Posts Tagged ‘antioxidant creams’

Antioxidant Foods To Improve Your Skin

Free radicals (the bad guys of aging and oxidation of your skin) are unstable molecules that take over our bodies, causing irreversible damage to our skin. Free radicals can cause premature aging, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation and acne. Poor diet, stress, sun exposure, pollution, and even common household cleaners can all cause skin damaging free radicals. We simply can’t avoid them.

Our bodies need powerful antioxidants on a daily basis to fight free radicals. Anti-oxidants have a vital role in our health and they also improve our skin appearance. Antioxidants will help with collagen production, which in turn, making it look firmer and younger. Eating foods rich in antioxidants is a great start, but we just can’t and don’t consume enough on a daily basis. We may need a little help with topical treatments such as skin care products.

All About Antioxidants:

• They are vitamins and enzymes that help the body to get rid of free radicals, such as tobacco, stress and pollution, that are damaging to the skin.
• They neutralize free radicals – avoiding health problems such as heart disease, cancer, and cataracts.
• Protecting the cells from disease.
• Skin healing. Stimulates collagen production – promotes skin elasticity and regeneration.
• Increases the skin’s blood flow and oxygen consumption.
• Helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
• Can be eaten and also applied as a topical treatment (skin care products) to receive full benefits.

Top Antioxidant Foods to Eat (aka as the “Super foods”). These edible anti-oxidants usually consist of vitamins A, C, E and Selenium. Here’s a few:

• Avocado , Arugula, Asparagus, Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries), Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Citrus Fruits, Dark Chocolate, Garlic, Grapes, Nuts, Oily Fish, Olive Oil (Extra Virgin Cold-Pressed), Onions, Papaya, Peppers, Pomegranate, Spinach, Tea, Tomatoes.

ANTIOXIDANT SPINACH BERRY SALAD
This Antioxidant salad is my favorite! Contains specific fruits and vegetables known to be high in antioxidants which help protect the body against damage from the toxin and chemical exposure associated with city living. They also help protect the body from the effects of stress. Enjoy!
Salad Mix

• 1 bunch Spinach, trimmed and torn into pieces
• 1 small bunch Arugula, torn into pieces
• 8 medium fresh Strawberries sliced
• 1-1/2 cup of fresh Blueberries
• 1 full Mandarin separated into slices
• 1/2 bunch of Asparagus (blanched and cooled and cut in 1.5″ pieces -or in 3′s)
• 1/8 cup of Pine Nuts
• 1/3 thinly sliced Red Onion
• 1/2 cup Goat Cheese separated and crumpled (A peppered goat cheese is great)

Salad Mix: Blanche asparagus (putting in boiling water for 4 minutes and cool in iced water to keep crisp) and drain. Combine lettuce, arugula, strawberries, blueberries, asparagus, pine nuts and onion in a large bowl. Crumble goat cheese over salad. Drizzle with enough dressing (below) to lightly coat. Toss to combine. Makes 4-6 servings.

Salad Dressing

• Juice and zest from one lemon
• 1 teaspoon orange juice concentrate
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (cold-pressed is best)
• 1 dash of worcheshire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• 1/8 tsp of dry mustard
• Dash of sea salt and freshly ground white pepper

Dressing: Whisk all ingredients into a large bowl; let stand 10 minutes before adding into salad.
Antioxant Ingredients to Watch for in Skin Care Products:
An “antioxidant” isn’t a type of ingredient, but the function a specific ingredient can perform on the skin. Vitamins A, C, and E within topical creams and facial products can be in the formula or hidden within a particular formulated ingredient.

Here are some popular skin care ingredients to watch for:

• African Kigelia – Is a natural anti oxidant from a hard grey fruit from Africas “Sausage” tree. Contains flavanoids and phytosterol saponosides recognized for their skin firming abilities. Several papers support the use of Kigelia fruit extract for treating skin cancer.
  
