Tag Archives: Skin Care
More Out of Monday: Beauty Tips
By Jeffrie Ann Hall (Esthetician)
As an Esthetician, I specialize in skincare of the face – the first thing other people notice when they meet you. Want to know what gets noticed second? Your hands. Our hands get more attention than you think. We use our hands in so many ways of which we aren’t even conscious. We gesture in anger, excitement, and to add emphasis to nearly everything we say. Our hands convey feelings of love and comfort when we caress or touch a loved one or child.
Daily Abuse
We cook, clean, do projects; such as, crafts, painting, sewing, gardening, and the list goes on. Hot water, chlorine, and cleaning solutions – all things that affect the skin of your hands. So, that means our hands can begin to look old and weathered, sometimes even faster than our faces! Take a look at your hands right now, what are they telling you?
Are they aged and dry? Do they look older than they should? Ever heard the saying that you can tell a woman’s age by looking at her hands? It’s true. Most women don’t lavish the same care on their hands that they do on their faces. And they should.
Sun and Environmental Damage
Just like any exposed parts of our bodies, our hands can get abused by extreme environments like windy, cold weather or very dry heat. And, think about how often you drive. When your hands are on the steering wheel they are exposed to sunlight that is magnified by the glass of your windshield.
Taking Care of Your Hands
Manicures are great for a polished look but are really just the equivalent of applying lipstick and blush to our faces – it’s surface. What about the skin on your hands? After all, it’s wonderful to care for your face with great products, protecting it from premature aging, wrinkles and dryness, from the sun and free radicals. We moisturize, use specialized treatments, masques, sunscreen, you name it! Shouldn’t the same care be done for our hands? Yes.
The Plan
So, how do you keep your hands looking as youthful and fresh as your face? Pretty much the same way you do your face!
Wear gloves – We can put gloves on our hands to protect them from damage caused by
cleaning and other projects as well as from extreme cold weather (you could wear one of those knit ski caps, I suppose, but you most likely would be mistaken for a bank robber). But that is only one step in the care for your hands.
Exfoliate – Try exfoliating your hands with the product you may now be using to exfoliate your body. They will be smoother immediately.
Moisturize - Invest in a good hand cream that has an SPF, contains antioxidants like vitamins C, A and B, and good quality moisturizers such as Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid, Cocoa Butter, Olive Oil, Jojoba, and Aloe, to name a few. Use it daily. And if you wash your hands frequently (flu season requires that!) reapply that cream.
Reclaim the elasticity – If the skin on your hands is losing elasticity try a product that will restore that, maybe the one you are using on your face.
Lightening – There are products that can lighten dark spots that show up on the hands as well.
Serums – You could also use a facial serum on your hands but that could get pricey and if you select a good hand cream with the above stated ingredients, it shouldn’t really be necessary.
Go, go Galvanic! – Yes, you can use the Galvanic Spa (my best anti-aging secret) on your hands! It will do the same wonderful thing for your hands that it does for your face.
So, with a little extra TLC you can maintain gorgeous, expressive hands that will work hard for you and be wholeheartedly welcomed in a loving or comforting caress!
***For more information about Jeffrie’s Best Anti-Aging Secret and to view actual pictorial results, contact Jeffrie at 203.740.2005 jeffriehall@sbcglobal.net , or visit The Secret to Perfect Skin.
Photo 1 by Kelebarapictures; photo 2 by Elkapsypunk
You might have noticed that I’m on a rather organic/all-natural product kick right now. On my quest for some new personal care products that pass my standards, I discovered Aroma Artisan at Etsy, a company that sells exactly what I was looking for – cold process soaps and unique essential oils with custom fragrances.
Aroma Artisan at Etsy is a division of owner, Tracy Wickland’s grassroots company, My Skin Soap Studio. Since 2001, her business has not only offered a wide variety of delectable soaps and perfumes, butin doing so, supports the use of fair trade and organic ingredients as often as they can manage – a plus for those of you who are Eco and politically conscious.
Eden Perfume
Though I haven’t tried the yummy soaps (oddly, my mouth watered as I read the food and plant-derived ingredient lists), I have experienced 
Tracy’s Eden perfume. This subtly sweet fragrance focuses around 4 primary essential oils: Jasmine sambac absolute, sandalwood, fresh ginger and guaiacwood. With Jasmine and Sandalwood being two of my favorite fragrances, it wasn’t hard to fall in love with the well-executed combination. I actually keep it in my purse for touch ups when I want to take in the heavenly aroma. Because it is an essential oil based scent, it’s not overwhelming like some perfumes can be.
I am also looking forward to trying some of their organic body scrubs that have organic sugar, mango butter, and babassu oil. Just the sound of those ingredients sets a vision into motion of a wonderful soak in the tub, candle light, relaxing CD, and a glass of wine. Ahhhhh….
Personal Service
Another thing that I just love about purchasing from owner-operated, online companies, such as Tracy’s, is the fact that when you deal with the person who actually makes the products, you get personal attention (questions answered) within a short time. I found Tracy great to work with and will definitely be a long time customer.
Organic Product Giveaway (Over $100 value)
Aroma Artisan has offered a 10 ml (1/3 oz) cobalt glass bottle of Eden Perfume ($40 value) to add to our gift basket giveaway at the end of September (entry deadline September 30). To enter for a chance to win this fabulous prize package, do any or all of the following:
1. Leave a comment about which Aroma Artisan at Etsy or My Skin Soap Studio product you would most like to get or any other related topic.
2. Leave a comment on our recent review of Red Leaf Tea (another product included in the giveaway).
3. Pick up our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, or Stumble the article.
Make sure to leave a comment about which things you did, so we can give you the proper entries. Look for more reviews and chances to enter coming in the next couple of weeks.
