Lymphatic drainage & dry body brushing.

 Your skin is a complex system that serves many functions and buffers your body from extreme temperatures and chemicals. It also protects you from bacteria, pollution and is in fact a crucial part of the world around you.

  Your skin also plays an important part in helping your body detoxify itself from waste and toxins that might not be able to release via other means.

  This is where dry skin brushing can be invaluable, not only in brushing off dead skin cells but also in activating waste removal via your lymph nodes.    

  Lymphatic Drainage 

  Your lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating cellular waste products. This system collects all the waste from your tissues for elimination, a process referred to as lymphatic drainage. Your lymph system does not have a pump so it requires exercise and movement to stimulate it to function well.

 When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and make you sick. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating your lymphatic system with dry brushing you will help your body release toxins and this simple method is a powerful means detoxifying your body.

 The benefits of dry brushing

  Dry brushing will remove dead dry skin, improving its appearance, clearing your clogged pores, and allowing your skin to breathe. It will also improve circulation which helps to bring oxygen and nutrients to the skin.

  Reduces Cellulite

  Dry skin brushing is also one of the most effective ways to eliminate cellulite. It does so by softening hard fat deposits while distributing them more evenly. This helps to diminish the appearance of cellulite.

 

 How to body brush?

  The best time to do dry brushing is the morning before you take a shower. You may wish to avoid doing it at night-time since it can energize you.

  Get a high-quality dry brush with bristles made from natural materials. They should feel stiff but should not scratch.

 The pressure you apply should be firm but not painful. Don't scrub; don't brush your face or other sensitive areas that might become irritated as a result.

Start from the bottom up, at your feet, brushing always toward your heart, which is best for circulation and your lymphatic system. Continue to work your way up your legs to your arms, chest, back, and stomach.

 This as you can see is very simple and it will take a few minutes each day but it’s very powerful when done daily , soon you'll get all the health benefits of it.

Acne Prevention Tips.

Having acne-prone skin can present a daily challenge. But there are plenty of different treatment options available to prevent and control breakouts.

Clean your skin properly daily

It is important to keep your skin clean by washing it daily. The goal is to remove any dead skin, makeup and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day. Gently massage the cleanser suited to your skin type and rinse with warm water. To avoid further irritation and inflammation, especially during a breakout, use a mild cleanser. Avoid scrubbing your skin, which will spread bacteria, by using your clean hands or a fresh, soft white face cloth, then rinse and towel dry with your own towel.

Minimise the use of makeup & hair products

Let your pores breathe… Especially during a breakout! You may be tempted to cover up blemishes, but it can worsen the existing acne. If you decide to wear makeup, try to use oil-free cosmetics without added dyes or chemicals. Additionally, your hair products can have a similar effect on your complexion. Avoid using fragrances, oils and harsh chemicals on your hair as they can fall onto your face and block the pores. For longer hair, simply keep it pulled back off your face. As always, be sure to cleanse your skin before you go bed whenever you wear any product or not.

Keep your hands off!

This may sound simple enough, but may be one of the hardest to accomplish. It’s amazing how often we touch our face and skin throughout the day. Steer clear of propping your chin or cheek on your hands or avoid touching your face in general. Pressing against skin cells can not only spread bacteria, but it can further irritate already inflamed skin. And never pick or squeeze pimples with your fingers. It can lead to further infection, worse breakouts and even scarring. Keep your hands clean and off your face.

Use over-the-counter acne products with care

Though effective, over-the-counter acne products contain the antibacterial agent benzoyl peroxide, which can cause peeling and drying of the skin. Any active ingredients can also cause redness and scaling for those with sensitive skin. Use these ointments with caution by applying small amounts at first and adjusting as needed.

Skinceutical’s answer to acne.

·        Blemish + age cleansing gel - Exfoliating cleanser for ageing skin prone to imperfections - Designed for ageing skin prone to breakouts, LHA Cleansing Gel combines potent cleansing agents with LHA, glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate, smooth the appearance of irregularities and brighten skin.

·        Blemish + age solution is an exfoliating toner for ageing skin prone to blemishes. Designed for ageing skin prone to imperfections, Blemish + Age Solution is formulated with a combination of 3 exfoliating agents to help remove excess residue and surface cells.

