Summers Here....protect your investment....in your body

TIP #1: The sun's intensity is directly related to the angle it is hitting you.  Lying flat at high noon means that the surface exposed is getting the highest intensity of sun rays. This is true for the shoulders and scalp when standing. When standing, the nose and decollete are going to get more sun if they are more horizontal than other body parts. The more horizontal to the sun, the more intense the inflammation at the skin level. Try to keep track of which parts of your body are getting excess or more intense sun and wear a hat or shirt accordingly.  TIP #2: Immune health is a direct determinant to how long you can stay in the sun safely. Get to know where your body is at and always keep the food you are eating and the alcohol you are drinking in mind when choosing to sunbathe. Some of the biggest instant immunosuppressors are hormones in meat and dairy.  If you are using UV Neutralizer H20 on vacation at an all-inclusive, you may want to do a test with normal sunscreen again (leaving one area exposed) to see if you are immunocompromised by their food along with starting slow on your sun exposure in the first days of vacation. Yes it is possible that you could handle sun last year without issue only to find that this year, your system is weaker and you have to moderate sun exposure more.      TIP #3: Pay attention to the UV Index. There are areas around the globe that have higher intensity sun. Anything over 12 is a reason to moderate your sun bathing to non-peak hours. If that is unavoidable, then secondary sun protection (UV Neutralizer H20 and Shade) is recommended.   TIP #4: Be smart. The sun is more intense than it has been in our lifetimes. Our skin is designed to handle modest sun exposure when completely healthy. It is very hard to be completely healthy in today's toxic environment. Don't put yourself in a position where you don't have easy access to shade if you can help it.      TIP #5: Sun sensitivity is a real and growing problem. A majority of prescription medications, including birth control pills, lower your ability to heal sun damage and therefore make sunscreens less effective.

Herbs for Life

1. Dandelion: This was used in ancient China for its potency as a diuretic and detoxifying herb. Many healers regard dandelion root as an excellent remedy for diarrhea, eye problems, fever, diabetes and digestive disorders. Other medicinal properties associated with this plant were geared toward women in treating breast inflammation and stimulating milk flow. The root extract makes an excellent tea remedy for helping some cystic acne conditions.
2. Mustard Seed: Aside from adding flavor to your foods, the mustard seed has exceptional and beneficial properties. The seeds are high in selenium and magnesium. These wonder seeds are packed with the B-complex vitamins, and although each one has its individual merits, they can help with weight loss and slow aging due to the richness of the antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and the carotenes. They are also packed with sulfur which can ease skin inflammations, muscle pain and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Goldenseal: This herbal antibiotic and immune system enhancer has gained a reputation as one of the most popular herbs on the market for treating colds and flu. It soothes irritated mucous membranes, clearing the throat, eyes, nose, and relieving congestion from the symptoms of upper respiratory infections. It is best to take goldenseal at the first sign of a runny nose or fever, as the healing properties can work their magic before the immune system is compromised further. Popular in teas and coupled with Echinacea, goldenseal is one of the best natural antibiotics against infection.
4. Saffron: One of its first uses was for dyeing textiles since a single grain can color 10 gallons of water with a distinctive yellow hue. It has been revealed that saffron helps tremendously with appetite control and weight management. The manganese content of saffron alone is off the charts at 400 percent of the daily recommended value. Manganese helps regulate blood sugar, metabolize carbohydrates, and absorbs calcium. It also helps form tissues, bones, and sex hormones. Saffron also contains Vitamin C, and we know that this is a true infection fighter. Lastly, saffron has been shown to reduce some toxicity in the body, which can reduce potential growing tumors.
The volatility of saffron makes this compound have a very strong taste and fragrance in cooking. It is an expensive herb, but well worth the investment for its healthful benefits.
5. Turmeric: This dark orange-ish yellow herb has become one of the most significant anti-inflammatory healers for the holistic community for some time now. Most western doctors are starting to come on board with the amazing properties that turmeric can offer. Imported from India, this widely used spice yields more benefits that are continually being studied and revealed. The main component in turmeric, curcumin, blocks an enzyme that has been linked to reducing the growth of potential cancer in the head and neck areas. If that isn’t enough goodness, turmeric also plays a vital role in all other anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant capabilities.
It is a powerful plant, and is best when used raw, as it is more effective. Sprinkle some on vegetables or salads, or when mixing dressings. I like to mix it with coconut oil, as this combo is an amazing taste sensation, not to mention the wonderful offerings of the blend of the two.

You ARE what you eat

My destiny was set when I was born—or so it seemed.