My wish list includes the NEW Cocoa Almondine Limited Edition Soap, Turkish Cafe Limited Edition Luxury Soap, and Chai Tea Luxury Soap, and the Orange Fresh Ginger Luxury Organic Sugar Scrub for my bath time repertoire of all-natural products. Enjoy her site! Be well-be beautiful.
Photo by Caramel Chokecherry
More Out of Monday: Beauty Tips
By Jeffrie Ann Hall (Esthetician)
Certainly, we have all heard about exfoliating, right? It’s that process we should be incorporating into our skin care regime that keeps the skin on our faces, and our bodies, fresh and glowing. In my experience as a facialist, I found that most clients skipped this essential step. Sure, they got the exfoliation during a monthly or the occasional facial, but this is a process that needs to be performed on a regular basis.
Why Is It Important?
Well, what do you think happens to your skin cells as they die off? And they all do; it’s a natural process. As a young child, your cells turn over and slough off quickly on their own revealing fresh skin constantly. This remains the same during the teen years. Once we hit our 20’s, it slows…a bit. In our 30’s, we have a potential problem.
Changes Come with Age
These skin cells on the top layer (the epidermis) don’t naturally and quickly slough off on their own. They need to be helped along to reveal the fresh, newer skin below. If we don’t address that through exfoliation we end up with a dull, rough complexion that looks older than it is. Exfoliation helps promote cellular renewal by stimulating the fibroblasts. Remember the things that produce collagen, elastin, and GAG’s (providers of ‘snap back’ and hydration). Exfoliation can be done either by use of chemicals simply applied to the skin or with products that require manual manipulation. Keep reading.
If you are using an Anti-Aging skin care regime you are probably already addressing this because these products generally contain ingredients, such as vitamin A in the form of a retinol, and sometimes further exfoliation can cause irritation.
Read the Label
If your anti-aging products do not clearly state that they include an ingredient that addresses cellular turn over (Retinol, Alpha, Beta or Polyhydroxy acid), than seriously think about finding a better product! Umm, I happen to have a very good one in my bag of Anti-Aging Secrets! You can ask me about it.
So, what to do if you aren’t using Anti-Aging products that already contain an exfoliating ingredient? First you need to know that you are wasting the products you are using! You are moisturizing dead skin. Yuck, huh? These cells are past help and need to go so the good ingredients in your products can work on your fresh skin and do what they are meant to do!
The Right Products for Your Skin Type
That will determine how often you exfoliate. If you are using a manual manipulation product, 1-2 times a week is generally plenty. There are products gentle enough to use everyday; you can choose those if you don’t mind that extra daily step.
These products come as lotions, gels or liquids. They are natural chemicals, which come under the categories of Alpha, Beta and Polyhydroxy Acids which are simply applied and left on the skin. Alpha (AHA) includes Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, Tartaric and Citric acids; they tend to be best for dryer skin . Beta (BHA) is Salicylic acid and is best for oilier skin. Polyhydroxy acid is Gluconolactone. It is believed that these hydroxy acids also aid in keeping the skin thick and hydrated. Poly is fine for either and great for sensitive skin.
A manual use product is one that is applied with your finger tips. You lightly massage the skin and rinse it off. These usually contain particles made of tiny crystals, super finely ground seeds or nut shells (although, I personally think the ground nut shells to be too harsh for most skin) and even tiny synthetic beads. I would avoid these or be very careful if you have sensitive skin.
Precautions
If you have moderate to severe acne be careful! If you are treating your acne either with a prescription or an over the counter product you are getting the benefit of exfoliation in that product.
One last thing…NEVER USE A BODY EXFOLIANT ON YOUR FACE! It is too aggressive for the delicate facial skin. And never exfoliate the very tender eye area beyond the bone structure surrounding your eyes! You will only end up with irritated skin and that will not make you happy! 
***For more information about Jeffrie’s Best Anti-Aging Secret and to view actual pictorial results, contact Jeffrie at 203.740.2005, ♫ jeffriehall@sbcglobal.net , or visit The Secret to Perfect Skin.
Photo by Jasmine Green Tea
Tip of the Iceberg Tuesday
(A little controversy for your day)
Are You Dying To Be Beautiful?
One of our goals at Women’s Life Link is to help you understand the importance of obtaining and maintaining your health, and that through this process you will naturally begin to see a more beautiful you emerge. We have focused on some anti-aging topics, but this particular post is one that brings awareness of dangers that various cosmetics and skin care products pose to your body.
A Shocking Reality
“Currently, there are estimated to be more than 10,500 cosmetic and personal care products on the North American market. Of those products, the Environmental Working Group estimates that 99% of the products contain one or more ingredients that have never been evaluated for safety,” reports Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopathic physician, health activist, and entrepreneur practicing in Hoffman Estates, IL. This is nothing less than irresponsibility on the part of cosmetic companies and the administrations that regulate the sale of their products, or should I say, the lack of regulation.
If this is true, we can not count on the government to help us determine what is good for us and what is not. In fact, the FDA can not move on banning a product unless it has actually injured or caused death in multiple individuals. Huh? That sounds a little WRONG! I remember finding out that some companies actually put what is called “animal by-products” in their cosmetics. Do you have any idea what an animal by-product is? If you have a weak stomach, you should probably stop reading NOW. For the rest of you, here it goes. ABP’s are what boils to the top of a giant vats of left over parts from the slaughter houses, road kill, and euthanized animals from the shelters. Yes, I wanted to vomit when I heard that.
