Is Gua Sha Replacing The Facelift?

Is Gua Sha Replacing The Facelift?
Anti-Aging Expert and Inventor of Gua Sha Facial, Dr. Ping Zhang Says Yes

Men and women searching for the proverbial fountain of youth may not have to go under the knife or endure painful, costly injections in their quest for younger looking skin. Dr. Ping Zhang, an expert in anti-aging Traditional Chinese Medicine, a renowned acupuncturist, a certified herbalist, and massage therapist with more than 20 years of clinical experience specializing in facial rejuvenation acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese Herbal Medicine, recommends Gua Sha – a traditional Chinese treatment that is used to reduce wrinkles, sagging, dark circles and more.

Gua Sha (pronounced GWA-SHA) is a Chinese technique that includes the use of a small medicinal board tool to gently massage, manipulate and stimulate certain energy points along the face and body to promote Qi (energy) flow and remove toxins. Its beauty benefits include reducing the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, dark eye circles, puffy eyes, age spots, discolorations and an overall dull complexion.

Dr. Ping Zhang is the inventor of the anti-aging facial Gua Sha, namely, the Nefeli™ Gua Sha Facial which entails performing a restoring function to awaken the skin’s own healing ability to regenerate, firm and lift the whole face. It activates the inner vitality of the face in multiple levels: the facial fascia, the facial muscle, the different skin levels – all will be stimulated to create the youthful appearance of facial contours, smooth out winkles and lift sagging from neck and jaw line. Dr. Zhang’s techniques activate the acupuncture needle points and more without using needles. The health benefits include the promotion of lymph drainage, detoxing the channel system, restoring the normal Qi and blood flow of the facial area

From an anti-aging perspective, it is not just a skin deep treatment for temporary effect. It is an energy workout to promote youth and balance from within. The technique must be performed with cream and its effect is optimized when combined with herbal infusion designed for the technique allowing the nutrients and healing power of the specialty beauty and medicinal herbs from the cream to be unleashed and delivered. Dr. Zhang’s specially designed Herbal Infusion system for Gua Sha is made for the treatment and proven to be very effective supported by years of clinical experience.

For optimal results, use the Gua Sha with Nefeli’s natural herbal skincare and special healing creams to lubricate and penetrate the nutrients into the deep skin layers to enhance treatment effectiveness.

For more information, please visit www.nefeli.com.

About Ping Zhang:
Dr. Ping Zhang is a pioneer in anti-aging Traditional Chinese Medicine in the US, a renowned New York State Licensed Acupuncturist, a national Certified Herbalist with a PhD in Oriental Medicine, and a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist with more than 20 years of clinical experience specializing in facial rejuvenation acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese Herbal Medicine. As the first recipient of a PhD in Oriental Medicine in the US, Dr. Zhang is a pioneer in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine anti-aging and facial and body rejuvenation. She designed and taught the first ever graduate level course in the U.S. on Traditional Chinese Medicine facial and body rejuvenation for New York College for the Health Professions. She is the author of the books ‘Anti-Aging Therapy: How to Clear Away Wrinkles and Rejuvenate Your Face’ and ‘A Comprehensive Handbook for Traditional Chinese Medicine Facial Rejuvenation’ which are published and sold internationally.

President and Founder of Nefeli™, Dr. Zhang created and developed the Nefeli skincare products based on the ancient eastern philosophies and practices in conjunction with the evidence supported by modern science. Each product is specially formulated with a precise and unique combination of the natural ingredients to best draw out their maximum medicinal powers. Dr. Zhang teaches and lectures on TCM facial and body rejuvenation techniques for TCM and medical professionals and students around the world.

Put a Stop to Heartburn Naturally

Deliciously sweet with musky undertones and a soft, butter-like consistency, it is no wonder the Papaya was reputably called the ‘fruit of the angels’ by Christopher Columbus. Once considered quite exotic, this tropical fruit encourages digestion, eases indigestion and is known to relieve heartburn by many cultures. The papaya fruit can now be found in markets throughout the year. Although there is a slight seasonal peak in early summer and fall, papaya trees produce fruit year round.