When my mom looked upon my new born face, to her horror she saw pimples on my chin.
Now, every mother thinks her newborn is a beauty, and although she says I was, she couldn’t help but focus on those little pimples. You see, she had suffered with rosacea for years and dreamed of a clear complexion for her daughter.
Well, it seemed that her dream would come true, for a while.
During my teens I barely had a pimple. I never even thought about my complexion. While many of my friends struggled with teenage acne, I barely had a zit. Then, suddenly in my early twenties I developed adult acne. It seemed to appear out of nowhere, and while my acne was not severe, it made me self conscious. Like everyone, I was staring at my blemishes.
Fast forward, twenty years, (because it took me that long to figure it out), it turns out I had food allergies.
The underlying cause of my adult acne was a food allergy to gluten, dairy, corn and chocolate. This caused an overgrowth of yeast in my system and lead to many health conditions such as chronic bladder, sinus and yeast infections.
I spent loads of money on cleaners and creams with the hope I would wake up one day with blemish free skin. But we don’t need to wait; clear skin can be ours today. 

Here are five tips for clear skin:

1. Determine if you have food allergies. The top food allergens are wheat, dairy, corn, citrus, eggs and chocolate. Try an elimination diet and see if your acne improves.
2. Dairy is often an allergy that aggravates acne. The Nurses Health II study was established in 1989 and followed 47,000 women. The women were asked about daily consumption of dairy when they were teens, particularly about the milk they drank.
They discovered that women, who drank more than three servings of milk per day, were twenty-two percent more likely to have to severe acne as teenagers. Those that drank skim milk were 44 percent more likely to have had severe acne as teenagers. When milk is filled with hormones and antibiotics, it begs the question: does it really do a body good? The decision is yours. My favorite non dairy alternative is almond milk.
3. Give up the processed foods. Yes, that’s right, no more eating food with ingredients that can’t be pronounced. If it has a health claim or comes from a box, don’t eat it. Opt for whole foods instead, such as fruits, veggies and whole grains. These are packed with inflammation fighting ingredients and antioxidants. As Michael Pollan says, don’t eat anything incapable of rotting.
4. Cut out the processed sugar and high glycemic load foods. These spike our blood sugar and drive up insulin, which contributes to acne. Time to eliminate the refined carbohydrates such as breads, muffins, crackers, cookies and pancakes (just to name a few). I know when I eat processed sugar, it causes my Candida to flare up (sugar is fuel for Candida) and out pop the blemishes.
5. Consume Omega 3 fatty acids in, foods such as wild salmon, ground flax seed, chia seed, hemp seed or oil, walnuts. These help to reduce inflammation. I toss hemp hearts and/or ground flax seeds and walnuts on my morning gluten free porridge or in my smoothie.

I have now returned to the glowing skin of my youth—albeit with a few more laugh lines. If I indulge in the foods that I am allergic to, the acne returns and this helps me stay the course.
So, is our food healing or harming us? The solution to clear skin is not in a bottle; it’s in our refrigerators.
We are what we eat, so what are we putting in our bodies?

Cosmetics can be deadly

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/01/12-toxic-carcinogenic-compounds-found-in-beauty-skin-care-products-yikes/?utm_source=All&utm_campaign=Daily+Moment+of+Awake+in+the+Inbox+of+Your+Mind&utm_medium=email       

The above link will give a list of potentially toxic ingredients found in most commercial cosmetic preparations.  Although their claims of beauty enhancing creams and makeups sound good, after closer inspection I have found them to contain junk, junk, and more junk. The first five ingredients listed are what you are paying for. Make sure they match the front of the label which is simply advertisement. Also make sure the preservatives listed are safe. Women do not realize that allergic reactions such as burning, rashes and clogged pores are the result of these things. When your skin has an inflammatory reaction chronically it will cause collagen breakdown at a rapid rate. So....the beauty promised of younger skin is actually a lie, because with collagen breakdown it will age faster along with continued aggressive exfoliation. Contact your local skin care professional for an analysis and products.

