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Strawberries for Better Skin: A Little Berry with Big Benefits!

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Strawberries may be small, but don’t doubt their ability to provide great benefits to your skin.

Strawberries for Skin Health

Here in Tennessee, we’re getting closer and closer to strawberry season. This excites me for a number of reasons, not the least of which is homemade strawberry shortcake.  I love the taste of fresh strawberries, and I enjoy cooking, baking, and preparing jelly and jam with them. Nothing says “summer is on the way” to me more than those beautifully ripened red berries all piled up in a basket. But as an esthetician, I have some other reasons to be fond of strawberries. They truly are a natural bounty of antioxidants and nutrients that are especially useful for those who are interested in healthy skin.

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants. In fact, they’re so full of antioxidants that they rank as the 3rd best source of antioxidants per serving of all commonly consumed US foods! Wow! Now, what do antioxidants do for skin? The short answer is that they limit the production of free radicals, and free radicals are  the monstrous little molecules responsible for most all the damage to our bodies – including our skin. Yes, free radical damage is at the heart of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation problems, inflammation and redness, and the breakdown of our precious collagen and elastin fibers. Antioxidants, like those found in the Strawberry, effectively reduce the formation of free radicals and thereby slow down  the aging process – even in our skin.

Vitamin C, one of your skin’s most needed vitamins, is also found in Strawberries. As we often like to say in the beauty industry, “Vitamin C brightens, lightens, and tightens“. That is a big reduction in the real science behind Vitamin C, but I don’t want to bore you to tears with chat about physiology and cosmetic chemistry, so we’ll stick with that catch phrase. Vitamin C is directly involved in the production and health of all your important skin cells – again, think collagen and elastin. It is one of the top warriors against the signs of aging, and I am of the school of thought that says “No matter the age or the condition – women looking to improve their skin should be getting topical and nutritional Vitamin C.” When it comes to fresh strawberries, do note that the antioxidant and Vitamin C levels in freshly picked strawberries diminish quickly. So try to scarf down those berries in just a few days to get the fullest benefit of their nutrients.

 

Strawberries have a host of other skin and health benefits. In fact, I would never be able to list them all in a single blog post, but I would like to mention that they are also anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, and somewhat astringent. All of these factors  add up to give us one tiny little fruit that means big business when it comes to health (and healthy skin).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strawberries can effectively:

  • Reduce breakouts and remove surface oil through astringent activity
  • Brighten complexion
  • Gently exfoliate the skin
  • Assist in slowing down  the visible signs of aging
  • Promote the building of new, healthy skin cells and collagen

Did you know?!

  • The average strawberry has over 200 seeds! By the way, those little seeds make a great addition to face scrubs.
  • The average American consumes 3.4 pounds of strawberries each year. With all the benefits we looked at above, we should try to beat that average this year for sure!

With all these details – what’s not to love? Strawberries – eat them, enjoy them, and your skin will love you for it!

 

Benefits of Dark Chocolate in Skin Care

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Dark Chocolate in Skin Care Despite being given a bad reputation by the diet industry, chocolate is actually a wonderful gift from nature. Now, when I say chocolate, I’m referring to the main ingredient used in what we know as chocolate, and that is cacao. Rumors that chocolate causes “bad skin” or breakouts are probably more tied up in the excess dairy and sugar present in most forms of edible chocolate – and not in the presence of cacao which is a very healthful and beneficial substance. In fact, when compared to many other foods, cacao stands out as hugely rich in antioxidants. And, as you probably already know – antioxidants are some of the most powerful substances we have for combating the signs of aging and maintaining healthful, radiant, youthful skin.

When we look for ingredients and foods rich in antioxidants, chocolate is often overlooked. This is unfortunate, as chocolate contains more polyphenols and flavanols than many other plant-based foods that are deemed “super fruits” in the nutrition industry. Blueberries and acai berries are popular trend fruits that are touted for their antioxidant benefits, but studies have shown that dark chocolate and cocoa powder actually contain higher antioxidant activity than both blueberries and acai berries!

Chocolate contains more polyphenols and flavanols than many other plant-based foods that are deemed “super fruits” in the nutrition industry.