It’s All About the Money
So why do they use such ingredients in skin care products? The answer: MONEY! It’s a cheap filler and easy to come by. What about the Parabens, Mineral oil, paraffin, and petroleum? And, what about the alcohol, propylene glycol, Sodium Laurel, and Acrylamide? Yes, at least one of these toxic ingredients are found in almost every lotion, lip balm, soap, and anti-aging creme out there – at least the ones made by companies that don’t claim to be organic and healthy. These substances are wreaking havoc on our systems and can make all your “get healthy” efforts null and void.
What Can We Do About It?
The first thing you can do is not purchase these poison-laced products. I recommend replacing your current personal care products with ones that you know for sure are without harmful chemicals and toxic waste. You can do this by researching companies that are considered organic, green, and all natural. Personally, I use products hand-made by artisans. Several of my favorites will be reviewed soon. Make sure to pick up our RSS feed so you don’t miss the recommendations.
Start talking – Another thing you can do is start telling your friends and family about this article and any other information that you come across. When you consider how unhealthy these simple products can be, it shouldn’t be hard to warn the ones you love. Start with yourself though.
Protest – For you go-getter types, you can take a stance with your congressmen or congresswomen. Write them a letter describing your concerns and how you would like for there to be stricter regulations on the production of personal care items. It’s our skin; we deserve better than what we’re getting.
I would appreciate any feedback that you can give on this topic. Let us know about anything that you’ve heard concerning the manufacturing and sale of personal care products and cosmetics. Please take this seriously. You may also like Toxic Shock: For Beginners. For more information on healthy skin care, contact Jeffrie Ann Hall, Esthetician. Be well-be beautiful.
Resource: Mercola.com
Photo by Padmita
More Out of Monday: Beauty Tips
By Jeffrie Ann Hall (Esthetician)
Been spending time in the sun? Like to get out when the weather is warm? Do you still spend ample time outdoors even when summer is over?
Ever thought about HOW enjoying the sun, at home or on vacation, can affect how you AGE?
Using SUNSCREEN is a huge part of Anti-Aging Skin Care! By now pretty much everyone should know that…hopefully. And those of us who are over 30 will be seeing changes in our skin - obvious changes if you have neglected the use of a good sunscreen.
SUNSCREEN is ANTI-AGING Treatment!
So, even if you are young you should be thinking about Anti-Aging and the role sunscreen plays in it. And if you are over 30 and didn’t use sunscreen as a younger woman, you may well be wishing you did! If that is the case, start using sunscreen NOW if you haven’t already. And for any damage that you are seeing now, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, etc., my Anti-Aging Secret will take care of that in no time at all. I am living proof of that!
When I was younger there was not a lot available as far as products to prevent or slow the aging process. And we didn’t even know the role sunscreen can play in the prevention of visible signs of aging, mostly because sunscreen as we know it today wasn’t on the market! We all used baby oil and got as dark as we could, especially if you grew up in a warm climate where the beach was available year round (like I did)!
I suppose you can chalk that up to “if I only knew then what I know now”!
Early Prevention
If you are in your 20’s or even your teens you should absolutely be using a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 on a daily basis. This could be a separate product, a product combining daily moisturizer with an SPF or it could be your foundation makeup in a formula that includes SPF. If you are having a day in the sun, beach, boat, whatever, you should use at least an SPF 30 (Same advice goes for women in their 30’s and up).
Now you may think, “I don’t have wrinkles, why should I worry about that now?” Well, because the sun is one of the fastest ways to age your skin. Plus there is the problem of skin cancer and trust me, you do NOT want that.
Delayed Consequences
You don’t SEE the result of your unprotected daily exposure or the days of fun in the sun until much later. How’s that? It is because it starts in the deepest layer of your skin. The Basal layer of the Dermis (skin). Cells way down deep begin to change, they do not duplicate themselves in the same way when the DNA has suffered damage from over exposure to the sun (there are other damaging factors as well: smoke, alcohol, stress). Sun, and those other factors, create free radicals in the skin that attack our healthy skin cells and then, yikes, wrinkles!
Wrinkles! Because damaged cells, cells attacked by free radicals, can no longer continue to produce that same smooth youthful surface. So, if you are young, start now with that sunscreen, use a good quality, gentle cleanser, toner and moisturizer. Be sure to remove all makeup at night and use a night cream that has restorative ingredients. And those would be anti-oxidants, such as vitamin C, E and A.
We women over 30 should follow the same routine!
Know Your Sunscreen
There are a lot of different ingredients used in sunscreens to block the sun. The first thing you need to know is to use a BROAD SPECTRUM sunscreen. One that blocks both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. UVB rays are the burning rays. UVA rays are the ones that can cause skin cancers by depleting the skin’s natural immune protection.
As far as ingredients go, the most effective are Octinoxate, Octisalate, Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. These are all synthetic ingredients. If you are concerned with using a natural mineral based sunscreen look for Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. There has also been some research including anti-oxidants (Vitamin C and E) in sunscreen. It appears that they boost the effectiveness of the screening ingredients and fight free radicals at the same time.
Stay Protected Year Round
When enjoying the beach, the pool and water sports be sure to use a sunscreen that is water resistant, and don’t forget to reapply after prolonged time in the water and toweling off. Remember to use sunscreen every day no matter what season it is as well. Great skin later is simple if you start young! And if you aren’t so young, and you are seeing the results of free radical damage, I tell you again, My Anti-Aging Secret can change that!
Have fun in the sun, I do, but PROTECT YOURSELF!
***For more information about Jeffrie’s Best Anti-Aging Secret and to view actual pictorial results, contact Jeffrie at 203.740.2005, ♫ jeffriehall@sbcglobal.net , or visit The Secret to Perfect Skin.
