Carbohydrates in the Skin

All carbohydrates turn into glucose, a form of sugar in the blod. All categories of nutrients are broken down into glucose to provide energy for the body.

The cells use glucose to make ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP plays a critical role in fueling the cells with energy.

Carbohydrates serve the skin as water-binding agents. An example of a carbohydrate in the skin is hyaluronic acid which cushions the skin by absorbing significant amounts of water. Hyaluronic acid is contained in many topical skin care products. These topical applications through a proper diet. Diets rich in vitamin C enhance the body's capacity to produce hyaluronic acid.

All About Sugar

Sugar. The ubiquitous sweet substance has positive associations for most of us. Birthday cake, lemonade in the summer, chocolate on Valentine's Day - these are just a few of the many sugar-related traditions that bring up happy memories. But what's the real story?

When you eat, food molecules are broken down into a simple sugar called glucose, which fuels your cells and gives your body energy. But most of the time when we talk about sugar we are referring to added sugar. This is sugar that is added to foods and drinks as a preservative or to provide flavor. These types of sugars - such as sucrose (white table sugar) and high fructose corn syrup (a processed combination of sugars and corn syrup) - are derived from various plants, especially sugar cane and sugar beet. They increase your blood glucose immediately, give you a quick boost of energy, and then cause you to crash.

Consuming a lot of these sugars also contributes to extra calories in your diet and can set the stage for a variety of health problems. Consider that in 1700, the average person ate about four pounds of sugar per year, while today it is estimated that half of all Americans eat one-half pound of sugar per day.

Too much sugar can lead to: Tooth decay. Sugar allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, which causes cavities. Poor diet. If you are filling up on sugary foods and drinks, you are likely missing out on important nourishment from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Weight gain. One of the biggest precursors to obesity is sugar overload, especially from sodas. Cardiovascular issues.

Sugar increases your blood fat levels, which can lead to heart disease. If you have a sugar craving, have a piece of fruit. The natural sugar in fruit (fructose) is combined with good nutrients and fiber, so it doesn't have these negative effects in the body. Limit daily sugar intake to 40 grams at most. Be careful with sugar substitutes, too. Try natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, and agave.

Moderation is key This article is courtesy of Fullerton Cardiovasculae

Food is Key to Wellness

A key determinant of wellness is what we eat.

The foods we eat supply us with energy in the form of calories derived from either one or a combination of four classes of nutrients:

• carbohydrates,
• proteins,
• fats
• alcohol

Any intake that exceeds the body's needs is converted into body fat for storage. So really, no one category is more "fattening" than another. Simply, excess calories become extra pounds.

Our bodies demand an internal and external approach to wellness. Wellness is a form of beauty that reflects proper care, taken both internally and externally.

Inside-out Wellness

Nutrients make up some of the basic elements of the skin.

Water makes up 50 - 70% of the body's total weight. It is essential for all life. Consuming 8 full (8 oz) glasses of water each day is essential for replacing body water lost and flushing the system of waste.

Alcohol is energy dense having more calories than either carbohydrates or proteins. It is also nutrient poor and dehydrating to the body and the skin.

Carbohydrates are the main fuel for the body, brain and central nervous system providing quick energy. Carbohydrates should make up 50 - 60% of a healthy individual's diet.

• Simple carbohydrates are sugars which exist in fruit (fructose), milk (lactose) and refined sugars.
• Complex carbohydrates are a higher quality option because they are nutrient dense. Complex carbohydrtes include whole grain breads, cereals, and vegetables.

To achieve an adequate intake of high quality carbohydrates, consider adding color to your plate.

On the Centers For Disease Control website you can calculate how many fruits and vegetables you need each day.  

Fats in the Skin

Lipids are fats within the skin. Lipids give cells the ability to carry out numerous functions.

Fats within the skin make up the cell membrane, encasing water within the cell.

The skin is the body's largest organ and and indicator of health. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods and multifunctional skin care treatments adds the finishing touches to a complete health and wellness strategy.s, proper balance of carbohydrate diet contains a pro

• Ceramides are a major structural component of the skin's outer structure providing a barrier system to inhibit water movement outside the extracellular matrix.
• Phospholipids are a class of lipids that make up a major component of cell membranes. Lecithin is a type of phospholipid. Nuts, soy and eggs contain lecithin.

