May 10th 2012 → Leave a comment

Sunscreen or no sunscreen… what’s the best choice?

No matter what the time of year, it is imperative that we protect our skin from sun damage. This goes beyond vanity. Skin cancer is a very real and prevalent threat. Last summer, the FDA announced some big changes to the regulations for ingredients and claims for sunscreens. The new regulations did provide consumers with some protection from overinflated SPF claims, which is good. What the regulations failed to address is the issue of safety of commonly used chemicals in sunscreens. Folks like me have been aware of the dangers of certain chemical sunscreen ingredients for many years, but the general public, may not know the facts.

Among other things, ingredients like oxybenzone (or benzophenone-3) and octylmethoxycinnamate have been shown to disrupt endocrine activity (i.e. hormones!) I don’t know about you, but right now I’m having enough trouble managing my hormones as it is – I certainly don’t need my sun protection to further complicate things. In the United States oxybenzone is detected in 96 percent of the population. A recent European study detected four common sunscreen chemicals in mothers’ milk, indicating potential for ongoing exposure to the developing fetus and newborn. So, what’s a person to do? We want to prevent photo-aging by protecting our skin, yet we don’t want to cause harm in other areas.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer alternatives to chemical sunscreens. These mineral ingredients create a barrier to the sun penetrating to damage the skin. They are also ideal for people with sensitive skin or those with Lupus or other skin disorders. When you use a product like dmSkincare’s daily eclipse™ under a mineral makeup, you can get significant protection from damaging UVA and UVB rays. The daily eclipse lotion provides an SPF of 30. When you add the layer of mineral makeup, such as in the daily eclipse duo™, you further enhance this effect. In addition to using a mineral-based sun protection product, wearing a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing are always a safe way to protect your skin from the sun.

At DermaMed Solutions, LLC, a critical step in our microdermabrasion, IPL, and photo facial rejuvenation protocols includes the application of daily eclipse immediately post procedure. Daily eclipse is a mineral barrier sun protection lotion that can be worn alone or layered over your favorite dmSkincare moisturizer or serum. It’s light, oil-free and leaves the skin smooth without feeling greesy. It smells great too because of the watermelon extract in the formula.

To answer the question, sunscreen or no sunscreen … the choice is up to you. My advice is to do your homework and really understand what the possible consequences effects of smearing harmful chemicals on your skin day in and day out. For me, natural is best and I’ll choose to use a mineral formulation.

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May 7th 2012 → Leave a comment

D2O is cool … really.

We recently added a product called D2O Solution to our professional back bar product line. The key ingredient in D2O Solution is deuterium oxide: “heavy water”. When I first learned about this ingredient I was ingtrigued. I thought that I remembered hearing something about deuterium oxide being used in nuclear power plants. Turns out I was right. It is used to cool the nuclear reactors. Don’t let that turn you off though. This is a compound that is naturally occurring at the bottom of lakes and is not manufactured, but is extracted from this water in a separation process. The resulting compound has a “wetter than water” hydration activity. Additional ingredients like cucumber and myrrha oil intensity moisture and oxygen, giving the skin an ideal environment to heal and repair.

Not only will it hydrate and plump tissues, but it fights against proliferation of certain acne bacteria as well. It evaporates more slowly than regular water and provides necessary hydration and natural moisture to the skin. Because of its ability to cool and resist evaporation it is a great product to use to treat thermal damage to the skin from UV, chemical, or laser induced sources.

We use D2O as a key ingredient in our Hydra Bright Facial protocol, but I bet you can use it in many other ways as well. Feel free to post your ideas here and call us if you would like a free sample to experiment with. I hope you will find D2O to be a cool new ingredient as well as a great way to cool and soothe your clients post treatment, so they leave feeling fabulous.

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May 3rd 2012 → Leave a comment

We have Raspberry Ketones!

DermaMed Solutions is excited to announce the arrival of our new supplement line. We would like to introduce the first wellness product:

Raspberry Ketones Weight Management Dietary Supplement!

Health food stores around the country can’t keep these on the shelves ever since Dr. Oz endorsed them on his show, but we have them!

How Do Raspberry Ketones Work?

Raspberry ketone is the natural phenolic compound that creates the sweet smell of raspberries, and has been publically heralded as a potent fat burner. It has been shown to increase the expression and secretion of adiponectin, a protein hormone, and modulates a number of metabolic processes. Some of these metabolic processes include glucose regulation and fatty acid catabolism. Other adiponectin research has shown an inverse correlation between adiponectin levels and body fat percentage.

Higher Adiponectin = Lower Levels of Body Fat!

Higher adiponectin has also been shown to control the metabolic derangements that may result in Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome.

The Raspberry Ketone Formula

DermaMed’s Raspberry Ketone formula combines the potency of raspberry ketone with other ingredients to support beneficial weight management, healthy skin and overall wellness, including:

• African Mango – Derived from the seeds of a rare mango from Africa, this super fruit extract helps to increase metabolism.
• Acai, Green Tea Extract & Resveratrol – Strong anti- oxidant support with the added benefit of UV protection for skin.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Powerful weight loss aid because of its effect on blood sugar; great for skin due to its detoxifying properties.
• Kelp, Grapefruit, & Caffeine – Multiple ingredients that encourage appetite suppression. Kelp and grapefruit both contain phytonutrients that support healthy skin.

Call us to order a supply for your salon!

610.358.4447

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Apr 18th 2012 → Leave a comment

A Holistic View of Successful Acne Treatment

Acne is a stressful skin ailment, weather you are a teenager or adult, this skin condition does not discriminate, nor is it any easier to treat. Acneic skin breakouts can affect your confidence, mood and outlook. There are many choices when it comes to managing and treating acne. The key is managing the bacteria, hormones, and oil secretions that cause the acne breakouts. You can choose a pharmaceutical approach, or a more holistic one like the one outlined below.

Begin with a skincare routine that incorporates cleansing, exfoliation, bacterial control and nutrients to support healthy skin turnover and oil control. The dmSkincare line includes the following products which work well to achieve this goal:

Cleanser - Here there are two choices – the botana-gel cleanser™ contains AHA’s to gently exfoliate while cleansing. This is a good choice, but the repair bar is also a good solution. It is specially formulated with ingredients that kill bad bacteria and feed the healthy skin bacteria which help manage acne.

green tea toner - This unique toner contains glycolic acid to exfoliate, along with hazelnut oil to soothe and gently moisturize skin. You won’t feel tight and dry after using this toner.

vitA-clear serum™ – similar in property to Retin-A, but the vitamin A in our formulation is gentler so the harsh stripping side effect is not experienced. This is a critical component of acne control in the way it modulates oil secretions while providing antioxidant protection.