Face Mapping

I always knew that the once-monthly spots that overtook my chin were the result of not-so-stable hormones. However, when my dermatologist took one look at the sudden outcrop of angry zits on my nose and asked me to get my blood pressure checked, it introduced me to a whole new (actually old) science of face mapping, which is pretty much the key to unlocking the mysteries behind problem skin. Face mapping, which is fast taking centre stage at most clinics nowadays, combines Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicine with cutting edge dermatologists’ prescriptions to explain how certain parts of your face are connected to other areas of your body. Put simply, think of your face as a map and blemishes as X’s on that landscape. Spots in different zones correspond to different problems. So, with this “map” as your guide, you can address the underlying causes of blemishes and not only make the unsightly zits vanish but also treat the underlying health problem in time. Pretty awesome, right? Try it out: Here is how to decode breakouts in the basic areas. face mapping, acne, zits, pimple, spots, solutions, skincare, beauty, skin, face 1 & 2: Digestive System — Eat less processed or junk food, reduce the amount of fat in your diet, step up water intake and opt for cooling things like cucumbers. 3: Liver — Cut out the alcohol, greasy food and dairy. This is the zone where food allergies also show up first, so take a look at your ingredients. Besides all this, do 30 minutes of light exercise every day and get adequate sleep so your liver can rest. 4 & 5: Kidneys — Anything around the eyes (including dark circles) point to dehydration. Drink up! 6: Heart — Check your blood pressure (mine was slightly high) and Vitamin B levels. Decrease the intake of spicy or pungent food, cut down on meat and get more fresh air. Besides this, look into ways to lower cholesterol, like replacing “bad fats” with “good fats” such as Omegas 3 and 6 found in nuts, avocados, fish and flax seed. Also, since this area is chock-full of dilated pores, check that your makeup is not past its expiry date or is skin-clogging. 7 & 8: Kidneys — Again, drink up! And cut down on aerated drinks, coffee and alcohol as these will cause further dehydration. Zone 9 & 10: Respiratory system — Do you smoke? Have allergies? This is your problem area for both. If neither of these is the issue, don’t let your body overheat, eat more cooling foods, cut down on sugar and get more fresh air. Also keep the body more alkaline by avoiding foods that make the body acidic (meat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, sugar) and adding more alkalizing foods like green veggies and wheatgrass juice. Another thing that most of forget – dirty cell phones and pillow cases are two of the top acne culprits and this area is what they affect the most! Zone 11 & 12: Hormones — This is the signature zone for stress and hormonal changes. And while both are sometimes unavoidable, you can decrease their effect by getting adequate sleep, drinking enough water, eating leafy veggies and keeping skin scrupulously clean. Another interesting point: breakouts in this area indicate when you are ovulating (and on which side). Zone 13: Stomach — Step up the fibre intake, reduce the toxin overload and drink herbal teas to help with digestion. 14: Illness — Zits here can be a sign that your body is fighting bacteria to avoid illness. Give it a break, take a yoga class, take a nap, take time to breathe deeply, drink plenty of water and know that everything always works out! So the next time you break out or notice dark under-eye circles, look to your face map: your skin is probably trying to communicate on behalf of the internal organs. However, do remember that, as with all medical issues, it is always best to see your doctor or dermotologist for a proper prognosis. This is just a general guide to head you off in the right investigative direction – just becuase you break out between the brows doesn’t always mean you have a bad liver!

Invasix Fractora Firm Treatments

Invasix Fractora Firm Treatments



Many questions are asked about Radio Frequency Machines and what they can accomplish in creating better skin. I have personally experienced a couple of treatments and can tell you without a doubt they can improve smoothness and firmness on a temporary basis if you follow the protocol.
The protocol is six treatments at the very least, which can cost you time and money. The improvements are subtle but real. The series typically runs around $2,800, and you will spend approximately an hour in the office for each. The only truly professional machines are authorized to be used under a physicians direction and can be performed by her nurse or esthetician.
The Firm handpiece slowly heats up the subcutaneous tissues and dermis to create a shrinking or tightening effect and new collagen growth.
The Fractora handpiece ablates the epidermis for a resurfacing effect. Fine lines and some scars are improved.
The best age to start thinking about these treatments are when you start feeling the need for fillers and or Botox. Aging faces that are in need of a full on facelift will see a small improvement in the firming, but will not be happy with the treatment for badly slacking skin. The resurfacing treatment along with a facelife around the eyes or mouth will improve the overall surgical effect.
Please contact your professional, and we at Sarasota Wellness and Internal Medicine with Dr. Sherri Weinstein and myself www.aboutfaceestheticsinc.com will be happy to advise.

Dangerous Chemicals Lurking in your Skin Care Products

Buyer Beware!   Many consumers make the price point the decision making process tool in choosing sunscreen, mascara, nail polish, foundation etc. For conscious consumers reading the ingredients on your purchases as I have explained in previous articles will keep your skin safe especially if you are sensitive to these questionable formulations.

Parabens are a preservative that can lead to hormonal disruptions, by preventing the breakdown of estrogen. A buildup of estrogen can wreak havoc on men and women as we have discovered, being possibly the reason for some breast cancers.