While looking at ways to improve your health and appearance consider what you're eating, what you're applying topically and the internal and external results produced in the body.

Moderation and balance should determine the approach to diet, exercise, work and play.

A healthy diet contains the proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

The skin is the body's largest organ and a big indicator of health. If you're not healthy, your skin won't look healthy.

Incorporating nutrient-dense foods as well as a good skin care regimen provides a complete health and wellness strategy. 

Incorporating

Dietary Fats and the Skin

Fats are the body's most efficient energy reservoir, supplying 9 calories per gram. Dietary fats are called lipids.

The body stores dietary fat as adipose tissue. Stored fat is an energy reserve within the body which:

• cushions vial organs, 
• provides insulation 
• supports nerve conduction and tissue structure.

Fat also plays a critical role in the absorption and transport of fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids.

Fat is an essential macronutrient that should comprise 25 to 30% of a well balanced diet.

Monounsaturated fats have great nutritional value. Foods rich in monounsaturated fats include:

• Avocados
• nuts
• fish
• olive, sesame and canola oils.

Peptides and the Skin

Peptides are short strings of amino acids combined in a specific sequence. they exist naturally within the body. Peptides can be applied topically to nourish and strengthen the skin.

The role that peptides play within the body is becoming imperative.

The best skin care regimen of optimal health and beauty requires a double-pronged approach.

• A diet containing 10 to 15% protein and topically applied peptide-based skin treatments.

The Skin and Protein

Protein contributes to the structure of major organs particularly the largest - the skin.

Collagen is the most abundant form of protein within the skin. In addition to collagen, protein makes up elastin, laminin and fibronectin.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein that enable collagen's full range of functions:

• Collagen gives structural support as the most abundant form of protein in the skin.
• Elastin gives elasticity to the skin.
• Laminin is the second most abundant in the skin. It supports and anchors the epidermis to the dermis.
• Fibronectin facilitates wound healing.

There are approximately 20 amino acids. Amino acids make up proteins, but not all can be manufactured by the body. Essential amino acids are the variations of amino acids that cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through a diet containing animal products. Seafood, poultry, dairy products, and red meats are examples of foods that supply essential amino acids. although grains and legumes do not contain all the amino acids, they can be combined to provide complete protein sources.

Moderation is key. Each food group should be proportionately included in a healthful diet.

Benefits and Uses of Protein

Proteins support many of the body's critical functions. Proteins are a key component in muscle tissue, skin, tendons, organs and bones. Proteins affect our thinking and emotions.

Proteins should be consumed with fats and carbohydrates to meet energy requirements to support critical body functions. Diets with too much protein and not enough fats and carbohydrates force the body to burn protein taking it away from the protein available to serve the body.

Skin Care Tips

Wash with mild cleanser & warm water no more than 2x/day. Gently massage skin with circular motions. Don’t scrub. Over-washing can cause irritation, inflammation and dehydration. 

Don't squeeze. Pimples are caused by sebum, dirt and bacteria in a pore festering. Squeezing pimples can push infected material further into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. Treat pimple with topical products from a reputable Esthetician and get regular facials with extractions from an Esthetician.

Don't touch with your hands or objects like telephones (do you know where your cellphone has been?). Touching the face can spread bacteria and other organisms causing inflammation and irritation.

Clean glasses (including sunglasses) often to keep oil and bacteria from clogging and infecting pores. This is especially true for those of you who put your sunglasses in your hair.

 . . . . . . more to follow

Can Stress Cause Acne?

Although stress does not directly cause acne, it can aggravate acneic conditions in those who are prone toward acne. Stress increases cortisol. And, long term stress keeps the cortisol levels elevated for long periods of time. Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal gland and it:

* Is a diuretic dehydrating the skin.
* Increases blood sugar.
* Weakens the the immune system.
* Creates inflammation of the skin and other organs.

