Who doesn’t love a great tan? As a woman I enjoy that bronzed, sun-kissed look but I’ve chosen to avoid the harmful UV rays of the sun and use natural mineral powders to give my skin that healthy, caramel glow.
For beautiful make up that can stand up to the dog days of summer choose a product that is long- wearing. Skin should look sun-kissed with a soft natural bronzer yet still be protected from harmful UV rays with an SPF.
Get The Look:
Try Jane Iredale’s Pure Pressed Base with SPF 20 It’s a concealer, foundation, powder and sunscreen all in one. Voted Best Makeup with SPF by EWG.org
Bronzers:
- So-Bronze 1 is a terra-cotta with tiny specks of gold that define the words “healthy glow.”
- So-Bronze 2 is a duo bronzer – a deep terra-cotta alongside a moon of a shimmery gold packed full of shimmer
- Use the golden-bronze tones in Moonglow and the pink-copper shades in Sunbeam on eyes, lips and cheeks or as an all-over highlighter.
Cheeks:
- Create the perfect sun kissed glow with InTouch Cream Blush. This is a beautiful alternative to powder for a flush that is soft, dewy and natural.
Eyes:
- For a dramatic look that holds up-start with Liquid Eyeliner along the lash line or the Eye Highlighter, when you apply the pink side inside the ledge of eye it gives a soft, radiant effect.
- Finally brush on the PureLash Mascara for lung lush lashes. The formula thickens and lengthens with sea minerals that condition lashes all day long.
Until next time
Claudia~
Nowadays, skin lightning is just another common way of keeping that youthful glow and reducing the look of dark spots and freckles that can plague an otherwise clear complexion. This summer protect from UV over exposure and prevent these brown spots from developing or worsening. If you are battling this condition now your first steps in combating hyper-pigmentation (brown spots) is curbing the activity of the hyperactive melanocytes -your pigment producing cells in the skin. Topical skin brighteners that inhibit the melanin-stimulating enzyme tyrosinase can effectively limit over production and keep the condition from worsening. Reconsider skin lightning ingredient Hydroquinone (HQ) The industries most popular brightener has many adverse side effects including rebound pigmentation, liver, renal, and bone marrow toxicity has been reported and poses a cancer risk in high doses. Other problems that can occur is permanent staining to the skin a condition known as ochronosis, where bluish-black pigment is formed. In August of 2006 the FDA- proposed a ban on over-the-counter sales of this skin lightener. HQ has been banned in almost every country but the United States.
With all the products on the market targeted to “brighten” the skin consumers are misinformed. They don’t understand product lines containing hydroquinone should be used for a short period of time then stopped or not used at all. It will only help to eliminate symptoms, but not resolve the prolonged condition. With all the adverse reactions and side effects natural ingredients often make the best and more sensible skin lightning agents. They pose little risk of irritation safe to use and will treat this condition effectively for the long term.
Getting To The Source of Hyper-Pigmentation
- Post-Inflammatory: Easiest to treat.
- Photo-damage: Ultra Violet Radiation =Free Radicals=Melanin Protection Response. Bunching in areas of recurrent trauma. (can be treated)
- Hormone Association: Due to Pregnancy or birth control related needs chronic tyrosinase inhibition. Most “masks of pregnancy” go away within three months of delivery.
- Melasma: Can be difficult to treat.
After the source is determined and pigment production is under control, resurfacing can begin to speed fading of pigmented areas and return the skin to it’s original tone. The next step is to draw the pigment up and out. Non-Traumatic Corrective Peels & Vitamin A resurfacing treatments can accelerate cell turnover and renewal to “lift” away discoloration over time “pushing” affected skin cells to the surface where they are eventually shed. The result is smoother, denser and more hydrated even skin.
Finally, staying sun safe is just as important. Hyper-pigmented skin is extremely vulnerable and sun-sensitive and can easily be exacerbated by UV exposure. Antioxidants can also assist and reduce the free radical load and melanocyte activity. Stay away from anything that reduces anti-oxidant activity such as steroids. (Retina-A for example is in a steroidal base)
Until next time cheers to beautiful healthy skin that goes beyond skin deep!