Chocolate (cacao) is also rich in minerals including magnesium, copper, and potassium and iron. Magnesium is the most prominent mineral in cacao, and magnesium is a mineral the body just can’t do without. Aside from its many other benefits and roles in the body, magnesium has been shown to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, clear pimples, and relieve allergic skin conditions.

Now, before you run out and start indulging on loads of chocolate goodies, cakes, pies, and candy bars – keep in mind that we’re discussing cacao here. We aren’t discussing the sugar-rich, dairy-rich chocolate products lining the grocery store and bakery shelves. Excess sugars and dairy products can create significant skin issues in some people. It is not the sugar nor the dairy itself that is the problem, but instead how our bodies often react to excess amounts of these foods in the diet. When consuming chocolate, the best route is to look for the highest quality and darkest chocolate you can tolerate. People with an extreme sweet tooth often find milk chocolate products more tasty, but dark chocolate is a far healthier option.

When consuming chocolate, the best route is to look for the highest quality and darkest chocolate you can tolerate.

Topically, cocoa can be used in a variety of skin care preparations. I personally love the use of chocolate in skin exfoliators and polishers along with aromatic antioxidant mists and facial masks either in clay or cream bases depending on the skin I am working with. Cocoa is well-tolerated by most skin types and do I even have to mention the amazing aromatherapy this lovely ingredient provides? So, the next time you hear chocolate getting a bad rap for causing skin problems, don’t be so quick to jump on the anti-chocolate bandwagon. There’s a little more to that story, as you’ve learned in this article, and our oh-so-tasty, amazing smelling chocolate friend really is not the enemy! In fact, chocolate is our skin’s friend – it’s just those two guys (sugar and dairy) he runs around with all the time that can bring along some problems.

 

Why Pumpkin Makes for a Great Facial Ingredient

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As the seasons change, I enjoy featuring skin care treatments and facial services that highlight seasonal ingredients. Those seasonal and festive ingredients we love to eat and smell are often great for the skin too. Such is the case with the very multi-faceted pumpkin.

This fall, I am featuring an indulgent and aromatic Pumpkin Spice Facial that not only smells amazing, but also packs some major corrective benefits for the skin. So, aside from smelling amazing and putting us in a cozy autumn mood, what are the benefits of using pumpkin on the skin?

Pumpkin possesses a nice long list of biologically active properties that are well-known for producing beautiful results in the skin.

Natural Fruit Enzymes and Alpha Hydroxy Acids work to exfoliate dead surface cells leaving the skin soft and silky smooth. This softening and smoothing reduces the appearance of fine lines, improves skin texture, allows for better absorption of topical nutrients, and provides a more healthy glow to the skin.

Pumpkin is rich in Vitamins A and C. These powerhouse antioxidants soften and smooth skin while also boosting collagen production and working to combat the visible signs of aging in the skin. Antioxidant protection is a critical factor in skin health. Sun damage and other aging factors can be improved with adequate antioxidant levels both internally and topically.

Zinc is another beneficial active found in pumpkin. Zinc regulates oil production in the skin and can help decrease active breakouts as well as healing blemishes in the skin.

Pumpkin seeds, in particular, are high in Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin E. These properties provide moisture to the skin as well as much-needed barrier restoration to dry and compromised skin types.

Pumpkin Seeds in Skin and Facial Care
Pumpkin seeds are rich in essential fatty acids.

The many skin-improving and anti-aging properties contained in pumpkin have made it a favorite among product formulators.

It is noted for increasing smoothness, firmness, and elasticity while also improving skin tone. Pumpkin is widely used in anti-aging formulations, and of course, smells delightful when used topically.

If you’re located in or around the Murfreesboro, Tennessee area and are ready to experience a luxurious combination of corrective skin care and blissful aromatherapy, definitely check out the limited-time-only Pumpkin Spice Facial!

Fun Fact: Research as shown that homes scented with pumpkin stay on the market shorter periods of time than other listings!

How a Silk Pillowcase Can Help Your Skin!

