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Organic Ingredients

8 Herbs That Fight Against Sun Damage and Premature Aging

UV radiation causes skin damage.  Wrinkles, sun spots and acne can be caused by too much sun exposure.  Since natural skin care is on the rise , using the plants’ natural ability to protect itself from harmful UV rays also works for the skin.  Below are 7 herbs that fight against sun damage and premature aging while not exposing your organs to toxic ingredients.

Plant-Based Sun Protection

Bananas:  I love using banana powder in my skin care. Bananas powder strengthens the protein in your skin and protects the skin from oxidation.
Grape Seed Extract:  GSE is a useful herb that counteracts premature aging by blocking skin degrading enzymes that damage the skins ability to snap back into place. I discovered the amazing ability of grape seed extract a few years ago and I use it regularly. 
Olive Oil Squalene:  You can protect the skin’s lipids with regular use of olive oil squalene. The skin’s lipids are a natural sun blocker for the skin. So keep those lipids healthy and strong with regular use of squalene.
Comfrey Root:  Allantoin is an extract from the herb comfrey root, that specifically absorbs UV radiation that damages the cell’s DNA.
Green Tea and Roobis Tea:  The polyphenols in green and roobis tea provide the most protective and healing properties for uv skin exposure. It protects the skin from melanoma formation and uv induced inflammation.
Cotton Seed Oil: Blocks out 20% of UV rays.
Manuka Essential Oil: 10% manuka oil in your formulations will repair sunburned skin.
Cannabis Oil: Has a UV absorbption rate that equals a SPF 15.

 

There are far more plants and herbs than the 8 listed that have the ability to protect your skin from u radiation. With the rise of  natural and organic skin care, finding these plant based ingredients in your natural sun protectant is a good sign.

 

 

 

 

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Organic Ingredients

Cannabis Oil: 5 Reasons Your Skin Needs It

The herb formally known as weed is getting a makeover ya’ll and it’s taking the wellness world by storm. It no longer has the stigma of a street drug, but recognized as a medicinal plant called Cannabis Oil or CBD. In the healing arts practices it is specifically addressing issues of depression, anxiety, stress, chronic inflammation and pain.  Here is how it works…

Our bodies have a biological Endocannabinoid System, which plays a crucial role in regulating our physiology, mood, and everyday experience.

#1 Cannabis is a Super Antioxidant 

Cannabis oil is nutrient-dense.  It is more powerful than vitamin A,C,E.  Antioxidants are compounds that have the ability to repair the molecules damaged by free radicals and to neutralize the harmful effects of oxidative stress.  Cannabis oil has a high concentration of antioxidants.

#2 Cannabis Increases Essential Fatty Acids 

Our body makes cannabinoids from consuming foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as eggs, meat, fish and nuts.  The cannabinoids made from the omega 3 fatty acids are converted into super powerful anti-inflammatory molecules when we apply marijuana derived cannabis oil to our body. This super powerful anti inflammatory influences blood flow, taking down pain and inflammation in the body including the skin.

#3 Cannabis Helps Your Body Grow New Skin Cells

The Endocannabinoid System within our bodies control skin cell growth and skin cell death.  Applying marijuana derived cannabis oil manipulates the endocannabinoid system to slow down or speed up that process depending on what your body needs.

#4 Cannabis Inhibits Acne

The skin’s lipid production plays an important role in acne and eczema. Cannabis oil has the ability to decrease the over production of sebum (skin oil).  It can also decrease the redness (inflammation) surrounding the breakout.

#5 Cannabis Protects The Skin

The skin that is effected by uv rays need cannabis oil to protect it. Cannabis oil absorbs harmful uv rays.

 

The benefits of cannabis oil are more than amazing.  I love discovering more healing and balancing benefits of this super herb.  If you would like to book a Canna-Bliss Facial click here.

 

 

 

 

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Skin Conditions

Can We Actually Reverse Loose Skin?

My late teens, early 20s were a blissful, problem free and amazing time for my skin; no acne, no wrinkles, no pigmentation issues.  My baby face hid my real age, and their were no signs of loose skin.  Fast forward 5 years and surprise, I noticed fine lines around my eyes. I panicked. Where did those come from?  Crows feet at 25 years old, no way!  Luckily, I was seeing an esthetician every month, so during my next visit, I was sure to ask her about what was happening to my skin.