• Alpha Lipoic Acid – Also known as Lipoic acid. Lipoic acid is a well-known natural substance found in certain foods and also produced in the human body. It’s a powerful antioxidant. Improves cellular energy production and reduces inflammation. Lipoic acid is a proven wrinkle fighter and is less irritating than tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) and hydroxy acids.
• Coenzyme Q10 – Helps to slow down the ageing process. This vitamin-like substance is, by nature, present in all human cells and responsible for the production of the body’s own energy. Can penetrate into the living cell layers of the skin and attenuate both the depth of deep wrinkles characteristic of photo-aging, as well as the turnover of epithelial cells. CoQ10 is also highly effective in protecting skin cells known as keratinocytes from oxidative DNA damage induced by ultraviolet light.
  
• Episphere-Blue technology – Exclusive technology with B.Kamins Chemist Company. Consists of heat-activated, time released tiny blue capsules of anti-oxidant vitamin E to help moisturize and repair delicate skin.
  
• Pycnogenol – A natural plant extract from the bark located in maritime France. The extract has four basic properties – it’s a powerful antioxidant, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and finally, it aids in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to vasodilate blood vessels. Intaglio Cosmeceuticals claim that Pycnogenol is 50 times stronger than Vitamin E and 20 times stronger than Vitamin C.
  
• Retinyl Palmitate – Vitamin A, skin healing, anti-aging and anti-oxidant agent. After its absorption into the skin, retinyl palmitate is converted to retinol, and ultimately to retinoic acid (the active form of vitamin A present in Retin-A). Studies show that topically applied retinyl palmitate reverses some aspects of skin aging.
  
• Tocopheryl Acetate – Vitamin E, anti-oxidant, anti-aging and moisturizing agent.
  Also known as vitamin E acetate. It is believed that the acetate is slowly hydrolyzed once it is absorbed into the skin, regenerating tocopherol and providing protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
• Vitis Vinifera extract – Also known as Grape Seed, Grape Seed Extract, Muscat, Red Wine Extract. Rich in procyanidins, very strong anti-oxidants. A strong anti free radical agent that counters the affects of anti oxidant damage. Help to prevent or control damage to body cells that is caused by diseases, drugs, pollution, tobacco, and other toxins. Grape seed extract is believed to encourage faster, stronger healing with less scarring.
  
• Wheat Germ Oil – Derived from wheat. A natural carrier for vitamins; also rich in Vitamin E (anti-aging) and contains some A and D. Used for its antioxidant effects on free radicals in the skin. Promotes renewal of new skin cells. Not ideal for gluten sensitive people.
  We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog! Feel free to write your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!
  

Tips for Body Contouring, Firming and Detoxing

Get Bikini-Ready: Body Contouring, Firming and Detoxing – Your Home Care Program and What to Watch for in Professional Products.

Practice the basics of exfoliation, hydration, detoxing and safe tanning with your contouring and/or firming cream you will be on your way to a firmer and sexier toned skin!

Why is your skin sagging, dull, not firm and looking dimpled? Over time when you age, your skin looses it’s elasticity, inherits an uneven skin tone and texture, has excess fluid retention from poor circulation, loses nutrients, and is prone to dehydration. A common problem is cellulite – it occurs when connective tissues under the skin drag down on fat. This causes the skin to bulge and warp, creating a dimpled appearance on thighs, stomach, and buttocks.

Body firming & contouring creams are highly advertised in drug stores and frequently over-promised as the ”all-in-one wonder cream”. The consumer may not see the results that the one product promised and will be very disappointed in the end.

Why didn’t it work for me, you ask? It is important to incorporate more than one product in your regimen and choose your product brand wisely. It should have a proven track record with regards to results. You must also be consistent with your product usage. Use products that are from a professional skin care line (usually found in day spas). Professional skin care lines invest a fair bit into research and development and will show results if used in conjunction with a proper skin care regimen.