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As a skin care professional, one of my professional obligations is to maintain the appearance of my own skin. So, over the years, I have tried a myriad of lotions, potions, creams, and assorted tools all in efforts of finding a handful of the best products to provide to guests in my skin care studio. I have sought effective answers to skin care concerns – within an affordable price range.

And so my story begins about the quite simple, but beautifully effective – silk pillowcase.

A few months ago, I began to notice very thin horizontal lines under my eyes. I have been blessed with having very few signs of visible aging, so seeing these little lines was no minor matter for me. As I approach 40, I only ponder what these lines will look like in another 10 years. I use all the best cleansers, moisturizers, serums and eye creams. Yet, these particular lines seemed to be forming despite my doing everything “right” in my own skin care routine.

That’s when it occurred to me that it isn’t the products failing. It’s how I sleep.

I am a tummy or side sleeper. I’ve tried the back thing; it just doesn’t work for me. I’m one of those crazies who sleeps with my face smashed in a pillow, and I really don’t have a lot of desire to disrupt my cozy sleeping position. Though, I have tried – all in the name of beauty – I still find myself, face smashed into the pillow upon waking.

But what does that have to do with those (currently) barely visible horizontal lines under my eyes? Everything!

You see, when we sleep on our stomachs or sides, the pressure on our faces is pushing our cheeks up – this creates what I call a “crinkle” in the skin while we sleep. That crinkle is temporary, and goes away after we’re awake… for years. But one day… out from nowhere… we look into the mirror and that darned crinkle has actually begun to be a more permanent wrinkle. Well, we’ll call it a line. But lines become wrinkles later on. And although we may be armed with the most amazing peptide-rich cream, or be getting the most stellar professional skin care services in town – all that squishing up of our facial skin all night long can’t be completely corrected by products or treatments.

It’s a sad fact, but as an honest esthetician – I have to tell you we are not superheros. There are some things we can’t fix. Tummy-sleeper-eye-line-syndrome is one of them. I can plump that line, I can smooth it, I can even strengthen the tissues around it – but as long as that “crinkle” is being formed all night long, a line will eventually result (and worsen with time).

This article actually IS about silk pillowcases, but we had to cover the preliminary findings first. 🙂

After becoming quite disgusted with my crinkles, I began searching all around for solutions. From how to sleep differently, to very bizarre pillows that keep your head at a very bizarre position, to pillowcases, to tape – I researched a ton.

The bizarre pillow was several hundred dollars. Sorry, but if I’m investing a few hundred bucks into my bedroom – it won’t be for a pillow. As noted previously, I tried the sleeping on my back thing. Not happening. Then the tape… affordable solution, but strange feeling, and I can’t quite guarantee that leaving tape on my skin all night long wouldn’t eventually lead to some entirely different issue. So, the final test was a silk pillowcase.

Now, I don’t mean a satin pillowcase. I don’t mean a faux silk pillowcase. I don’t mean some synthetic silk-esque pillowcase.

I mean a bonafide silk pillow case.

I will give specifics a little later.

A silk pillowcase isn’t going to stop you from smashing your face in your pillow. But, it will reduce the tension and friction on your facial skin overnight. Because silk doesn’t wrinkle in the same way cotton does, or tug the same way other fabrics do, when your face is pressed against silk – you have less impressions left behind on the skin, and less pulling of the skin due to reduced friction between the skin and the surface of the pillow.

I was happy to have less crinkly-impact on my skin overnight, but then I discovered a whole benefit I didn’t know existed!

By about day 3 of using my fabulous new silk pillowcase, I noticed something rather remarkable when I washed my face… My skin felt completely different under my finger tips. Maybe you don’t pay attention when you cleanse your skin, and that’s totally okay! But, I do. So when I could tell the texture of my skin felt notably more smooth as I cleansed, I began some further research on what may have caused this, as the pillowcase was the only change to my routine.

What I learned is that silk does not absorb moisture like cotton does. Why does that matter?

Well, I’m sure you’ve heard or read somewhere to wear cotton socks and undies. Ever wonder why? It’s because cotton is super absorbent! It literally wicks away moisture from other surfaces. This is why we use cotton bath towels; think about it!