Petroleum Distillates are found in mascara, foundations, eye shadows, among others and when accumulated by continued use are irritating at the very least and a neurotoxin for those who are susceptible.

Formaldehyde used in nail polishes, hair straighteners etc. have been linked to some neurological diseases, lesser symptoms are headache, rhinitis and other allergic reactions.

Phthalates are commonly used in cosmetics, and lumped in with fragrances. This group of chemicals are hormone-mimicking and have been banned in Europe. They have been attributed to deformities in the reproductive systems of the animals tested.

Methyl Cellosolve is also lumped in with fragrances found in body products, cosmetics, deodorant etc. and is a known neurotoxin which is destructive to nerve tissue after time.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole  (BHA) is used as a preservative, it affects the environment especially aquatic animals and interferes with hormone activity and in some susceptible persons increases liver enzymes.

Hydroquinone  used very effectively to lighten skin and is a proven danger to a persons liver function. Tumors of the liver and poor lung function have been reported after long time use.

Octinoxate is used in suncreen and foundations claiming to have sunscreen properties. Can be an endocrine disruptor to people predisposed and have shown to reduce testosterone in laboratory animals.

Quaternium-15 used in cosmetics particularly eyeshadow and have been documented as an allergen to some skin, eyes, or lungs. Organ system dangers are a concern as it acts as a formaldehyde releaser.

For consumers wanting "clean" products may I suggest Mineral Makeups from companies willing to share a full ingredients list. Contact your skin professional for more help.

Hormones that drive you

 
A Note from ATH Supervising Editor, Sherri Carter: Dr. Sara Gottfried offers 4 simple steps to "help you get out of your rut and feel better fast with a few small actions you can implement right away to begin balancing your hormones and seeing results."

Whether you're 30 or 50+, you don't have to feel cranky, tapped out, and chronically sleep-deprived. Old-school medical thinking tells us that these “conditions” are all just a part of growing older as a woman and prescription medication can cure most of our ills.

Furthermore, we are conditioned as women to live in ways that get our hormones (like thyroid, cortisol, progesterone, and estrogen) to work against us, putting us in a bad mood and causing stress, weight gain and overall unhappiness.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can take steps to adjust your hormones naturally so they are allies and they work together to get you feeling better than you have in years. I know from suffering in my 30s with PMS, belly fat, and low sex drive--I figured out that my problem was my hormones. I fixed mine in one month and wrote my new book The Hormone Cure (Simon & Schuster, 3/12/13) to explain how you can too.

I'm going to help you get out of your rut and feel better fast with a few small actions you can implement right away to begin balancing your hormones and seeing results.

To amplify your happy brain chemicals and get your hormones playing on your team again here are 4 actions you can take:

1. Get Your Sleep On 

One of the top reasons I see women stall with their weight goals or fail to heal their thyroid or adrenal glands is that they run a chronic sleep debt. All of your hormonal systems run on a circadian rhythm, and if you want to keep them happy and healthy, you must do your part with winding down and getting to bed by 10 p.m. Yes, that's right...10 p.m.!

2. Be an Architect

Take the evolutionary perspective. As you age you are wired, as described by author Barbara Sher, to shift from the life you were born into the life you create. So, become the architect of your best life. Women who are clear about the kind of life they want to create — women who constantly learn how to tap into what brings them the greatest meaning and have the energy to sustain it—have it.

3. Take Tiara Time

Women need help to reclaim their "me" time and a tiara can serve as a visual cue for

your family that you are not endlessly available to satisfy their every whim. So, purchase (or dig out) your tiara and wear it 3 times this week. When you are wearing your tiara, do something nourishing, such as taking a hot bath, talking to a girlfriend on the phone for 10 minutes, practicing yoga, or listening to a meditation CD. Taking those minutes to relax, will de-stress you, lower your heart rate, and tell your brain to ease back on the cortisol it’s pumping through your system. Click here to watch Ricki Lake and me share tiara time.

4. Go Barefoot

There's actually some compelling science that shows you can reset adrenal function by connecting to the earth directly. No wonder gardeners are so happy! Walk on the beach, hike for 10 minutes in your bare feet--it’s been shown to help rebalance your hormones.

If you want happier hormones, listen to your body. Taking action to adjust your lifestyle is more simple than you think.

What are you waiting for?

Skin Luminosity

Antioxidant Serums

     Damage from free radicals is one of the primary causes of fine lines and uneven skin tone. Free radicals are deposited on your skin by UV rays and pollution during the day.To minimize future wrinkles and uneven skin tone with antioxidants, apply a serum or cream that contains a free-radical fighter such as Vitamin C, phloretin, idebenone, green tea or coffee berry  morning and evening. One way to improve the delicate eye area is to massage a small amount of product around the eye for 10 minutes while you shower. Keep your serum in the fridge for freshness and to combat puffy eyes and shrink blood vessels for circles when you wake.
   
