![]() So now that supermodel Linda Evangelista has come out to talk about her CoolSculpting experience, I thought it was a good time to share my thoughts on the problem with society’s need for instant results. They Rarely, If Ever, Look Good! Whether you are looking for quick fat/weight-loss or trying to make yourself look more youthful, there is no one treatment that will immediately do this. You need to be in it for the long haul. Even with surgery and injectables - yes there are some quick results - you still need to employ long-term care of your skin and the health of your body for ideal healing and the best natural looking outcome. Want better skin? Then a plan that includes an in spa skin program where you can have controlled but more aggressive treatments, combined with home care and the tried and true basics. Eat Healthy, Sleep More, Reduce Stress and Exercise. Boring? Maybe. But effective? ALWAYS! Want a good body? You need to pick up the weights, start moving your body and change your eating habits. It’s a process. I was actually glad to see Linda Evangelista come out with her experience as it is something many of my clients have already been through when trying supposed fat melting procedures. Here is a woman with access to the best trainers and personal chefs. Yet she still chose to have a treatment that according to her has left her disfigured. Uneven dents due to CoolSculpting are quite common. I have seen it in numerous clients. Liposuction as well can leave bumps and bulges and some of the fat removal systems that utilize heat and cold can cause nerve damage. Wow you have an amazing body! Yup I got it from "Insert Fat Removal Device". Said NO ONE ever! What does work? Nutrition and fitness and time.
But those are not the only reasons for opting out of permanent fat removal - gaining weight even minor amounts less than 5 lbs can show up near the area you had the fat removed. It seems those fat cells that are left near removal sites increase in size often leaving the area looking worse than prior to the treatment. Recent studies show that in most cases all fat returns after a year. In some cases the fat comes back as visceral fat - the more dangerous type that wraps around your internal organs. If you still choose one of the these methods please be aware they are not for weight loss and anyone with significant weight to lose should not even consider them. They are designed for specific fat site removal - side effects and all. I could write for hours on the many reasons promises of instantly turning back the clock often results in disaster, from too much filler to fat removal, to not taking the time to search out trained professionals for treatments. Simply said, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. If you are going to try something that you are not sure about, research it, work with someone who has performed many procedures, understand the risks and start small. We love a good home skincare routine. Consistent daily practice is essential to maintaining the condition of your skin. But sometimes, you may run into issues that cannot be addressed at home and you need to turn to the experts for professional treatments. Facial treatments such as peels, infusions, microneedling or lasers can yield dramatic results – especially when incorporated with your regular skincare routine. Here are some of the benefits you'll experience by adding regular professional facial treatments into your skin health plan. 1. Less acne scarring and skin divets
Professional treatments like chemical peels and needeling work to even out your skin, which means that scarring from environmental stresses and acne are less visible. You can expect your skin’s color and texture to see an overall improvement.
2. Visible wrinkle reduction and rejuvenated appearanceRegular skin treatments and facials not only get rid of dead skin cells they also stimulate the production of collagen, which helps reveal new skin that looks and feels smoother and thicker.