Indeed, this once very exotic fruit has some very powerful nutritional benefits. This low calories sweet and refreshing fruit is loaded with vitamin A and harbors more vitamin C than the well renowned orange. It also contains vitamin E, foliate, and potassium.

‘Medicinally, papayas are remarkably different from other fruits in two significant ways. First, along with cherries, they are warming in thermal nature, rather than cooling or neutral like most other fruits. Second, the enzyme papain, which aid digestion, is found in high levels in unripe papayas and their seeds. Papain is used in commercial meat tenderizers to break down proteins,’ Writes Rebecca Wood in The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia. So, if you are one of the many like myself that can’t make it throughout the day without popping antacids, this fruit is for you!
Papaya contains two very important enzymes, papain and chymonpapain, which help and aid to digest protein in the body. Of the two enzymes, papain is the most abundant and most active enzyme, which breaks down proteins and soothes the stomach by promoting a healthy acidic environment. T
hese enzymes are the most concentrated when the fruit is picked green as after ripping and picking the enzymes diminish.

Some of the most amazing benefits of papaya: it’s a great natural digestive aid as well as it promotes digestive health. More benefits include the medicinal use of papain for defibrinating wounds in hospitals, prevents scar deformation, helps the inflammatory process in the acceleration of wound healing, and for those of you around the water it is used in the treatments of jellyfish and insect stings.

Many experts, such as Dr. Lytton-Bernard, have claimed rejuvenating properties fro papaya, especially for the control of premature ageing. It may be that it works simply because a poor digestion leaves the body without correct nutrients. Thos who find it almost impossible to digest anything frequently find that papaya used regularly, either in tablet or juice form, marks the turning point in the climb back to vitality and good health. Papaya has many amazing properties that are outside the scope of this particular article, but more can be found at this very insightful website http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/Papaya-Health-benefits.html

Some cautions to be aware of would include not eating the unripe papaya as it may lead to uterine contractions, which would make this an off-limit fruit for many pregnant women whom suffer with heartburn. Stomach upset or nausea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. An allergic reaction to this product is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor before using this product: stomach problems (e.g., absorption problems, lack of enzymes that digest food), pancreas problems (e.g., pancreatitis), any allergies. Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Papaya must not be used during pregnancy. All check with your doctor before starting something new.

Hibiscus for High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

The Hibiscus (H. Sabdariffa), one of the most beautiful flowers in the world, is now being sought after by researchers, to help control blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels.

A research term from the Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan found that Hibiscus flowers can help in regulating blood pressure, and cholesterol, while increasing circulation. Also, the high levels of Vitamin C in Hibiscus help ward off colds and chest congestions.

The study, which has been published in the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture, states that Hibiscus flowers contain high antioxidants that significantly reduce the dangerous build up of fats inside arteries.

A member of British Heart Health Foundation, Dr. Grifith, in his study revealed that the naturally occurring flavonoids found in red wine, fruit, tea and Hibiscus has sufficient potent antioxidant properties that reduce the oxidation of harmful type of cholesterol, LDL.

On a study conducted to examine the benefits of Hibiscus tea on Essential Hypertension, the researchers prepared hibiscus tea adding a tablespoon of dried hibiscus tea in a quart of boiling water to achieve the lowering effect of blood pressure.

A study carried out in 2004, published in the journal Phytomedicine, states that people suffering from hypertension can actually lower their blood pressure levels by regularly drinking hibiscus tea. The study included 70 people, half of whom drank 16 ounces of hibiscus tea before breakfast daily or ingested 25mg of antihypertensive medication (captopril) twice a day. After one month, the diastolic blood pressure of hibiscus tea drinkers were reduced by at least 10 points in 79 percent of the participants, and the blood pressure in the medicated was reduced at least ten points in 84 percent of participants. The results being, more or less similar, suggests that this herbal tea is as potent as few blood pressure medications.

Hence, it has been concluded that besides lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol, this hibiscus beverage has numerous characteristics that makes it all the more valuable than conventional teas.