AHA salicylic solution – this anti-microbial combination of lactic, glycolic, and salycilic acids works to renew and hydrate acneic skin.

Topical skincare is only part of the solution. What you put inside of your body is equally important. The following nutritional tips will help round out your holistic acne management approach:

Keep inflammation in check. An anti-inflammatory diet with a good balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fats is critical. Be sure to include plenty of fatty fish like salmon and/or plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids like milled flax seeds and walnuts. Limit fried foods and baked cookies and crackers which contain high amounts of omega 6 fatty acids.

Eat your veggies and fruits. Large amount of green vegetables not only provide much needed B and C vitamins, but also are detoxifying and anti-inflammatory. Aim for 5-7 servings per day, with a focus on eating a rainbow of colors to ensure that you get a variety of phytonutrients.

Feed your flora! Your GI track and skin are both lined with healthy bacteria that help fight off unhealthy bacteria and maintain overall immunity. When your gut flora are imbalanced you will see it on your skin. Fermented foods like yogurt, keifer, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso are great natural sources of probiotics – healthy bacteria. People with acne, especially those who have taken antibiotics for years, have compromised gut flora and may need the added benefit of a probiotic supplement in addition to regular intake of fermented foods.

Skip the sugar. Sugar and refined carbs are not your partners in good health in general, but if you have acne, they can be especially detrimental to your skin. Strictly limit or completely avoid refined sugar or refined carbs which create AGE’s – advanced glycation end products. These AGE’s damage collagen and elastin and lead to premature skin aging.

Hydrate. Drink plenty of filtered tap or mineral water to flush out toxins and give your cells the hydration they require. Limit alcohol, caffeinated, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

The final piece of the holistic approach involves your lifestyle choices. There are many choices you make in your daily living that can cause acne to flare. Think about making the following important changes in your routine if you are not in balance:

Manage stress. Stress causes elevated cortisol which can reak havoc on your skin and increase overall inflammation. Take time for you every day. This is different for everyone. It could be yoga, meditation, or just laughing with friends. Don’t let your worries control you, but rather take control of your stress.

Get your zzzz’s. Inadequate sleep also raises cortisol and leads to cravings for unhealthy refined carbs as the body craves quick glucose spikes to increase energy. Stick to a regular sleep schedule (even on the weekends). Equally as important, keep electronics out of the bedroom and make your bed a place for rest, not work.

Keep germs off of your face. Many times we do not realize how many germs, dirt, and oil we add to our face during the day from unexpected places. Clean phones and keyboards daily with an alcohol wipe. Change your pillow case daily. We recommend a fragrance free, eco-friendly laundry detergent for bedding and towels. Keep your hands off of your face – this one is hard. Many times we unconsciously touch our face during the day. At the very least, keep hands clean by washing several times per day to avoid transferring bacteria to your sensitive skin.

Acne is a skin condition that affects us both mentally and physically. Why not try taking a holistic approach to managing your acne and let us know how it works for you. We are here to provide more detailed information on all of the topics above, so please join the conversation and let us help you take control of your skin health and “uncover the brilliance that comes from comfort in your own skin”.

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Apr 2nd 2012 → Leave a comment

How do I use all this stuff?

My time working at DermaMed Solutions with my partner Mark has helped me see that I have this whole breadth of knowledge that he does not have – I know skincare . Yes, I’m really enjoying this, but feel that I should help him understand the basics since we are in this business together. Even before I began this new work, I was a regular consumer of skincare products. I knew the difference between a serum and a toner and why I might choose to use these products. Mark on the other hand is lost. I’m also learning that there are many others who are a bit confused by all the choices too, so in this blog I’ll discuss some basics of skincare.

Most skincare lines are designed to work together in regimens. Typically there’s a morning and evening routine, as well as some weekly or occasional treatments. Layering of products is done to further enhance the effects of products and achieve certain desired results.

Following is a typical morning skincare regimen:

Cleanse – use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil from the skin. I use dmSkincare’s botana-gel cleanser™ which has some alpha hydroxy acids to provide some deeper cleaning and gentle exfoliation.

Exfoliate – my choice for this task is to use an Ultrasonic cleansing brush in while in the shower. I apply a small amount of botana-gel™ cleanser to the brush and cleanse my entire face. I love the way this tool helps me to gently cleanse, exfoliate and stimulate my skin.

Serum – a serum is different from a moisturizer. Its purpose is to deliver an intensive dose of nutrients to the skin. The one I am currently using is dmSkincare’s high potenC serum™. This 20% vitamin C serum provides the vitamin C needed for collagen and elastin formation and also supports healthy vasculature in the skin.

Eye cream – as a young woman I did not use eye cream, now it’s a staple for me. I use dmSkincare’s eye radiance eye K’reme™ - with grape seed extract and vitamin K. It helps to alleviate dark circles and puffiness. I love this stuff and see visible changes since using it.

Moisturizer- a moisturizer does just that, provides moisture and a lipid barrier to the skin. My current favorite is our collagen renewal C’reme™. It contains peptides and Epidermal Growth Factor, clinically proven to increase firmness and moisturization in the skin as well as promote healthy collagen formation. I’m also a huge fan of our C-difference™ – vitamin C lotion, which is great for sensitive skin like mine. This is also my daytime choice during the warmer weather when I want something lighter.

Sunscreen – even during the winter you can get sun damage. I personally use our daily eclipse™ – oil free sunscreen, a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30. This formulation provides me with light, non-greasy coverage that does not contain any harmful chemicals to irritate my skin.

The nighttime routine is similar, with the addition of a toner and the subtraction of the sunscreen:

Cleanse – I use our gentle cleansing bar – a mild glycerin and coconut oil cleansing bar which contains no detergents and is great for sensitive skin.

Toner – toner is great because it picks up that makeup and dirt that cleansing alone sometimes misses and has an astringent quality to clear the pores. Our green tea toner contains a small amount of glycolic acid, so it gently exfoliates the skin and removes dirt and oil from the pores. It also contains hazelnut oil and green tea extract to nourish the skin.

Serum - to boost the impact of your serum even further you can add some AHA salicylic solution after applying a serum to deliver the serum deeper into the skin cells. For people with acneic or oily skin, we recommend the vitA clear serum™ followed by the AHA. For someone with hyperpigmentation, you can further enhance the lightening effects by using our claritone serum™ by applying the AHA salicylic serum afterwards. I personally use the AHA salicylic solution on top of my high potenC serum™ for ageing skin to boost collagen and fill my lines.

Moisturize – most people like a creamy moisturizer like collagen renewal C’reme™ or green tea vita-E moisturizer™ - with vitamin E for the evening.

In addition to your daily skin care regimen on a weekly basis, a mask is a great idea. The dmSkincare retinyl enzyme treatment - with green tea, is a great way to give yourself a deep exfoliation and wonderful glow.