3. Even skin toneIf your skin has marks from surgeries, wrinkles or sun spots, a regular regimen of facial treatments such as chemical peel designed to treat pigmentation can help even out your coloring so that such damage is not so noticeable. Plus, an evened skin tone can give you the freedom to breakup with your heavy foundation. Best Options
4. Unclog poresDirt, oil, and dead skin cells clog up your pores and cause them to be more visible to the human eye. Recommended Treatments; Acne facials with extractions, hydro facials and enzyme peel with Blue Light combinations can help to decongest your pores and keep them that way. 5. Sensitive skin or redness Red and irritated skin can be due to a variety of factors allergies rosacea high level of capillaries an thin skin. Best Options:
6. Therapy for pre-cancerous conditions. Research has shown that chemical peels and IPL along with other facial-resurfacing techniques, help prevent skin cancers by treating precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis, which is an early stage of squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, regular facial treatments can be a tool in your fight against skin cancer. 7. More effective daily care. Once you’ve had a facial treatment, you’ve removed icky bits that have been clogging your pores. This means that your regular skin products – moisturizers, creams, serums, and lotions – will be more easily absorbed, and are now more effective. 8. Feeling good! There’s nothing like the feeling that you are healthy and putting your best face forward. Having regular facial treatments helps you radiate confidence and makes you feel fantastic. Schedule your consultation now. Beautiful skin awaits! A great shelter skin treatment, the DMK Enzyme Masque. Email or text us if you would like a kit delivered this week! It’s a skin saver!! We deliver for free in: San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Lafayette $71 includes Exoderma Peel, Foamy Lift, Bowl, Brush, Deep Pore Pure Cleanser. I suggest you use it once a week for stronger, healthier, more resistant skin! ![]() I am planning a girls get away to Nashville this weekend and wanted to add a little extra pizazz to my skin. I decided it was a good time to try a new treatment from a trusted colleague. I chose the Micro-Botox facial since it is great for quickly reducing the appearance of pores, improving texture, boosting hydration in the skin and works in a few days. It’s an ideal choice for an event. It is popular with celebrities before award shows as it tighten up the skin. Sounded exactly like what I needed so I asked Dr. Denise Hilliard to sign me up. This is how it went. Normally clients would numb prior to this treatment and after having it I would suggest that is a wise plan. I on the other hand didn't have time so I decided to forego the numbing. The treatment began with Dr Hilliard applying the cocktail of hyaluronic acid, peptides and Botox to my clean face and neck with a brush. Then she needled the mixture into my skin. Again with numbing it wouldn't have been painful but it was a little pokey. She alternated a few times between serum and needling until it was complete. Just like with traditional micro needling you don't add anything else to the skin after the treatment protocol so I was good to go. I had to go directly out to dinner and needless to say looked a bit strange. My face was both shiny and sticky with a few bonus blood droplets. But nobody commented, maybe because my dinner partner who had a plasma treatment a few days earlier looked even stranger 😉. I was told I needed to leave it on for 4 hours or overnight and use a clean disposable sponge or clean hands to apply makeup for the next couple of days. No direct acids, scrubs or retinols. That evening I decided adding a towel to my pillow was a good idea and in the morning was glad I did. ![]() I woke up and couldn't wait to wash my face with a gentle cleanser. I was pleasantly surprised I actually looked better than I expected. I had a couple of dots but not too bad. In fact after I but a bit of cc cream on with clean hands of course, a few people commented on how good my skin looked. Now I can’t wait to see how it is in a couple of more days. ![]() Just a little reminder to wear your sunscreen DAILY. We have come so far from when this ad was created - Tanning leads to premature aging and collagen breakdown that is often difficult and costly to reverse (if it's even possible). If you are still laying out, you are killing yourself. Literally. 1. Issue: Cracked Heels - Winter Feet 2. Issue: Bumpy Arms or Red Dots 3. Issue: Cellulite and Poor Texture
4. Issue: Pigmentation and Brown Spots
5. Issue: Dry Dull Skin 6. Issue: Pasty Skin
As a skin care clinician I spend a lot of time with clients analyzing their individual issues, and creating an at home skin care program that complements the treatments we perform at the spa. Ideally, your home care regimen should be customized to your personal skin profile to help get the results you want and still be completed in a reasonable amount of time. After selecting the products, and explaining why the key ingredients work best, I started asking my clients if they know the technique to apply their products. I found that many of us just don't know. We do what we have always done, or what is fast and gets us on to the next task. Let's take a minute to establish the best way to get the most out of your home care regimen. In the following, when you see the word "face", think face, neck, and décolleté A.M. Routine P.M. Routine