My fabulous Los Angeles based esthetician, Leticia, informed me that right around the age of 25 is when we start to show our first signs of aging.  That small yet significant fact was also apart of my esthetics education years after Leticia’s explanation.

So, what causes these lines to just show up out of nowhere and can we possibly stop loose skin from occurring?  The answers we are looking for can be found deep within our skin’s layers, specifically the skin’s  dermis.

The Dermis

The dermis is the deeper layer of the skin that is not visible. It is the layer of skin the holds the collagen and elastin.  Collagen and elastin are proteins in the skin that give it shape, firmness and structure.  Specifically, elastin is responsible for the appearance of loose skin.  Elastin is a coiled like protein that allows the skin to stretch and pull yet retain its structure and firmness. Collagen is a protein that is reproduces every 6 to 8 weeks.  However, elastin stops reproducing around the age of 22 years old.

 Is there anything we can do?

Yes …and no. The key to maintaining firm skin is to act in a preventative manner.  We know that we will not get any new elastin fibres after the age of 22.  So, what you want to do is protect the healthy elastin that you have now.

5 ways to keep your healthy elastin

  1. Use skin care products that inhibit the enzyme elastase.  Elastase is an enzyme that is responsible for severing elastin proteins and weakening its snap back.
  2. Load up on anti oxidant foods. Your skin needs anti oxidants to ward off  free radicals.
  3. Use a sunscreen and increase your skin’s sun defenses. UVR oxidizes the vitamin c levels in the skin, and we need vitamin c to produce collagen and elastin.
  4. Eat fats. Get your essential fatty acids in your diet, especially omega 3.
  5. Reduce inflammation within your body. Inflammation can destroy elastin.

Along with a good skin care regime and lifestyle changes, your skin will stay firm throughout most of your life.

 

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Skin Conditions

Pigmentation 101: All The Basics You Need To Know About Keeping An Even Skin Tone Using Organic Skin Care

The countdown is on.  We have less than 15 days left until spring. Hallelujah!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve already started preparing my entire body for the transition.  I’ve been walking 10 miles a day, doing 2 minute squats, body brushing and applying my very own house-made face and body exfoliant; malic acid, aloe vera concentrate and pure sugar cane juice. Unlike last year, this year I plan on being warm weather ready.

One of the biggest issues I faced last year was showing my discolored and pigmented legs in shorts and skirts.  Ugh.  Pigmentation and uneven skin tone is something we can ignore in the winter months, but come spring, we have to face the music.

Addressing pigmentation through organic and natural skin care is really simple. Let’s first look at the basic pigmentation issues that show up on our skin , what causes it and then how to prevent it or cure it.

 

Melasma: is a hormonal pigmentation issue. Many people develop melasma during pregnancy, from thyroid or ovarian dysfunction, taking birth control or from using medications.  Melasma is usually seen in the center of the face, effecting the cheeks, chin, upper lip and forehead. Sometimes it also shows up on the forearms and neck.

 

Photo Damage Pigmentation: Ultra Violet Rays cause a lot of damage to our skin. The first sign of photo damage is hyper pigmentation around the outer areas of the face.  The sun’s rays stimulate the melanin carrying skin cells and sets off a complex chain reaction.  In simpler terms, what you and I call a “tan” is really the skin’s defensive response to all the damage the sun is inflicting.   The skin is saying “Hey, I am warning you. You are getting too much ultra violet ray damage.”  Consistent over exposure damages your skin cells to the point of no return i.e. wrinkles, actinic tan, damaged DNA.

Chemical Reaction Pigmentation: Medications, antibiotics, synthetic fragrances and essential oils can cause pigmentation issues too.  These chemicals are called photo-sensitizers and can decrease your burn time to sun exposure.  It’s good to ask your physician the side effects of each medication and always avoid the sun when exposed to these chemicals.

Now that you know the basics of pigmentation skin issues, let’s talk prevention and cures.

