa Honey Pomegranate Facial Cleansing Foam

Created to be mild foaming facial cleanser, Aqua Dessa Honey Pomegranate Facial Cleansing Foam is made with honey, pomegranate and antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, black currant, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry and blueberry to hydrate and nourish the skin. View product details here.

Bella Lucce Pomegranate Polishing Crème

Made with pomegranate extract, the polishing cream exfoliates with tiny microderm abrasion crystals in a product designed to meet the same high quality standards you might experience with pricey microderm abrasion treatments at a spa. In fact, Bella Lucce's bath and body products are featured in luxe spas, salons and natural wellness centers in 38 states and nine countries -- from Los Angeles to Dubai. View product details here.

Dannii Minogue told the British magazine Cosmopolitan that she is convinced laughter cured her older sister Kylie's breast cancer. While the prognosis was always good, Dannii admits both sisters struggled to believe everything would be fine, so they dressed up in silly clothes and watched comedies to keep a positive attitude and spirits up.

Can laughter cure cancer? Not by itself -- but there are numerous studies that show laughter initiates a powerful biological process of feel-good healing chemicals that support and strengthen the immune system. We have done several posts here, here, here, here and here about the healing power of humor and the laughter associated with it. So, even if it seems farfetched and unrealistic for Dannii to believe that laughter cured her sister of breast cancer, she might be more right than she is wrong.

Shannon Harken wrote an essay to nominate her mother, Sue Myers of Pleasantville, Iowa, as the most amazing mother in the world because of her mother's zest for life and the positive example she set while battling breast cancer. Of the more than 14,000 Mom's the Word essay submissions, Kohl's unveiled the ten most amazing role model mom finalists of the contest and Harken's essay about her mother placed Myers in the top ten moms of the year. Ultimately, America will vote to decide who will be this year's number one amazing mom. All ten essays are featured at Kohl's, where you can vote for the essay and mother you feel best deserves to win.

The role model with the most votes will earn a $5,000 shopping spree, a style transformation, and will be escorted by Daisy Fuentes on a trip to Fashion Week in Los Angeles. In addition, Kohl's and Fuentes will honor the grand prize winner during a ceremony in her hometown on May 13. All mothers are amazing, but I went and voted for Myers. Knowing what she has been through by way of the fact I am a breast cancer survivor and I know what I went through -- I would like to see her win and enjoy a day of special recognition, pampering and fun. Voting ends May 8. Shannon's essay about her mother Sue is cute. It's number #2. Go here to vote.

When it comes to inflammatory gossip, Dennis Rodman is such as easy target. And honestly, no one is going to be handing out tissue if boohoo tears are shed when something bad is said about him. After all, he does appear to go out of his outrageous way to gain attention at every turn. The latest Rodman scandal involves the disgust of Cosmopolitan magazine editors when he asked to be paid for a centerfold shot in support of the Everyman campaign -- a fundraiser to attract donations for testicular and prostate cancer research. According to the tabloid report, singer/songwriter Lenny Kravitz and rapper Eminem were willing to pose for the sexy centerfold photos for free. Well okay.

But to put some perspective on cancer fundraising campaigns in general, there are many businesses and private individuals making a profit. When you donate money to a charity, all the money you donate does not go straight to research or patient programs. There are administrative fees and salaries to be paid. When you buy a product that states it is donating a portion of the profits to cancer charity, the actual percentage is often difficult to discern. I am not sticking up for Rodman because he doesn't need me to do so -- I am sure the man knows exactly what he is doing and why he is doing it. I am not saying I agree with him. He seems to live his life without regard of who he might offend. The incident over the magazine's campaign centerfold spread should start more than one conversation about the profit of charity. As for the gossip? Is anyone shocked -- it's Rodman.

Photo Credit: Film Magic