It's All In The Technique
![]() By using these techniques, I feel you can improve the quality of your skin while getting the most out of the products you buy. My mom was right when she said, "Treat your skin like your eyeball". It was one of those things that sounded funny at the time, but really makes a lot of sense. She also calls blue jeans "dungarees", but you can't win them all. Your Man's Feet Are A War Crime![]() You know it's true. You can be sound asleep, and that cracked hoof slides through the sheets and touches your leg, waking you up like you've been scratched with a dragon's claw. ![]() This Valentine's Day, give yourself a gift that you both with enjoy. S-Team has put together a his and hers home foot peel treatment for the first 50 customers, that will bring you closer together, and end your embarrassment when he wears flip flops around your friends. We have assembled a limited amount of Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peels, in a his and hers combination that will make this Valentine's Day your best ever. No candy, no flowers, none of that stuff. Lavender scented for you and minty fresh for him - it's a can't miss. Here's What You Do...![]() At just $40, it's a perfect evening that works for both of you - He gets fixed up, you get fixed up, and later that night, when he slides a little closer, it's going to be a lot better. Ahhh Romance... Click The Button To Order YoursI like things to be easy when it comes to nutrition. My gluten free She-Hulk shake is about as easy as it gets. It's power packed with protein and iron and easily processed fat from avocado. If you are training hard, or just needing a meal replacement pick me up, it's the perfect fuel to power you through any challenge - and the best part is that everything you need is at your local Costco. The She Hulk Shake![]() 1 & 1/2 Scoops of ON Vanilla 100% Whey Protein 1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk 2 Cups Spinach 1/4 Sliced Fresh Avocado ![]() Put all the ingredients in the Magic Bullet. It's just that simple. It works out best to put the almond milk in first. The protein is less likely to stick to the bottom that way. If you want a smoother shake, just add a little water and give the Bullet another spin. Why Spinach???1 - High in niacin and zinc - for healthy skin and hair 2 - Low in calories, high in protein 3 - Rich in fiber 4 - Vitamin packed to help with mental clarity and brain function 5 - Did I mention the antioxidants? The Macros![]() Calories = 287 Fat = 10.5 Protein = 40 Carbs = 4.6 It's a delicious , protein rich shake that is a great addition to any diet. The caloric count is perfect for me and keeps me going through a tough work out. It's easy to make, feels great to drink, and once again, Costco has it all.
Summer is behind us, and the days are shorter, darker, and even here in California, a little colder. In conversations with my clients, I find that many of them feel that sunscreen is a fair weather friend. This is simply not true. Just because the sun seems weaker, don't let that fool you. Even in the darkest of days, your skin is under attack through incidental damage. These are the UV rays that come from ambient light sources, and even, brace yourself, a cell phone screen. We all lift our phones to our faces to check our messages or make the now almost extinct phone call. We are placing a device right next to our unprotected skin that is emitting the rays that we work to prevent all other times off the year. These rays break down collagen, and can lead to age spots, freckles, and even hyperpigmentation. Don't think of it as sunblock...Let's start calling it "light block". Something to also consider are the environmental factors that can affect your skin. Here in California, we have had a year of wildfire after wildfire. Even in areas not directly impacted by these factors, there is a cost for your skin. Particulate matter is carried on the wind for miles and miles, and those micropollutants will find their way into your pores. The same goes for heavy pollution environments, like major cities. To be sure you are doing the most for your skin in these conditions, it's crucial that you use a product that has an anti-oxidant property to combat all the unseen particles that you come into contact with every day. Shameless Product Endorsement....To meet the need for year round protection with antioxidants, I fully recommend M.A.D. Hyper Sheer 50 daily moisturizer and body sunscreen. It is Broad spectrum with SPF 50, and disappears on application leaving no residue or "white lines". The antioxidant formula with vitamin C & E will help to keep airborne pollutants at bay, and with formulas for both face and body, you really can't go wrong. Additionally, it smells clean and fresh, making it ideal for both men and women to use daily. And by daily I mean even in the winter... So, just because you put up the tree, that doesn't mean you should put the sunblock away. It's always going to be a daily part of a healthy skin care routine, and anyway, don't you want to look your best in all those holiday photos?