I hope this has helped to clear up the confusion about what to use and when for those who were unsure. There’s no absolute way to approach skincare since we are all different and have unique skin qualities. Feel free to post your ideas for creative ways to use your skincare products.

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Mar 26th 2012 → Leave a comment

Oh My Neck!

Ginger and I have been doing a lot of traveling recently. We have been going to tradeshows, visiting with customers, and visiting with old and new vendors. Since I was 18 or so I have been having back problems. I have been told to do “core” exercises to strengthen my stomach which would in turn help take pressure off of my back. These exercises have helped some, but they haven’t been great. With the amount of travel Ginger and I have been doing, the pain is really bothersome.

In more recent years, my neck has also started to hurt. This is probably from years of looking down at a laptop in an airport. In fact that is what I am doing right now. I have seen chiropractors and orthopedic doctors. Overall, I haven’t found a real solution, so I live with the pain. If the pain gets too bad, I pop an Advil.

For me, the comfort I need is so that I can sleep at night. I know Ginger has talked a lot about beauty from within. I am not sure if she has reviewed how important sleep is to beauty, but when my back and neck hurt, and I cannot sleep at night, those black rings show up under my eyes.

I have been taking an Omega 3 supplement for over a year now. I know this is an anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is of course what generates pain. If you can remove inflammation you can often reduce the pain. This is also good for my heart and skin, so I feel good about taking Omega 3 every day for my health.

As Ginger and I have been opening our eyes to new things, we heard about MSM (Methysulfonylmethane). It is a naturally occurring sulfur and is found in small quantities in the foods we eat. It has some interesting characteristics in that it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial.

I found a form of MSM that I was able to rub on my neck. It was a bit goopy but easy to apply. I applied it to my neck twice over a period of 3 minutes. Within about 5 to 10 minutes, my neck pain had significantly decreased. I tried it on my back as well, but it didn’t nearly have the same impact. However, I am still experimenting with it. I feel that I may need a few more treatments or perhaps to combine taking it orally as well as topically.

It seems that the MSM is acting as an anti-inflammatory, and by doing that it considerably reducing my pain. It is also good for a multitude of other things including the treatment of acne and psoriasis, and alleviating the symptoms of certain autoimmune diseases like Lupus and Fibromyalgia. We are now thinking of adding this to our line of products. We will use a clean source made in the US and distilled to remove toxic elements and heavy metals. I am curious to hear if any of you have had any experience with MSM and what you think?

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Mar 21st 2012 → 1 Comment

Hydrogen Peroxide Is Not Just For Scraped Knees

One of the key ingredients in our new Oxygen Cream professional back bar product is hydrogen peroxide. Many of you likely have vivid memories of coming inside to your Mom after falling off of your bike with a bloody, gravel-filled scraped knee. The first thing my Mom would do is bring me into the bathroom and have me stick my leg in the bathtub. Next she would proceed to dump hydrogen peroxide over the scrape in an attempt to clear out the debris. A foaming mass of bubbles would follow and a squeal of pain from me as she worked to clean up the mess.

Please erase that scary childhood memory from your mind as I try to create a new picture for you of what hydrogen peroxide does as a key ingredient in our dmSkincare oxygen cream. Hydrogen peroxide has some really great qualities as an ingredient in skincare products including:

It acts as an oxygen donor, creating a bond between water and oxygen. By this action is causes increased cellular moisture in the skin. The result is skin that is plumped up and smooth.
It’s an oxidizer, meaning it lightens and brightens. There are not too many women above a certain age (you fill in the blank…) who don’t have a few spots they wish were not on their skin.
It’s a disinfectant. Not only does it clean up those scraped knees nicely, but it can help alleviate acne. Acne is generally caused by an overabundance of skin bacteria and blocked pores. Hydrogen peroxide clears up the bacteria and oxygenizes pores, clearing out the debris.

Here comes the word of caution… I do not recommend that you use it straight on your face. Although hydrogen peroxide does have the above qualities, it can also damage the skin if too much is used too frequently. In dmSkincare’s oxygen cream we have carefully formulated the product to provide the benefits without being harsh and damaging. Other complementary ingredients are included to ensure that moisture is added back to the skin and that the product does not over-strip. When used as part of the HydraBright facial, results are amazing! Honestly when we were testing the protocol in our office, every single person who received the facial raved about the way their skin looked both immediately afterwards and for weeks after.

For more information on the oxygen cream product and the HydraBright Facial, please call us at 610.358.4447 or email us at info@dermamedsolutions.com

Visit us at www.DermaMedSolutions.com

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Mar 12th 2012 → 1 Comment

March is National Nutrition Month!

“If somebody’s got beautiful skin, it invites us to a deeper understanding as to what is going on inside their body.” – David Wolfe – Hungry for Change

www.hungryforchange.tv

By now most of our regular blog readers know I’m a nutritionist. My education includes a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Nutrition. This education has provided me with an in-depth understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as the complex biochemistry of what happens in our body in response to our food choices. That being said, there are many different interpretations of what constitutes good nutrition. Not only does the research constantly contradict itself, but various groups of nutrition professional s in the US disagree about what it means to eat nutritiously. There are “nutritionists” who will create a diet plan for a client that includes foods like light bread, fat-free non-dairy creamer, and aspartame sweetened puddings and drinks. While this diet plan may be low in calories, and help the client reach a goal of losing some weight, is it really good nutrition? For me the answer is no.

Our country is at a crossroads when it comes to food. Our food supply has morphed from farm-fresh whole food to processed sugar, fat, and chemical-laden “food-stuffs”. Along with this change our bodies and health have been transformed too. Two-thirds of the population of the US are overweight or obese. It is estimated that by 2050 1 in 3 adults will have diabetes. And it’s not just adults anymore; our children are also developing type 2 diabetes – previously an adult disease – at a steady rate. How can this be when we are so much more knowledgeable about food science than we were 100 years ago? The answer is clear to me. We have forgotten what real food is. Real food looks like it did when it was harvested from the earth. Real food is not full of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Real food is not coated in pesticides. Real food is not genetically modified to resist insects. Our body recognizes real food and when we eat fresh, wholesome organic food our body reflects this in our health status and our outward appearance. (i.e. brilliant skin!) When we eat refined sugar, chemicals and processed foods our body develops allergies, intolerances and simmering inflammation. Inflammation is the underlying cause of all chronic “lifestyle” disease (type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension). Lifestyle disease is just that – disease caused by choices we make in our lifestyle that lead to an unhealthy state.