·        Blemish and age serum is a targeted, oil-free approach to target imperfections and address the visible signs of premature skin ageing. This acid blend combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation designed to help protect against the appearance of imperfections, minimise blemishes, and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

·        Clarifying clay masque-Deep pore-cleansing, skin-refining clay masque. This non-drying masque combines earth clays kaolin and bentonite, botanicals and minerals. It helps sooth and calm the skin; along with hydroxy acid blend.

Live Healthy!

One of the best things you can do for yourself, and your skin, is to live a healthier lifestyle. How you eat and treat your body is directly related to how you look and feel. Foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene are essential to healthy skin. Including more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet will help you look and feel great. Additionally, exercising regularly can reduce stress and enhance blood flow which contributes to other acne fighting regimens. Avoid wearing hats and similarly constrictive clothing that cause excessive sweating, which can increase skin irritation and bacteria. And again, always shower after sports to clear your pores.

Acne can be a common occurrence for many people, but adding some of these tips into your daily skin care routine can result in less breakouts and healthier skin.Avoid overstripping your skin with harsh ingredients as they will have a negative affect.
 Treatments such as LED light therapy, Jet Peels, Salicylic peel can all help to heal acne.

 If severe acne continues to plague you do not hesitate to call a doctor or dermatologist as prescription medication may be necessary.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is very often an issue as the weather gets colder and the heating in your home and work will be blasting causing dehydration of the skin and hair.

But it does not have to be, in fact there is a lot you can do to prevent dry skin conditions.

Look for some of these ingredients in your products as they can make a difference in the way your skin looks and feels.

SkinCeuticals

Founded in 1997 by American scientist, Dr Sheldon Pinnell, SkinCeuticals is a pioneer in the advent of cosmeceuticals to the aesthetic industry around the world. Dedicated to maintaining skin health and fighting the major causes of skin ageing, SkinCeuticals makes one simple promise: to provide advanced professional skincare, backed by science.

The leading brand for antioxidants protecting skin against free radical damage, Dr Pinnell’s research team discovered the formulation of the original, stabilised topical vitamin C serum, with the exact specification for proven penetration into the skin. The strict constraints that ensure saturation into the skin revolve around the L’Ascorbic acid formulation being at the right pH level, stable and the optimum percentage for adequate penetration. These rules are now the defined parameters for the strict Duke University patent, for which all SkinCeuticals antioxidants conform.

OPI

OPI Products Inc., the world leader in professional nail care, revolutionised the nail care industry by combining leading-edge innovation and quality products with trendsetting colours and iconic names – a philosophy that has driven the company since its inception in 1981.

http://youtu.be/GNtteyKE0H8

Why is Massage so good for you?

As we continue to lead our busy lives, massage has become a necessity instead of for only relaxation. Massage has been proven to have the following benefits including stress relief, pain relief, managing anxiety and depression, stiffness, blood pressure control, infant growth, boosting immunity and assisting in healing sports-related injuries.

Massage encourages healing by promoting the flow of blood and lymph, relieving tension, stimulating nerves and stretching and loosening muscles and connective tissue to keep them elastic. It helps move lymph, blood and oxygen to the various organs and tissues in ways that normally are not happening for people.

The other reason massage has such remarkable results is the touch factor. Touch calms people, reduces blood pressure, boosts immune system function and makes people feel cared for. All of these factors are very important to those seeking health and healing.

Research around the world has proven that with health concerns such as migraines, chronic pain and depression, weekly to monthly massages have been shown to have effective, long-term benefits that assist with shorter recovery times and longer periods of well being compared to exclusive medication use.

Try to receive a massage treatment at least once a month for continued well-being.

Not all dryness, redness, and irritation of the skin is created equal.

 

If you feel like you're constantly trying to soothe skin issues, you're not alone. Cleansing religiously, exfoliating too often, and topping it all off with a generous layering of strong anti-aging products are just a few of the things that send your complexions into a tailspin. Increasing stress and environmental allergies also make skin more prone to problems.

Despite countless products labelled "for sensitive skin" on shop shelves, treating a sensitive complexion isn't a one-size-fits-all affair. "Sensitive" products that work well for your friend's skin could just as easily wreak havoc on yours, so it's important to get beyond the general label and figure out what's really irritating your skin.