Tired of having to cover up dark skin patches of melasma or sun spots? A program of in-office peels and a customized home care program is the best approach to get you on the road to makeup free skin. Watch ABC News Chief meteorologist, Ginger Zee's story. The approach used to treat her pigmentation is almost identical to the way I treated my own melasma and my patients. Contact me if you are interested in having a treatment protocol created for your skin. To see her story Watch the Video or Read Below Video: Ginger Zee's Melasma Journey ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee recently blogged about her pregnancy and giving birth to her first child for ABC News. Today, she is back to share some of her post-pregnancy adventures. Zee discusses her battle with melasma, a skin ailment characterized by brownish patches on the face and is especially common for women during pregnancy, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. My son, Adrian, just turned 1. He's the best thing that has ever happened to me. That said, this kid changed my body, mind and skin forever. I'm not talking about the still-pink scar that crosses my lower abdomen where I had a c-section. That and the deflated boobs are both parts of me that I have come to accept and love as a badge of honor for becoming a mother. The day I looked in the mirror and saw a mask over my face, that was the day I said, enough is enough. My skin was brown in patches and bright white in others. It looked much different than it had before I had the baby. One day I saw that Dr. Whitney Bowe was on our show and got her contact from producers and made an appointment. In doing research about the skin disorder I thought I had, I found many links leading me to laser treatment. But that scared me. Dr. Bowe took me in and was so gentle with her description. I have melasma. A discoloration of the skin thanks to a shift in hormones. Many times women get it during or after pregnancy, but any hormonal shift, including birth control pills, can bring it on. My melasma was most pronounced on my forehead, down my cheeks. She assured me that we could make major improvements but it would take time. That day, she explained that laser doesn't work for many with melasma and gave me a chemical peel. I was so nervous that my skin would fall off in sheets and it would burn. Instead, the peel took 30 seconds to apply and barely tingled. She sent me home with strict instructions to wear SPF always, gave me C E Ferulic to mix in with my SPF and then made me a special melasma emulsion to use every other night.
We went on to do three more peels and even intensify the emulsion, and the results are outstanding. I kept dreaming of a day I could go makeup-less like Alicia Keys and while I'll never have her flawless complexion and gorgeous skin color, I think I look pretty darn good after Dr. Bowe's help. What I love about this story is that you don't have to spend hundreds to achieve improvement with melasma. There are natural ingredients to look for like licorice, vitamin C, kojic acid and soy that can help reduce melasma. Bottom line, melasma is never cured, but it can be controlled. For now, I'm going out makeup-less. With SPF and a hat on of course. Unfortunately for most of us, looking naturally great doesn't just happen. It usually involves a conscious effort to maintenance that includes a combination of nutrition, skin care and fitness. Below is a general outline of what can be included in a plan to get you looking and feeling your best and eliminating the need for a major overhaul. The following guide encompasses many things that make up a wellness plan. Let us know if you would like a plan customized for you. Beautiful skin doesn’t have to be expensive, and going under the knife is not the only way to regain your youthful appearance. As a matter of fact, skin peels provide a highly effective, less expensive and less invasive alternative. Peels are some of the most powerful nonsurgical skin improvements available. They remove cellular buildup, stimulate skin regeneration and reduce wrinkles, fine lines, large pores and oiliness. They also help clear blemishes, treat hyperpigmentation, and improve overall texture and tone. They are also great for men who get ingrown facial hair. Peels can also be an adjunct to other skin treatments to yield even more dramatic results.