Silk, however, doesn’t do this. When sleeping against cotton, we’re exposing our skin to a substance that is quite effectively pulling moisture away from us all night long. Not a huge deal really – unless you’re speaking from an anti-aging standpoint. Moisture is critical to beautiful, healthy, youthful looking skin, so just a few days of my face resting on silk instead of cotton – and I was hooked.

Another added benefit is that due to its slippery surface, silk also keeps your hair in better shape. Silk pillowcases cause less hair breakage, again due to reduced friction and tension. I have also noticed a look somewhat less like Medusa in the mornings. My hair is notorious for looking CRAZY when I wake up – something in the silk has at least reduced that to semi-Medusa status. Some ladies actually use silk scarves to wrap their hair at night, but since skin is my focus – I’m just not dedicated enough to do the hair wrap at night. Feel free to try it yourself if you’d like.

So to recap:

  • Tummy and side sleepers actually develop lines on the face as a result all that crinkling of the facial skin going on against the pillow
  • This can’t be totally eliminated without a change in the way you sleep, but a silk pillowcase can definitely help
  • While you’re getting less crinkles, your skin will stay much more hydrated because silk won’t be sucking all the moisture out of your skin
  • This makes silk especially useful for dry skin – even if you don’t have crinkles yet
  • Silk pillowcases are great for your hair too

A few other points:

  • Silk pillowcases are fine for oily skin as well.
  • Some people do have an allergy to an enzyme in silk. But, I don’t care what substance it is – someone will be allergic to it. It’s the times we’re in. Rest assured, silk is a natural and safe substance and unless you DO have an allergy to it, it’s fine. Promise.
  • Don’t get cheapy knock-off pillowcases from who knows where made from who knows what. Shoot for 19 or higher momme charmeuse silk when possible. Momme is simply a measurement for the quality of silk.
  • Care for your silk according to manufacturers directions.

I have come to the professional conclusion that everyone should have a silk pillowcase! I absolutely adore mine, and it not only feels amazing to the skin, it has a very functional purpose: assisting the skin in staying hydrated and crinkle-free. Or, at least crinkle-reduction. Nothing is magic, but silk is pretty close!

DIY Citrus Foot Scrub

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Get ready to dazzle those open-toe and open-heel shoes! This simple and aromatic foot scrub will help you put your best foot forward!

Items You’ll Need:

  • 1 Cup Epsom Salt
  • 1/4 Cup Almond Oil or Olive Oil (almond oil has the most beautiful, delicate scent, but avoid it if you have nut allergies)
  • 10-15 drops Orange Essential Oil (available at most health food stores)

Now, all you need to do is find a container for your scrub, mix up your ingredients and you are DONE!

To Use Your Scrub:

1. Soak your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. The water does not need to be hot, just warm. You can add some Epsom Salts into your soak water for extra softening power!

2. Get out a generous scoop of your glorious scrub and work over your foot, be somewhat more aggressive on areas of thickened skin, and be more gentle on more delicate skin – especially on the top of your feet – don’t overdo it! Repeat on your other foot.

3. Rinse away salt and excess oil with warm water. You can use the tiniest amount of body wash to help lift excess oil from the skin, but this should be minimal – leave some of the oil in place.

4. Perform a gentle filing of both feet using either a pumice stone or a gentle foot file. Focus on your heels and areas of hardened, thickened skin. Do not file the tops of your feet! Rinse your feet again with warm water.

5. Apply moisturizer to your feet. One of the best topical treatments for dry feet is 100% pure, unrefined Shea Butter. Now, Shea Butter is thick, and you don’t want to be getting it all over the place, so I recommend that you do this just before bed, throw on a pair of comfy socks – and sleep in the Shea Butter. If you’re not heading straight to bed, and can’t really roam around in socks, just go for a nice moisturizing lotion. But, using the Shea Butter and sleeping in it will improve your feet tremendously.