·       Your kin is taut and itchy - It might mean your cleanser is too drying. It's the number one culprit behind unnecessary irritation. Avoid ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulphate, harsh detergents commonly used in facial cleansers and soaps that break down the natural lipids in skin. When this happens, it's like a double whammy. Little invisible cracks in the skin form, causing moisture to seep out and allowing irritants in. Suddenly, other products in your routine that didn't irritate your skin before might now.

Try using a gentle cream cleanser such as Cetaphil – you will get this at your Pharmacy, OR Camomile cleanser by Eminence Organic Skincare available at the salon and spa. These will both allow your skin to maintain moisture levels.

 

 

·       Your skin is  sensitive, burning and stinging It might mean: Anti-ageing product overload. Packing too many anti-ageing ingredients into your routine can make skin sensitive as it can affect the skins natural barrier. The more products you use, the greater chance one won't agree with your skin." Second, mixing different anti-ageing ingredients, like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids—both of which work by sloughing off dead, dull cells to reveal healthier and more youthful skin underneath—means that you're essentially exfoliating twice, which can seriously strip skin and increase the potential for irritation.

Try to stick with a good quality antioxidant vitamin C serum per day and a moisturiser fortified with anti-ageing ingredients. Those that include ingredients that builds up skin's barrier, like hyaluronic or peptides.

·       Your skin is prone to blushing and flushing, sometimes accompanied by tiny red pimples. It might mean that you have rosacea. Characterised by blood vessels that swell and produce redness at the slightest agitation—from cold, heat, wind, stress, or spicy foods—the condition traditionally develops after age 30. The exact cause is still unknown, and specific triggers differ for everyone. What experts do know: A liberal, daily application of an SPF 30 is a must. Sun exposure breaks down the supportive structures, like collagen, around blood vessels, exacerbating redness. Watch your sugar intake as this may make the redness worse.

 

Apply Redness neutraliser serum by Skinceutical-Formulated with patent-pending NeuroMed Complex, Redness Neutralizer prevents and corrects redness associated with rosacea by combating environmental triggers and interrupting the inflammation cascade while protecting the skin’s barrier.Minimises redness flare-ups by controlling hyper-reactivity to environmental triggersCools skin temperature, so  ideal for rosacea as well as sensitive skin types and conditions sunscreen daily to prevent symptoms from getting worse.



                                                                         

Sensitive skin often can not tolerate chemical UV filters, like avobenzone, but physical blockers titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect without irritation. Try Skinceutical mineral based sun barriers.

For serious, persistent rosacea, see your dermatologist, who can recommend the right treatment for your skin.

 

                 ·       Your  skin is scaly  with   rough patches on the skin

It might mean: You're having an eczema flare-up. When working properly, the top layer of skin acts like a strong film that seals in hydration and protects deeper layers of skin. Eczema-prone complexions suffer from a faulty skin barrier that allows water to easily escape, leading to extreme dryness and flakiness. When irritants like smoke and fragrances then settle on skin, immune cells rush to the area to respond, triggering inflammation. Though 90% of people are diagnosed before the age of five, with symptoms often fading during childhood, eczema is a chronic condition that may make you more prone to dryness and irritation at any age.

To enhance skin's resilience, apply a humectant-based moisturiser after cleansing while skin is still moist. Drink lots of water and take fish oils.

Skin care ingredients to avoid if you have eczema and psoriasis or sensitive skin.

 

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

 

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and the similar sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are detergents that act as cleansers, emulsifiers and foamers and are present in lots of household and industrial items. They are present in the vast majority of personal care products including moisturisers, body lotions and shampoos. There are several variations of these ‘sulphate’ (or sulphate) chemicals and they differ slightly in composition, but fundamentally they are the same. They appear in personal care products primarily because they’re cheap and highly effective cleansers and foaming agents.

 

They are known to be skin irritants. They are detergents and so their properties are very similar to soap – stripping the skin of moisture and protective oils. SLS is the most common of these detergent chemicals and it is the one that causes most skin irritation – it prevents the skin from being able to efficiently defend itself from the environment. It has been proven that SLS is a very abrasive irritant that was still detectable in research subjects for three weeks post use. SLES causes less irritation than SLS but is more expensive and thus SLS is frequently used. Eliminating sulphates could be all you need to do to put an end to red, itchy, and dry skin.