The number one rule is to avoid over exposure to the sun. It’s too harmful to our bodies. Staying out of the sun between the hours of 10am and 3pm, when the rays are their strongest, is a good rule of thumb.

Eating foods high in macronutrients is also very helpful.  This is the method that I choose, because I am not a huge fan of sunscreen. Go over to my ORGANIC NUTRITION blog posts, and read about which foods to eat for sun protection.

So, what about addressing the pigmentation issues that has already shown up?

Alpha Hydroxy Acids otherwise known as AHAs promote the shedding of old cells and diminish pigmentation.

  • Citric acid
  • Glycolic acid
  • Lactic acid
  • Malic acid
  • Pyruvic acid
  • Tartaric acid

 

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) inhibits pigmentation by stopping the “color” from transferring from inner skin cells to outer skin cells.

Licorice Extract has an active compound called Galbidin and it gives this extract solid skin lightening ability.  This botanical has been known to ease the pigmentation of melasma, as well as abosrb UVA and UVB rays by 50%.

So, when you are looking at your skin and wondering how to protect it, I have given you all the basics you need to know.  Also, don’t forget about my organic skin care treatments. Book an appointment here

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Organic Lifestyle

Discover How Stress Management Should Be Apart Of Your Organic Skin Care Routine

“I have been stressed out lately, and my skin is going crazy.”                                                                    “I have a lot going on in my life at the moment, and my skin is breaking out.”                                  “My thoughts keep me up most of the night and I have terrible dark circles.”

I speak for the majority of us, when I say stress has taken its toll on my physical appearance in one way or another.  The pressure of meeting a deadline, the break up of an important relationship, the anxiety of an upcoming event. Trying to handle the demands of life can take it’s toll over time.

Although taking the time to receive a relaxing treatment can be a remedy to the stress within itself, there is a need for modern day estheticians to take the new age approach and make the connection between stress and skin conditions.

Many traditional skin care professionals often over look the impact that emotions and stress can have on the clients’ skin. As we grow fully into the information age of skin care, many new age skin care professionals are educating themselves on the impact of  stressful thoughts and our body.

Holistic skin care is not only about performing green beauty treatments. There should also be a considerable focus on every aspect of the your lifestyle, including work/play environment and diet. Understanding the way your body responds to stress is an essential part of self care and skin care. In this article I’m going to drop some knowledge on stress and the skin including how you can help protect yourself from those god awful stress line.

The Mind-Skin Connection

The mind and the skin have a deep connection.  When we become embarrassed we blush, when we have fearful thoughts we breakout in a cold sweat, when we get angry we turn red.  Emotional states of mind , good, bad or neutral, always manifests in the skin.  A simple thought from the mind causes a domino effect and creates a chemical reaction in the body. Specifically, stressful thoughts can create a fight or flight reaction in the skin. This triggers the cortisol reactions which then causes inflammation, pruritus and aging.

The profound effect that stress has on aging President Obama 2009 and 2016.

Integrating Stress Management Into Skin Care Routines

History shows us that skin care professionals will only give attention to the skin.  However, in the new age of integration, including a healthy mind-body organic skin care goal is equally important.  Personally, if I have the time to add a short meditation within my facial, I will do it while the client is in a mask.  Alternatively, here is a list of techniques that can help you manage your stress and calm your skin.

 

  1. Mindful Meditation
  2. Journaling
  3. Meeting with a talk therapist regularly
  4. Yoga
  5. Aromatherapy
If you’re interested in including a few of these methods into your daily maintenance routine, I have included a few links to some of my favorite resources.
Mindful Meditation
The Morning Pages/ Journaling
Aromatherapy
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Organic Ingredients

8 Organic Skin Care Ingredients You Need To Heal Inflammation

Aloe Vera – Chamomile – Calendula Flower – Echinacea

Marshmallow Root – Oat Extracts – Sage Leaf – Witch Hazel

Inflammation is a very common skin condition. It develops as a response to a harmful bacterial invasion or sensitivity to a skin care product.  It is your body’s natural defense mechanism.  Adding these 8 medicinal plants into your skin care masks, serums and facials can help heal this complex skin condition.