To optimize your body firming and contouring program, it is highly recommended to commit to a daily or weekly regimen with a mix of body skin care products that are complimentary. They will work together to tighten your loose skin, regenerate your skin cells, activate the circulation and get rid of the toxins. Each product will contain a variety of active ingredients and specific benefits. In a nutshell, if you practice the basics of exfoliation, hydration, detoxing and safe tanning with your contouring and/or firming cream you will be on your way to a firmer and sexier toned skin!

Here are some tips on what to look for in body products:

Exfoliation Body Products
These products usually have regeneration properties – helps your skin produce new skin cells and increases your circulation. Exfoliation eliminates dead skin and imbedded impurities. It will uncover a soft supple skin. It is recommended to exfoliate daily while you are in the shower (some products are 2x/week). Look for products with active ingredients like: Natural Marine Elements, Seaweed, Essential oils, Pure Carrier Oils, and Sea Salt. Products with exfoliating properties can be in the form of scrubs, soaps, or gels.
Recommended product: Beauty through Balance by Ancient Secrets: Green Tea Seaweed Salt Glow

Hydration Body Products

Preserve, protect and renew your skin with hydration products. This is especially important as we age. Our body will require nutrients and more hydration. If our skin is not kept moisturized, it will not preserve well and will lack firmness over time. Look for products with Anti-oxidants, Natural Emollients, Shea Butter, Plant Extracts, Vitamins C, E and A. Use daily after exfoliating to lock in the moisture and your skin will absorb the nutrients. Recommended product: Beauty Through Balance by Ancient Secrets: Seaweed Body Butter

 

Detoxing Bath Products

Certain bath products can help with contouring and firming. They usually re-balance your body. They can eliminate water in body tissues; draw out elements that your body needs to relax. Some seaweed-based products are so effective that you have to relax and take it easy afterwards – you may feel faint because it is working so hard detoxing! Look for products that have natural ingredients such as Marine Elements, Sea Salt and Essential Oils with specific benefits. Thyme and Ylang-Ylang oils have detoxifying effects and regenerate cells. Rosemary and Sage oils metabolize fats and stimulate drainage.
Recommended product: Beauty Through Balance by Ancient Secrets: Pacific Seaweed Soak/Concentrate
Contouring Body Products
Has slimming performances. Reduces the appearance of excess weight, slows down the appearance of fat reoccurrence and helps diminish the appearance of cellulite (the orange peel effect). Look for products that have Caffeine. Caffeine drains the water from the fat cells in your body giving you a more slimming appearance.  Recommended products: Golden Moor Silhouette Cream and Golden Moor Svelte Cream with the Golden Moor Scorpion Brush

1. Firming Body Products
   Hydrates your skin, becomes firmer and youthful over time. Some will have toning properties for specific areas like a bust gel or a stretch mark reduction cream that is formulated to regenerate cells responsible for restructuring the connective tissue and prevents new stretch marks. Body firming creams contain a variety of active ingredients. Some contain Seaweed Elements, Soya Peptides, Vegetable Extracts, African Kigelia, Asian Pennywort, Dried Ginkgo Biloba extract, Dried Sweet Clover Extract, and Grape Seed.
   Recommended product: Yonka Cream 55 Body Contouring Cream: Creme 55
2. Safe Tanning Products
   Can make your skin look firmer, more toned and give you a healthy glow. Self-tanning products don’t age your skin nor lessen your skin’s elasticity vs. the sun. Gives you an instant healthy glow. It is best to use self-tanning products after exfoliating to get a perfect smooth tan. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is the only color additive approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in sunless tanning products. The FDA considers DHA safe when applied to your skin. You may have seen ads for sunless tanning pills, but these products are unsafe and aren’t approved by the FDA.  Recommended product: Yonka Self-Tanning Lotion for face and body: Auto-Bronzant
3. Sun Protection Products
   Minimizes the damage caused by the UV rays and sunbathing. When the UV rays harm skin over time, it can be prone to hyperpigmentation (age spots) and dehydration. Dehydration can lead to a loss of skins elasticity and faster aging – leaving your skin to sag and loosen. Look for products that have both UVA and UVB protection. Some sun protection products will have advanced benefits such as anti-oxidants that can actually slow down the aging process.  Recommended product: Yonka Sun Screen Spray SPF 20: Spray Ecran Solaire

 

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog!  Feel free to post your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Acne Problem Skin Tips: breakout, blackheads, clogged pores

What Can I do About Blemishes, Acne and other Problem Prone Skin Conditions?