This month during National Nutrition Month I challenge you to take a close look at the food you are eating and make it your goal to eat only real food. This will not be easy for some. You will not find real food at the drive thru window. You may have to spend some time washing and chopping fresh fruits and vegetables for the week. You may need to pack your lunch and snacks each day. You will skip those daily Java Chip Frappuccinos. But, I bet if you really commit to make the change, you will not only feel better, but will look better too. Give it a try. Post your successes and challenges on our blog and Facebook page this month and let’s share the journey.

- Ginger

References: www.CDC.gov/diabetes Accessed March 11, 2012

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Mar 5th 2012 → Leave a comment

The Mission to Exterminate the Spiders

It’s been over six months since we acquired DermaMed Solutions and I must say I’ve experienced some things I never thought I would before owning an aesthetics company. My background is in Sales & Marketing, and Ginger’s was on the science side, so my expectation was that she would be getting the treatments and I’d be on the creative side. And while I’ve always cared about my appearance, I never thought I’d find myself on the treatment room table as often as I have during these past months.

It all started with my nose. As I have aged, these annoying little red spider veins have begun to multiply and take up real estate on my nose. As if it’s not bad enough to have these things, even worse is the fact that some people assume they are caused by excessive drinking. For the record, I’m not a drinker, but as the President of an aesthetics company I felt compelled to look the part and send my spiders packing. I began to research my options. We have three products that I considered for the job:

The MegaPeel Microdermabrasion. A great choice for smoothing my fine lines and controlling my adult acne, but not the right choice for vascular annoyances like my spiders.
The Quadra Q4 Intense Pulsed Light. This could be used for the job and according to Ginger, if I use a little IPL Prep from the dmSkincare line pre-zap, I’d have even better results.
The DermaYAG 1064:Nd YAG laser. The most powerful tool in our toolbox for this type of job.

And so the treatments began. I was warned that the tip of the nose is a sensitive spot and that this might sting a little. As with many things, the final decision came down to availability and in this case the availability of the right type of protective eye wear. While I had decided to go with the YAG, someone had borrowed my protective eyewear and when I was ready to get my treatment, we could not find them. So, on to choice #2, the Intense Pulsed Light.

Even with my eyes closed and eye protection, the flash from the pulse was startling and the zap on my nose felt a bit stronger than the snap of a rubber band. The treatment consisted of five pulses. Afterwards I applied ice to my nose and did experience some minor swelling. Within 30 minutes I looked in the mirror and was pleased to see most of those little spiders had disappeared.

A few months have passed and there are still a few stubborn spiders remaining. I plan to attack those with the YAG before the summer.

What I’ve learned…

Aesthetics are not just for women. Those spider veins have annoyed me for years, and now I feel happy that they are gone.

No pain, no gain. Actually it was not that painful, but I was warned by the aestheticians that men are not as tough as women when it comes to these things.

Be realistic in your expectations. Perfection is not always achieved on the first attempt.

Take before and after pictures. You may not realize how much change takes place without them.

- Mark

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Feb 27th 2012 → 2 Comments

Parabens, Phthalates and Sulfates! Oh My!

Those of you who use our products are aware that we recently reformulated our skincare line with some strict standards on the types of ingredients we will and will not allow in our products. The line was already pretty clean, but we wanted to make it even better! Our statement about our dmSkincare formulation philosophy is:

At dmSkincare we are very particular about the ingredients we use in our skin care products. All of our skin care products are paraben-, phthalate-, sulfate- and petroleum-free. dmSkincare products do not contain harmful chemicals, preservatives, artificial fragrances or dyes. Many active ingredients are obtained from botanicals and are blended to create highly effective anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and skin protective benefits. We tap nature to bring your natural beauty to life! This is not typical of “clinical” product lines available on the market. We don’t sacrifice safety to achieve clinical activity in our products.

So, what’s the big deal? Why should you worry about using products that contain the chemicals listed above? The skin is a super-absorber of substances both good and bad, and the products you put on your skin end up in your body. On average, consumers use about 10 personal care products containing 126 ingredients per day. The government does not require health studies or pre-market testing for these products. The FDA has a GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) list, but almost every chemical is included in that list. They focus on the intended outcome the product delivers, like softness or wrinkle reduction, not the unintended consequences. Of the 7,000 ingredients on the list, only 6 have been tested for long term safety. (1) This means that consumers need to be extra vigilant about evaluating their skincare products for themselves since the government is not watching out for us.

Here we’ll discuss the top offenders and why you should avoid them.

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives found in many skincare products. You can spot them easily on the product label because they end with the word paraben. Examples include: methylparaben, proplyparaben, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, and sodium butylparaben.

Although the FDA has determined that parabens are safe for inclusion in skincare products, many scientist and layperson alike agree that they are not a wise choice. One reason has to do with the chemical structure of a paraben, which is close to that of estrogen and can fit into estrogen receptors at the cellular level. This is not good because research suggests that when this happens, the delicate endocrine (hormone) system is disturbed and may eventually lead to breast and other forms of cancer.

In 2004, a study by the University of Reading in the United Kingdom found concentrations of parabens, particularly methylparaben, in human breast tumors. The study examined only the presence of parabens in the tumors but did not determine that they were the cause of the tumors.(5) A follow up study released in 2012 confirmed the presence of parabens in 99% of tested cancerous breast tissue, but did not make a direction connection to the cancer and the parabens. (6) There are numerous research studies like this which are mostly suggestive. The suggestion is strong enough for me to avoid parabens until further research is done to tell me they are safe.

A 2006 study published in Toxicity showed an increase in skin cancer when, in vitro, methylparaben were exposed to UV radiation. (7) This study was never validated with a peer review clinical study, but again, I’d rather be safe than sorry and keep parabens out of our products until further studies convince me they are not going to do harm.

Phthalates

Phthalates are chemical compounds that are used as plasticizers – ingredients that give plastics their elasticity and change the texture and quality of skincare products. The most widely used phthalates are di-2-ethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP), diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP). There are many other forms too. Just check the ingredient label for words ending in phthalate. Butyl ester and plasticizer are other words to watch for.

As with parabens, phthalates are considered estrogen disruptors and the cause of reproductive problems, especially in males. They also have been indicated as causing fat-related health risks.

A University of Rochester Medical Center study connected common chemicals to rising obesity rates. The analysis found that several phthalate metabolites showed a positive correlation with abdominal obesity. Men with the highest levels of phthalates in their urine had more belly fat and insulin resistance. Researchers adjusted for other factors that could influence the results, such as the men’s age, race, food intake, physical activity levels and smoking. (8) Who wants their skincare products adding to the already difficult task of battling the bulge?

Sulfates

Ingredients to look for include: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Myreth Sulfate. These ingredients generally act as detergents or foaming agents and are found in cleansers and shampoos.

