The Young (Looking) Girl and the C

Continuing my candid conversation concerning my compulsion for complete skin care, I confess to crave another antioxidant concurrently with Retinol; the culprit: Vitamin C (that’s correct, the same vitamin we consume to cure the common cold). Creating collagen to counteract crevices, combating cancer-causing free radicals, and strengthening collapsed capillaries are compelling causes to covet this topical vitamin in cream (or serum) form.

Vitamin C is a critical component for the creation of collagen, which is crucial to the constitution of the skin. Without collagen, skin will crumple and come across lackluster. Vitamin C coerces collagen to encourage connectivity between the cells, thus conceivably counteracting the occurrence of creases in the skin.

Counterbalancing the consequences of free radicals is a core function of antioxidants collectively. Vitamin C has the extra advantage of contributing photo protection and can be used as a cover against those cruel UV rays.

Vitamin C cooperates in the reconstruction of collapsed capillaries whose composition has been compromised. Vitamin C causes the fortification of structural components within capillary walls, and creates clear coasting for blood to cure and cleanse the skin. Caved in capillaries create dark under eye circles and red-colored contours: characteristics worth correcting!

Making conscientious skin care choices is comfortingly easy with antioxidants in the composition of many face creams. My chosen C creams are IS Clinical’s C Eye Gel (combats capillaries incredibly!) and Skin Medica’s Vitamin C Complex (feels like cornsilk on your skin!). With recurring use, your skin will convalesce to excellence!

Convinced?

…C ya later!

Organically Yours

It seems going green has become less of a trend and more of a lifestyle.

Re-usable cloth bags for shopping, alternate fuel sources, organic clothing, and energy efficient appliances have flooded our homes. So it comes as no surprise that skin and hair care would be included as well.

The more we learn about the harmful chemicals found in cosmetics the higher the demand has become for a healthy, safe alternative. After all, our bodies are organic; it only makes sense that hair and skin care products should be as well.

As Winter approaches or traveling looms in your future, remember to combat the pains of dry winter skin by drinking more water. Water is sure to hydrate and brighten dull winter skin away. Also, try to keep your showers warm, not hot; it will help with any dryness and be less of a shock when you walk out of the shower (burrr cold!).

While we are in the shower, lets talk about that hair! Non-organic shampoos claim to leave you with healthier, more luxurious locks. In reality they leave your hair stripped and lifeless. It has been estimated that up to 5,000 fragrance additives have been put in shampoos and conditioners to create "natural, botanical" scents. Why not just use non-toxic organic hair care such as Just Natural TM to liven your hair and leave it looking, feeling, and smelling naturally wonderful?

Want to go green literally? Astara’s Green Papaya Nutrient Mask is organic, paraben-free, and unbelievably effective. With ingredients like grapefruit, ylang ylang, calendula and added vitamins B5, C, and E, this mask nourishes, resurfaces, soothes and polishes the skin while calming the nerves and senses. Naturally synergistic combinations such as these also have the added benefit of aromatherapy; particularly important since stress adds to tired looking skin and accelerates the aging process.

Less is more when it comes to our bodies and choosing organic options is a great step in a greener and healthier direction.

What are your favorite green products?

My Precious

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

But what if pieces of gold and silver (and pearls and diamonds) actually improved your health? I’d say that’s some solid unification.

The use of precious metals and stones goes back over 5,000 years to the glory days of Cleopatra, who, it is said, slept in a mask of gold to preserve her radiance. For over 6 centuries, Japanese women have sworn by the youth-sustaining kinpaku gold leaf facial (currently a £450 treatment at Harrod’s) and the Chinese Imperial Palace applied crushed pearls to brighten and soften its royal skin.

Present-day scientists have uncovered the secrets of these swanky stones and offer practical advancements for their regular use in skin care.

Gold has long been respected for its skin-firming capabilities, but science also proves gold to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant powers, qualities that lead to increased UV protection, stimulated collagen production, and decreased toxin production.