Both SLS and SLES have been proven to aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and so sufferers of these conditions are advised to eliminate sulphates entirely. Signs of sensitivity to sulphates include redness, scaling and itching of the skin, and an itchy scalp and hair loss when it is used in shampoos. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should switch to sulphate free products to see if their symptoms improve.

Eminence is a good quality organic skincare line free from any nasty ingredients.

 

 

Anti-ageing juice.

Juicing is good for you – your body & skin reflects what is going on in the inside.

Try a daily vegetable juice high in Vitamin C, iron, fibre and antioxidants. I recommend this juice to encourage a natural healthy glow and helps with anti- ageing of the skin as well;

Ingredients;

1 carrot,

½ a beetroot (including stems and leaves),

2 sticks of celery,

1 green apple,

2 kale leaves,

1 small piece ginger,

To taste you can add a few strawberries.

 **It is well worth investing in a good juicer that can juice leaf vegetables.  Try to have a juice daily.

Natural ways to delay the ageing process

1: Cut down on sugar

It’s pretty much impossible to eliminate sugar but we should reduce our intake considerably for the sake of our skin. Sugar accelerates the ageing process by causing damage to collagen and elastin in the skin, so cutting down on your consumption of the sweet stuff can reinvigorate your looks. If there is too much sugar in the body, protein molecules can cross-link with sugar molecules. Once this cross-linking process has occurred, the new sugar proteins are called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The human body does not recognize AGEs as normal, and will produce antibodies that cause inflammation in the skin. Once formed, AGEs tend to gravitate toward dermal collagen and elastin.

2: Exercise

Staying within a healthy weight range will keep you looking younger: being too thin can have an ageing effect on the face, and being overweight can make you appear older. Exercise is immensely helpful when trying to maintain a healthy weight and has countless benefits to health, including better sleep and increased energy levels. It also improves circulation and blood flow to the skin and giving it a healthy, youthful glow. Strength training will help tighten and firm the muscles – building lean, toned muscles is one of the most effective ways to look younger than your years.

3: Get enough sleep

Our bodies restore themselves during sleep, it’s the time our cells repair the DNA damage from the day before. The concept of beauty sleep is not a myth – being sleep deprived can definitely be detrimental to our looks. Everyone’s sleep requirements are different, but aiming for at least 7 hours is a good target.

4: Get enough vitamin D

Some studies found that people with higher levels of Vitamin D age more slowly than those with lower levels, but it’s not clear why. Make sure you get enough of the ‘sunshine’ vitamin, but be careful not to overdo sun-exposure, which will not only have an ageing effect on the skin but will also increase your risk of skin cancer.

5. Drink plenty of water -drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated which keeps your skin moisturised, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Fish oils help dehydrated skin also.

6: Yoga & Meditation

Yoga and Meditation - soothes and de-stresses, and improves your posture and muscle tone and help you sleep. All of these help keep the ravages of age at bay. 

7: Be happy-Smiling uses fewer muscles than frowning, be happyand you will feel better and when you feel good you look good. 

Skin Care Tips to achieve a natural healthy glow.

 

 

·        Cleanse in the Morning and Evening-It is important to wash your skin in the morning, as you have oil on your face from sleeping, and in the evening, you have to wash off sunscreen, makeup, dirt, and pollens. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type (dry, oily or combination). Remember there is no advantage in trying to strip your skin of oils by using an over abrasive cleanser as it in fact have the opposite effect.

 

·        Exfoliate -Remember nobody needs to exfoliate every day, so avoid daily scrubs. You only need to exfoliate two to three times a week, with a fine scrub. If you have very fine skin, you may like to apply the scrub while you still have your cream cleanser on your skin. Avoid the scrubs with large beads that have irregular shapes that can irritate your skin.