Tests show that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can penetrate into the eyes as well as systemic tissues (brain, heart, liver, etc.) and show long-term retention in those tissues, especially when used in soaps and shampoos. This is especially important in infants, where considerable growth is occurring and because a much greater uptake occurs in the tissue of younger eyes. SLS also changes the amounts of some proteins in cells in eye tissue of all ages. (2)

SLS forms nitrates. When SLS is used in shampoos and cleansers containing nitrogen-based ingredients, it can form carcinogenic nitrates that can enter the blood stream in large numbers. They can cause eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions. [3]

SLS produces nitrosamines, potent carcinogens that cause the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than eating nitrate-contaminated food like hot dogs or lunch meat. Dr. David H. Fine, the chemist who uncovered NDELA contamination in cosmetics, estimates that a person would be applying 50 to 100 micrograms of nitrosamine to the skin each time he or she used a nitrosamine-contaminated cosmetic. By comparison, a person consuming sodium nitrate-preserved bacon is exposed to less than one microgram of nitrosamine. (4)

SLS and all its varieties are very harsh detergents that strip the skin’s moisture barrier, which is linked to immunity and disruption of skin health, in addition to associated dry, itchy skin. In animal testing, it causes serious health problems. One rule of thumb to remember — if it foams, it may not be your friend.

Petroleum

Petroleum is used by many skincare companies because it’s a cheap ingredient that can be used as a moisturizing agent. In many European countries it is banned as an ingredient in skincare products. Petroleum can contain known carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals). Additionally, these products block moisture from escaping the skin, and clog pores. The offer a false sense of hydration, when actually they prevent the action of your skin’s natural fats to act to provide a moisture barrier.

Artificial colors and fragrances

Fragrances in lotions, shampoos, and many other cosmetic products are composed of aromatic hydrocarbons. Perfumes and products containing fragrance can contain many hundreds of chemicals to produce a distinct scent. A significant number of these aromas are derived from petroleum. These chemicals have been associated with allergic reactions and hormone disruption. Some fragrance chemicals have not been assessed for safety. Until all fragrance ingredients are disclosed on the label, consumers cannot know what is in a particular fragrance, therefore it’s best to avoid synthetic fragrances altogether.

Certain artificial colors and dyes can cause allergic reactions. It takes up to 25 chemicals to create the synthetic color purple for example. That’s a lot of chemicals just to add some visual appeal to a product! (If you think purple cream is attractive that is…) This puts a great deal of stress on the body’s detoxification system. There’s simply no need to add artificial colors to skincare products.

At dmSkincare our products derive their scent and color from the botanical ingredients we use in our formulations. They have a pleasant and natural look and scent and will not add toxic burden to your body. As we state in our dmSkincare Philosophy, there’s no need to sacrifice safety for clinical efficacy. There are safe alternatives to the ingredients discussed here, and even though it may cost us a little more and require some more thoughtful formulation, we are proud to make the right choice for our customers.

This is a lot of information. I hope you found it useful. Be sure to read those labels before choosing your personal care products. Limit yourself to those you really need, and give your body a break from the barrage of chemicals it has to deal with on a daily basis.

Ginger

References:

www.EWG.org/faqs. Accessed February 26, 2012
Green, Dr. Keith. Detergent Penetration into Young and Adult Eyes. Department of Ophthalmology Medical College of GA, Augusta GA.
Hampton, Aubrey. Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Organica Press Metarasso, or Hampton, Aubrey. Natural Organic Hair and Skin Care. Organica Press, Tampa FL
ibid
Aljarrah A, Miller W R, Coldham N G, Sauer M J, and Pope G S. Concentrations of Parabens in Human Breast Tumours. Journal of Applied Toxicology. Vol 24, 2004, p. 5-13
L. Barr,a G. Metaxas,a C. A. J. Harbach,b L. A. Savoyc and P. D. Darbred, J. Measurement of paraben concentrations inhuman breast tissue at serial locations across the breast from axilla to sternum Appl. Toxicol. 2012; 32: 219–232
Handa O, et. al, Methylparaben potentiates UV-induced damage of skin keratinocytes, Toxicology. 2006 Oct 3;227(1-2):62-72.
Richard W. Stahlhut,Edwin van Wijngaarden, Timothy D. Dye, Stephen Cook,and Shanna H. Swan^.Concentrations of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites Are Associated with Increased Waist Circumference and Insulin Resistance in Adult U.S. Males. Environ Health Perspect. 2007 June; 115(6): 876–882

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Feb 21st 2012 → Leave a comment

Aesthetics – It’s More Than Just Vanity

Before purchasing DermaMed Solutions, I had a certain perspective about the aesthetics business and people who frequently received treatments. In fact, it was a big concern for both Mark and I as we made our final plans to purchase the company. We both wanted to be involved in work that helped people to be healthier and happier. What motivated me to get involved with DermaMed was the connection between skin health and gut health. As a clinical nutritionist, I knew that there was a physiological connection between internal GI health and external skin appearance, and many times when a person is experiencing skin rashes and conditions such as psoriasis and eczema the root cause is actually poor nutrition or an imbalance of gut flora or essential nutrients. I realized that I had a unique opportunity to help people make connections like this. So, when we were writing our business plan and mission statement, it became clear that our mission was, “to uncover the brilliance that comes from comfort in your own skin.”

What I have come to learn is that the definition of “comfort” varies from person to person. For some, it is truly a relief from the discomfort that accompanies skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema and acne. We can use natural skincare products, nutritional protocols, microdermabrasion, laser and IPL treatments to provide the much needed relief, with the end result of “comfort.”

For others “comfort” has to do with the external appearance. Again, it could be the insecurity and low self-esteem that comes from having acne or redness from rosacea. Or, it might be a scar left behind on the leg or other area from an accident or surgery. I had no idea that our MegaPeel microdermabrasion had so many uses! It really is more than just vanity.

The best “comfort” story I have heard so far was one told to me by our skincare formulator, Cindy. One summer night, Cindy and her husband went out for an ice cream cone. The young lady behind the counter had severe facial scarring. Cindy knew she had availability to products and treatments that could help erase the scars, but she was not sure how to approach the young lady. In the end, she sheepishly approached the young woman and handed her a card telling her that if she was interested that there was a way to diminish the scarring on her face. The young girl immediately opened up and told the story of how she had received the scars as the result of an accident. She was very eager to try anything to restore her smooth, youthful skin again. The two made plans to meet at Cindy’s clinic. For months the young lady received microdermabrasion and skincare treatments, and in the end dramatic improvements were seen in her skin. The improvement was so significant that her confidence was restored and the young lady decided to pursue her lifelong dream of performing on stage. She managed to get an audition for a job with Disney as a performer singing in the live shows. She got that job and moved to Orlando where she is still performing and living her dream today.

