Spring Clean Your Pores

It's been a long dry, typical winter here in the high desert of Reno, NV. You may be used to this but your skin is not going to be reaping the rewards of it. Dry heat and low humidity can make your skin dull and flakey. Exfoliating or chemically removing dead skin cells can reveal bright new, fresh skin cells underneath. This is a great time of year to get a chemical peel or a microdermabrasion done. We are typically not out in the sun too frequently this time of year and you have less of a chance of getting overheated, which is something you want to avoid after a resurfacing treatment.
Here are 4 great reasons to do a little spring cleaning on your skin this month.

1. Reduces signs of aging. As you we age our skin becomes dryer and less elastic. It can also be rougher in texture and thicker. Multiple layers of dead skin can accumulate and create a duller appearance to your skin. Peels will remove this build up and brighten up your lack luster complexion. 
2. Help with trouble skin. Exfoliation helps acne-prone skin by sloughing off dead skin cells that may be clogging pores and causing blackheads and pimples. By properly removing a few layers of buildup you will see immediate results. Note: You must follow up with proper, non-comdemic moisturizer to replace the moisture lost so that you body doesn't think it needs to produce extra oil!
3. Minimizes pores. Dirt can get stuck down in those pores and before you know it they are clogged and will start to get congested and begin looking larger and larger. Clay masks work especially well on enlarged pores. Follow up with a nice exfoliation of chemicals or microderm usually results in removing at least a couple of layers of old dusty skin. 
4. Improves texture. As we age our skin naturally slows in cellular turn over. Chemical or manual removal of this buildup can help to speed up the skin renewal process. Beautiful fresh skin has to be generated to replace what has been taken. This process also encourages the skin to plump up there by minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

So when you are done with your windows and your blinds and tired of all that buildup in your house all winter, don't forget your skin! It needs a little TLC as well. And now is the best time to do it!
Happy Spring Cleaning (if there is such a thing).
See you next time,
Michon :)

Raw Beauty

One of my favorite things about this time of year are the Farmer’s Markets that crop up all over! With the plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables abounding it is the perfect time to clean up my diet and start eating healthier. Eating raw is getting more and more popular. I am seeing green smoothies on Pinterest daily now! Besides whittling away at your waistline, eating raw also has some big benefits for your skin that you may not have known about.

• Orange and Yellow fruits are high in beta-carotene an ingredient in Vitamin A which is good for your skin and your eyes. They are also rich in Vitamin C, zeaxanthin, lycopene and other antioxidants that fight the aging process in our skin. 
• Spinach and other green leafy vegetables are rich sources of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium as well as vitamins A, C, E, K and many of the B vitamins. The high fiber content helps the body eliminate toxins and carcinogens. Elimination is by in far one of the most important things for clear skin. 
• Red fruits and vegetables are rich in in lycopene which is a carotene that protects from ovarian and prostate cancer as well as heart disease. Lycopene has also been shown to reduce sun-related skin damage. 
• Purple fruits and vegetables are know for their flavanois which is a class of anti-oxidants. These have a postitive effect on the skin structure and protect against UV rays. Flavanois are also known to improve elasticity by increasing collagen production. 
• Kale if you haven’t heard, is the new wonder veggie. Yes, I know it is green but I am giving it it’s own category as it is being hailed the “new super food”.  This super food helps to detoxify enzymes in the liver that play an important part in neutralizing carcinogenic substances. Another key element in kale is isothiocyanates. These have been linked to inhibit carcinogenesis that cause cancer cells to actually shrink. Kale also ranks highest among all vegetables in its concentration of carotenoids, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Want to read more? Here is a fascinating page I found on all the bennies of kale. 

I know without a doubt when I am being good and I fill my plate with 75% fruits and veggies and leave only 25% or less for the meat and carbs... I lose weight. But now upon further examination, the fact that they all benefit your skin so much is just an added bonus!

Here is a link to the best farmer’s markets here in Reno. I am not sure why they are not including the one at the Summit Mall,  I beleive that one is on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9am to 3pm weekly. I for one, am excited to start eating fresh and enjoying the abundance of my own garden as well as the farmers market. It is nice to see so many joining the gardening movement.  I have a ton to learn but it is a fun process, especially since my kids do most of the work.
haha ;)
And yes we are planting kale!
Please feel free to share any markets that may not be on the list. Or share your favorite, fresh recipe. I will be sharing more recipes this summer as well. So stay tuned!
Thanks for stopping by,
Michon :)

Surprising Acne Causers!