Dr. Andrew Weil, a pioneer in the field of holistic health, and Founder - Director, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, recommends hibiscus as the most promising herb for treating high blood pressure.

Dr. Weil points out that during two controlled clinical trials, which included people with high blood pressure, who went off their medication, were given two teaspoons (6gms) Hibiscus sabdariffa infused in 250ml water, or black tea thrice a day. After 12 days, the hibiscus group reported considerable drop in this blood pressure levels than the black tea group.
Picture by Chaitanya A K Photography
http://www.ayurvedictalk.com/hibiscus-best-herb-to-lower-blood-pressure/808/

Could Plastic Surgery Kill Dramatic Performances?

by Monika Bartyzel Mar 9th 2010 // 5:15PM

As hordes of actors attempt to stave off aging, we watch on, amused. It's hard not to laugh or snicker when a person who has clearly had plastic surgery claims that their face is natural. They might as well claim to be a relative of Stretch Armstrong, trying to feed us bull that their skin doesn't fall and change no matter how old they get, that their chin was always that shape, their lips always that puffy, their eyebrows always that arched.

It's also inspired many of us to complain about the lack of emotion these actors can offer, how it affects performances and ruins a role -- emotions desperately trying to escape from the clutches of Botox and injected fat. But It's more than just a threat to random roles. We must ask: could this rampant love of plastic surgery affect or essentially change how cinema is made and performed? New York Magazine recently looked into the issue, inspired by the unmoving faces in the television show Damages.

The most telling piece of the article deals with emotion as a sort of compromise, actors figuring out what facial movements are necessary for their careers. Plastic surgeon Stephen Pincus told the magazine: "I ask them, what expressions, what emotions, are you concerned about losing? They'll say, 'I have to be mad, or surprised, or I'm worried about my eyebrows, I don't want to be a blank stare.' I say, 'I can paralyze your forehead from this point up, but you're not going to be able to wrinkle a good part of the forehead. Is that an issue for you? If it is, we shouldn't do it.' They're more concerned about wrinkles than about the five seconds of emotion people might not notice anyway."

Actors -- who are in the business of portraying life and emotion -- are now attempting to quantify that ever-important range of emotions. Surely, then, if this trend continues as actors age, we must wonder how that will change dramatic acting. Could the age of realism be over, replaced with emoting that doesn't involve furrowed brows and facial angst?

There are -- thank god -- a few thorns in this possibility. For one, James Cameron's new motion capture technology demands facial realism: "No botox. Their faces have to move." If this technology turns out to be even partially influential, it can help keep rampant surgery in check. (Assuming studios don't simply ignore older actors and opt for youth.) Secondly, there are actresses who dare to stay real, and have received love and critical acclaim for their talents, like Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren. While they're in Hollywood power, they are leading a powerful fight for the craft. However, even that thorn isn't so sharp these days. Damages, that show mentioned above, stars Glenn Close, who was surely the queen of older actresses when Streep was still building her career.

So, what will this mean for the future? Will we finally see a plastic surgery backlash as facial reconstruction ruins the fine art of acting? Or, will we see Hollywood film morph to accommodate the rampant facial tightening and removed emotion?
http://www.cinematical.com/2010/03/09/could-plastic-surgery-kill-dramatic-performances/?icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl2|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cinematical.com%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Fcould-plastic-surgery-kill-dramatic-performances%2F

Honey and Cinnamon as a natural antibiotic to fight colds/flu

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

To make a tea- 1 Teaspoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 8oz warm water

Some more amazing benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the oldest know spices. Cinnamon is a small tree that grows in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Egypt. It has innumerable benefit that has been recognized since the start of natural medicine in India. Cinnamon come in many forms from sticks that the bark has been dried and rolled into, which is also called quills as well as it can be dried and grounded into a powder. Regardless its form cinnamon is beneficial to mankind.

Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it wspecially beneficail for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

In a study published by researcher at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. Coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices.

Another study found that by smelling cinnamon it boosts cognitive function and memory.

When cinnamon is added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

And, in some studies, cinamon has shown the ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.