    Now that you are good to go on topicals, don't forget to feed your body with antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables, ya-de-ya-de so you have heard so many times, but it's true! Blueberries with your yogurt for breakfast, fresh leafy salads at lunch, saute colorful peppers for dinner.

     Luminosity makes you look younger, go on your bike ride, drink your water , eat correctly and use your Antioxidant Serum!

Osmosis Skin Care creates results on a Cellular level

+ View Larger

StemFactor

Liposomal Growth Factor Serum

Utilizing over 150+ different skin growth factors derived from pristine, adult stem cells, this magical serum improves all aspects of aging and skin damage. It gently restores the repair process and stimulates new cells to build collagen and elastin, heal hyperpigmentation and reverse aging. Benefits      Complete skin rejuvenation. Skin Types and Conditions      All skin types. Directions      Apply 2 pumps to face twice daily. Can be combined with a treatment serum or Catalyst. Video      + view product video Ingredients      Adult Stem Cell Derived Conditioned Media, Phosphatidylcholine, Harmonized Water, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Essential Oil Blend More Information      What is a “Mesenchymal Stem Cell”? Also known as a “multipotent stem cell” It can differentiate into many different cells It produces hundreds of growth factors They are very good at multiplying.

Not a miracle product!

• I plan to stay very far away from this product. Because it's an MLM, because it isn't a professional product and I don't like the ingredient list. Check out this site:
http://barefacedtruth.com/2012/07/31/nerium-miracle-or-machiavellist/



Please my friends and clients, as I have said before. Always read the back of a label. This facial product has questionable ingredients . Possibly dangerous over the long term. See above link. Namaste'

New Osmosis Product!

How Restore™ Healing Works

Restore™ is the single greatest anti-inflammatory product in the world. What makes it special is that it is the only anti-inflammatory that also repairs the damaged area at the same time. To make that point more clear, here is an example; aspirin is a well-known anti-inflammatory ingredient that specifically interferes with the "inflammation cascade" thereby reducing inflammation. However, in doing so it interferes with the body's healing response resulting in incomplete or delayed healing. Ibuprofen and similar products have the same effect. They are not products that should be taken regularly for this reason. Also, steroids and antibiotics reduce the healing response in the body even though they may reduce inflammation. In contrast, we use willow herb extract and some other plant based ingredients that calm inflammation but allow healing to continue the way the body intended. Restore™ has the unique ability to heal damage and calm inflammation at the same time.

Restore™ Topical 

Restore™ Topical is showing great results in all skin conditions, but pigmentation improvement is what most people will be using it for. Don't give up hope if your age spots are not responding dramatically after a few months, that simply means the damage was greater than anticipated. We are finding that the larger or darker the spot, the longer it takes to complete the healing process which should make sense since it usually signifies more significant damage to the DEJ. Restore™ can darken an existing spot during the process but that is the molecule's effect on melanin, not a worsening of the problem.

Restore™ Topical should be applied as a spot treatment several minutes before applying one pump of it with the rest of your regimen. A bottle lasts about a month with this strategy.

Restore™ Topical can also be used as "mother's little helper" as it is amazing for treating scrapes, burns, bites, acne, etc. Apply it directly to the afflicted area for best results.

Sunscreens and more information

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Sunscreens Exposed: Nine Surprising Truths

  Sunscreens prevent sunburns, but beyond that simple fact surprisingly little is known about the safety and efficacy of these ubiquitous creams and sprays.  EWG’s review of the latest research unearthed troubling facts that might tempt you to give up on sunscreens altogether. That’s not the right answer. Despite the unknowns about sunscreens’ efficacy, public health agencies still recommend using them, just not as your first line of defense against the sun. At EWG we use sunscreens, but we look for shade, wear protective clothing and avoid the noontime sun before we smear on the cream. Here are the surprising facts:

1. There’s no consensus that sunscreens prevent skin cancer.

The FDA’s 2011 sunscreen rules allow sunscreen makers to advertise that using their products can decrease the risk of skin cancer and sun-related skin aging.  But a wide range of public health agencies – including the FDA – have found very little evidence that sunscreen prevents most types of skin cancer. In reviewing the evidence, the FDA said that the available clinical studies “do not demonstrate that even [broad spectrum products with SPF greater than 15] alone reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.”   The agency also said that it is “not aware of any studies examining the effect of sunscreen use on the development of melanoma.”  The International Agency for Research on Cancer recommends clothing, hats and shade as primary barriers to UV radiation. It says that “sunscreens should not be the first choice for skin cancer prevention and should not be used as the sole agent for protection against the sun” (IARC 2001a). Read more.