The basic symptoms of inflammation of the skin 

redness  swelling  itching  heat  pain

Fortunately, there was research done by a group of scientists from the Department of Medicinal and Cosmetics Natural Products at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in 2013.  They tested more 8 medicinal plants for their anti-inflammatory activity and therapeutic effects on the skin and reported how we can use them in skin care and professional facial treatments.

Aloe Vera:  Fresh Aloe Vera Gel significantly reduced acute inflammation, although no effect on chronic inflammation was observed. Aloe Vera Gel is used for external treatment of minor wounds and inflammatory skin disorders, minor skin irritations including burns, bruises, and abrasions. The use of freshly prepared gel is recommended because of its sensitivity to enzymatic, oxidative or microbial degradation. Rare cases of contact allergy have been reported.

Chamomile: In the pharmacological study in humans, ointment containing chamomile extract was more effective than 0.1% hydrocortisone (anti-inflammatory synthetic drug) in reduced chemically-induced toxic dermatitis. Creams containing chamomile extract reduced UV-induced erythema (sunburn), eczema and inflammatory dermatoses proving to be superior to hydrocortisone creams.  Chamomile flower is externally used for skin inflammations and irritations, bacterial skin diseases, nappy rash and cradle cap, eczema, wounds (infected and poorly healing), abscesses, frostbite, and insect bites.

Calendula Flowers:  Active ingredients of the calendula flower are triterpene saponins (oleanolic acid glycosides), triterpene alcohols (α-, β-amyrins, faradiol), and flavonoids (quercetin and isorhamnetin).  The activity of this extract (at high concentration) and faradiol was comparable to that of indometacin (anti-inflammatory synthetic drug).  Calendula flower is used for compresses in poorly healing wounds, bruises, rashes, boils and dermatitis. Application in children under 6 years of age is not recommended.

Echinacea:  A traditional, herbal, medicinal product applied for treatment of small superficial wounds and inflammation of the skin. Externally, expressed juice or dried expressed juice is used. Hypersensitive reactions (local rash, contact dermatitis, eczema and angioedema of the lips) are possible, and allergic reactions may occur in patients with atopic diseases. The use of this medicinal product for more than 8 weeks and in children below 12 years of age is not recommended.

Marshmallow Root:  An ointment containing an aqueous marshmallow root extract (20%) reduced irritation induced by UV radiation (sun exposure). The anti-inflammatory effect was weaker than that of an ointment containing dexamethasone 0.05% (anti-inflammatory synthetic drug), but an ointment containing both active ingredients has higher anti-inflammatory activity than ointments containing individual active ingredients. Marshmallow root is externally used for furunculosis, eczema and dermatitis.

Oat Extracts: A colloidal extract of Oats showed anti-inflammatory activity. A colloidal extract of oats stimulated production of the anti-inflammatory transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) by keratinocytes (skin cells) and inhibited production of interleukins. In a pharmacological trial, 20 and 30% colloidal extracts of oat (in Petrolatum), under occlusion for 2 h, protected the skin from irritation induced by sodium lauryl sulfate (found in harsh facial cleansers) which caused redness of the skin and increased the cutaneous blood flow. Colloidal oatmeal was applied to 11 patients with rash induced by drugs administered during treatment. Out of 10 patients assessed, 6 showed a complete response and 4 – partial response, with no toxic effects observed. 

Oat straw contains polysaccharides (β-glucan) and silicon dioxide in a soluble form – as esters of the silicic acid with polyphenols, and monosaccharides and oligosaccharides. In vitro and in vivo, β-glucan stimulates immune functions. Silicon regulates skin and subcutaneous metabolic processes. Oat straw is used for inflammatory and seborrheic skin diseases, especially those accompanied by itching.

Sage Leaf:  Sage leaf has astringent, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. Ursolic and rosmarinic acids have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity.  Sage leaf is a traditional, herbal medicinal product for relief of minor skin inflammations and bacterial infections of the skin. The use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age and during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended because the available data on possible effects are insufficient.