Nano Gold Energizing Cream by Chantecaille ($420) sets the bar (ha) at the highest level, utilizing a nanotechnology delivery system to deposit pure gold at the deepest cellular level. Synergistically combined with other skin-savers like lactic acid and hydrolyzed wheat protein, this emulsion sounds like it should win the gold.

Silver, with a solid reputation for killing bacteria (over 650 known microorganisms) and purifying and detoxifying the skin and scalp, is the most incorporated metal in skin care products today – from hair irons to face creams.

According to Jennifer McKinley, president of Cor, “When bacteria is exposed to silver, it can’t survive for more than six minutes. Those with acne, psoriasis, and eczema can benefit from using skin care products that contain silver.” Like gold, silver also stimulates cellular turnover and repair, leading to an increase in collagen production. As a first line of defense, Cor has developed Silver Soap ($125), a cleansing bar that purifies, tones, and deep cleanses below the surface.

Pearl powder contains conchiolin, an amino acid-rich compound that mimics collagen to increase cellular turnover and heal the skin. Minimizing pore size, brightening the skin’s appearance, and healing from within, are all attributes of pearl powder.

“Pearl powder helps to revitalize and brighten even the most delicate complexions, promoting luminous, healthy looking skin,” says Paul Tchinnis of La Mer, longtime respected skin care brand. Carita’s Pearl of Youth for Eyes ($103) serum boasts relief from under-eye circles, signs of fatigue, and pesky wrinkles.

For the most glam of all…the Diamond – think of it as your best friend.

From whitening your teeth to tightening your, um, assets, diamonds are “powerful cleansers renowned for their ability to transform energy and draw hidden imbalances to the surface,” says Natura Bisse’s Begonia Sanjuan.

Natural exfoliators, diamonds were first introduced into the mainstream beauty community through microdermabrasion, and have continued on their diamond-in-the-rough way to be incorporated in polishes and scrubs of the highest caliber.

Natura Bisse’s Diamond Magnetic ($270) uses pure diamond dust combined with iron that is then magnetically lifted from the skin with a special tool, leaving behind a diamond-esque glow that “nearly mimics the effect of light bouncing off a diamond.”

Glamorous gems, medicinal metals – I’d say the beauty industry has tapped into some pretty posh resources to upkeep the upmarket salves, and I’m a fan of the good life!

Plane Jane

See Jane. See Jane board a plane. See Jane’s skin turn flaky and watch her lips shrivel. Jane is sad. Poor Jane.

Have you been Jane? Ever wondered why planes wreak such havoc on our skin?

Recycled air and 1% humidity have much to do with your dehydration, and the effect accumulates hour by hour. In as little as 3 hours, almost all of the moisture can be sucked right out of your skin. Dehydrated skin accentuates wrinkles, fine lines, dark under eye circles, and contributes to a lackluster appearance. The best way to avoid beauty jet lag is to make a preemptive strike against it and pack your arsenal for in-flight battle!

Before you board, make sure you’re plane-ready. To clean skin, apply a moisturizer and to your lips, apply a hydrating lip balm (remember, licking your lips does more harm than good). This will be your first line of defense so that your skin starts as hydrated as possible and your pores shrink, keeping your precious moisture locked inside. Wearing makeup is a no-no; if you have a welcoming committee awaiting your arrival, you can apply your makeup 30 minutes before landing.

Using the same logic, spray a leave-in conditioner in your hair to lock in moisture and also prevent grime from attaching to your hair follicles. Apply antibacterial hand lotion, too, just to ensure your hands are clean and moisturized!

While on board, the maintenance must continue!

What to pack in your on-board Jet Set:

Mandatory:

• - Moisturizer (I love Actifirm’s Actimoist Booster) for hands and nails
• - Toner or water spray to refresh your moisturizer (I love Evian Spray)
• - Lip Balm (I love Fresh’s Sugar Lip Balm)
• - Antibacterial Hand Lotion (Bath and Body Works has the market cornered on this one)
• - Drink water. The average recommendation is 8oz for every hour in the air.