Photo by Emery Rose on Deviantart.com
More Out of Monday: Beauty Tips
By Jeffrie Ann Hall (Esthetician)
Ever wonder how you should be layering your skin care products? It is important as some products are water soluble and others contain oils and seal themselves into the skin. Some products penetrate the skin to a greater degree than others. Here’s a quick run down on the best way to proceed:
1. Cleanse, of course! Do it thoroughly and use a gentle circular massaging motion. Rinse well and gently pat dry.
2. Tone - this brings the skin back to a normal PH level. You can apply toner by misting the skin if it is in a spray bottle or wet a cotton ball or pad and gently wipe the skin. Allow to dry.
3. Serum – Some of these are water soluble. Serums contain anti-oxidants in their most concentrated form and some also include Pro Collagen Peptides. These are products that are intended to slow and repair the aging of the skin. Allow this to sink into your skin completely. Some of us use two serums, me for example. The second is oil based and is intended to target a very specific issue. In my case this is loss of elastin in the skin, and I use the serum which includes the ingredient Ethocyn (it’s amazing!) that replaces that. I put this on top of the first serum, it absorbs and acts as a sealant for the first, water based, serum.
4. Moisturize - This is when you apply your day or night cream/lotion. Your day moisturizer should absolutely contain an SPF of at least 15.
Having the SPF built into your moisturizer allows you to skip the step of an added sunscreen product. Sometimes foundation makeup has SPF but I highly recommend using a moisturizer with SPF instead. The SPF is usually higher in moisturizer and often of a higher quality with a broad spectrum which protects you from UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays will give you sunburn (aging your skin) and UVA you puts you at risk for skin cancer.
Your night moisturizer should not contain SPF so don’t use the same one you use in the day! Your night moisturizer will contain ingredients that are more targeted to repair your skin and have higher levels of potency (anti-oxidants and peptides). When we sleep, our bodies (and YES! our complexions!) repair and heal the best. That is why when you are ill everyone tells you to get plenty of rest!
So, maybe you already knew all this….
But I’ve had clients that didn’t, so I felt it was a good subject to run through. Have any questions on ingredients? Want to talk skin care? Leave a comment or Visit The Secret to Perfect Skin.
Photo by Kaeldra-1
What is it?
Maybe you already have an idea about the secret, but for those of you who don’t, it’s pure magic. No kidding! Nothing else can give you the result that this anti-aging secret does without shots, pain or invasive procedure.
Ready, Set, Go Galvanic!
Galvanic is low level electric current that is applied to the skin. You don’t feel it, the current is that low. Galvanic works on the principle of like charges repelling each other. A product that contains a negative ion will be pushed into the skin by a negative electric current. And a positively charged product will be pushed into the skin by a positive current.
Galvanic also has the ability to stimulate the circulation of oxygen and blood in the facial skin supplying an elevated level of nourishment. Galvanic lifts and tightens the skin while stimulating the production of your own natural collagen and elastin.
A Negative/Positive Treatment
Skin care specialists have been using Galvanic for over 50 years in facial services. During a facial procedure, it is used to deeply cleanse and purify the skin. It also soothes and tones the skin. This occurs in the first cycle of treatment. The negative cycle.
In the second, and positive cycle, Anti-Aging ingredients that attack and neutralize free radicals plus cell communicating ingredients can be deposited directly INTO the deep layers of the skin where they can do the most good – much better than a product that simply sits on top of the skin! And this is the part that is new, we didn’t have the knowledge or product available to do this until recently!
Caring for Your Skin on a Deeper Level
How cool is it to know that you can treat your symptoms of aging at the deepest level possible, really target the source of your wrinkles! Now here is what makes my Galvanic the #1 Anti-Aging Secret better than any other Galvanic procedure.
1. Cost - Having this done at a spa often enough for it to have the same effect as my Galvanic you will need it to be done weekly and will run $150-$200 per treatment. Add that up over the months! Yikes!
2. Size – My Galvanic is a small, light weight device you use easily at home. Private, no appointment necessary!
3. Cutting Edge – The facial gels that are used with my Galvanic device contain a proprietary, patented ingredient that addresses a newly discovered genetic aging marker that we all have. It is your genetic pre-determination of how quickly or slowly you will age. This fabulous ingredient has been proven in 3rd party clinical studies by Stanford University to decrease dramatically the activity of this genetic marker!
4. Unique - Since this is an ingredient that is universally patented, NO ONE, no other company can get access to it. No skin care manufacturer, no cosmetic company, NO ONE! You can only get it with my Galvanic, my #1 Anti-Aging Secret.
Now you know a bit of how it works, and why I personally love it so much. And why I am able to keep looking youthful and fresh at the age of 53!
Think about this…..you can be your own Anti-Aging specialist in your own home at the time most convenient to you. Wouldn’t that be great?
***To view actual pictorial results and hear why NOW is the best time to get your own Galvanic Spa package, contact Jeffrie at 203.740.2005, ♫ jeffriehall@sbcglobal.net , or visit The Secret to Perfect Skin.
***Women’s Life Link’s owner, Kellie Stone, uses and endorses the Galvanic Spa II as an effective, affordable, anti-aging tool but does not receive revenue for any reader purchases of this product.
Photo by Nxxos
More Out of Monday: Beauty Tips
By Jeffrie Ann Hall (Esthetician)
Here I am again with more skin care info for you! Today, I want to talk about Elastin. And no, it’s not the stuff that keeps your swimsuit snug on your hips!But it does have a similar property. Elastin has ‘snap back’ to it, like your swimsuit, or like a rubber band. Elastin keeps the skin tight and flexible. If there is enough elastin in your skin it will retain and return to it’s shape after being pulled or stretched.
As we age, it depletes. Just like our friend collagen; also like collagen, it’s a protein. Elastin comes from those same fibroblasts that collagen does. Actually, fibroblasts do a lot of things for our bodies, but our concern here is Skin Care and Anti-Aging.