Witch Hazel Extracts:  Active ingredients of witch hazel bark are tannins – hamamelitannins and proanthocyanidins. Decoctions and infusions of hamamelis bark are used for local inflammation of the skin. The use in children under 12 years of age is not recommended.  The extracts of witch hazel leaf are tannins – proanthocyanidins and small amount of hamamelitannins. In clinical research, creams containing witch hazel leaf extract were effective in treatment of atopic eczema in children, atopic xeroderma and other eczemas. Decoctions of witch hazel leaf are used for compresses or washes in treatment of local inflammations of the skin. The use in children under 6 years of age is not recommended.

Witch Hazel Hydrosol  contains a volatile oil, the major components of which are aliphatic hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, aliphatic aldehydes and alcohols.  In pharmacological studies in humans, the after sun lotion containing 10% of hamamelis water reduced the UV-B-induced erythema. The lotion containing witch hazel hydrosol suppressed erythema by 20% at 7 h and by 27% at 48 h, whereas the degree of suppression seen with the witch hazel-free lotions was 11% and 15%, respectively.  Reduction symptoms such as desquamation of the skin, redness, itching was shown.  Witch Hazel Hydrosol is used undiluted or diluted 1: 3 with water, for compresses, in treatment of minor inflammations and irritations of the skin such as cuts, grazes, insect bites and burns. Application in children under 6 years of age is not recommended.

I love using all natural and organic medicinal plant in my skin care treatments to heal skin conditions.  Natural skin care scientific research supports positive effects of the medicinal plants.  Now, lets dive into the world of facial care naturally and holistically with confidence.

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Skin Conditions

5 Super Organic Skin Care Moisturizing Tricks You’ve Never Used Before

It’s winter.  It’s dry.  Chances are, you are trying your hardest to keep your skin from looking rough and scaly.  Moisturizing with lotion and cream is the go to product for keeping your skin from going flakey in the winter.  But,  if you want your skin to go the distance this winter try these five tips.

Why Is My Skin S0 Dry?

It’s normal for your skin to feel drier during the winter months. The main culprit is the lack of water in the atmosphere.  There is a relatively low humidity percentage during the winter months compared to warmer months. When the humidity is high, water is in the atmosphere. That water acts as a weight on your skin, slowing down the evaporation of water from deep inside your skin (this water reserve  keeps the skin dewy and healthy) . However, when the winter comes and the humidity drops below 40%, the skin and lips tend to suffer.  Thus, these five tricks can help you combat dry skin during cold weather.

Cut Back On Excessive Amounts Of Caffeine, Alcohol 

Staying true to my skin care style, we are going to start from what you are putting in your body to address what may be contributing to your skin’s dryness.  Starting with caffeine and alcohol, which are two major dehydrating elements that pull water from your skin and cause dryness.

Although coffee has it’s perks, aka beneficial antioxidant properties, consuming more than 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day can really muck up your hydration levels and fluid balance. Here is how it happens.  The consumption of 6mg of caffeine  a day stimulates the output of urine causing you to lose water. With that said, if you’re consuming 1 cup of coffee day, studies show that you’re not going to be negatively effected.

Alcohol has the same effects on the skin.  It stimulates urine output causing an acute loss of water. Alcohol also has the added effect of damaging the liver, so I would really try to limit alcohol intake if your wanting to maintain glowing healthy skin.

Get Off Diuretic Types of Medication

Medication is a tough element to cut back on. Clearly, if you need medication to address an important health issue within your body.  Do not get off your meds in return for beautiful skin.  It’s not worth it.  Last year I caught a staph infection on my lips. It was painful and looked awful.  After trying every type of antibacterial homeopathic method, the infection persisted and I had to get an antibiotic prescription as well as a steroid.  Within two days on the meds, I have never felt my skin feel so dry. I was applying creams and butters to my skin two to three times a day.  Nothing really helped. My skin returned to its natural state a few days after I completed my course of antibiotics.  Although I am a big proponent of healing and staying balanced the natural way, if you have an acute medical issue that needs pharma assistance, just get the meds. Inform yourself of the side effects. Do your best to help heal yourself in the process.