Honey in Wound Management
Significant research is being carried out to study the benefits of honey in treating wounds. The benefits of honey in wound management. These have been given below: Honey possesses antimicrobial properties.
It helps in promoting autolytic debridement.
It deodorizes malodorous wounds.
It speeds up the healing process by stimulating wound tissues.
It helps in initiating the healing process in dormant wounds.
Honey also helps in promoting moist wound healing.

The healing powers of honey are not hyped. The Waikato Honey Research Unit provides details about the world-wide research that is being carried out on the benefits of honey in medicine. Further, BBC reported in July, 2006 that doctors at the Christie Hospital in Didsbury, Manchester are planning to use honey for faster recovery of cancer patients after surgery.

Honey contains antioxidants,powerful compounds which fight free radicals and reverse ageing.

A study conducted in 2004 by the University of California concluded that honey contains as many antioxidants as spinach, apples, oranges or strawberries.

All varieties of honey are rich in amino acids. One study has found that the level of amino acids present in honey is a reliable indicator of the honey's antioxidant capacity.

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of life, essential to our very existence. When you examine the various properties and benefits of each amino acid, you will start to form a clearer picture as to why honey is so beneficial.

Tryptophan:

A natural relaxant, it helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep. It reduces anxiety and depression, relieves migraine headaches, boosts immune system, reduces the risk of artery and heart spasms, and works with Lysine to reduce cholesterol levels.

Lysine:

It is one of the essential amino acids - your body cannot generate its own Lysine, meaning you must get it from your diet.

Recent studies have shown that Lysine may be effective against herpes by improving the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth. Prolonged stressful situations increase our requirements for Lysine and it is important in the formation of collagen (the protein that forms the matrix of your bone, cartilage and connective tissue).

Methionine:

Another essential sulfur amino acids. As with other essential amino acids, you do not create your own so you must ingest it for survival.

Contributes to the formation of important compounds in your body and works as a sulfur donor to aid in your body's detoxification processes.

Cysteine:

Functions as an antioxidant and protects the body against radiation and pollution.

Histidine:

Another essential amino acid and is delivered mostly from our diets.

It has anti-inflammatory properties and is the only amino acid found to be consistently low in the blood of those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Glutamine:

This essential amino acid plays a key role in the metabolism and the gastrointestinal tract. It is the primary energy source for the cells that line your intestines and is essential to keeping them healthy.

It is considered also to be a brain food by improving mental capacity. It may also help speed the healing of ulcers and reduce fatigue.

Tyrosine:

Tyrosine is a natural mood enhancer due to its ability to convert to feel-good neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It helps with depression. It also may convert to thyroid hormone and to adrenaline which is produced by your adrenal gland in response to stress.

It may come as a surprise to many people, but honey is an excellent source of vitamins.

Honey contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. The vitamin and mineral content of honey depends on the type of flowers used for agriculture. When bees are allowed free forage, the honey blend is higher in a wider variety of vitamins and minerals.

Honey is high in vitamin C, a variety of B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, as well as, minerals such as potassium.

More honey information can be found at http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/honey-nutrition.html

Cold/Flu Check List

Photo courtesy Bettman/Corbis


It's that time, whether a Cold or Flu, swine or not here's a check list to keep you on the healthy side of life

Herbs:
Astragalus- Chinese herb-caspule-(make sure it contains 16%polysacchands & 0.2% flavones)-has been revered for more than 2,000 years in China for its beautiful yellow root and tonic effects, which include strengthening the immune and respiratory systems, and assisting recuperation from the effects of viruses. One of a class of herbs called adaptogens that build the body's resistance to stress and disease, astragalus not only seems to fight pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells, it also restores immune function in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Research suggests heart and kidney benefits, too.