Optional:

• - Eye mask (I love the Skyn’s Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels)
• - Aromatherapy balm for your temples, chest, wherever! (I love Buddha Nose’s Immune Booster Salve- just for an added kick of health)

It is imperative that you also stay hydrated from the inside out, and that includes abstaining from caffeine and alcohol, as these will just dehydrate you and undo all that great hydration you’ve achieved.

Don’t be an average Plane Jane, protect your hair, skin, and nails the right way, and have a safer flight!

SOD Off, Wrinkles!

They say beauty comes from within…looks like someone took that literally. The newest skin savers are also my new favorite products du jour (well, du mois if we’re being literal): GliSODin® Nutricosmetics.

Nutricosmetics are a recent trend in the beauty industry, and can be broadly defined as any orally ingested supplement intended to promote overall health and cosmetic beauty.

They synergistically combine key ingredients like isoflavones for protein synthesis, vitamins A, E, and a few representatives from the B family for, well, obvious reasons, omega-3 fatty acids for elasticity, coenzyme Q10 for firmness, and hyaluronic acid for serious cellular hydration. So in effect, nutricosmetics, in addition to fueling your skin from within, also use antioxidant power to put up a blockade against free radicals, which are the number one cause of wrinkles, premature aging, and sagging.

Using FDA maximum therapeutic doses of these, other powerful ingredients and a patented superantioxidant, GliSODin®, is the key to Paris-based Isocell Laboratories’ success with their nutricosmetics line.

GliSODin® is a unique non-genetically modified melon extract naturally rich in the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) that is combined with wheat protein to protect for maximum absorption into the body. In other words: WOW.

I’m on day 14 of their Advanced Daily Formula, and, again, all I have to say is: WOW. My skin tone is smooth, even and glowing! I must warn you, there are some side effects, however: your hair will become shiny, your nails will become stronger, and both will grow faster than ever.

Move over One-A-Day…there’s a new pill in town!

Paying OMage to the East

Eastern culture has been silently and gently infiltrating Western Spas for the last decade in the form of healing modalities such as cupping and acupuncture, Shiatsu and Reiki, and, more obviously, in the practice of yoga, whose popularity has reached a monumental scale. These studies are often referred to as alternative medicine and work in conjunction with, or independently from, Western medicine.

You’ve read all about your favorite celebs taking advantage of its benefits -- who could forget Gwyneth’s Paltrow’s fabulously bruised back on the red carpet? This was completely intentional and believe it or not beneficial to her circulation, digestive system and lungs. But this was not some new fad, the use of cupping has been recorded all the way back to the famous Taoist alchemist and herbalist, Ge Hong (281–341 A.D.) In his book Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies the “cups” were animal horns, but the intention was the same. Today, spas have fully embraced holistic healing.

Yoga, as a spiritual path as well as a form of exercise, has been ushered into many people's busy lifestyles - and is around every corner - including many spas. Due to its physical and mental connection, mind/body spas are embracing it with open arms with as a solid foundation in Eastern discipline.

So next time you step into your favorite spa remember to pay “Om”mage to eastern culture and holistic healing!

Contributors: Hollie Klem, Amy Dannenmueller

Beam Me Up, Esthi!

In the plastic surgery world, they say beauty is measured in millimeters. In my world, beauty is measured in nanometers. Lasers have become a mainstay in facial rooms at spas – both the medi and the pampering kind!

What makes the cool laser especially so, well, cool, is that by varying the light color and therefore the wavelength frequency, the esthetician can actually target different layers of your skin, address specific skin concerns, and achieve different results.

When Albert Einstein theorized about the stimulated emission of radiation as part of his quantum theory, I’m pretty sure he couldn’t have imagined that he was paving the way for a glorious way to take care of skin. The laser is a man-made beam that is concentrated in conjunction with radiation to form a steady beam of light. Depending on the wavelength (or nanometer), the color changes and the effect on the skin is affected.