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator is a grain free exfoliator suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. This revolutionary resurfacing and replenishing serum surpasses the results of a daily 20% glycolic acid treatment while simultaneously reinforcing the skin’s barrier for healthier, more radiant skin. Normalises epidermal renewal to create a noticeably smoother, softer surface texture. Stimulates enzymes that help break the bonds that bind dead cells to the surface of the skin, to dramatically diminish surface lines and wrinkles Speeds skin-cell turnover to improve skin’s radiance, keeping new, healthy skin on the surface. Balances skin moisture levels. Reinforces the skin's barrier

 

·        Use Vitamin A -Retinoid, which are made from vitamin A, are the one of your best ingredients against anti-ageing. Retinoid come in two forms: Retinol: You can buy products containing retinol without a prescription. Both encourage your skin to make more collagen, which gives your skin structure and elasticity. They also exfoliate your skin, removing dead, surface skin cells to soften lines. You need to allow your skin an adjustment time to get used to the product, so less is more – use as if it were made of gold. A tiny amount goes a long way. Use once or twice a week to begin and build it up. These are irritating to the skin and can cause excessive dryness and rash if you are too heavy handed. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen daily, as these make your skin more photo- sensitive to the sun.

               Use at night and be patient as it can take months to see an improvement.

 

·        Use serums such as Skinceutical Vitamin C, which is a medical grade antioxidant combination that delivers advanced environmental protection against photo-aging by neutralising free radicals that cause accelerated signs of ageing along with refining the skin and stimulating collagen



·        Moisturise your skin- Moisturise when you get out of the shower in the morning, and after you wash your face at night, use a moisturiser to lock the moisture in your skin. This helps your skin look soft and smooth, which can help minimise the appearance of wrinkles.

·        Sunscreen is one of the most important ingredients against skin ageing- It needs to be at least 30 SPF, and look for a broad spectrum as it important to be properly protected against UVA as well as UVB, as UVA rays because collagen damage, skin lines and skin cancer, you need to wear it every day, even in winter.



·        Say No to Sun beds.-Just one session on a sunbed raises your chances of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer it also accelerates the ageing process. Instead, use fake tans or bronzer; look for organic brands to give you a risk free glow all year round if you wish.

 

·        Choose a healthy diet for a healthy glow to your skin. You have heard it said you are what you eat, so choose wisely as your diet has a really powerful impact on your skin, and health. Choose foods like olive oil, fish like salmon, walnuts, and almonds. These are high in omega-3 healthy fats, which can help minimise damage and keep your skin healthy as you age. Your skin is constantly renewing itself so the healthier your diet is, the more nutrients your skin has for this process, and the better your skin looks and feels over time. Also, stay hydrated. Drink water when you're thirsty. You also get some water from vegetables and fruit, so include those at every meal.

 



·        Say no to smoking! You will have much better-looking skin if you kick the habit. People who smoke get wrinkles sooner than those who don't smoke plus smoking causes decolouration. The physical act of smoking also works against you. Any repetitive facial movements like pulling on a cigarette, which makes your mouth pucker, cause wrinkles.

 

If you think you don't have freckles, think again.

UV light shows New Yorkers their true skin

August 14, 2014: Photographer Thomas Leveritt set up an ultraviolet camera on a city street on a sunny day to show people how sunscreen helps protect your skin.

http://youtu.be/o9BqrSAHbTc

In the disturbing video shot in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, subjects see in real-time how much impact ultraviolet light has on them.

The footage shot by Thomas Leveritt shows how looks of joy turn to looks of shock and horror as the UV light shows previously invisible changes to their skin.

"I found that people reacted so strongly and interestingly to seeing themselves in UV, I decided I should capture that," Leveritt told Co.Create.

Almost everybody featured in the video is absolutely covered in hidden freckles, with the older participants more affected than the youths.

But the most remarkable part of the video is the impact that sunscreen has when applied.

Woods Lamp explained - used in skin analysis uses ultraviolet .

A Wood’s lamp is a mercury vapour ultraviolet lamp with a filter of barium silicate glass with 9% nickel oxide. The filter allows UV light in the wavelength of 320 to 400 nanometres only while blocking out all other wavelengths. Wood’s lamp mainly emits ultraviolet light in the wavelength of 360 nanometres.

Wood’s Lamp in the Diagnosis of Fungal Infection of the Scalp

Tinea capitis, the fungal infection of the scalp, is caused by different species of fungi. Examination of the scalp in a dark room with Wood’s lamp produces a greenish fluorescence when the infection is caused by certain species like the Microsporum and Trichophyton schoenleini. Wood’s lamp examination is particularly useful in rapidly diagnosing outbreak of tinea capitis in large number of cases as in community schools and boarding. Earlier diagnosis and management prevents further spread of the disease.

