Protect your largest organ

Post Title: FIVE FOODS THAT FIGHT STRESS

Post Date: March 2014

DARK CHOCOLATE is known for its calming qualities and mood–boosting nutrients. Look for bars that are 70 percent cacao or lighter to get the greatest health benefits. OATMEAL: Carbohydrates help your body produce serotonin, a calming hormone that fights the negative effects of anxiety. Choosing a high-fiber carb such as oatmeal lets your body absorb it slowly, prolonging the serotonin boost. WALNUTS: Research shows these powerful nuts lower blood pressure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says walnuts are so healthy, you should eat 1 ½ ounces a day. SALMON: Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon can help reverse stress symptoms by boosting serotonin levels. SPINACH: The magnesium in green leafy vegetables such as spinach improves your body’s reaction to stress.

Post Title: The Skin’s Thermostat

Post Date: January 2014

Seldom talked about, pH is the thermostat that regulates the health and beauty of the skin. It is the key to a healthy complexion. pH is the measurement of acidity. Your skin needs a certain amount of oil to stay waterproof and resist infections. Too little can lead to dry skin; too much can lead to oily skin. It is important to have balance between the body’s internal pH and the skin’s external pH for normal cell function, as small changes in pH can make a big difference to skin vitality. The body needs to maintain a pH of 7.35 to 7.45, and skin needs to maintain a pH of 3.5 to 5.5 for cells to function properly.

As sebum and sweat mix on the skin’s surface, they form a protective layer often referred to as the acid mantle layer. Using astringent soaps such as Dove, Lux, Palmolive, Breeze, and Lifebuoy — which contain alkaline that dries skin, removes the protective acid mantle layer, and kills the “good” bacteria — is unsuitable for the face.

Using high-quality pH-balanced products is vital to a youthful appearance. Creating the right prescription skincare regimen with pH-adjusted products is key. Good health is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

Post Title: ANTI-AGING 101

Post Date: November 1, 2013

Knowing what causes biological aging, how it relates to the skin, and what can be done to age more gracefully will allow you choose the best skincare.

Birth of a Wrinkle. The toxic environment of the 21st Century puts stress on our cell metabolism and speeds up the aging process. The deterioration of the ozone layer is one factor, because as its ability to shield us from ultraviolet “A” and ultraviolet “B” radiation lessens, more light waves penetrate our skin. Direct damage to our genetic information (DNA) is the result. Damage is caused when free radicals activate a protein complex. If there is significant damage within the collagen and elastin cells, the body’s innate repair mechanisms cannot correct this damage. Wrinkles then appear rapidly, along with other changes in the skin, including increased pigmentation and loss of underlying fat (the cushioning level of the facial and body skin), which results in eventual loss of skin tone. We age because our DNA suffers damage. The more efficiently we can repair the damage, the better we will age.

The skin is a mirror of how aging is occurring in our bodies. Here are the best ways to encourage the slowdown of the aging process. Reduce stress by getting regular spa treatments (the healing power of touch). Eat well and take supplements — fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants. Hydrate — drink 8 glasses of water daily. Use sunscreen for UVA & UVB protection with minimum SPF factor of 15 — especially on the face — daily. The skin is the largest organ and it is up to us to protect it.

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Title: Skin Care Info News Line Newsletter | Address: carriesdayspa.wordpress.com

Author: Carrie Beinert | From: San Diego | Blogging since: 2013