2. There’s some evidence that sunscreens might increase the risk of the deadliest form of skin cancer for some people.

Some researchers have detected an increased risk of melanoma among sunscreen users. No one knows the cause, but scientists speculate that sunscreen users stay out in the sun longer and absorb more radiation overall, or that free radicals released as sunscreen chemicals break down in sunlight may play a role. One other hunch: Inferior sunscreens with poor UVA protection that have dominated the market for 30 years may have led to this surprising outcome. All major public health agencies still advise using sunscreens, but they also stress the importance of shade, clothing and timing. Read more.

3. There are dozens of high-SPF products — but no proof they’re better.

The FDA has proposed prohibiting the sale of sunscreens with SPF values higher than “50+.” The agency has written that values higher than 50 would be “misleading to the consumer,” given that there is an “absence of data demonstrating additional clinical benefit” (FDA 2011a), and that “there is no assurance that the specific values themselves are in fact truthful…” (FDA 2007). Scientists are also worried that high-SPF products may tempt people to stay in the sun too long, suppressing sunburns (a late, key warning of overexposure) while upping the risks of other kinds of skin damage.
Flouting the FDA’s proposed regulation, companies continue to sell high-SPF offerings in 2012. More than 1 in 7 products now lists SPF values higher than 50+, compared to only 1 in 8 in 2009, according to EWG’s analysis of more than 800 beach and sport sunscreens. Among the worst offenders are Walgreens and Aveeno brands.  These manufacturers boast SPF values greater than 50+ on more than 40 percent of their sunscreens Read more.

4. Too little sun might be harmful, reducing the body’s vitamin D levels.

Sunshine serves a critical function in the body that sunscreen appears to inhibit — producing vitamin D. The main source of vitamin D in the body is sunshine, and the compound is enormously important to health – it strengthens bones and the immune system, reduces the risk of various cancers (including breast, colon, kidney and ovarian cancers) and regulates at least a thousand different genes governing virtually every tissue in the body (Mead 2008). About one-fourth of Americans have borderline low levels of vitamin D, and 8 percent have a serious deficiency (CDC 2012). Particular groups are at the highest risk – breast-fed infants, people with darker skin and people who have limited sun exposure (NIH 2012).
Some people can make enough vitamin D from 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure several times a week. But many others cannot. The right amount depends on the individual’s age, skin tone, the intensity of sunlight,  time outdoors and skin cancer risk. Check with your doctor to see if you should get a vitamin D test or if you should take seasonal or year-round supplements. Read More

5. The common sunscreen ingredient vitamin A may speed development of cancer.

Recently available data from an FDA study indicate that a form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to skin in the presence of sunlight (NTP 2009). This evidence is troubling, because the sunscreen industry adds vitamin A to 25 percent of all sunscreens.
The industry puts vitamin A in its formulations because it is an anti-oxidant that slows skin aging. That may be true for lotions and night creams used indoors, but FDA recently conducted a study of vitamin A’s photocarcinogenic properties – the possibility that it can promote cancerous tumors when used on skin exposed to sunlight. Scientists have known for some time that vitamin A can spur excess skin growth (hyperplasia) and that in sunlight it can form free radicals that damage DNA.
In the FDA’s one-year study, tumors and lesions developed sooner in lab animals coated in a vitamin A-laced cream than animals treated with a vitamin-free cream. Both groups were exposed to the equivalent of just nine minutes of maximum intensity sunlight each day.
It’s an ironic twist for an industry already battling studies that have questioned whether their products protect against skin cancer. The FDA data are preliminary, but if they hold up in the final assessment, sunscreen makers have a big problem. In the meantime, EWG recommends that consumers avoid sunscreens with vitamin A (look for “retinyl palmitate” or “retinol” on the label). Read more.

6. Free radicals and other skin-damaging byproducts of sunscreens.

Both UV radiation and many common sunscreen ingredients generate free radicals that damage DNA and skin cells, accelerate skin aging and cause skin cancer. An effective sunscreen prevents more damage than it causes, but sunscreens are far better at preventing sunburn than at limiting free radical damage. While typical SPF ratings for sunburn protection range from 15 to 50, equivalent “free radical protection factors” come in at about 2. When consumers apply too little sunscreen or reapply it infrequently – and that’s more common than not – sunscreens can cause more free radical damage than UV rays on bare skin. The FDA could improve sunscreens’ ability to reduce free radical skin damage by strengthening standards for UVA protection. Read more.