Blue light (450nm) penetrates 4-6 mm and addresses acne, sun damage, skin plumping, and killing bacteria.

Green light (530nm) penetrates 6-8 mm and reduces broken capillaries, age, spots, and heals scars.

Red light (660nm) penetrates 8-10 mm and addresses rosacea, eczema, dark circles, and wrinkles.

All three of these settings are also cool, which means that it is a relaxing experience for the light to pass over the skin. Usually all three of these options are found on a single cool laser machine, so you will have a full range of healing availability.

Let’s say you have acne on your forehead but rosacea on your chin, in a single session, both skin concerns could be addressed. The laser sessions also work cumulatively, and are safe to be used frequently.

After receiving a cool laser therapy in which I had the blue laser on the majority of my skin and the red laser around my eyes, I must report that it gave me a definite glow; a certain radiance about me. I looked as if I had had a great night’s sleep, appeared awake and renewed, and, of course, my skin looked and felt smooth and plumped. A definite homerun for facials…Beam me up, esthi!

Jet Set Spa

Flying can be stressful for some and downright annoying for others – between the ticket kiosk and the security line, not to mention the wait at the gate.

I’ve always thought there should be something fabulous to do, something to look forward to while you hurry up and wait, something proactively good for you – the spa!

Who doesn’t want to arrive at his or her destination looking and feeling refreshed, and what better way to start your journey than relaxed? It’s a great concept and certainly beats browsing through Duty Free.

The niche company on the forefront of this newest trend is XpresSpa. Operating as a full-service spa, Xpres Spas are currently pampering travelers at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Cancun Int’l, Dallas / Ft. Worth International, JFK Int’l, Las Vegas McCarran Int'l, New York LaGuardia Int’l, Philadelphia Int’l, Pittsburgh Int’l, Raleigh-Durham Int’l, and San Francisco Int’l Airports. In addition Boston Logan Int’l, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l, Houston George Bush Intercontinental, Indianapolis Int’l, Lambert - St. Louis Int’l, Minneapolis - St. Paul Int’l, and Orlando Int’l Airports are on the way. And they’re off to a skyrocketing start, relaxing over 20,000 people per month.

Local, well known city spas have also hopped on this trend: Oasis Day Spa, a favorite in Manhattan, has a full-service outpost at JFK International Airport. They’ve even condensed their full length spa treatments to accommodate the hurried traveler. At the Detroit International Airport OraOxygen Spa boasts traditional full-service spa therapies and signature oxygen treatments to purify your lungs before facing that recycled airplane air!

While the option of a full-service spa is ideal, many airports have started slowly introducing spa therapies that are easier to accommodate such as chair massage and nail therapies. I think it’s safe to say that the in-airport spa concept is catching on, as travelers find a healthier alternative to deal with pre-flight stress.

* just a friendly reminder to drink 8oz of water for every hour that you are in the air, to prevent your skin becoming dehydrated and developing dark areas under your eyes.

Hello. My Name is Susan, and I'm a Retinolic.

I’ve been using for almost 4 years. It started with a few dabs around my smile lines and quickly progressed to my forehead. Before I knew it, I was using every day, all over my face, and sometimes even on my neck. I saw results,what can I say? So I kept at it. I watched my fine lines disappear and my skin began to look younger. I wondered if it was an illusion. It wasn’t. I blame my esthetician really; she was such a pusher, I admit it, I caved…and it was all uphill from there…

Retinol in its basic form is Vitamin A, one of the most powerful antioxidants (free-radical scavengers), and the most beneficial vitamin for the preservation, rejuvenation, and reparation of the skin. When it is broken down into its smallest and most active form, Retinoic Acid's molecules are tiny enough to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin, making it able to support and nudge the skin’s elastin and collagen to step into high gear. The result: smooth lines, diminished wrinkles, plump, firm skin, and a glowing complexion.