Claudia
Although sun safety is never out of season-Summer is a reminder to be extra careful and serious about sun protection. Celebrate sun drenched days with sweet cheeks not red cheeks and be smart, don’t forget to protect your skin from the potential dangers of UV rays before they happen. Nothing threatens your skin’s appearance like UV damage and over-exposure. Shielding the skin from aging is prevention which is much easier than correction!!
VISIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS OF UV OVER-EXPOSURE:
- Skin Pigmentation – UV rays induce melanin production, stimulating hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as sun or brown spots and discolorations.
- Formation of deep lines and wrinkles – caused by loss of collagen production – Solar radiation injures fibroblasts, the connective tissues that secrete skin-rejuvenating collagen and elastin.
- Dehydration- The skin’s barrier function is impaired and moisture levels drop leading to dehydration and a leathery appearance.
- Cellular Damage – Excessive and repeated sun exposure can permanently damage skin cell DNA, resulting in skin cancer.
A FEW TIPS TO STAY PROTECTED:
- Use products with a “sun protection” factor (SPF) of 15 or more daily.
- Reduce your time in the sun- the sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. so stay alert.
- Wear clothing that protects your body and cover vulnerable skin. A wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sit under an umbrella for extra shade.
- Allow about 15 to 30 minutes after application before sun exposure.
- Reapply, Reapply, Reapply at least every two hours.
Learn more here about the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens and to make sure you are getting the most out your sun protection! While there’s no denying that sunscreen is essential for maintaining safe and healthy skin, the debate over a chemical vs. physical active ingredients remains a source of conflict between skin care professionals and product developers. Manufacturers continue to produce cheaper ingredients, such as oxybenzone, found widely in supermarkets and OTC drugstores despite safety concerns. Learn the facts when it comes to chemical based sun care.
Shop here for chemical-free sunblock! View here for EWG’s 2010 Sunscreen Makeup Guide
Jane Iredale’s Pressed Base Mineral Makeup get’s high marks but remember makeup alone isn’t sufficient protection!
Until next time,
Claudia ~
Upon returning from my yoga adventure, I was ready to start my Purification Program and start detoxing. I am now on the 18th day of my 21-day cleanse feeling energetic, lighter and certainly slimmer! If you want to re-energize and never feel tired again, have a glowing complexion and shed some extra pounds I highly recommend this cleansing program. You can read here about the program and contact Dr. Lou Granirer to get started! Along with the supplements the diet I kept on the cleanse is primarily vegetarian. I included raw food and fresh vegetable juices and smoothies daily. I’ve made this salad a few times while on this cleanse and it’s a light fresh salad you can have all spring and summer long. Enjoy!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bag (1 pound) shelled edamame (soybeans), thawed
1 bag (1 pound) frozen corn, thawed, or 3 cups fresh-cut corn kernels (from about 4 ears)
2 large ripe plum tomatoes, diced or cherry tomatoes, 12 halved
Avocado, 1 large, pitted, peeled and cubed
Fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Romaine lettuce 8 dark outer leaves
Fresh Cilantro (fresh coriander), 2 tablespoons chopped
or 1/4 cup minced fresh chives or basil
1) Cook the corn and edamame
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and have ready a bowl of ice water. Add the corn and the edamame and cook for 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the bowl of ice water. Drain corn and edamame, place in a large bowl and add the tomatoes and avocado.
2) Assemble the salad
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and a 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Slowly whisk in the oil. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter and spoon the salad onto leaves. Garnish with the cilantro or basil and serve.
This spring I’ve been seeing a lot of clients suffering from seasonal nasal allergies, early in the season. Not only watery and itchy eyes but manifesting into breakouts around the face too. This is triggered by pollen in the air. Newly blooming trees, grasses, and weeds are the culprits now in the spring and summer. Though many of you find relief in physician-prescribed medications and anti-histamines you may want to consider yoga. Practicing yoga may help to alleviate allergy symptoms, including runny noses and inflamed sinuses, in particular some of the breathing exercises can be helpful.
Skull Shining Breath – Kapalabhati Pranayama: cleansing, invigorating, warming, prevents illness and allergies.