7. Pick your sunscreen: nanomaterials or potential hormone disrupters.

The ideal sunscreen would completely block the UV rays that cause sunburn, immune suppression and damaging free radicals. It would remain effective on the skin for several hours and not form harmful ingredients when degraded by UV light. It would smell and feel pleasant so that people use it in the right amount and frequency.
Unsurprisingly, there is currently no sunscreen that satisfies all these criteria. The major choice in the U.S. is between “chemical” sunscreens, which have inferior stability, penetrate the skin and may disrupt the body’s hormone systems, and “mineral” sunscreens (zinc and titanium), which often contain micronized- or nanoscale particles of those minerals.
After reviewing the evidence, EWG determined that mineral sunscreens have the best safety profile of today’s choices. They are stable in sunlight and do not appear to penetrate the skin. They offer UVA protection, which is sorely lacking in most of today’s sunscreen products. Mexoryl SX (ecamsule) is another good option, but it’s available in very few formulations. Tinosorb S and M could be great solutions but are not yet available in the United States. For consumers who don’t like mineral products, we recommend sunscreens with avobenzone (3 percent for the best UVA protection) and without the notorious hormone disrupter oxybenzone. Scientists have urged parents to avoid using oxybenzone on children due to penetration and toxicity concerns

Check ingredients on BACK of label!

Ingredients Lists

When purchasing a product, know this!!!!! The first 5 ingredients are what your money is buying. Anything listed after that is negligible or a filler or preservative. Beware of anything paraben based. The front label can say anything and make any claims and have no or very little basis of truth. Flip that bottle around and read under "Ingredients"........The miracle substance should be in the top five. If the top five are the ingredients you were hoping to use, the price will reflect that as most "miracle" products are expensive to harvest and produce and the research behind them are costly. Consumers should do their homework, and understand the bottom line. Good luck and stay Savv

Osmosis New Product

It's very important to understand what is going on with Catalyst and Catalyst Plus+. As you may know, Catalyst is the first ever DNA repair serum on the market. It corrects and improves skin tags, actinic keratoisis and other skin disturbances that require DNA repair, along with dramatic lightening results to pigmentation and scar tissue revision.

What's unique about Catalyst Plus+ is that rather the using 10% L-Ascorbic Acid as we do in Catalyst, we're using 20% Ascorbyl Glucoside in the new Catalyst Plus formula. After long and extensive research I determined that Ascorbyl Glucoside is the most stable form of Vitamin C. The neat thing about this is that it is a sustained released product, giving your skin the time it needs to break apart the glucoside from the L-Ascorbic Acid, and delivering fresh Vitamin C into your skin.

No longer should red bumps or discoloration of the skin occur from oxidized Vitamin C.  People with Rosacea will find that this is a better-tolerated formula due to the slow release of L-Ascorbic Acid into the skin. The new Catalyst Plus+ contains all of the components used to create the zinc finger technology but with one added attribute, aloe, adding a nice soothing quality about it. Be sure to remind your clients that there may be a response with purging skin for a couple of weeks after beginning use.

Catalyst Plus + is a wonderful addition to the strategy and treatment of hyperpigmentation used in combination with Restore Topical and Restore Internal. 

How To Give Yourself a natural facelift

Well... maybe not exactly a facelift, but definitely improved tone just as you can tone any muscle on your body. One of the modalities I incorporate into my facial service is facial massage. Certain conditions can be treated by massage. For example, people who suffer from insomnia benefit from having a head and face massage, or massaging themselves, just before they go to bed. Massage also boosts the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Massage relaxes tension in your face, some people are teeth grinders. Massage increases blood flow and lymph drainage reduces puffiness. Lots of my clients are close to my age and complain of eyelid droopiness. One exercise you can perform is to place one index finger on top of each eyelid and keeping your eyes shut, widen your eyes as if trying to lift your eyelids. Perform a set of 10 daily. For more exercises, contact About Face Esthetics  941-914-6594 for an appointment.

Ayurveda For Skin Care

Ayurveda is India's traditional system of health and healing. An ancient medical system built on practice and observation centuries ago. It is holistic in nature, seeing the body as a spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical entity. One philosophy states that all a human can do is to create conditions in herself that will facilitate nature's work. The foundation of observation includes the "Three Doshas" which is the context of applying lifestyle choices (exercise, food, etc.) to your predominant energy force (dosha).