Common Peel Questions 1. What are the benefits of a light chemical peel? Regular treatments can help by minimizing fine lines, brown spots (melasma), sun damage, reduce acne scarring, speed up collagen production and increase cellular turnover. A smoother radiant glow is just a few days away. 2. What kind of light chemical peels are available? Light chemical peels treat discoloration from acne, light sun spots and melasma. Chemical peels exfoliate the top layer of skin, causing the natural cell-turnover process to speed up. Salicylic and glycolic acids are the two most commonly used ingredients in light peels. They refresh the skin by removing discolored skin cells. For acne-prone skin, chemical peels help minimize oil production, unplug pores and shrink blemishes. Clients experience mild burning and stinging. It is normal to be red and dry a few days after treatment. 3. How do light peels work? Chemical peels work by irritating the top layer of the skin by breaking up the oils that hold dead cells together. This unique process will reveal a softer, smoother and healthier layer of skin. 4. What can I expect after the light peel? Depending on which peel you receive, you could look night-on-the-town or photo-ready; or you may have a little pink with skin tightness. Optimal results will be achieved in the following 2-4 days. 5. What can I expect with medium depth peel? Medium chemical peels treat acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. which takes 10-15 minutes, will reduce medium-to-deep discoloration. It takes more than one treatment to achieve the desired results. Skin may shed significantly and and may be a bit swollen for about one week. It results in noticeably smoother, fresher skin after just one treatment. 6. Are peels just for my face? No. There are peels for virtually every part of the body. Peels can be performed on the neck, chest, arms, back, hands and more.. Peel types vary based on the thickness of the skin and the desired result. I even offer amazing foot peels that will get your feet back to being baby soft. Interested in learning more or booking an appointment? Book Now and we can create a skin peel plan that will have you looking fabulous in no time.
Infused waters are a great replacement for sugary drinks and sodas but they can become costly, especially if you drink as much as we do. These simple to make spa waters are a refreshing change from plain water and so good for your skin and body. Make and keep a pitcher in the refrigerator and use to refill your water bottles. It's better for the environment too.
Sun spots on your skin, that is. As the weather heats up so do the melanocytes in your skin. They are responsible for creating the pigment, or color, in your skin. But when they are stimulated by UV rays they can create skin damage. Though in many cases it can be reversed, it is a time consuming process that requires thoughtful and consistent treatment. And while everyone's skin differs in the way it reacts to the sun, one thing for sure is that the more sun and even heat exposure you get the worse they can become. They have various incarnations, such as liver spots, lentigines, hyperpigmentation, melasma and mottling. Many cultures view them as more aging than wrinkles.. So how do you avoid them? If you already have some how do prevent others and lessen the ones you have? First lets define each type of hyperpigmentation marking, how they differ and treatment options.
The best way to prevent skin pigment issues is, of course, good sun protection - both sunscreen and covering up the skin with clothing and hats. If you have already developed some of the above issues there are a variety of options for treatment. They will vary depending on your skin condition as well as the ethnicity of your skin. Treatments often includes chemical exfoliants / peels combined with melanin suppressant ingredients such as kojic acid, bearberry and licorice extract among others. Topical and oral antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C are often prescribed. There are also various corrective procedures such as photo laser/light treatments. Consult with a licensed esthetician to get the best personalized course of treatment and remember it takes time. Aggressively treating can lead to worsening of pigment issue.
Okay. It may not be sexy. And it’s not new. But If I can convince even one person to start using sun protection daily this post will be a success. I chose this image, a favorite of many plastic surgeons and dermatologists, because it illustrates the damage the sun does. This gentleman is a truck driver who didn't wear any sun protection. Notice the left side of his face that is exposed to the sun. The number one most effective thing you can do to protect skin from the signs of aging is to use sunscreen. And if that is not enough to motivate you to get your block on, one in every five Americans will get skin cancer at some point in their life. So how do you get started incorporating more or any sun protection in your life? I agree it has gotten a bit confusing . All the terms UVA, UVB, broad spectrum, physical block, chemical block and then there are all of the brands. So I have tried to keep it as simple as possible and provide all the needed information so you can make informed choices. ![]() How Much ? A shot glass. Keep one in the bathroom, fill it with sunscreen and apply to face, neck, décolleté/chest, arms and hands. Anything that is exposed to the sun. And don't forget your ears and the top of your feet if needed. ![]() When to apply ? Ideally apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you get dressed for the day. This will help you avoid getting it on your clothes and give it time to sink in to the skin. Especially helpful if you will be applying makeup or other products. Touch up. If you will be in the sun you need to reapply every two hours, after being in the water or sweating. For regular daily use I typically reapply at lunch, anytime I am outside or in my car. Since there are concerns about inhaling nano-sized and micronized zinc and titanium in powdered sunscreens and makeups, I just put some matte sunscreen in my hands and pat it on my skin during the day. ![]() Don't Forget! Also don't count on the amount of sunscreen in products or makeup to be sufficient. Consider it a bonus and still apply a base of sunscreen. Make sure you refresh your sunscreen. I have been told that all sunscreen should have expiration dates but I only found one in my cabinet that did. To be safe I just replace mine every summer if it has not been used up. I also like to keep a small one in my purse and one in the car so I don't get sun spots on my arms and hands. Additional protection Don’t forget the sunglasses to keep your eyes protected. When outdoors hats are great to protect the part in your hair from getting burned. Bald? You definitely need to slather your head with sunscreen in addition to a hat. What type of sunscreen should I buy? Considering the the amount of sunscreen I use and you will be using, you will want a good quality product that isn't cost prohibitive. I like to use a combination of certain chemical and physical blocks.