Olive Leaf- (caspule or tincture)-Olive leaf dates back to around 1000 B.C. It has been known to work as a powerful antioxidant. Olive leaf works at the cellular level to measurably strengthen the body's immune response. The oleuropein in olive leaf is a natural wide-spectrum antibiotic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, it destroys only the bad bacteria and protects the good. Medical research shows that when olive leaf is taken orally, it searches out and "inactivates" bacteria. It does this by dissolving the outer lining of the infectious germs and then penetrates the infected cells, thus inhibiting the replication of the bacteria. Olive leaf is a cold and flu buster that delivers effective inhibition and prevention of infection by a wide range pathological microbes, including viruses, bacteria, retrovirus, fungi, yeasts and molds.
A great book on Olive Leaf is Olive Leaf Extract by Morton Walker, available at www.CrimsonMoon.com.

Lomatium (antiviral herbal tincture)-When the world faced the influenza pandemic of 1917-18, Americans tried remedies such as castor oil , tobacco, aspirin, and morphine. American herbalists recommended use of lomatium, and the remedy was used with reported success, especially in the Southwest.

Lomatium is currently used as an anti-viral remedy to treat colds, coughs, and infections. The herb is also known for boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.


Garlic-capsule or raw- is a broad spectrum antibiotic with powerful antibacterial properties. In general antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections of the sort that cause most colds and flu. Fortunately garlic isn't "just" an antibiotic. As well as the powerful antibacterial allicin, garlic produces a number of other potentially beneficial compounds.

7 cloves per ½ cup water blended to liquid, then 1 ½ tablespoon 4-6 times daily in tomato juice (tough on tummies, but works)

Dr.Calyton's Cold/Flu-combination of homeopathic and Chinese herbs in table form. For relief of symptoms caused by the common cold. Strengthens the immune system. Active ingredient: Echinacea 3x
Other ingredients: Bayberry Bark, Ginger Root, White Pine Bark, Cayenne, Clove available at www.CrimsonMoon.com

Homeopathic:

Osillococcinum- at first signs of any flu

***Gelsemium 30c-gradual onset with dizziness, chills, muscle aches, flushed face, sneezing, dull pain in back of head

**Ars-alb 30c for 5 days

**Bryonia-slow onset, sweats, dry obstructed nose, dry mouth, bursting frontal headache, dry hacking cough.

*Belladonna-hot, throbbing headache; red skin; glaring eyes; flushed skin; excited mental state; increased sensitivity of all senses (sometimes oversensitivity); delirium; suddenly appearing (and disappearing) neuralgic pains. For a sore throat, symptoms include: a dry, inflamed throat and difficulty swallowing

*Arnica-muscle aches from the flu
A great book to have on hand- Homeopathic Remedies by Asa Hershoff available at www.CrimsonMoon.com

Vitamins:

Vitamin C –2000 to 3000 daily-Dr Thomas Levy, he is one of the world’s experts in effects of vitamin C on viruses. Here’s what he says “I have not found any flu virus for which vitamin C does not exert a virucidal effect, as long as enough vitamin C reaches the virus, such as in any acute infection. I don’t know about Tamiflu, but the vitamin C is virtually devoid of negative side effects.” Here is the rest of the article...it is a interesting read http://www.patrickholford.com/index.php/blog/blogarticle/can_vitamin_c_kill_swine_flu/

Vitamin D –1000 units daily- very interesting article on Vit D dificiency linked to more colds & flu http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=vitamin-d-deficiency-linked-to-more-2009-02-23

Multi Vitamin-help promote your optimal health and strong immune system, providing support for defense against a growing number of health concerns

Respiratory Infections/Bronchitis – Clear Lung from Ridge Crest and QBC- (derivative of vitamin C. Do not use a cough suppressant if you have bronchitis. Coughing is essential for eliminating mucous secretions.

Increase PROBIOTICS-needed to boost the immune system (must have b.bifdum &l.acidophilus &l.bugarius)

*** Don't forget to stop all B vitamins while sick with infection as they feed the infection. Add the B's back once you have recovered.

Essential Oils for influenza:


****Star anise- Anti Viral- Tami flu is made of this

Ravensara (or Ravinsara this oil is milder-good for kids)used in treatment of respiratory conditions - Ravensara oil is said to work effectively against acute cases of the flu, both through its anti-viral effects-

Oregano-Anti Viral-Use as a powerful antiseptic, bacteria killer, and virucide. Inhale or in a 2% dilution of a base oil for respiratory problems, asthma, bronchitis, and viral and bacterial pneumonia.