What an inspiring story! Yes, some of us are just plain old vain or just not willing to age without a fight. Others have scarring or skin conditions that affect their self-esteem, which spills over into every aspect of their social and daily living – impacting the choices they make in life. No matter what the motivation or situation, the important thing for me is that the work we do helps people to “uncover the brilliance that comes from comfort in their own skin” and in turn enables people to live their lives to the fullest level of contentment. I’m honored to be on this journey, and vow to do my best to bring the highest quality nutritional, skincare and mechanical products and services to skincare professionals so that they can help their clients live their most brilliant lives.

- Ginger

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Feb 13th 2012 → Leave a comment

The Importance of Post Treatment Care

In the aesthetic skin care world we all know that sometimes in order to stimulate collagen and rejuvenate skin, it requires some “damaging” treatments either via chemical peels, deep microdermabrasion, IPL or laser treatment. Equally important as the treatment itself, are the follow-up recommendations for at-home care. I know some Dermatologists that do a Fraxel laser facial rejuvenation treatment and send their patients home with a mineral-oil based ointment for use during the healing process. We can do better than this!

The first component of a good post-treatment care plan should include a gentle cleanser with no detergents or harsh chemicals. Botanically based ingredients like fruit sugars and coconut oil hydrate and soothe the skin offering a conditioning effect without dryness or irritation. The dmSkincare gentle cleansing bar was created with post-treatment healing as the basis for formulation.

The next step is to calm any itching, burning or irritation. dmSkincare’s aloe cort 1% is a great choice. The product contains hydrocortisone, aloe barbadensis leaf juice and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) to provide temporary relief of itching, inflammation and discomfort.

Once the face is clean, the next step, and a very important one, is application of a product to seal the moisture barrier and promote healing. argan boost serum™ is a new product to the dmSkincare line and contains argan oil, squalene and jojoba to mimic the skins own natural moisture. Argan oil also has regenerative and anti-microbial properties, making it a great ingredient for products intended to aid with healing post-treatment. The beauty of this product is that it is water miscible and will not clog pores or cause formation of milia.

Lastly, that freshly unveiled smooth skin must be protected from the sun and environmental pollutants. The final and most important step is the application of a mineral sunblock. dmSkincare’s daily eclipse is a mineral-based formulation with no harsh chemicals (like oxybenzone) to irritate the skin or contribute toxins to the body. The product offers UVA and UVB protection at an SPF 25. The no-oil formulation leaves skin smooth without greasy residue. The zinc and watermelon extract in the formulation add further soothing properties for post-treatment skin. Follow this with some mineral makeup for even greater protection from damaging UV rays.

An equally important aspect of healing is good nutrition and hydration. Protein is the building block of all tissue and vitamin C is required for collagen formation. Eating good sources of lean protein like fish, chicken and low-fat yogurt is a great way to ensure that your body has the building blocks it needs to rebuild your skin. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide the needed vitamin C. To soothe inflammation, a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish, fish oil, and flax) and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, garlic, and onions can help facilitate the healing process. Of course drinking plenty of fresh, filtered tap water is essential to ensure that skin is hydrated and that the nutrients you eat are delivered to the skin at the cellular level.

At DermaMed Solutions, we believe that achieving healthy, brilliant skin requires an integrated approach which incorporates mechanical, topical and nutritional recommendations. When you work with us, you get more than just a product – we provide you with ongoing education, marketing and resources to help your practice grow and thrive and products to bring out the brilliance in your client’s skin so they keep coming back.

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Feb 6th 2012 → Leave a comment

Welcome to Week 10 – Healthy Skin for Life, Incorporating the Challenge Components into Daily Living

The Healthy Skin Challenge is coming to a close. How did you do? Were you able to incorporate some small changes into your diet and lifestyle to support healthy skin? I hope so, and I hope that your skin looks and feels fabulous. Below is a recap of the components of the challenge:

Week 1 – Fabulous phytonutrients, how plants feed our skin cells

Week 2 – Healthy fats for a healthy glow!

Week 3 – The gut/skin connection – how your digestion and your skin are connected

Week 4 – Chocolate is a good thing! Antioxidants are key to preventing skin damage

Week 5 – Don’t let stress sap your skin – the cortisol connection

Week 6 – Toxins, toxins everywhere … how to keep your skin healthy in a toxic world

Week 7 – They call it “beauty rest” for a reason – the importance of adequate sleep

Week 8 – Hydration is the foundation of healthy skin

Week 9 – Calming inflammation for clear, beautiful skin

Week 10 – Healthy Skin for Life – Incorporating the challenge in daily living

Let’s take a look at a typical day to show how you can bring all of these ideas to reality in your life.

Wake 6 am

Drink a glass of water with the juice of 1/2 organic lemon to stimulate digestion

Eat a small banana

Exercise for 45 minutes. Drink 8-16 oz of water during exercise

Shower and dress — off to work

Breakfast: Smoothie made with 1 cup of almond milk, 1 scoop whey protein powder, 1 tsp. flax oil, 1 tbsp psyllium fiber, 1 cup frozen berries

While drinking smoothie, look at schedule and plan day to reduce stress

Mid-morning snack: Greek yogurt with pineapple chunks and sliced almonds. Hydrate with a glass of green tea or mineral water

Lunch: Salad made of 2 c baby greens, 1 c cherry tomatoes, 1/4 avocado, 1/2 c chick peas, 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds, topped with olive oil and vinegar. Cup of miso soup. To drink: green tea, water or sparkling water.

Afternoon stretch break: Take 5 minutes to stretch and release those tight muscles from sitting in front of a computer. Close your eyes to let them rest too

Afternoon snack: raw carrots and peppers with hummus with a glass of green tea or water

Dinner: Salmon with a large portion of roasted vegetables and a glass of red wine and water

Snack: 3 oz of dark chocolate

Prepare for bed beginning at 9:00. Take a relaxing bath with Epsom salts and lavender oil. Listen to soothing sounds or music as you write in your gratitude journal. Transfer troublesome thoughts to a pad to be dealt with tomorrow during you’re am planning time. Let negative thoughts go and focus on the good thing that happened today.

10:00 pm: Lights out, time for sleep.

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Feb 2nd 2012 → Leave a comment

Week 9 – Sprinkle on the Spices for Anti-inflammatory Power

Herbs and spices contain bioflavonoid and polyphenol compounds that fight inflammation. There are literally hundreds of different varieties, but here are some with scientifically validated claims that they help boost your health:

Ginger

Slice fresh ginger and add to hot water for a digestive stimulating tea. You can slice and dice it and add Ginger to stir-fries for fabulous flavor or sugar coat it for a sweet treat. Along with being anti-inflammatory, ginger is a natural digestive aid.