Common causes of adult Acne are:

* Heredity
* Hormones
* Stress (see above)

In my practice, an acne facial consists of deep cleansing the skin, addressing the infection and inflammation and soothing the soul to calm your stress. It's more than just an acne facial.
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Best Facial Includes Wise Use of Skin Care Products

In the consultation with first time clients I emphasize that we are in this together. Their monthly visit with me will enhance and improve their skin on a professional level. However, for this process to be completely successful they have daily work to do at home with the quality products that I recommend. The initial purchase of the basics which would include a cleanser, toner, daytime moisturizer with SPF, a night cream, and a serum can run over $200 a big investment on top of the cost of a facial.

Here's how to get the most out of your products - wear nitrile or vinyl gloves. These gloves can be purchased inexpensively at most drug stores.

By wearing nitrile or vinyl gloves your products go on your face and neck where you want them and not on your hands. This technique can extend the life of your products by several weeks.

What Are Free Radicals and Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are chemicals that break down or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals - chemicals produced as a byproduct of normal cellular metabolism. Under normal circumstances, there is a balance between the rate at which free radicals are produced and the rate at which they are eliminated by the action of antioxidants. Free radicals are destructive in that they cause oxidative damage to tissues - essentially causing tissues to rust like a piece of iron left outside in the weather. They damage proteins, fat and even our DNA. In fact, damage to our tissues by free radicals is thought to underlie the process of aging, a theory first described by Dr. Denham Harmon in his "free radical theory of aging" proposed in 1956. Indeed, Dr. Harmon laid the groundwork for the whole antioxidant industry when he demonstrated that free radicals are "quenched" by antioxidants.

*Note: excerpted from an article by David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, ABIHM Free Radicals: How They Speed the Aging Process originally published in The Huffington Post on January 25, 2011.

Eczema and Stress

In my skin care practice more and more clients are complaining of chronic itching skin.  This condition is usually medically diagnosed as eczema (atopic dermatitis)  or simply an unexplained rash.

As you've read in my previous blogs, the skin is slightly acidic providing the body protection from outside toxins. So if the skin is in distress your body may be in distress.

The skin, along with the kidneys, liver and colon, is one of the primary organs for releasing internal toxins. So if the body is in distress your skin may be in distress.

Eczema can flare up when you are under stress.

In other words, you may be out of balance somewhere. If you are having trouble ridding yourself of eczema you might want to ask your health care professional to look further.

If you need to relax and de-stress think about a soothing general facial, a reflexology  or reiki session

About the blogger:
Tamara is a state licensed Esthetician and Massage Practitioner located in the Anaheim Hills/Yorba Linda area. You can learn more about her business here. 

Laser vs Peels

Your face is clearly a journal of your life past – all those suntans and burns, all the smiles, frowns grimaces, the not so great diet mixed with the too strenuous diet, poor sleeping habits and even lack of exercise will show up on the skin in time.

Many of these tattletale marks on the face can be addressed with laser or peels. I’m not an expert in laser since I don’t do it (you need to be a licensed physician). However, I do know that it is expensive, painful and the downtime is significant.

Similar results can be achieved with peels over a longer period of time at a fraction of the cost of laser.  Peels use a variety of naturally occurring acids. While the acid is being applied there is some discomfort which is monitored by the licensed esthetician and does quickly subside. The discomfort indicates that the peel is doing its job. You will leave the office slightly red and glowing and should be able to return to your everyday activities (although strenuous activities may be limited for the first couple of days). You will begin peeling on the third and fourth day and should be able to pursue your regular activities.

Either way pigmentation will lessen and wrinkles will soften. You will still need to stay out of the sun and have healthy habits. The issues are cost, downtime, and pain.

What has been your experience?

Your Skin and Sleep

Good sleep = good skin

While you are in a deep sleep, your body is repairing itself - this includes your skin. Not getting enough quality sleep puts the body, including the skin, into stress.

 Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.

A little cortisol goes a long way. Under prolonged stress cortisol:

• Counteracts insulin contributing to hyperglycemia.
• Decreases the collagen in the skin by ten times.
• Inhibits sodium loss.
• Disrupts the body's natural pH.
• Causes water retention.
• Weakens the immune system.
• Lowers bone formation.
• Impairs memory and learning.

Getting a good night's deep sleep can reverse the impact of those stressful days. And, before bedtime be sure to wash your face and use a good nighttime moisturizer so that you will wake up fresh and hydrated.

Pleasant dreams.

Gee, You Look Good . . . . For Your Age

Gee, you look good . . . . for your age! Is that a compliment, a qualifier or an insult?