Kick the “Fat Free” Diet Fad to The Curb

Fats are good for you. Fats are really good for your skin. Many years ago women, especially menopausal women, had eliminated fats from their diets altogether to stay trim. Was it a smart move? In some respects it was. Eliminating saturated fats from your diet was a heart healthy choice. Unfortunately, with the elimination of saturated fats came the elimination of essential fatty acids. We need essential fatty acids in our diet because our bodies can not function without them, especially the essential fatty acid, Omega 3.  Fats are oily. Oil lays on top of water. So, getting enough essential fatty acids into your diet will help keep hydration levels stable. If your over 40, you probably need to  maintain healthy, hydrated skin. Organic pumpkin seeds, sardines and organic flax seed oil are good sources of essential fatty acids.

Just Say No To Surfactants In Facial Cleansers 

That foaming up of skin cleanser we have all become used to is drying out your skin. The overuse of surfactants strip your skin of  its natural oil supply causing an imbalance. Your skins response is usually dryness and or over production of oil. Try using a balm or an oil during the winter months. I usually, apply a nut butter like shea mixed with manuka essential oil for anti bacterial properties, massage it into my skin and then wipe it off with a really warm cloth. My skin feels soft, moisturized and not dry and tight.

Add A Drop Or Two Of Organic Omega 3 Oil To Your Facial Lotion Or Creme

Supplementing your lotion and creme with an organic viscus oil works super well.  I prefer staying in the Omega 3 oil category because they do not cause skin breakouts.  But, if you are really suffering, a nice organic avocado oil or carrot oil works super well too. I usually put a drop or two in my hand and mix it with my lotion.

 

Awesome! You have 5 new important keys in maintaing dewy, hydrated and balanced skin.  Sharing is caring :-)!

Vocabulary

Low Humidity Percentage: When air at a certain temperature can contain only half the water vapor it is capable of holding at that temperature, low humidity is considered 40 percent or below.

Diuretic: any substance that increases the occurrence of urine

Surfactant: a substance used to remove dirt from the skin.  It breaks down the interface between water and oils and/or dirt.

Essential Fatty Acid: Fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in the body and must be obtained through food; linoleic and alpha-linolenic

 

 

 

 

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Beauty Toxins

The Funky Hazards Of Fragrances

I think I speak for most women when I say we love the pleasant smell of our cosmetics and toiletries.

Fruity and  floral nectars are scents that we have become accustomed to smelling on our skin. However, many of us are unaware of the fact that fragrances have been the subject of environmental research because of it’s connection to asthma, migraines, allergies and hormonal abnormalities.

What exactly are in fragrances?

One fragrance can have a combination of hundreds of chemicals.  And since the fragrance companies are a self regulated industry, they are under no obligation to supply you with a full list of the chemicals that are used.  Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration find it more important for the fragrance industry to protect it’s trade secrets than for you to protect your organs.

Even with a limited amount of knowledge about the chemicals used in fragrances, there is a common chemical in synthetic scents that is found in the some of the most well known cosmetics: DIETHYLHEXYL PHTHALATE

 

DIETHYLHEXYL PHTHALATE is an ester of phthalate acid. It’s a synthetic chemical used to soften plastic, create fragrances and is highly lipophilic (easily absorbed by fat)

DEHP has been classified as a endocrine disruptor compound by most environmental groups around the world.. The EU has banned the chemical because it’s ability to alter hormonal signaling and exacerbate asthma.

When an animal study showed that exposure to DEHP can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system in wildlife, it highlighted these very concerning effects: testicular cancer, genitals deformation, low sperm counts, and infertility in polar bears, deer, whales and otters (just to name a few).

Reduce your exposure.

Avoid all fragrances and most plastics. Use fragrance free cosmetics and toiletries

Want to know more?

Here are a few more links to get more info on fragrances and DEHP

  1. Research on Skin Irritability and Fragrance
  2. Food & Drug Administration safety guidelines

 

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Organic Lifestyle

4 Organic Lifestyle Changes To Increase The Flow Of Lymph Fluid and Hydrate, Nourish and Detoxify Your Skin

Regularly cleansing the lymphatic system is much easier than you think. Below is a list of cleansing options for you to implement into your skin care regime.