In honor of some of my favorite Reno clients, teenagers,  I thought this would be a timely post for you, since you’re out of school and actually have time to check the blog!  :)
A new landmark compilation of studies has been done showing that 50 years of research may in fact prove once and for all that there is a link between diet and acne. The study is showing that we should be looking at diet, in combination with hormones. And you may be surprised by a few of the culprits at the source of the problem.

1. Milk is being called out as one. One particular study showed a definite link between teenage boys and the consumption of milk.
2. Eating a diet high on the GI index (glycemic index). These foods would include processed sugars of any kind and even breads and potatoes. Here is a complete list of high GI foods to avoid. 
3. Fish Oil. Although it is suppose to be great for your health in every other way some studies are popping up showing that it actually increases the production of testosterone, which is a huge culprit in the cause of acne for teenagers in particular.
4. Eat more soy products. Soy creates more estregon in the body than whole proteins such as beef and chicken. This is recommended more for teens and not adults. (Adults should shy away from soy, due to the breast cancer connection for now).  It will give you the protein you need without the added testosterone. 
5. Not enough water. Your skin is comprised of 90% water. If your diet is not in sink with this ratio that could add to your problem. Try to keep your diet, water based, lots of fruits and veggies. Raw, preferably and if you hate them raw try to steam them lightly, to retain as much moisture and vitamins as possible. 

Sadly this may or may not be the cure, or end to the dislike of your skin at the moment. But it may help a bit. I am very passionate about this subject, having such a problem as I did as a teen. And I have three daughters that are struggling with the same issues, so this subject is very near and dear to my heart.

Thanks for checking in on my blog. If you have any tips or ideas that have helped you to get closer to your ideal skin and avoid acne I would LOVE to hear them. 

Please leave your comments in the link below. 

The Buzz Words of Anti-Aging

There is some amazing technology coming down the pike in the way of Anti-Aging skincare. Even if you are still in your 20’s you would be very wise to start taking good care of your skin now so that it will take care of you later! The earlier you start using good clinical grade products the better. 

I am just going to list a couple of the best key ingredients that you will hopefully find in your skincare regimen. Consult with your skin care professional for their recommendations and products that they carry. Here are some ingredients you need to look for.

1.              Serums: Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin B are great antioxidants. Serums typically reduce wrinkles and fine lines. They eliminate redness and blotchiness. Decrease discoloration, puffiness, and dark baggy spots around eyes. Restores facial tone and firmness. Plus heals dry skin. 

2.              Acids: Glycolic, retinol, and lactic acids help to remove dead skin. They are exfoliating in nature. They are amazing when it comes to brightening and lightening the skin. The exfoliating natures of these products are very beneficial. I would suggest using them once a week or less depending on your skin type. (Consult your skin care professional for frequency of exfoliating).

3.              Hyaluronic: This popular acid replenishes lost moisture into the skin. It allows your facial serum (your A, C or B) to penetrate more deeply. Look for additional ingredients that include Idebenone. This will, in turn, encourage stimulation to new skin cell growth. 

4.              Peptides: Peptides can be found in many of your high-end skin care regimes. They are the new word in skincare. Peptides have become an essential ingredient in anti-aging skin care. Peptides are able to penetrate the epidermis, send signals to the cells, telling them how to function. A couple of the most effective ones to look for are SYN-AKE, copper,  palmitoyl, and Acetyl.

5.              Stem Cells: Plant stem cells that is, are the newest generations of skin care technology. This technology offers the protection from photo-damage and oxidative stress. They also benefit the skin by firming action to restore skin’s elasticity and contour. 

6.              Sunscreen: This product cannot be overstated. The number one ingredient in your sunscreen should be at least 18% zinc oxide. You should use sunscreen everyday, year round. On cloudy days up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Snow, sand, and water increase the need, since they reflect the sun’s rays. 

There are so many cool, new, amazing products on the market for your skin this year, it is astounding! As I continue to delve more and more into the aesthetic world and learn everything I can about anti-aging products, I am constantly astonished by the results!!  I hope to bring my clients the top of the line and most innovative products to combat aging.  There is so much more than meets the eye to many of these products. More updates to follow...

See you next time, 

Michon :)