Ingredients, Ingredients, Ingredients!
OK~ so how do we maintain the elastin in our skin as we age? There are Anti-Aging products that have elastin listed as an ingredient. They won’t work. Elastin as an ingredient in a product is just another form of moisture, like the the collagen some products list. It can not penetrate the skin. We need those cell communicating ingredients again. Something structured on the molecular level to get into the skin and have a chat with our fibroblasts.
“There are Anti-Aging products that have elastin listed as an ingredient. They won’t work.”
Cutting Edge Research
I know of only one thing that can do that. It is a product designed by biochemist, Dr. Chantal Burnison. The idea was to create an ingredient that would simulate the process of elastin production. It took 19 years and more than $20 million to research this, as well as prove it’s safety and efficacy.
The ingredient is called Ethocyn. Ethocyn is a competitive inhibitor, that means it prevents something from occurring. We have androgens (a ‘signal’ molecule) in our systems. When certain androgens enter our skin cells they will convert to DHT and attach, or bind, to the DHT receptor causing the production of elastin to slow or stop.
Is It the Fountain of Youth?
When Ethocyn is applied to the face it blocks DHT from binding with the DHT receptor in your skin cell’s fibroblasts, which means it allows your skin to continue producing elastin. It allows the fibroblasts to restore the elastin levels in your skin. The ‘snap back’ quality of younger, smoother more flexible skin is regained. Research suggests that 99% of people who use this product will restore the elasticity to the same levels of a 20 year old. Crazy, right? But true. Are you going to look 20 if you are 45? Of course not, but you will have amazing skin that will defy the years.
So, where do you find Ethocyn? Not easy. You can’t go to Macy’s for it. One company has the exclusive rights to use it as an ingredient in their own product. It’s part of my Anti-Aging Secret. Want the scoop? Let me know, I share…. In fact, I love to share. So call me, 203.740.2005, email me at ♫jeffriehall@sbcglobal.net, or visit The Secret to Perfect Skin…whatever is easy.
Until next time, take it easy, be good to yourself! As for me, I’m off to give myself an Anti-Aging treatment!
About the Author
Jeffrie Ann Hall has been a practicing Esthetician for over 12 years and is passionate about teaching women how to optimize their beauty and health through knowledge and quality products and services. She also teaches Pilates in the New England area.
Photo byIsabellatid
More Out of Monday: Beauty Tips
By Jeffrie Ann Hall (Esthetician)
I have some news for you, ladies. The other day a friend showed me a new moisturizer she had just spent a fortune on. She was so happy about it and wanted my opinion….so I looked at the ingredient list. And, I am sorry to say, I had to tell her that the collagen boosting promise that the company advertised was completely false! The product contained nothing that would actually help her skin to regain lost collagen. She had merely purchased an expensive moisturizer with no real anti-aging benefits!
Don’t Waste Your Money
I want to save you from making that same mistake! I hope that this bit of info is helpful to you. Once you know what to look for, choosing the right product should be a snap!
Many skin care companies offer products that supposedly replace the collagen in your skin. Some do the job, but most can’t. There is a very good reason why. Since I am an Esthetician, I can tell you why one treatment product will work and another won’t. You must look at the ingredients listed. Collagen as an ingredient itself is nothing more than an expensive moisturizer. A collagen molecule is much too large to penetrate your skin’s pores.
The Truth About Collagen
Collagen as an ingredient does not promote the production of collagen in your skin. It simply sits on top of your skin and gives very temporary plumping results.
You can INJECT collagen (big ouch! bigger money!) into your skin and fill lines but that is a whole different subject. What I am addressing here is how to choose a treatment product that has cell-communicating ingredients that will tell your skin to start producing its own collagen naturally, as it is meant to do.
Our Internal Collagen Factory
In the deepest dermal (skin) layer, the dermis layer, we have what are called fibroblasts. Think of these as little factories that produce your collagen, as well as elastin and glucosaminoglycans (elastin for skin ‘snap back’ and GAG’s for hydration). Over time they slow down or quit the job altogether. What will get them to start producing again are cell communicating ingredients.
And what is that? PEPTIDES! PRO COLLAGEN PEPTIDES! Collagen is a protein. Peptides are small chains of amino acids, which are proteins, which are tiny enough to actually penetrate your skin’s pores and talk to your fibroblasts - your collagen factories! They attach to the fibroblasts and fill in lost information, so to speak, and recreate that whole intact chain of proteins that enables collagen to again be produced and present in the skin.
Collagen: The Kind of Plump Every Woman Wants
Now, collagen is not going to firm or lift the skin. Collagen is what will help to fill in those little birdie feet at the corners of our eyes. It will help to fill in the nasty vertical lines on your upper lip that your favorite lipstick so happily migrates into. And how about those parenthesis around your mouth? Yes, those too!
A Different Can of Worms
If you are concerned with firming and lifting the skin, (my friend thought her so called collagen cream would do this too!) that needs to be addressed differently because it’s an issue with loss of elastin, which is also produced by the fibroblast. Like collagen, elastin is also important to the underlying structure of the skin, the support system, if you will. That is a topic for another day! More on that later.
Savvy Shopping: Read the Label!
So, look for products that list Peptides for encouraging the stimulation of collagen production. Also be on the look out for Soy Isoflavones as these will also help to smooth out lines and wrinkles while inhibiting metalloproteinase which are enzymes that stimulate the degradation of collagen and elastin. Magnesium is another great ingredient which is a key component in the energy cycle of the skin.
About the Author
Jeffrie Ann Hall has been a practicing Esthetician for over 12 years and is passionate about teaching women how to optimize their beauty and health through knowledge and quality products and services. She also teaches Pilates in the New England area. For more information about Jeffrie, contact her at 203.740.2005, ♫ jeffriehall@sbcglobal.net , or visit The Secret to Perfect Skin…whatever is easy.