Chili Pepper

Peppers are some of the most anti-inflammatory vegetables! Chili peppers and the spice derived from them, cayenne pepper are a perfect addition to an anti-inflammatory diet. All peppers include capsaicin, which is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with the inflammatory processes. The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has the ability to lower the release of arachidoic acid from cell membranes which lessens inflammation. Research also suggests that cinnamon contributes to reductions in blood sugar and has anti-microbial effects. There are many ways to enjoy cinnamon – sprinkle it on your oatmeal, yogurt, latte or in your stir-fries. With so many benefits, cinnamon is one spice not to pass up.

Rosemary

Savory and aromatic, rosemary is the perfect accompaniment to poultry and roasted vegetables. This multi-tasking spice stimulates the immune system, improves circulation, aids in digestion and is anti-inflammatory on top of all that!

Curry/Tumeric

A key ingredient in Indian cuisine, curry which is orange in color imparts a unique flavor to foods. Try it in a stir-fry, on grilled meats or in curries. It is great paired with lentils and other vegetarian dishes. Many take turmeric supplements to ease the pain of arthritis.

Oregano

Oregano means “mountain joy” and it does impart a joyous benefits! It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, plus is very nutrient dense and full of fiber. Oregano is the perfect spice for Italian or Mediterranean dishes.

Garlic

Garlic contains the phytonutrient compounds allicin and diallyl sulphides. This potent seasoning has both anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. Studies also suggest that it can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Garlic is great roasted, diced and sautéed, dried – it works well with sauces, grilled and roasted meats, salsas, soup, stews, and stir-fries. Eat some and offer some to your dining companion so you both have healthy breath!

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Feb 1st 2012 → 2 Comments

Week 9 – Inflammation is a Complicated Subject

Earlier in the week I introduced the topic of inflammation and how internal inflammation shows up on our outward appearance, specifically our skin. We introduced the concept of systemic (meaning all throughout the body) inflammation and talked about specific foods that bring about inflammation on the skin. Today I’d like to explain in a little more detail what’s going on in the body when we eat certain foods that lead to inflammation.

Everything we eat undergoes a long and complex biochemical chain of events, from the first breakdown by the salivary amylase in our saliva to the final output in our waste, the body has an amazing way of processing food! Certain foods go through a biochemical process that ends up in an anti-inflammatory end product, while others end up pro-inflammatory.

There are two main categories of fats that are important to highlight in this process – Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish like mackerel and salmon, flax seeds, soybeans and walnuts. Sources of Omega-6 fatty acids come from plant sources and include certain nuts, seeds and their oils, soybean oil (and therefore many packaged, processed foods) and bottled salad dressings. Both of these types of fats are “essential” meaning the body cannot make them so we need to get them from our diets. Many believe that the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats should be 2:1. Currently it is estimated that the American diet is 20 to 1. Some nutritionists believe that this could be the main underlying cause for chronic lifestyle disease in the US.

Most Omega-6 fats undergo a transformation that ends in the production of “pro-inflammatory” eicosanoids (i.e. prostaglandins, prostacylins, thormboxanes, leukotrienes, etc.) Eicosanoids are also derived from the EPA in the omega-3 fats, but are anti-inflammatory. A specific type of Omega-6 fat, called arachidonic acid can be worrisome. It is found in meat, eggs and fat-containing dairy and also can be synthesized from linoleic acid by the body when supply is low. High levels of arachidonic acid can lead to high inflammation. When eating eggs, choose the Omega-3 enriched variety, and if you eat dairy, choose low-fat products. Beef should be a “sometimes” food unless you buy grass-fed beef which is lower in saturated fat and higher in Omega-3’s. Remember, not only are you “what you eat”, but you are also “what the food you eat, eats”.

Food affects the body’s inflammatory response in surprising and complex ways. Some foods have a combination of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Others have different effects depending on what you eat with them. The take away message here is to eat plenty of healthy, anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, walnuts and flax and exercise moderation when eating processed and packaged foods, beef and high fat dairy products. This one simple change in your diet will do wonders for both your internal health and also the external appearance of your skin.

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Jan 29th 2012 → Leave a comment

Welcome to Week 9 – Calming Inflammation for Clear, Healthy Skin

Inflammation is the underlying cause of all chronic lifestyle disease. When our bodies are in a state of inflammation, slowly and steadily cellular damage is occurring that causes harm to our vital organ systems. One outward sign of internal inflammation is the appearance of your skin. Inflamed skin is swollen, red, puffy, acneic and/or rashy. Not only is this unattractive visually, but it accelerates aging of the skin and promotes the appearance of wrinkles later on.

There are foods that can trigger inflammation in your skin, and those that fight inflammation too. In fact, many of the phases in the Healthy Skin Challenge so far have actually been diet and lifestyle choices that help lower inflammation in the body. When eating to reduce systemic inflammation, foods to avoid include: sugar, refined carbs (white bread, donuts, baked goods), excessive alcohol and caffeine, trans fats, corn syrup, fried foods, and foods with chemical preservatives such as TV dinners and packaged foods.

In addition, you can take proactive steps towards promoting a healthy, anti-inflammatory state in your body and on your skin. The chart below outlines some potential issues and how to help prevent them.

The Cause	What to do about it
Low levels of protein and excess sodium can cause puffiness.	Eat 40-70 grams of high quality protein per day (3 oz turkey = 26 gms; 5 oz salmon = 34 gms; 6 oz Greek yogurt = 20 gms). Avoid canned foods (especially soups) and processed foods – i.e. things that come in box. Fast food and most restaurant food is high in sodium too.
Free radical damage from environmental toxins (chemicals, soaps, air pollution), poor diet and exposure to bacteria and viruses can lead to redness and inflammation. If free radicals damage the moisture barrier, skin will appear dry and scaly.	Eat 5-7 servings/day of fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors. Some are even better at squelching free radicals than others — berries, cherries, grapes, nectarines, pears, pomegranate, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, beets, olives and potatoes.
Sunlight is the number one source of damage to the skin and causes redness, puffiness, wrinkles, age spots, a rough scaly appearance and even cancer.	Protect your skin from the sun! Invest in good sunglasses, a hat and some clothing with SPF protection built in. Wear a mineral-based physical sun protection that is free from harmful chemicals. Certain nutrients naturally help your skin block UV rays too. Lutein, which is found in Brussels sprouts, kale, eggs (yolk too), spinach, romaine lettuce and corn is one example.

The challenge this week: Take steps to reduce inflammation in your body by eating foods that are anti-inflammatory as well as avoid environmental and solar exposures. The anti-inflammatory food pyramid below can help guide you. Later this week we will post some recipes and menu suggestions for how to turn down the inflammation in your body.