Lavender-Regular use of lavender essential oil provides resistance to diseases.

Frankincense-Anti-infectious, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-septic: helping to slow and deepen breathing, Used as a vaporizer, frankincense can help reduce the spread of disease.


Other Oils that are also beneficial
***Lemon-anti/bacterial
Cinnamon-anti/bacterial
Clove bud-anti/inflammory
Eucalyptus-anti/inflammory
Tea Tree- both
Pine-anti/bacterial

Uses for the Essential Oils
1 drop on soles of feet

Add to massage oil and rub affected areas-chest, back, sinus points, back of neck, etc...

use in bath

inhale/diffuse

room / linen mist

10% Ravensara in Aloe Vera gel= Natural Hand Sanitizer

Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community

Stay informed
Get enough sleep
Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

Drink sufficient fluids
Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

Boost your immune system
Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colourful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. You should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.

The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained on this blog are not intended as a substitute for consulting with you physician. All matters regarding health require medical supervision. Author shall be liable for any loss, injury, or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestions from these published writings/blogs.

Summer skin care tips and solutions for glowing summer skin

Hot weather, salt water, humidity, and chlorine take their toll on our skin during the summer months. You should drink plenty of water through the day, not merely to replenish humidity lost to the heat but also to help blush toxins out of the body and keep skin looking healthy and glowing.

Dr. Michelle Copeland recently was kind enough share her top summer skincare tips-"Your skin has different needs depending on the month. During the summer, the glands produce more oil, so switch to a product that's not so moisturizing. The zone around the nose and down towards the mouth contains a lot of glands, so you probably want to go easy on it all year round. People often wonder whether they should stop exfoliating during the summer because they think the dead skin is protecting them from the sun. While it's true that surplus surface cells offer a slight shield against rays, that benefit is outweighed by the greater gain you'll get in encouraging cell turnover. Always wear SPF to protect from the harsh UVA/UVB rays of the summer months. Apply sunscreen every day to your skin and lips. An easy way to remember your sunscreen is to use a daily moisturizer with SPF built right in! Sunblocks containing clear zinc oxide offer both UVA and UVB protection with the added benefit of the antioxidant properties of zinc." An easier way to remember sunscreen is; Wearing sunscreen everyday will significantly cut back on accumulative sun damage: It’s not about the SPF number, it’s how often and how much you re-apply your sunscreen.

Facials are equally important; an independent study at Harvard University has shown there is a strong connection between touch therapy and the overall heath of you skin and body. Having a facial is something that improves not only your skin, but also your overall health. Facials are recommended one at least every four to six weeks.
For the body as well as the face, the number one tip is exfoliation! For the body dry brushing and or body scrubs will turn over the dead skin cells and reward you with glowing skin. A gentle facial exfoliant applied 3-5 times a week or a facial will show much improvement for the health of the skin on the face.


Foods for healthy skin include: Berries, which give you a powerful punch of antioxidants that help you skin fight off free radical damage from the sun. Avocados are loaded with B-complex vitamins and essential fatty acids, which give avocados anti-inflammatory properties. Salmon is an important building block for healthy, younger skin by supplying essential fatty acids; whole grains contain selenium, which is an important mineral for maintaining healthy skin. Also, look to sweet potatoes for vitamin A (beta carotene) which does wonders to create a great complexion, green leafy veggies that are loaded with vitamins including zinc which contributes to a healthy glow to your skin, as well as citrus which contain vitamin C and bioflavonoids that help your body detoxify and support collagen in the skin, that helps keep the skin firm and young looking. We can't forget about olive oil, which provides healthy fats that are important maintaining healthy skin membranes. Your cell membranes hold water and help maintain the plump healthy look of your skin, and helps prevent wrinkles and age lines. Last but not lest antioxidants, are excellent to protect cell damage from the sun, Green Tea extracts and Grape Seed extracts, even pomegranate extracts, which is said to have more antioxidants that similar amount of green tea or even red wine.