Kapalabhati breath consists of a series of rapid, forceful exhalations and passive inhalations. This has long been believed to clear out the nasal passages where allergens lurk, and thus offer some relief from irritation. This is a heat-generating breath, however, so limit yourself to a single round at the start of your practice. I recommend learning this breath from an experienced teacher, as you may become lightheaded if you do it incorrectly. It is best done at the beginning of a yoga session or before a meditation practice. In Kundalini practice, Kapalabhati breath is sometimes done while holding poses.
1. Come to sit in a comfortable crosslegged position.
2. Take two or three deep inhales and exhales through the nose to prepare.
3. Inhale to a comfortable level, and then exhale sharply and forcefully through the nose, drawing the belly in as you exhale.
4. Let the inhale happen passively, and continue this cycle of forceful exhales and passive inhales at a fast pace, so that the belly is pumping continuously.
5. Do three rounds of thirty breaths each, coming back to deep inhales and exhales between each round.
6. Come back to normal breathing if you feel lightheaded at any time.
Alternate Nostril Breathing – Nadi Sodhana: balancing, relaxing, and calming
1. Sit in a comfortable crosslegged position.
2. Using your right hand, fold your pointer and middle fingers into your palm, leaving your thumb, ring finger, and pinky sticking up (Vishnu Mudra).
3. Bring your thumb to the right side of your nose and your ring finger to the left side.
4. Close off your right nostril with your thumb.
5. Inhale through your left nostril.
6. Close off your left nostril with your ring finger.
7. Open and exhale through your right nostril.
8. Inhale through your right nostril.
9. Close off your right nostril with your thumb.
10. Open and exhale through your left nostril.
11. Inhale through your left nostril.
12. Continue alternating 5 to 10 times.
This was my experience every day for one week at The Sivananda Ashram YogaRetreat. It was a true sanctuary of peace and natural beauty located on a paradise-like island with crystal clear water and pure white sand just across the bay from Nassau.
My adventure began on a Saturday morning as I arrived on the island of Nassau earlier than expected. I gathered my luggage and took a 20 minute taxi ride to a dock. As I waited patiently for the boat to whisk me away to paradise, I encountered two lovely ladies and we made our introductions. Both women had traveled quite a distance to get to the Ashram. Anna came from Germany, Katie from Nova Scotia, and both were now part of the Teacher Training Course (TTC). They would be living and working on the ashram for one month. The TTC is based on “Karma Yoga”, also known as Buddha Yoga or the “discipline of action” and is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita, a sacred Sanskrit scripture of Hinduism. Of the four paths to realization, Karma Yoga is the science of achieving perfection in action. Karma Yoga is an intrinsic part of many derivative types of yoga.
Shortly after our introductions, the boat arrived and we were on our way – well not quite! First we had to lug bags and boxes of HEAVY produce onto the boat. I thought to myself, “You have to be kidding me. I’m on vacation! My poor back!” However, I actually didn’t mind at all. We all pitched in, and I reminded myself, “This is “Karma Yoga!”, although I noticed the two men on the boat were not practicing “Karma Yoga” – they were barely helping at all! Plus, the tiny walkway between the dock and the boat was making me plenty nervous that one of us was going to end up in the water! Needless to say, we all made it to the island in one piece and received some fruit for our effort. Thankfully, I caught on pretty quickly and adapted fast because the Ashram was not very organized and almost too laid back when it came to answering my pretty straight forward questions, such as, where is my room, and other basic questions one might ask upon arrival. Being resourceful, I went traipsing around the place and gave myself the unguided tour and finally found my room: “Hallelujah!” I thought to myself. “I’d best get to the beach fast and do some meditating before I lose it.” However, by the evening I figured out how it all worked and whatever I still didn’t know I would just learn as I went with the flow.