VATA - (air) dry, cold, irregular
PITTA - (fire) hot, oily, irritable
KAPHA - (water) cold, wet, stable

Most people are a combination of one or two sometimes all three, and often when out of balance they feel "off". Skin is one way to "check in" on a clients general vitality and health. I sometimes see someone with "ruddy" dry skin and know  they have too much vata and pitta going on. What diet, and what skincare will "support" their condition and move towards healing and balance? As an esthetician I do not have all the answers, but will oftentimes lend a book and or refer them to the proper therapist or doctor.

Stem Cell in Skin Care

Thought that this explanation of what Stem Cell Therapy can accomplish in your daily skin care routine.

Is there a place for Stem Cells in Aesthetic Medicine?

Skincare companies have been utilizing stem cells topically in their products; however, they are sourced from plants or bacteria. Because they are not derived from the human body they are not as easily recognized and this results in a less significant effect in the skin. The future of stem cells cosmetically will be the injection of it into our faces almost as commonly as Botox is today. Injected stem cells can replace tissue loss and provide a direct source for critical growth factors.

What are Growth Factors?

Growth factors are produced by the body to control growth, division and maturation of cells. They are what regulate the division and the production of cells.

Where do our Growth Factors come from?

We source our growth factors from adult stem cells that are derived from fat cells. These fat cells are harvested from the subcutaneous fat of healthy adult donors. Once harvested, the stem cells begin a growth cycle during which they generate growth factors.

Beginning Source:

Adult stem cells derived from fat cells.

Stem cells transferred to a culture containing specific growth media.

Stem cells begin dividing. During this process their
growth factors are secreted.

150-300 growth factors and *cytokines are

secreted from the division of stem cells.

We collect the growth factor secretions and leave the stem cells behind to continue division and secretion of growth factors.

*Cytokines work together with cells of the immune system in order to regulate the body's response to disease and infection. Cytokines also mediate normal cellular processes in the body.

What do Growth Factors do when used in skincare?

When growth factors are utilized in products they have two major benefits: protect the skin and stimulate growth of new cells. The growth factors that are secreted from adult human stem cells benefit all skin conditions. Take for example:

HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor)

enhances wound repair and increases the number of macrophages for scar tissue removal.

TGF-B (Transforming Growth Factor Beta)

increases new blood vessel formation and collagen production.

FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor)

elevates the number of collagen manufacturing cells along with increasing their production levels.

IFNg (Interferon Gamma)

fights viral and bacterial infections and increases 'Natural Killer' cell activity.

PDGF-AA (Platelet Derived Growth Factor)

creates new fibroblasts, increases the number of macrophages, increases angiogenesis and new cell development.

Why do we choose to use Growth Factors?

We choose to use growth factors because we can obtain hundreds of them from stem cells, and when applied topically to the skin we can encourage multiple cell type growth to repair and replace damaged cells. 

5 Key Ingredients Your Skin Needs!

How can we help the skin to function optimally? Whether taken internally or used topically these 5 ingredients help your body look and feel the best.
1.) 1, 3 Beta Glucan~ a cluster of soluble fiber derived from fermented yeast such as Brewers yeast. Scientifically proven to perform as a potent immune activator with it's ability to activate macrophage immune cells.
2.) Niacinamide~ anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, assists in the fight against free radical damage, assists nutrient delivery through enhancing circulation.
3.) Retinaldehyde~ aids in cell growth and turnover, your body converts this to Retinoic Acid (Retin A) without the irritation associated with Retin A products used topically.
4.) Chlorella Bulgaris~ a species of green algae, anti-oxidant, probiotic properties, prevents collagen breakdown and generates production of new collagen
5.) Willow Herb~ Soothing, healing, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging properties

All Osmosis products have these ingredients built into your daily skin care routine. Ask your skin care professional for the system specific to your skin type. People ask what my secret is for close to perfect facial skin at my age, and I have just shared another skin secret.  

Facial Fusion Medi-Facial from Osmosis

A great alternative to harsh acid peels and the daily Retin-A treatments is the new Osmosis Skin Care Line and Philosophy. New products that deliver superior results with no downtime! a patented delivery system that delivers the product past the epidermal barrier into the dermis where fibroblasts and macrophages and other cellular entities require nutrients to thrive. Each of our cells are protected by a phospholipid bilayer. The bilayer is the major component that forms the cell membrane. It acts as a gate allowing only certain molecules to pass through into the cell. Fact: 98% of skincare does not penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis or dermis!  Osmosis has revolutionized skincare by delivering ingredients into the dermis by way of coating their ingredients with a liposome called phosphatidylcholine which enhances penetration. Because I incorporate these new products and the use of L.E.D. light therapy during your Medi-Facial your results will be dramatic!