The disadvantage is that, at times, the fungal infection is caused by nonfluorescing species like Trihophyton violaceum. Hence a negative Wood’s lamp examination does not rule out presence of fungal infection.

Wood’s Lamp in Pigmentary Disorders of the Skin

In light-skinned individuals, it may be difficult to distinguish between normal skin and slightly hypo pigmented (light white colour) areas in diseases like pityriasis versicolor, pityriasis alba and ash leaf macules present in the genetic disease tuberous sclerosis. These are accentuated when examined under the Wood’s lamp. The extent of vitiligo patches also can be clearly delineated in the fair skinned with the help of the Wood’s lamp.

In pigmentary disorders like melasma and freckles, the level of melanin deposition can be differentiated using Wood’s lamp. Dark colour due to pigments in the outer epidermal layer of the skin is accentuated while the colour of the deeper dermal pigments is decreased during Wood’s lamp examination.

Wood’s Lamp Examination in the Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections of the Skin

Wood’s lamp fluoresce a coral pink colour in eythrasma, a superficial bacterial infection causing brownish red patches on the skin. A yellowish green fluorescence is typical of Pseudomonas pyocyanea infection.

Wood’s Lamp in the Diagnosis of Porphyrias

Porphyrias are a group of inherited and acquired disorders resulting from certain enzyme defects in the body. These could range from life threatening disease to disease limited to skin. In porphyrias, the urine is high-colored and the skin is highly photosensitive with other changes in hair, nails and other internal organs. A pinkish or orange red fluorescence of the urine accentuated by the addition of dilute hydrochloric acid helps in making a presumptive diagnosis of porphyiria cutanea tarda using Wood’s lamp. The same fluorescence is present in the stools and blister fluids of these patients.

Wood’s Lamp to Detect Scabies Burrows

Fluorescine or tetracycline rubbed into the skin allows the identification of scabies burrows under Wood’s light.

Similarly, drug deposits like tetracycline in the teeth and mepacrine in the nails can be diagnosed from the yellow fluorescence under Wood’s lamp examination.

Wood’s lamp, thus, is a simple and cost effective tool in the diagnosis of a variety of skin diseases.

Source:

Bedi BMS. Principles of Clinical Diagnosis in IADVL Textbook of Dermatology, 3rd Ed, 2008

Candida/ Yeast infection.

Candida is a fungus, which is a form of yeast, a very small amount of which lives in your mouth and intestines. Its job is to aid with digestion and nutrient absorption, but when it is overproduced it breaks down the wall of the intestine and penetrates the bloodstream, releasing toxic by-products into your body and causing leaky gut. This can lead to many different health problems ranging from digestive issues to depression.
The healthy or ‘good’ bacteria in your gut typically keeps your candida levels in balance. However, the Candida population can get out of hand if a course of antibiotics kill too many of those friendly bacteria, you have a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar (which feed the yeast), high alcohol intake, are taking oral contraceptives or any number of other factors including a high-stress lifestyle.
Common Candida Symptoms
• Skin and nail fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
• Feeling tired and worn down or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
• Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
• Autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis
• Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD and brain fog
• Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
• Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching or vaginal itching
• Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
• Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings

Getting rid of the Candida overgrowth requires a change in diet to a low carbohydrate diet. Sugar feeds yeast, so eliminating sugar in all of its simple forms like sweets, desserts, alcohol and flours. A 2011 research study -http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21513811 looked at how Candida Albicans uses sugar. It found that carbohydrates were ‘indispensable’ both for cellular growth and for the conversion between the yeast and fungal forms. This is just one of the studies that make it very clear that a low-sugar diet is a necessary part of your Candida treatment.
Reducing to only a few cups a day of the more complex carbohydrates such as grains, beans, fruit, bread, pasta, and potatoes will prevent the Candida from growing and eventually cause it to die.
To boost your good bacteria you should take pro-biotics on a regular basis. Eliminate inflammatory foods that can harm your digestive tract and introduce foods that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, this will aid to  prevent Candida from working its way through your body, and will help to dramatically improve your overall health.