Different skin types will react differently to ingredients so I have noted a couple of things to look for based upon your skin type. All skin You will want a BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN with an SPF of 30. This will protect you from both UVA and UVB Rays. Keep in mind that the higher the SPF, the smaller the increased benefit: contrary to what you might think, SPF 30 isn't twice as strong as SPF 15. While SPF 15 filters out 93% of UVB, SPF 30 filters out 97%, only a slight improvement. The worst thing about very high-SPF products is that they give people a false sense of security and tempt them to stay in the sun too long. They suppress sunburns but raise the risk of other kinds of skin damage. The FDA is considering barring SPF above 50+. Choose the least amount of reactive products so ideally no or minimal fragrance, preservatives or alcohol which can be irritating to sensitive skin. Ingredients to avoid
Oily or acneic skin may choose a lighter formulation or matte finish while drier skin may do better with a moisturizing sunscreen. ![]() Can’t bear to be pale? Jergens natural glow+firming daily moisturizer (with no sunscreen) has to be my favorite go to product for a touch of color. Granted, you can get a darker look with actual tanning creams. But this provides enough color when used regularly to give you a natural healthy glow without any orange or weird streaks. You can choose your tone. I usually choose medium to tan, even though without any sun my skin color is pretty pale. Cost - $8-$12 You really need to read ingredient labels and test a few on your skin to find your favorite. I suggest getting a few samples before buying a more expensive face sunscreen. Here are some of my favorites. ![]() Anthelios 50 Face Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, Water Resistant with SPF 50 Cost $30 - $35 ![]() Skin Medica SPF 30 Daily Physical Defense Sunscreen Cost $25 - $32 ![]() Mineral Sunscreen SPF 25 - With Natural and Organic Ingredients Water Resistant Sun Block - Non-Nano Zinc, Non-Toxic Gentle Enough for kids babies sports and reef safe from Beauty by Earth Cost $14 - $20 ![]() Image Skincare Prevention + I have combination skin so I alternate between the 32+ daily matte moisturizer oil free version and the 30+ hydrating version. Cost $20 - $35 Enjoy the outdoors. I certainly do. Just be sure to protect yourself and your loved ones.