The Ashram is built around a semi-closed, outdoor meditation temple. There are spacious exercise platforms facing the warm blue-green waters of the Caribbean Sea, the bay and the gardens. I opted to stay in one of the private wooden cabins. The room had basic sleeping quarters, both rustic and unembellished, which worked fine for me. The other option was to pitch a tent in one of the quiet garden areas or coconut groves. Read more >
Why a detoxification and cleanse program is an integral part of a healthy skin regimen:
Last week, I conducted a new patient interview, and with palpable frustration my patient said “ I don’t understand, I eat so well, but still feel like crap. I am always tired, feel like I am dragging my feet, and no matter what the hell I do, I CANNOT lose weight”. I can’t even count the number of times a patient has uttered these words. This patient, like most people, assumes that if you have a clean and healthy diet, it is a guarantee that you will feel good and have energy to get through the day. I believe that it is very important to eat well, but unfortunately in the world we live in that is often not enough.
We live in a toxic environment and our bodies are overwhelmed and bombarded by toxins everyday. Toxins enter the body through the digestive tract, by food additives, contaminated soil (heavy metals; especially cadmium), and soft drinks etc.. The average American consumes 15 lbs. of additives and 200 lbs. of sugar per year. The U.S. allows over 10,000 chemical additives to our food supply. Another way that toxins enter the body is through the skin. Skin penetration is achieved through everyday groomng products, like perfumes, hairsprays etc.. The lungs is also a route that toxins can find their way into the body( exhaust, toxic fumes , second hand smoke etc.). If you live and work in New York City like I do, you can imagine what our bodies have to manage, day in and day out. The body has three options when dealing with toxins: It buries them in body fat, deposits them in tissues, or removes them. Our organs of detoxification( LIVER, blood, skin, kidneys, colon, AND LUNGS )are working 24/7 to clear the body of toxins. Unfortunately, our bodies weren’t designed to handle the exponential amount of toxic elements that modern day life has gifted us. Many people are in a state of toxic overload. Our bodies can only handle so much before inflammation and disease appear.
A cleanse is the perfect way to safely detoxify the body. Not all cleanses achieve this goal safely, gently, and effectively. A cleanse that claims to detoxify the body in under three weeks is usually too good to be true. The key factor in an effective and safe cleanse is that it supports phase 2 Liver detoxification. Phase 2 liver detoxification is essential for the actual removal of toxins from the body. Many cleanses only support Phase 1 Liver detoxification, which is when toxins are packaged and moved to other parts of the body. The problem with simply having phase 1 liver detoxification is that toxins are moved to other parts of the body, but not eliminated from the body. It is like redecorating with the same old furniture. Things may appear different or feel different, but they are simply rearranged. Toxins or xenobiotics are generally fat soluble, meaning they are stored in fat cells of the body. Phase 2 liver detoxification allows for the conversion of the most harmful toxins into a water soluble form, so they can be eliminated effectively. Read more >
This winter was a difficult one that left many feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and blue (common symptoms of the “Winter Blues.”) Clearing your skin, mind and body with a cleansing for the change of the season is a great way to regroup. One of the best ways to feel lighter and put a little spring in your step…and your life is by ridding the body of toxins. Abstaining from some food, drink or fasting for a short period of time is important to regain energy and uplift your mood. Many of you have expressed feeling lethargic, bloated and tired all the time. Spring is the best time to re-energize your diet and never feel tired again. Let’s get your body in training for the season ahead!
I’m not suggesting deprivation or starvation. Every time I make the suggestion to do a cleanse or detox I see the look of panic in the eyes -don’t worry you will see food again! Purging toxins and awakening from the sluggishness that winter brings is a good idea. During the season our bodies will crave serotonin, so it’s easy to reach for refined carbs and sugars that give you that good feeling. But those foods will only set you on a cycle of ups and downs with a negative effect on both your mood and your weight. It also creates unhealthy food cravings, fatigue and reduced mental clarity. These dietary habits also create acid waste that is then deposited in our organs and tissues, leading to inflammation, disease and a thinning skin. (see my post “The Sweet Truth” which discusses Acid/Alkaline/Inflammation Diet.)
Most people today are over acidic, including most vegetarians, but especially those following (SAD) Standard American Diet or whose health is challenged. Cleansing and fasting release toxins and can be stressful. That’s why people often feel wiped out at the end of a fast or during a cleanse. You want to make sure during any cleansing/detox to set some time aside as part of your total body renewal. For example take time for reflection, maybe a walk in the park, do some form of exercise like yoga, get a massage and facial. Think of it as your time to renew mind, body and spirit!