Exercise and movement

Vigorous walking is the best form of exercise for stimulating the lymphatic system. Walking a steady and brisk pace for at least 30 minutes a day will show you amazing results. *And don’t forget to swing your arms while walking*

Alternating between hot and cold temperatures in a shower

Alternating between hot and cold temperatures in the shower allows the lymphatic vessels to contract and relax.   This  contracting and relaxing  acts as a pump and gets the the lymph fluid moving. Try doing at least seven rounds of alternating between temperatures. Studies show that alternating temperatures supports your immune system as well.

Dry Body Brushing

Ohhhhh, this is my favorite thing to do (-: ! Dry brushing is a manual way to push lymph fluid throughout the body. You can purchase a dry brush from your local drug store.  Start from your toes and gently brush in a circular motion towards your heart. Brush your entire body then take a shower or a vitamin c detox bath. Not only are you pushing the lymph fluid through the body, you are getting the additional benefits of diminishing the look of cellulite and exfoliating the older skin cells from your body.

Infrared Sauna

Going into the sauna and sweating is a form of detoxification as well. Your skin is the largest elimination organ.  Sweating and perspiring is a necessary bodily function. Using the infrared to increase sweat production helps eliminate toxins from the tissue.

 

I hope I gave you a few useful ideas.

The most important thing to remember is that the lymphatic fluid is the skin cleanser from within. In order for it to be beneficial, you have to fill it with nutrients and support its flow throughout the body.

 Vocabulary

Lymphatic Vessels: thin walled valves structures, like capillaries, that carry lymph fluid.

Lymph Fluid: a fluid containing infection- fighting white blood cells, proteins, fats and red blood cells.

Dry Brush: a natural bristle brush used to push lymphatic fluid throughout the body by brushing the top layer of the skin.

Cellulite:  lumpy, dimpled fat pockets on thighs,  hips, buttocks and belly.

Detoxification: the removal of toxic substances from body’s tissue.

Infrared Light: an invisible red light  that the body senses as heat.

Toxins: a substance capable of causing diseases

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Organic Nutrition

Foods That Improve Lymphatic Flow and Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Your dietary choices are part and parcel of your skin care routine. 

We really need to make our peace with the fact that nutrition plays a role in how we look. I can’t say that every person is effected by nutrition the same way and within the same timeframe, but the nutrients and phytochemicals that are found in whole vegetables and fruits are part of a larger system of health.  Lets look more deeply into the great principles of food and their effect on the lymphatic system.

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is the most important system in the body. It helps protect us from infection and disease, while transferring nutritional  fluid into our cells.

How can we support our lymphatic system so that it functions better and what effect will this have on our skin?

Foods that  support the flow of lypmph fluid 

  1. Citrus Fruits: Lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines  and grapefruit push bile from the liver into the stomach to help with digestion. They also help contract and release the lymphatic vessels helping keep the flow of lymph fluid moving.
  2. Leafy Greens: Chlorophyll found in leafy green vegetables detoxify the blood of toxins, leaving the good stuff for the lymph fluid to easily move through and nourish the cells.
  3. Brown Seaweed and Algae: Fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid and strong antioxidant found in brown seaweed, has a thermogenic effect in the body  which increases metabolic detoxification.
  4. Tumeric & Ginger: These two spices increase blood flow and lymph flow while supplying the cells with protection against oxidation and stress.
  5. Water: Lymph fluid is made up of over 90% water. Without adequate water, lymphatic fluid cannot flow properly. Water, as well as, herbal teas and broths are all excellent fluids that will help the lymphatic system flow.

 

Foods that slow the lymphatic flow down

white bread | candy | dairy | processed meats | fast foods | canned foods | packaged dinners | cereals | baked goods

If your daily diet is full of synthetic foods like these, expect a slow or even blocked lymph flow. Your skin will look dull, sullen and you will have puffy eyes and cellulite.

 

Vocabulary

Bile: a fluid produced by the liver that helps with the digestion of fats and lipids.

Chlorophyll: a green pigment in algae and plants that helps plants absorb light and transform it into energy.

Carotenoid: red, yellow and brown pigment found in vegetables that absorb harmful ultra violet rays.

Thermogenic: the production of heat.

Oxidation: a chemical reaction where the atom loses an electron.

 

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