A couple of notes:

  • These DIY jobs are always much more fun when you have a nice container! Specialty mason jars are a fun way to store your scrubs. But, on the quick, a plain old plastic container with a lid will do.
  • It is quite alright to play with this recipe a bit and switch up the type of essential oils you use. Lemon and lime are other nice options for a citrus flare. Be cautious with your essential oils, however. Essential oils are very concentrated, so start on the lower end of the drops – and add more if you need it.
  • Do NOT use this scrub on your face or body. I am not a fan of the overuse of salt on the skin of the body. Salt can be drying and too abrasive for scrubbing more delicate skin. Opt for sugar scrubs like my Olive Oil and Lemon Scrub for the skin of your body, and use ONLY professional exfoliants for your face/neck/decolette.

I hope you’ll enjoy this fabulous Citrus Foot Scrub! If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below!

Summer Skin Care Tips

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Check out these tips to learn how to keep your skin healthy, clarified, and vibrant all summer long.

  1. Don’t over-cleanse. Though you may be tempted to use aggressive cleansers through the summer when oil production increases and pores expand, there is no need to attack your skin with heavy hitting cleansers. Cleansing should be a gentle process. Eliminate excessive rubbing and scrubbing, and use only as much cleanser as you truly need to lift makeup and oil from the skin. When cleansing, always use “less cleanser, more water” – water creates slip and will enable you to cleanse thoroughly without wasting cleanser and stripping your skin. Cleansing properly will reduce surface debris while allowing the skin to stay hydrated and supple through the summer.

    Favorite cleansers for warm months: Lira Bio Enzyme Cleanser is great for normal and dry types. Osmosis Skin Care’s Purify is an excellent choice for normal to mildly oily skin, and Osmosis Skin Care’s Deep Clean or Lira’s ICE Sal cleanser are fabulous for oily and breakout prone skin.

  2. Don’t over exfoliate! Your skin is a protective layer that keeps much-needed hydration in and toxins and pollutants out. Constantly trying to strip away that layer of protective cells will prematurely age your skin more quickly than sun exposure! Exfoliation at home should be limited to once or twice weekly depending on skin type. Go for enzyme based exfoliants instead of aggressive rubs and scrubs. Enzymes gently munch away at dead surface cells and provide a more optimal (and skin friendly) exfoliation than harsh scrubs.

    Check out Osmosis Skin Care’s Polish exfoliator for a great at-home exfoliation treatment.

  3. Don’t skip professional treatments. We often think we don’t need as much care for our skin during the hot months, but regular professional treatments (of the right kind) are a huge help for maintaining great skin all summer long. Go for treatments that clarify and hydrate the skin without making your skin sun-sensitive. One of the best warm-weather skin care services is an UltraSonic facial. The ultrasonic technology does a beautiful job of deep cleansing and exfoliating the skin without disrupting the delicate lipid/water balance. Living cells are not disrupted, and nutrients can be pushed deeply into your skin creating maximum softness and plumpness. If you plan to have chemical peels or microdermabrasion during the summer, these should most always be extremely mild and light treatments. If you’re having more aggressive treatments in the summer, you should plan to stay indoors and not receive direct sunlight in the days following treatment. These services are best performed in the fall.

    Ultrasonic facials are a fantastic choice for a professional service that will deeply clarify and ultra-hydrate your skin during the summer months.

  4. Solar protection is important, but you don’t need to bathe in SPF. Despite all the scary warnings that the sun is evil, mankind was not designed to live in a cave. The fact is, we all need some Vitamin D. Where it gets tricky is that we have a melting pot of skin types in the USA and while some of us need very little direct sunlight (fair skin), and others needs considerably more to produce Vita-D (darker types). If you’re walking from your car to the grocery, or the grocery to the car – chances are, you’re better off to have no SPF protection and catch a few rays for Vitamin D. If you’re going to be out all day in the sun at the beach, the pool, the park, etc. of course, SPF is needed. The safest choices in solar protection are physical blocks like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Steer clear of chemical sunscreens, although approved by the FDA, there is a lot of controversy surround chemical sunscreen agents that needs to be cleared up before I feel comfortable recommending them.

Summer is a great season to tweak your skin care regimen. Keeping your skin clarified while not stripping away precious lipids, choosing the right professional services, and making sun-wise decisions will all lead to a healthier, more vibrant complexion.