![]() If you really want to be healthy, have a fit body, tons of energy and glowing skin the answer is actually quite simple. But you can't buy it in a bottle, eliminate one food group or drink only juice for weeks. You need to change your lifestyle. Sound overwhelming? It doesn't have to be. Start by implementing the following changes into your life:
Not convinced and think you should do a quick detox? In most cases the ideas behind the detox are fine. They usually involve consuming less sugar and increasing your intake of greens, which is great. The issue is that these should be permeant livable changes that become a part of how you eat every day, not for a week or by only consuming certain beverages. And its important to understand the truth behind the idea of detoxing. This will help you to make informed decisions when you come across the latest and greatest health product. Here is an excerpt from an article about detoxing and the many other ways people get lured into the fitness marketing hype. Take a read and let me know what you think. There’s no such thing as ‘detoxing’. In medical terms, it’s a nonsense. Diet and exercise is the only way to get healthy. Whether it’s cucumbers splashing into water or models sitting smugly next to a pile of vegetables, it’s tough not to be sucked in by the detox industry. The idea that you can wash away your calorific sins is the perfect antidote to our fast-food lifestyles and alcohol-lubricated social lives. But before you dust off that juicer or take the first tentative steps towards a colonic irrigation clinic, there’s something you should know: detoxing – the idea that you can flush your system of impurities and leave your organs squeaky clean and raring to go – is a scam. It’s a pseudo-medical concept designed to sell you things. “Let’s be clear,” says Edzard Ernst, emeritus professor of complementary medicine at Exeter University, “there are two types of detox: one is respectable and the other isn’t.” The respectable one, he says, is the medical treatment of people with life-threatening drug addictions. “The other is the word being hijacked by entrepreneurs, quacks and charlatans to sell a bogus treatment that allegedly detoxifies your body of toxins you’re supposed to have accumulated.” If toxins did build up in a way your body couldn’t excrete, he says, you’d likely be dead or in need of serious medical intervention. “The healthy body has kidneys, a liver, skin, even lungs that are detoxifying as we speak,” he says. “There is no known way – certainly not through detox treatments – to make something that works perfectly well in a healthy body work better.” Yet, inexplicably, the shelves of health food stores are still packed with products bearing the word “detox” – it’s the marketing equivalent of drawing go-faster stripes on your car. You can buy detoxifying tablets, tinctures, tea bags, face masks, bath salts, hair brushes, shampoos, body gels and even hair straighteners. Yoga, luxury retreats, and massages will also all erroneously promise to detoxify. You can go on a seven-day detox diet and you’ll probably lose weight, but that’s nothing to do with toxins, it’s because you would have starved yourself for a week.
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This green wonder food is good for your heart, and even better for your skin. Avocado oil consists of 71 percent monounsaturated fatty acids, 13 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids, and 16 percent saturated fatty acids, all of which help to promote healthy Now that we are in the harsher days of winter, it’s even more important we receive enough essential fatty acids, in the form of omega-3 and omega-6, to help heal dry skin. They’re called essential fatty acids (EFAs) for a reason: your body can’t make them on its own and requires a constant EFA stream in the diet.EFAs, like those found in coconuts, olives, and of course, avocados, are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes. These fats produce a natural oil barrier, allowing skin to appear hydrated, plump, and smooth. Monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids help keep skin moisturized from the inside out by absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Avocados pack a one-two punch, as they are a great source of both monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin. Avocados also contain vitamin C, which helps stimulate the skin’s collagen production. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, making fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced. Adding vitamin C to help stimulate collagen production improves the skin’s ability to absorb moisture, leaving a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Give it a try let me know how you feel!
So you have been working hard on your body. You are losing excess fat and shaping those muscles, but have you given any thought to your skin? Glowing skin turns heads. After all, is often the first thing people notice when they look at you. Here are some interesting facts about your skin and one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to keep it looking its best. So what are you waiting for? Read on ... Skin is the human body's largest organ. The thinnest skin is on your eyelids and the thickest is on your feet. Skin accounts for about 15% of your bodyweight. The average skin when stretched is over 2 meters. Every 28 days your skin renews itself. Every minute your skin sheds over 30,000 skin cells. Over 50% of the dust in your house is actually dead skin cells. ![]() The best way to increase the shedding of dead skin cells and improve overall skin health is simply dry body brushing. No expensive equipment required. The only item you need is a good body brush which costs around $10 -$20. The benefits of dry skin brushing include:
Good news – you don’t have to book a pricey spa treatment to reap the benefits. This one can be done in your very own bathroom. All you need to do is purchase a natural bristle brush, not one made from nylon or synthetic materials. One with a long handle is also a plus, as it means you can reach all areas of the body. The directions are pretty simple:
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Colette KuhnsmanThis blog was created to provide information as it relates to skin, body and food health.
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