Everything You Need to Know About Antioxidants and Your Skin

Antioxidants are powerful substances that help fight free radicals which cause inflammation and disease in the body.
Free radicals can be a by-product of your body as it breaks down the foods you eat and also when your body is exposed to harmful irritants, such as cigarette smoke, pollution or radiation. 
Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin A or beta-carotene can be applied to the skin in order to reduce free radical damage. Additionally, the ageing process can be slowed down and minimised when you use skincare products that contain antioxidants.
Antioxidants are powerful substances that help fight free radicals which cause inflammation and disease in the body.

You've probably heard about the wonders and necessity of antioxidants from everyone from your doctor to the guy at the juice bar down the street. And seeing the word "antioxidant" on a product label is not uncommon. It's also not incredibly helpful because there are dozens of different antioxidants with a wide range of benefits. So which ones are best for your skin? How do the antioxidants in citrus fruits translate to a clear complexion? And what exactly are antioxidants?
In the simplest terms, antioxidants are anti-inflammatory agents.  As an anti-inflammatory, antioxidants assist the body in healing and provide protection from future damage. And that's damage in the broadest sense, meaning there's an antioxidant to address every skin concern. Look for serums with antioxidants because they contain ingredients in a pure form and are more concentrated than lotions and creams. Remember that antioxidants can't do it all on their own. Support them by wearing SPF all the time and a hat when in direct sun. Try to limit the amount of free radical formation (that leads to inflammation and collagen degeneration) by avoiding excessive sun exposure. "I like a vitamin C and Ferulic combination, such as Skinceutical CE Ferulic as I think it's one of the most stable, even in the summer elements”. 

Together the combination works by speeding up the skin's natural repair system and blocking future damage.  Antioxidants can be found in fruits and vegetables or can be taken as supplements. And are of course used in topical skincare products for the benefit of your complexion.

According to the Mayo Clinic the following foods are good for you;

http://youtu.be/jlHgwv-SfMA

Berries: Colourful berries, particularly blueberries and strawberries, appear to have heart-healthy effects. Research suggests they may lower blood pressure and positively influence blood vessel health.

Curcumin: Curcumin is found in the spice turmeric, the main spice used to prepare curry. Curcumin is thought to have antioxidant properties, as it may decrease swelling and inflammation. Preliminary research suggests that curcumin may prevent cancer and possibly slow the spread of cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables: This family includes broccoli, cauliflower, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, kale and turnips. Research suggests these foods have a protective effect in preventing prostate, colorectal and lung cancers.

Corn: Corn often gets a bad rap as a starchy vegetable. But yellow corn, and even cornmeal, contains substances known for strong antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities.

Resveratrol B E by Skin Ceuticals.

What is Resveratrol and why does your skin need it?

SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E is a breakthrough formulation containing a 1% Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a compound which in nature is found in plants, it is part of their defence mechanism. Derived from knotweed plant, it helps boost skin's natural defence – as an antimicrobial substance it is produced in response to stress, infection or UV radiation. It has come under intense scrutiny in the past few years thanks to its powerful antioxidant and anti –ageing properties.
Resveratrol is powerful because it works in two ways as an antioxidant – it destroys existing free radicals and it also prevents their formation. Its antioxidant capabilities have been shown to be greater than that of vitamins E and C. Topical application of resveratrol can protect against UVB caused skin damage, as well as inhibit UVB induced oxidative stress. It can also prevent UVA damage and abnormal cell formation.

http://youtu.be/41hq6UPiOw0

It forms soluble, complex molecules with certain metal ions meaning that they cannot form free radicals. This, combined with the strong antioxidant properties, makes it great at combating the negative effects of free radicals which are responsible for skin ageing.

Amongst its other great properties is its ability to stimulate healthy cell proliferation as well as collagen synthesis, making it an all round super hero for your skin.
SkinCeuticals have introduced Resveratrol B E, a product that can be used at night when the skin is in its maximum repair mode. The concentration of resveratrol helps neutralise the negative effect of free radicals and promotes cell regeneration and stronger and more elastic skin through collagenesis.

In a 12-week clinical study, Resveratrol B E significantly improved radiance, firmness, elasticity, and density.Ultrasound measurement was used to visualize the effects of Resveratrol B E within the skin. After 12 weeks of use, underlying skin repair prompted an 18.9% increase in skin density.

