Do You Get Enough Beauty Sleep?

February 8th, 2012

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We’ve heard the expression our whole lives, and have often joked about it. The truth is sleep is necessary for anti-aging and beauty benefits in general, as well as health and hormonal balance. I’ve never understood the expression: “I’ll sleep when I die” because lack of sleep will contribute to the deterioration of your body and immune system…and could very well contribute to an early grave!

 

I don’t know about you, but when I don’t get quality sleep, or get less sleep than I’m used to for more than one night, I just don’t feel right. I’m more bloated, the lines on my face seem more pronounced, my skin looks dull, not to mention crankiness, heightened emotional sensitivity and fogginess. It can even heighten depression!

 

You may be thinking “well, that’s why there’s a Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner! Just drink caffeine!” True, caffeine will give you a jolt, but more than one cup a day may actually be harming you. Due to the ongoing stress in our everyday lives (kids, meetings, deadlines, family, money, etc.) your adrenal glands are working overtime. The adrenals sit on top of our kidneys and they’re in charge of monitoring the body’s stress response through the release of cortisol and adrenaline in the ‘fight or flight’ response. Both of these hormones are essential when in balance in order to have a healthy stress response and fight infection.

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How Do I Know If LED Light Products Work?

January 2nd, 2012

      

(After 6 treatments with the PhotoActif Professional machine. Results are not typical in home use machines. Property of Rosa Cardinal International, LLC and www.europeanskininstitute.com)

 

There is a lot of hype nowadays promoting LED machines for home use, touting the same, amazing results you would obtain from a professional machine. It’s not to say you can’t get good use out of them and see some results, although they may not be as drastic as if you were getting them professionally done. I think we can agree that some results for the fraction of the cost can be just what you’re looking for and a perfect harmony between your beauty regimen and your wallet.

 

The truth is: a lot of these treatments can be very costly and sometimes self-treatment is the only realistic approach. However, remember not to be ‘wowed’ with all the fancy terminology and pictures of serious-looking people in lab coats. It’s your due diligence that you’re getting the best product, even if you’re looking for a bargain. Just because you can get a deal doesn’t mean you should get it, and by the same token, for those of you that are treatment snobs, just because it’s affordable doesn’t always mean it’s not good.

 

Moral of the story is you should always ask questions, but before you know what to ask or look for, I am going to educate you on how and why LEDs work.

 

Light-Emitting Diodes(LED): What are they?

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Posted in Acne Treatment, Anti-Aging, Miscellaneous, Skin Conditions | 1 Comment »

What Basic Skin Care Should I be Using?

October 10th, 2011

 

 I know there are SO many products out there and I understand that although you may want to be proactive and take care of your skin, you also don’t want to break the bank in developing your beauty regimen.

Let me inform you on the key products that should be the standard in your bathroom cabinet. Having these essentials will ensure you’re delivering the adequate ingredients to your skin, without investing too much time or layering too much product.

Consider this your Skin Care Basics 101.

The top 5 products you should be investing in are…

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Posted in Acne Treatment, All-About-Sun-Protection, Anti-Aging, Antioxidants, Clean-Skin, Exfoliation, Oily Skin, Pigmentation, Skin Conditions | 1 Comment »

What Are Stem Cells and Why Are They Important In Skin Care?

September 27th, 2011

There is new and groundbreaking technology revolutionizing the skin care industry and you may be seeing it here for the first time.

 

Skin care enthusiasts, listen up: This is the way the skin care and anti-aging market is headed and you definitely want to come along for this ride.

 

What am I referring to?

 

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Posted in Acne Treatment, Anti-Aging, Miscellaneous, Pigmentation, Skin-Care-Q&A | No Comments »

What Products Should I Use To Relieve My Dry Skin?

September 19th, 2011

Dry skin indicates that the condition of the skin barrier needs a little help, mainly because your skin doesn’t produce enough oils.

The lipid barrier is a naturally-ocurring barrier that consists of a mixture of oils and ceramides. Think of it as the ‘bouncer’ in your skin. It decides which ingredients to let in, and what to keep out. It makes the skin stonger, and the healthier it is, the more hydrated your skin will be, and the less irritated it gets.

It’s naturally acidic in its pH and this is to keep harmful bacteria and irritants out! When this barrier is weak or insufficient (which tends to be the case often with so many barrier-debilitating procedures such as strong peels, microdermabrasion, lasers, etc), it lends the skin to be more sensitized and more ‘reactive’ to products. It can also give way to more inflammation in the skin, which in turn accelerates aging, and increases the occurance of acne and pigmentation. (Click here to read more on inflammation)

This lipid barrier is very much influenced by diet, stress, hormones, prolonged exposure to water and cold, dry weather. If you live in a cold state or country, you know this first-hand.

Clients during winter-time in Colorado always have the same complaint: dryness.
This is due to the harsh, dry cold outdoors and then the heat inside every home
and business.

This constant fluctuation in temperature affects the fats that lubricate the skin
and begin breaking them down. Aside from this, it can cause the weakening and
breaking of small capillaries, causing redness and a ‘flushed’ look.

You are also more prone to developing wrinkles with dry skin.

What is Your Course of Action?

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