Perhaps only the giver and receiver of such a remark are the only ones to decide.

Regardless, as we age, the only thing we can hope for is to keep looking our best. As time trots on the looking our best target takes a little more time, care and money.

How much time, care and money? That's up to you.

If you are a person who has moved away from thinking that looking your best is looking as young as possible in favor of wanting to look as good as possible for your age. Away from the rarely natural looking facelift for youth to a maintained subtle natural beauty. There are many safe, no or low downtime, cost effective, healthy options.

In reality, "Gee, you look good for your age" says that you look as if they have a healthy lifestyle and are happy.

Its easier to maintain your looks rather than getting on the "turn back the clock" treadmill. Here are some options:

~ Diet. That's easy. Eat healthy.
~ Exercise. Heard that one before. You know what to do.
~ Beauty treatments. They are restorative. Read on.
~ Maintenance. Of your health and your beauty. Value yourself.

All on the list are about looking better, not younger. In the beauty treatment and maintenance department here are some possibilities:

` Professional skin care options such as microdermabrasion, microcurrent, oxygen, LED, peels or just a good facial.

Some things these treatments can help with:

. As we age our mouths tend to turn down giving us an unhappy look. Microcurrent can help retrain those muscles giving a more pleasant look.

. Light peels will help keep the skin glowing. A glowing complexion is far more important to a "Gee" look than a line here or there.

. Microdermabrasion, LED and peels can create a look of luminosity and get rid of the sun damage (brown spots and superficial wrinkles).

And last but not least - use the recommended products from your skin care professional to keep up to "Gee" look in between treatments.

Facials with Ultrasound

Ultrasound, when used by a trained skin care technician, is a non-invasive and painless topical facial rejuvenation treatment. Research using ultrasound has demonstrated its ability to stimulate fibroblast activity (collagen formation), increase local circulation and increase the rate of wound repair.

Ultrasound is a method by which sound waves are created by a rapidly oscillating hand piece. By altering the frequency of the oscillations the depth of penetration is controlled. For the skin, these oscillations are superficial to impact only the epidermal tissue and not muscle, bone or other tissue.

In facial treatments ultrasound waves cause epidermal tissue to warm increasing blood flow, stimulating fibroblast activity resulting in collagen production. It stimulates wound repair to environmentally damaged skin. It also drives the nutrients from serums, gels and creams into the skin.

Research has shown that clients receiving ultrasound with their professional skin care have improved skin texture,  reduction in skin laxity and a youthful plumping of the skin. Unlike many treatments there is no downtime and all skin types can receive benefits.

Were You a "Picker"

When you were younger did you pick at those annoying zits? Now you have the depressed scars to prove it? There are solutions!

Use a good primer under your makeup. I recommend and sell Youngblood Mineral Primer which is rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins. The primer smoothes out the skin filling in the indentations. Apply that mineral powder over and for slight imperfections - you're good to go.

Want something more permanent?

• A retin-A serum will trigger collagen production and smooth the skin over time.
• microdermabrasion will help to smooth and polish the skin over time.
• a good natural acid peel (see peel section of this blog for some good information) can help slough off skin and encourage elastin and collagen growth to plump the skin.  

Smoking and the Puckered Pout

So you smoked or are smoking and are noticing those little tiny lines above your lip. Some of the lines are the natural result of all those years of pursing those lips. However, the added pursing of the inhale, the heat and chemicals from the smoke take an additional, and in some cases dramatic, toll. The skin of the upper lip is 1/3rd as thin as the rest of the facial skin (excluding that around the eyes).

There are at least 12 "expression" muscles that are attached to the dermis are around the lips. Besides frying that upper lip drying it out and poisoning it; you've trained the muscles to contract further wrinkling and creasing the skin.

What to do? Things that can help from your esthetician:

• light microdermabrasion
• microcurrent
• hydrating treatments that include hyaluronic acid
• An SPF30 sunscreen with a physical block (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide)
• a clear waxy lip liner can help to keep lipstick from bleeding up the creases

To just have the lip treated would run around $25 - $50 each treatment plus take home products to continue the treatment.

Things that can help for more severe cases:

• hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, etc.)

Dermal fillers run about $400 per treatment.