A woman’s quest for beautiful skin and for affordable, feel-good products to get her there is one that can be frustrating. Even with international accessibility at our fingertips, we can surf around the world only to still be disappointed in the selection (and price) of good, healthy products. Fortunately, for some that unsuccessful search inspires them to not only create their own but make a career out of it; as in the case of Tara Reynolds.
Growing Sacred Herbals
After continuous disappointment with skincare products that contained preservatives and other chemicals, Tara was forced to take action and make what she needed. “I started making my own products from scratch with fine ingredients like rich butters and oils and fine quality essential oils. What I found is that my skin had never looked or felt so good,” said the owner/founder of the four-year-old company, Sacred Herbals. A certified Herbalist and Aromatherapist, Tara is quite qualified to create products that not only promote beautiful skin but a healthy emotional and spirtual experience.
Spirit of Beauty, whose sweet impulses, Flung like the rose of dawn across the sea, Alone can flush the exalted consciousness With shafts of sensible divinity– Light of the world, essential loveliness. - Alan Seeger, Ode to Natural Beauty (st. 2)
My Own “Sacred” Experience
I was delighted to meet Tara via her blog and was immediately drawn to learn more about her line of organic beauty products. She graciously sent me one of her natural body scrubs to try. When the Cocoa Butter Walnut Body Scrub arrived, I couldn’t wait to get in the shower and try it.
Cocoa Butter Walnut Body Scrub
First, I took in the comforting aroma of the patchouli, frankincense, cedar wood, lemon, orange, lavender, and mandarin essential blend that truly made my first experience with the product a pleasant one. Next, I scooped out the firm, well-packed scrub (not gushy and runny like some) and proceeded to swirl it onto my arms and chest area. Immediately, the tiny, ground pieces of walnut began to invigorate my skin with a gentle but effective exfoliation. I’ve used some scrubs that almost hurt to use, so I was glad when this one did its job without inflicting any pain.
Finishing up my total body experience with the scrub, I noticed the aromatherapy affect inside my shower. The scent was motivating and even a little sensual as, for me, patchouli can be. The product rinsed away well and left only a nice trace of the natural oils behind. After towel drying, I noticed how soft and smooth my skin felt. It was as if I had already put on lotion (a nice bonus I did not expect). I have now used the Walnut Scrub several times and couldn’t be happier with the results. It seems to get better every time! The only thing left to do is hurry up and purchase some of Tara’s other natural products.
What They Offer
On the Sacred Herbal site, you’ll find a “full line of skin, bath and body products developed with a standard of achieving nothing less than natural perfection,” as they state on their about page. Some of the products they offer are creamy whipped body butters, irresistible body scrubs, luxury bath bombs, seasonal silky lip balms, hand crafted and blended natural perfumes, exotic blended bath salts and more!
Sacred Herbals Giveaway
For one lucky Women’s Life Link reader, Sacred Herbals is gifting a full-sized jar of the Cocoa Butter Walnut Body Scrub. The contest ends Thursday, August 13, 2009, so enter fast. To obtain entries to the giveaway, do any of the following:
1. Leave a topic-related comment after this post about what you desire in beauty products, what you would like to change about your skin, or how your past search for products has disappointed you (no “enter me”, “love it!”, “I hope I win!” types of comments please).
2. Subscribe to our RSS feed. Let me know when you do this via email or in a comment so I can count it in the entries.
3. Follow Women’s Life Link on Twitter (again, let me know who you are).
4. Drop by Sacred Herbals and check out their full line of beauty products and let us know which item(s) you would like to try.
Photo by Electra
The Future of Anti-Aging
Ladies, here it is. I’m going to give you this information with a sincere hope that you believe it is real. Recently, I was told that there is technology coming as soon as early January 2010 that will change the anti-aging market as we know it. Part of it is already on the market through the 25-year-old company Nu Skin. Watch the following video for a little background on the scientific discovery I was turned on to.
Internal and external products that will actually replace the voids in our youth gene clusters is on the verge of hitting the market. Though I don’t understand all of the science behind this discovery, I do see how it is going to revolutionize anti-aging. If these products deliver what Nu Skin claims they will, women all over the world will finally behold the “fountain of youth” that has been elusive to say the least.
To age “gracefully,” as one Nu Skin distributor stated at the anti-aging seminar, “is something that everyone wants.” The now multi-billion dollar anti-aging industry stands to gain its momentum by 75% over the next 10 years by way of the large percentage of the population entering the more mature years that promote the desire to look younger.
I will be keeping up-to-date on the latest information as it is released and certainly pass it on to you. I know I am looking forward to trying more of Nu Skin’s products and learning more about the Age Loc technology. You can visit the Nu Skin website for prices and additional information. Let us know how you think this new line of anti-aging products might change your life. Be well-be beautiful.
Photo by Azrael
Products and Gadgets
The search for the fountain of youth is never ending. Unfortunately, our flow of expendable cash for the quest is not…at least mine isn’t. I do believe in quality, however. Skimping on skin care and anti-aging is not an option for me as I care a great deal about my body. Having said that, I don’t mean that I will spend food money on products or services either. There is a balance that must come when investing in your health and beauty.
As I said in a previous post in this series, we will take a look at what I believe are quality products and one amazing anti-aging gadget that delivers the goods. Another thing I wanted to let you know is I don’t promote products and services on this site for the sake of content or for any revenue that I might eventually get. I will not even mention something unless I’ve used it or someone close to me has benefited from it. So, now that I’ve revealed my rule for product promotion, I can move on to the fun part…the products.