There is no single cause for acne and problem prone skin. Genetics and changes in hormonal activity, first stimulated during adolescence, play a main role in problem prone skin. Also, while diet is important for skin health, certain foods do not directly cause acne and blemishes. But other factors such as stress, hormonal fluctuations, hot and humid climates, some medications and certain cosmetic ingredients can irritate the skin and clog pores, which can aggravate acne and blemishes. Because of all these factors, acne can even develop in adult skin.

Technically, this condition is caused by a combination of excess dead skin cells, bacteria and excess sebum or skin oil. When bacteria combine with oil and dead skin cells in the hair follicles, it can lead to inflammation. This inflammation, know as acne, may be in the form of numerous but less obvious whiteheads and blackheads or larger, visible eruptions such as papules and pustules.

The Skin Test

• Do you consistently experience areas of blemishes and large eruptions?
• Is your skin texture bumpy and uneven with whiteheads and blackheads?
• Do you have enlarged pores that often become clogged?

Tips and Techniques for Oily: Problem Prone Skin

• Avoid rubbing or scrubbing skin excessively or picking blemishes, which can irritate skin and lead to scarring.
• Cleanse skin morning and night to remove excess oil and dead cells.
• Use gentle exfoliants such as glycolic acid and/or lactic acid to smooth and normalize skin.
• Control Breakouts and blemishes with skin care that contains salicylic acid and vitamin A, or benzoyl peroxide for antibacterial benefits.
• Use and oil-free moisturizer that will hydrate the inner layers of the skin without contributing to clogged pores.
• Use a skin-cleansing masque, such as one with natural clay, vitamin A and gentle AHAs and BHAs to clear pore-clogging oil and dead cells and re-texturize problem prone skin.
• Protect your skin daily with a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide with SPF 15 or greater.
• Use non-comedogenic skin care, make-up and hair care to prevent clogged pores and irritation.

The following is a recommended treatment for problem prone skin with Jan Marini Skin Research Products: Glycolic Acid 4 step process:

1. Cleanse with Jan Marini Bioglycolic Oily Skin Cleansing Gel– cleanses, exfoliates and clarifies oily skin. Contains glycolic acid.
2. Correct Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Face Lotion – diminishes breakout, large pores, fine lines, and exfoliates.
3. Hydrate & Protece – Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30 – oil-free formula

Advanced Products for Problem Prone Skin:

• Jan Marini Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Lotion 5% – Aids in reducing the appearance of acne and enlarged pores with minimal dryness and irritation.
• Jan Marini Clean Zyme Face Cleanser – Green Papaya Enzyme - Cleanses and exfoliates to smooth and clear skin, reduces clogged pores and breakout
• Jan Marini Skin Zyme Papaya Mask – gently exfoliates, clears clogged pores and breakout

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Sensitive Skin Care Treatment Tips

What causes skin to become sensitive?

Anyone can develop skin sensitivity at some time or another. There are many factors that can contribute to skin sensitivity, but it all comes down to a weekend protective barrier that allows common irritants and other elements to penetrate skin’s surface, causing skin to react and develop sensitivity. Many common substances that we come in contact with everyday can cause sensitive skin to become red and blotchy, itch, sting and feel uncomfortable. Often, fragrances, colorants and preservatives used in skin care and cosmetics products can irritate sensitive skin. Extreme cold, heat, water temperatures, smog, smoke and even long air travel can also trigger a reaction. Genetics, some medications, nutritional supplements, and even stress may contribute to skin sensitivity as well.