With more active skin cells, more can be accomplished (go inertia!). Increased cellular turnover leads to a stronger cell network (line prevention), deeper exfoliation and clearing out of the pores (diminished breakouts), and regeneration of collagen (that’s right, plumping up of wrinkles), and the effect is cumulative and visible. Of course Vitamin A is naturally occurring and can be found in many foods like greens, dairy, and fruit, and is beneficial to your whole body, but I’d prefer to ensure full facial coverage rather than rely on my body to dole it out especially to my smile lines.

So, that brings me back to my addiction: Retinol. My favorite one is Skin Medica’s Retinol Complex, and for sensitive skin, 302 Skincare’s Vitamin A Drops is my recommendation.

You don’t necessarily need a fancy skin care brand to absorb the benefits; almost every major skin care laboratory has infused retinol into one of more of its drug store brand products. Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Serum or Olay® Total Effects® Targeted Wrinkle Repair, each with a less potent form of retinoic acid than their spa skincare line counterparts, are more accessible yet still viable options for the Retinol addict.

Now I leave you with the very question that pushed me down the slippery slope of wrinkle reduction forever: Do you want better skin?

A-men.

Accessor-eyes

They say your eyes are the windows to the soul…my eyebrow guru Eliza says, if that’s true, “then the eyebrows are the frames.” Eyebrow shaping has revived itself as the newest trend in the beauty industry. Sephora now carries over 100 eyebrow-grooming products, with more cosmetic lines adding their own versions each day. Is the industry just finding new ways to drain our wallets or are eyebrows really to be glamour-eyes-ed?

Media-dubbed “Queen of the Arch” Eliza Petrescu says, “The eyebrows are the only feature of your face that you can dramatically change without surgery.” She has a point (and it’s not just on the end of her perfectly sharpened tweezers). A round arch can make you look surprised, too dramatic of an arch can make you look severe; eyebrow customization seems like a logical answer, and luckily the spa industry has experts to help.

Suddenly your eyebrows are a work of art – with the price tag to go with it! Petrescu, along with other artists in the industry charge anywhere from $65 to $120, and while home maintenance is a must, the experts adv-eyes that initial shaping must be done by a professional, lest you over-pluck or under-shape.

A w-eyes man once said, “A picture’s frame captures all the beauty within its borders.” Shouldn’t yours?

Common Scents

For thousands of years, civilizations have used the healing properties of plants, herbs, and flowers to cure, nourish, and invigorate their bodies and minds. Aromatherapy via these essential oils is probably the most commonly used alternative healing remedy today; everything from soaps, shampoos, candles, even hand sanitizers boast healing scents to add value to their products.

Though a widely accepted form of healing, aromatherapy and essential oil use is still an alternative form of medicine, and not generally accepted by the medical community. However, recent medical research has proven that these naturally occurring scents and oils can act as true stimuli, producing a physical and psychosomatic response. Inhaling an essential oil forced traces of liquid into your lungs, and they, in turn, are absorbed into your bloodstream, providing the physical response by the body. Simultaneously, the inhalation stimulates the nerves in your nasal and sinus cavities, which then triggers your brain to react accordingly, promoting the emotional response.

Aromatherapists believe that mental ailments manifest themselves in physical maladies, and vice versa; how convenient that both mechanisms are addressed with a simple inhalation!

According to www.aromatherapy.com, aromatherapy benefits and the most common uses include stress and headache relief, sleep improvement, mood boosting, hormone regulation, muscle relaxation, immune system stimulation, and blood circulation. Certain oils such as tea tree have antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal effects as well, and are therefore likely to appear in skin care and cleaning products.

Certainly all the uses of essential oils and their scents have been documented, as the practice has survived over 5,000 years.

Click here for a quick guide of when to use what- one of my favorite sites! I'm sure you'll be delighted to see just how many common ailments can be alleviated through common scents will you waft.

Do you use aromatherapy in your daily life?