Topical Lifting Products
Reversing Gelee Lift – The first such product in this category that I ever used was Arbonne’s Reversing Gelee Lift. “This gel, with Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a stable form of vitamin C, is readily absorbed by the skin and promotes production of collagen, elastin, and ground substance,” as stated on the Arbonne site. The product is great for every day use or for a night out when you want to look your best. The only draw back, the ”lift” is temporary. However, the botanically based product does give you a nice dose of vitamins and anti-oxidants. Not to mention it is affordable. ($45.00, Arbonne.com)
Galvanic Spa II by Nu Skin
Technology for Your Skin
While attending an anti-aging seminar recently, I was introduced to an amazing gadget for your skin. It’s called the Galvanic Spa II byNu Skin. During the demonstration, I was relaxed- a little skeptical- but ready to see what the gizmo could do. She applied a topical gel to my face on one side and proceeded to move the hand held unit over the surface of my skin. I could feel tiny charges that reminded me of when your foot comes back from being numb except not quite that intense.
After finishing up the 2-part treatment on one side, I could definitely see a difference. My skin felt energized and firmer than the other did. Because I was going out after the seminar, I asked her to do the other side. It was amazing seeing both sides tight and refreshed. What’s more, the results were permanent. It’s been almost a week and I can still see the changes.
How It Works
The unit was designed to enhance and promote the deep absorption of products into the skin. That in itself is reason enough to use it; however, customers have noticed an incredible “side-effect” of the spa. Women and men all over (like me) are watching their faces transform before their eyes. Wrinkles are smoother and less noticeable; skin is tighter; and tone is improving.
The Galvanic Spa uses micro-currents that are low voltage but high frequency. Angalena Davis, from Nu Skin explains it this way. “We have two repelling charges that are repelling each other and that’s how we are driving these ingredients into the skin.” The system is made to use on the face, body, and even the scalp. Each area of the body is treated with its own special contouring attachment that comes with the system.
Nu Skin has special gels that accompany the system and can be purchased as needed. I believe that this unit is a wonderful addition to any woman’s personal skin care protocol. And for those of you who spend a lot of money and time on your beauty, I definitely think you will find it well worth the price of $300.00. For more information about the Galvanic Spa II system, contact Dr. Terri Hawkins-Fox.
Please let us know if you try any of the products we recommend. Your stories are important to this website. Join us for No Surgery Face Lifts: Part V as we look at the future of skin care and anti-aging. There are some substantial breakthroughs that will change the way we see aging forever. For now, Be well- be beautiful.
Photo by Missmisery
Facial Fitness
For the second part of our series on “no surgery face lifts,” I want to share with you a completely natural way in which to get back a youthful, fit face. When I was little, my mother used do these facial exercises that made me laugh at her because of the funny expressions that she would make. I’d ask, “Mommy, what are you doing?”
“I’m getting rid of my double chin and saggy cheeks,” she would reply. I was seven; that meant absolutely nothing to me. Still, I watched in amusement as she twisted her mouth, tried to touch her tongue to the tip of her nose, and acted as though she was screaming without making a sound. I was mesmerized by her comical routine nightly. I said that to say this; though my mother passed at 59, she looked about 40 before she got sick. She attributed her youthful complexion to the years of facial exercises. Now that I’m in my forties, I totally get it, Mom.
She would be proud that I have followed in her footsteps by using a similar facial exercise program. I will do my best to describe an easy routine you can do every day.
- The Tongue Touch – With your tongue stuck out as far as it can go, curl it up toward the end of your nose. Though most can’t actually touch your nose, pretend that that’s what you are doing. Repeat the movement 10 times. The stretch and tension this exercise puts on the chin and the underneath parts does wonders for a double chin and sagging muscles.
- The “Ouch” Mouth – Start with a closed mouth, then open it suddenly as if you are saying an exaggerated “ouch” sound. You don’t have to say ouch, but it won’t hurt if you do. Focus on your facial muscles as you repeat this motion 10 times.
- The Squint – This one is easy. Just pretend that you are trying to block something from getting into your eyes. Scrunch your eyes and cheek muscles tightly for a few seconds and release. Repeat this 10 times.
- The Open Wide – Start with a closed mouth, then open it as wide as you can sticking your tongue out and down towards your chin. This one works on the chin and cheek areas. You can repeat this 10 times.
- The Eyebrow Torque – Make a scowling expression (just think about your mean boss or how your husband forgot to take the trash out for two weeks straight). Take your index fingers and thumbs and firmly hold your brows down in that position. Now, try to raise your eyebrows. Repeat this exercise 10 times for tighter brow muscles.
You should feel a difference in your endurance after about a week. At that point, you can increase your repetitions to 15 or 20. I noticed an improvement in the tightness of my facial muscles in about two weeks. Results will vary depending on your consistency and the current level of facial fitness. Please view the following video for a quick excerpt from a facial fitness seminar. For more exercises and information on facial fitness, visit Cynthia Rowland’s website.
***Cynthia Rowland is widely recognized as an expert in all natural facial fitness with over thirty years experience in health & beauty related fields. She has appeared on The View, Fit TV, HGTV and other popular shows. This author, speaker and television personality is leading the crusade to keep men and women looking vibrantly younger through natural techniques without spending their childrens inheritance.
Be well-be beautiful.
Photo by Photonut
Achieving good health is not as easily accomplished as we all would want. Though making true lifestyle change is the way to go to ensure lasting results, I’ve put together another list of instant health boosters to get you moving in the right direction. These are things that you can do that don’t require a lot of thought or energy to be effective. Please pass this article on to other women who need it….who are we kidding? Everyone needs health!
1. Let it Rain - Spending just a few minutes out in the rain (or under the protection of your porch) in the negative ions (that by the way are uplifting) will help you to breathe in more oxygen.