Sensitive skin needs special, gentle care. Products that are specifically developed and tested for sensitive skin can help control sensitivity. It’s extremely important to protect your skin from daily environmental assault, especially by using sun protection everyday as well as utilizing products containing antioxidiants to help defend and repair weak, sensitive skin.

The Skin Test

• Does your skin become flush or red and itch on occasion?
• Do fragrances, colorants and other skin care ingredients irritate your skin?
• Do most skin care products cause your skin to sting or become red?
• Does your skin feel uncomfortable in colder and drier weather?
• Does your skin appear thin and delicate?

Tips and Techniques for Sensitive Skin

• Keep your skin care regimen simple
• Avoid Scrubbing or cleansing with hot water or harsh detergent cleansers such as soap
• Use skin care specially designed for sensitive skin. Products containing glycolic compound with a pH of 4.4 are clinically proven to have the optimum level for effective results without irritation.
• Use a moisturizer containing antioxidants to help protect and rebuild a weakened barrier and to strengthen the skin against future sensitivity.
• Avoid sun exposure and use a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide with a minimum SPF 15 everyday.
• Use skin care and makeup that is allergy tested and free of fragrance, colorants and irritants.

The following is a recommended treatment for sensitive skin with Jan Marini Skin Research: Glycolic Acid 4 step process:

1. Cleanse:Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser– cleanses and exfoliates the skin. Contains glycolic acid; gentle yet effective.
2. Correct: Jan Marini Age Intervention Peptide Extreme – a concentrated facial serum that revitalizes, hydrates, soothes inflammation, reduces redness, and firms
3. Hydrate – Jan Marini Transformation Face Cream – protects and smooths skin, reduces fine lines and wrinkles
4. Protect & Soothe – Priori CoffeeBerry Natureceuticals Perfecting Mineral Foundation SPF 25

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

Combination Skin Treatment Tips: dry and oily skin

How Can my Skin be Both Oily and Dry?

Of all skin types, combination skin is the most common but managing combination skin can be quite a balancing act. Generally, the T-zone (the forehead, down the nose and on the chin) produces excess oil and occasional blemishes. At the same time, less oil is produced in the cheek, eye and neck areas, causing possible dryness, tightness and flaky patches.

As with other skin types and conditions, the cause of combination skin appears to be genetic. However, lifestyle, stress, diet and the environment can contribute to the imbalance. In addition, climate changes can cause combination skin to be drier during the cold, windy months and shinier with more breakouts during warmer, more humid seasons.

The Skin Test

• Does your skin experience more oil and blemishes on the forehead, nose and chin than other areas?
• Does your skin feel normal or dry and tight on your cheek and eyes areas?
• Is your skin drier in the winter and oilier in the summer?
• Does your makeup become blotchy in the T-zone and disappear on your cheeks?

Tips and Techniques for Combination: Oily Skin and Dry Skin

• Daily gentle cleansing and exfoliating with a natural exfoliant such as glycolic acid will help remove dulling skin cells that contribute to dry skin and can clog pores in the oily T-zone.
• Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) which will moisturize the drier areas without contributing to excess oil in the T-zone.
• Apply a gentle cleansing masque once a week to the T-zone. Ingredients such as natural clays, vitamin A and enzymes help to remove pore clogging oil and skin cells—the cause of skin breakouts.
• Use an additional moisturizer or hydrating masque that contains strengthening antioxidants more often during harsh, winter months.
• Avoid sun exposure and apply a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide daily with a minimum SPF 15.
• Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated.
• Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup which will not clog pores in the oily T-zone.

The following is a recommended treatment for combination skin with Jan Marini skin products: Glycolic Acid 4 step process:

1. Cleanse – Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser – cleans, exfoliates the skin. Contains glycolic acid.
2. Correct – Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Face Lotion – diminishes lines, large pores, breakout, and exfoliates.
3. Hydrate – Jan Marini Antioxidant Hydro Silk Protecting Hydrator – restores skins moisture while preventing excess oil buildup.
4. Protect – Priori CoffeeBerry Natureceuticals Perfecting Mineral Foundation SPF 25

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!