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Resveratrol B E is just one part of a comprehensive, reparative skincare regimen.  For around the clock antioxidant prevention and repair it is recommended to use C E Ferulic in the morning to help shield skin from environmental damage and Resveratrol B E at night to boost skin's resilience. For an intensive night-time regimen to correct signs of accumulated damage use Resveratrol B E to boost skin's resilience followed by Skinceutical's  A.G.E. Interrupter to reduce the appearance of crepping, thinning skin.

Retails at €140.


If you would like to know more about Resveratrol B E, or would like to talk to one of our skin Therapists call 01 2300255/01 2300244

What is Rosacea and what causes it?

Rosacea is such a common condition, with over 45 million affected, across the globe. Unfortunately, not many people are aware of the condition. Damage to our skin barrier could be the cause of Rosacea.  This becomes cyclical as the skin never really heals due to the fact that the ‘damaged’ skin barrier is not able to foster skin protection so all of the outside environmental garbage [pollution, cigarette smoke, toxins, etc] is/are able to permeate the skin barrier which, in turn, causes even more damage. With the skin in a weakened state, it is also susceptible to bacteria.

There are many different forms that Rosacea can take, such as redness, blushing, raised spots etc and it can appear on the cheeks, nose and around the eyes. It can be caused by a number of things, including diet, exercise, and hereditary factors.

Traditionally – and up until recently – medical schools assumed that Rosacea only affected those of fair skin tones. Extensive studies have shown, however, that Rosacea can also occur in darker skins also.
The skin condition is not something that just affects the exterior; it also has a great impact on self-esteem, as it occurs in a very visible place. According to The National Rosacea Society, 76% of Rosacea sufferers said Rosacea had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41% reported that it had caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements.

As Rosacea typically presents itself with a rosey red rash it is surmised that this involves inflammation of small blood vessels in the facial capillaries. These capillaries (often called distended capillaries or broken capillaries) extend into the capillary walls. This is due partially to poor elasticity in the capillary wall. There are also other theories as to the cause of rosacea, including yeast, mite or bacterial overgrowth, unhealthy bowels and overgrowth of bacteria in the bowels. Rosacea represents itself in 4 sub-stages. Each stage becoming more intense than the last.

Symptoms:
- Red rash appearing on nose and/or cheeks
- Pustules [small, pus filled bumps]
- Papules [small, inflamed bumps]
- Watery, irritated eyes
- Small blood vessels appearing on the surface of the skin usually near
    the nose, cheeks or chin

Characteristics:
- Tends to be easily irritated
- Skin tends to flush when exposed to irritating substances/products
- May react due to temperature/humidity changes
- May react during times of stress
- May react to fluctuations in hormone levels
- May also react to certain foods and substances, especially spicy foods,
    alcohol or nicotine
- May react to sunlight
- Can become dehydrated due to transepidermal water loss
- In some rosacean skin, the constant flushing can affect the sebaceous
    glands causing acne pustules

Try to avoid, as these are definite contribution factors:
- Spicy foods [increases heat]
- Smoking [restricts blood flow]
- Direct sun exposure to the face
- Chemically laden ingredients/skin care
- SLS [sodium lauryl sulphate or any similar ingredients with
      SLS, SLES, etc. as their acronym[s]
- Synthetic fragrances
- Artificial colorants
- Harsh preservatives, parabens, formaldehyde releasers
- Ingredients known to cause irritation
- Hot showers or hot water when washing the skin
- Chlorinated water - Use a shower filter if possible

Possible Contributing Factors
- Alcohol (increases heat and also feeds bacteria in gut)
- Various medications
- Try to avoid acidic foods and drinks
- Not getting enough sleep

The important thing to know is that it can be treated! The right skin treatment can do a-lot to calm and soothe the condition. There are a variety of medical treatments for rosacea including topical and oral medication as well as laser treatment.
During your skincare consultation, a detailed skin analysis will take place and a personalised programme will be created for your treatment.

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SkinCeuticals’ Redness Neutralizer
It is a lightweight soothing gel cream formulated to protect skin against environmental triggers associated with redness by reinforcing the skin’s barrier function. It reduces redness by interrupting the inflammation cascade and protects the skin’s barrier. We have had amazing results with this product and recommend it highly for use with all clients suffering from rosacea. We have a wide-range of SkinCeuticals products available here at Nuala Woulfe Beauty Salon & Serenity Day Spa.