The Health Boost: More oxygen in your system will bring a new elevation to your mood and give an increased ability to concentrate.
2. Purifying Skin Smoothie - Mash 1-2 blackberries, 3 Tbs. yogurt, 1 Tbs. honey, and 1 drop of vanilla extract to make a paste. Apply to a clean face with fingertips. Leave on 15 minutes, then remove with a damp washcloth. Rinse face with cool water and dry with a dark-colored towel.
The Health Boost: Blackberries potent antioxidants minimize free redical damage and signs of aging. They can also be quite calming after a stressful day.
3. Vitamin C Power - If you don’t already take a vitamin C supplement, start tomorrow. Research shows that just 1,ooo mg. daily can slow the release of corticosterone, a hormone that is in abundance when we are stressed.
The Health Boost: Less stress means a healthier heart and blood pressure. Not to mention, a happier home.
4. Shed a Few - Research shows that women who are at or near their ideal weight have a less chance of developing Ovarian Cancer. Extra estrogen is produced in fat and may encourage cancer growth.
The Health Boost: Losing a few pounds will give your body a reason to rejoice! Your heart doesn’t have to pump as hard to get the blood everywhere; you have more energy; they had me at the cancer thing.
5. Bring on the Vino - Some know that wine has long been considered a digestive aid. Well, in addition to that, doctors say that it’s bacteria-busting capabilities are far better than bismuth salicylate (a typical stomach remedy like Pepto-Bismol). Just 4 oz. a day can help protect you against food poisoning and flu bugs.
The Health Boost: If you have ever had food poisoning, you know what happens. It’s not something that you ever want; just drink the damn wine already.
6. Wear Shades for a Bright Future - Wearing sunglasses year round will help protect your retinas from the sun’s UV rays. Significant exposure can increase your chances of developing macular degeneration later in life.
The Health Boost: Better vision for longer. Need I say more.
***Keep in mind that these are just suggestions to give you a little extra in the health department. By no means is this information meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s Life Link, its authors, contributors, associates, commentors, or linked sites do not claim that any of the information stated in this article will cure or improve any disease or condition.
Photo by Gottabeagga
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
When we look into the eyes of another, surely we are looking at the soul of the one standing directly in front of us – or are we? It is difficult for many to get past the physical to gaze any further. We have become a visual society, judging according to our cultural beliefs. We perceive the outside to be an extension of the inside, whether it is health or beauty. Most of us struggle to project our inner being and can not comprehend where the reflection in the mirror has come from, for we perceive ourselves to be much different. Those who approach us for the first time look directly to the face; more so to the skin; then to the eyes, but seldom through them. And so, the skin becomes the measuring scale in which we judge to be the Good, the Bad, or the Ugly.
Harmony and Balance
In order to generate healthy skin we must begin by restoring harmony or balance to the body. The manner in which all healing takes place is in this fashion: From the last ailment to the first, from the top of the head downward, and from the inside out. We start by cleansing, restoring, and then building. Looking to elimination is the first step toward cleansing. The body must have an open channel to rid itself of waste, and the colon is the proper exit for toxins (a nicer word for poisons).
No Way Out
When there is no avenue out for the build up of excess poisons, the body will filter these toxins into four other elimination channels – often referred to as back up units – which are the kidneys, liver, lungs and the skin. When toxicity exists in any one of these four units, a cleansing of these particular organs would simply be an exchange from one to another unless the colon is clear and free through which to eliminate.
When the organs become loaded to their peak, the toxicity moves into the weakest link in the body. Manifestations of illness will differ according to genetics at this point. To focus on the symptoms would be unpractical for all purposes; it is the cause that creates the disturbance. Begin by cleansing the colon. A natural domino affect will follow. Adding colon oxygenator will accelerate the process even further. In addition, changing the body from acid to alkaline with chlorophyll and other green foods will establish more balance.
The Next Step to Beautiful Skin
When the internal cleansing has taken place, the external can then be addressed more fully. Looking to skin products on the market, I find those that work on a cellular level and have a synergistic effect between their ingredients are the best to generate the enormous change that most women seek. Unfortunately, the potency and scarcity of many ingredients has become a cost factor in distribution of highly effective products. Those that are readily available to the public are often of low quality and mass marketed in order to generate sales.
In endless search for effectiveness, quality, and efficiency, I found that Renaissance by Nature’s Dream meets all the requirements to generate the permanent renewal of the skin. In observing the amazing changes brought forth from these high-quality products, I have no doubt that this very simple skin care regimen could substitute in most cases for invasive procedures and radical surgery. Though it is not the only good skin care program around, it is one of the best.
The long-term affects from what natural substances can regenerate far surpass that of any chemical or unnatural treatments. Remember, working with balance, harmony, and nature’s best will always be the answer.
You Can Have Radiant Beauty
Outwardly projected beauty has forever been sought after and will continue to be throughout future ages. Cultural perceptions may change, but manifesting a healthy persona, beautiful skin, and a beautiful personality will be mutual for everyone no matter what background or beliefs we have come from or adapted to. Beauty is always said to be in the eye of the beholder, but true Radiant Beauty shines brightly from within and can be obtained by proper elimination, nutrition, frame of mind, and natural products that bring the body into focus. The road is paved before us; it’s a matter of stepping out and beginning the process. Ultimate health is what awaits us, and it is worth the journey.
Dr. Terri Hawkins-Fox is a physician of Naturopathy and holds a PhD in Nutritional Science. Currently she owns and operates the Indianapolis wellness center Natural Rejuvenation. For more information on the health care services provided by Dr. Hawkins-Fox, please contact her for consultation and appointments.
Photo by Dray Fae