There are many cleansing programs and in the age of information overload all you have to do is use Google and you will find something. It doesn’t mean you are getting the correct information for your body type. One thing I dislike is when people say to my friend told me this product, cleanse, etc is great. Are they a professional? Do they know your skin or body? Most of these programs are poorly designed and ineffective-containing many laxatives that make you think something is happening. You don’t want to waste your time or money on a program that has no impact and even worse can weaken your immune system. Read more >
Today is my canine beauty Maya’s 1st birthday, a Black Labrador German Short-Haired Pointer mix. I thought this would be a perfect time to post under the category of holistic pet care! Last May when we picked her up from the foster home, I could not have imagined how much she would enrich our lives. Since then the bond between us has just blossomed and strengthened over time.
Maya’s companionship is the most universal thing that she gives my husband and me – but companionship is only the beginning. Scientific evidence proves that many health benefits come along with being a pet owner. Our dogs help us relax, lower our blood pressure, keep us active and show us unconditional love. I believe we can preserve and strengthen the bond not only by the companionship but by providing a healthy stable home. This stability includes love, attention, proper grooming, training, and exercise for the pets. More importantly a healthful diet and proper nutrition will benefit the well-being of both you and your dog and maintain everyone on the path to wellness.
I have always been an animal lover and taken great care of my pets but it was not until a feline named “Miss Kitty” – who happened to adopt me – came into my life, did I learn and come to understand about the importance of a proper diet. Miss Kitty was a very sensitive little darling but she ailed from digestive issues, scaly coat, skiddish manifestations of abuse, neglect and poor nutrition. I took care of her issues the best way I knew how at the time. It wasn’t until one day when I was at a yoga seminar in New York City roughly 15 years ago when I came across a book entitled “Dogs and Cats are People Too.” It caught my eye, and I went on to read about the horror stories of the pet food industry: rendering plants and cruelty that animals go through. The meat contained in most commercial pet foods is most often from diseased, condemned animals and the nutrition value of these foods is questionable. And cats, like dogs, do not have any dietary requirement for carbohydrates therefore grain-based foods are much less than optimal for them. In my opinion, a raw diet made with fresh, approved meats and bones provides them with healthy, natural nutrition. Remember the wide-scale pet food recalls? Those recalls left me feeling relieved that I didn’t have to be concerned for my pets. I was also hopeful it would start a movement that more pet owners would be conscious and open themselves up to looking for healthier food options. Read more >
Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy and attractive as possible – all which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and incorporating them in a way that works for you. You may be reluctant to add new foods if you are not sure of the taste but besides avoiding processed foods, anyone who is interested in improving their health, quality of their skin and preventing disease should consider the benefits of adding raw foods to their diets and expanding healthy choices to include SuperFoods.
What Are SuperFoods?
Superfood is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content. Raw plant foods are simple and contain thousands of health-giving nutrients, and conform to the biological design of the human digestive system. In ancient times, primitive people were more prone to eating algae,marine plankton and seeds. However, that practice became dormant but our generation has re-discovered and re-named it as a superfood or raw food movement. There is solid evidence that a living plant food diet eases digestion, boosts energy, and eliminates carcinogens. Eating a balanced mix of raw plant foods can restore health on a molecular level by building strong cells, raising alkalinity, and detoxifying and re-mineralizing the body, therefore reducing the aging process.
Mainstream media and food industries make the SuperFood claim only to foods available in local commercial supermarkets. According to WebMD and Dr Nicholas Perricone these include berries, broccoli, salmon, spinach, nuts, pomegranate, beans, soy, tomatoes. While these foods are healthy they are not even in the same league when it comes to the most nutritious and highest quality form of foods that are available from around our world. Read more >
Éminence Organic Skin Care Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Peel accelerates the exfoliation process to reduce pigmentation, fine lines and sun damage. This is a great treatment to rid the skin of flaky dead cell build-up. Leaves the skin refreshed,renewed and hydrated. 