Pyramid Source: Dr. Andrew Weil

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Jan 24th 2012 → Leave a comment

EWG’s Guide to Safe Drinking Water

Drinking plenty of good, clean water is important for a healthy body. Read EWG researchers’ top tips to learn how to stay hydrated while reducing your exposures to common drinking water pollutants.

To see the online version please click here.

Tap Water: Learn what’s in it.

Tap water suppliers publish all their water quality tests. Bottled water companies don’t. Read your annual tap water quality report. Look up your city’s water in EWG’s National Tap Water Atlas (www.ewg.org/tap-water). (Private well? Get it tested.)

Filtered Tap Water: Drink it, cook with it.

• Choose a filter certified to remove contaminants found in your water: www.ewg.org/tap-water/getawaterfilter. Effectiveness varies – read the fine print.

• Carbon filters (pitcher or tap-mounted) are affordable and reduce many common water contaminants, like lead and byproducts of the disinfection process used to treat municipal tap water.

• Install a reverse osmosis filter if you can afford it, to remove contaminants that carbon filters can’t eliminate, like arsenic and perchlorate (rocket fuel).

Filters: Change them.

Change your water filters on time. Old filters aren’t safe – they harbor bacteria and let contaminants through.

Bottled Water: Drink filtered tap water instead.

You can read the bottle label and still not know whether the water is pure or just processed tap water. EWG found 38 contaminants in 10 popular brands.

On the Go: Carry water in safe containers.

Hard plastic bottles (#7 plastic) can leach a harmful plastics chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) into water. Carry stainless steel or other BPA-free bottles. Don’t reuse bottled water bottles. The plastic can harbor bacteria and break down to release plastics chemicals.

While Pregnant: Stay hydrated with safe water.

It’s especially important for women to drink plenty of water during pregnancy. Follow all the tips above and take your doctor’s advice on how much to drink.

Infants: Use safe water for formula.

Use filtered tap water for your baby’s formula. If your water is not fluoridated, you can use a carbon filter. If it is, use a reverse osmosis filter to remove the fluoride, because fluoridated water can damage an infant’s developing teeth. If you choose bottled water for your infant, make sure it’s fluoride-free. Learn more at www.ewg.org/babysafe.

Breathe Easy: Use a whole house water filter.

For extra protection, a whole house carbon filter will remove contaminants from steamy vapors you and your family inhale while showering and washing dishes. Effectiveness varies widely – call the manufacturer for details.

The Healthy Skin Challenge is a 10-week nutrition and lifestyle educational program formulated by our VP Ginger Hodulik, a Certified Nutrition Specialist. The goal of this personal challenge is to achieve healthy, glowing skin through good diet and lifestyle choices. At DermaMed Solutions we believe that achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin requires a “whole-istic” approach and we are going to help you make some changes little by little until you reach your goal. DermaMed Solutions’ skin care equipment and products include MegaPeel® microdermabrasion systems, Quadra Q4® Platinum Series intense pulsed light system, DermaYAG Laser for treatment of excess hair and vascular lesions and dmSkincare, a comprehensive line of natural skincare products.

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Jan 23rd 2012 → 1 Comment

Welcome to Week 8 – Hydration is the Foundation of Healthy Skin

It seems so simple and many times overstated, but water is a basic necessity of life! We need to drink to stay alive. But beyond the basic necessity of water to live, we need water to keep our cells healthy and functioning their best. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the appearance of our skin.

The role of water or hydration in our skin health is multi-faceted. Our cells require water to carry nutrients to the cells, flush out or excrete toxins and aid in digestion. Without proper hydration, skin is dehydrated – flaccid and wrinkled. Water within the cells plays an important role in many metabolic pathways, including energy production. To encourage healthy cell turnover and reveal new skin, you need to be properly hydrated.

At times you can be properly hydrated from the inside, but if you have fat imbalance or inflammatory issues going on, you skin will still appear dry. We focused earlier on healthy fats for building great skin, and next week we will discuss the role of inflammation. For now, it’s important to note that hydration works from the outside in and the inside out. We must have a certain level of cellular hydration that comes from diet and also the right balance of internal factors that help retain moisture on the outside of the skin. The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, is responsible for regulating water loss and retention. Fat, natural moisture factor (NMF), hyaluronan, and glycerol are all components of the skin that help retain precious moisture and these are all influenced by your dietary choices.

The first step to proper hydration is getting enough water into your body. We are talking about pure, clean water. Filtered tap water is best (avoid plastics which contain trace toxins). Mineral water, like Pellegrino from a glass bottle, is also a good choice because it provides essential minerals. How much is enough? This truly varies from person to person, but on average 8 cups of water or water-filled foods per day should be enough. If you are in a hot climate or exercise extensively, this amount will increase. You can monitor your own status by observing the color of your urine, which should be light yellow (except after taking vitamins which can cause darkening of the urine). Also follow your thirst cues. Many times people mistake thirst cues for hunger. Before responding to what you think is a hunger cue, try drinking a glass of water or herbal tea to see if that’s what you really need.

The challenge this week: Hydrate for healthy skin by consuming 8 cups of “hydrating” liquids and foods per day.

Good choices include:

Water, mineral water, herbal and green tea, 100% fruit juices, and milk
- Alcohol and coffee can dehydrate – so consume in moderation and do not count towards your 8 cup goal
- Water-packed foods like watermelon, berries, grapes, grapefruit, yogurt, lettuce and tomatoes are good choices for hydrating foods

Hydration takes many forms, not just drinking water. Continue to build upon our series of healthy lifestyle choices this week to support optimal skin, by adding hydration to your list of priorities. We have just 2 weeks to go in the Healthy Skin Challenge. I hope that you are benefiting from the challenge by building healthy habits into your overall lifestyle to help you look and feel your best!

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Jan 18th 2012 → Leave a comment

Week 7 – Sounds To Sleep To

Do you have a sound that relaxes you and takes you to your “happy place”? Sometimes a sound or smell can invoke strong feelings. Lavender has soothing, relaxing properties. Try adding an infuser to your bedside to aid in your relaxation at bedtime.

The link below has some really nice sleep sounds for you to try. For me, there’s nothing more relaxing than the sound of rain. Take time to unwind at the end of the day with a warm bath with lavender and Epsom salts and then crawl into a cozy bed with some relaxing sounds to soothe your way to a restful and restorative sleep. It will show on your face the next day!

Sounds To Sleep To

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Jan 16th 2012 → Leave a comment

Welcome to Week 7 – They call it beauty rest for a reason, the role of adequate sleep in skin health

We have all heard the expression “beauty sleep”, but is there anything behind this expression? Does getting adequate rest really help us look better? The answer is yes, and it goes beyond more than just the obvious dark circles that show up under our eyes when we don’t get enough sleep.

Cell turnover and regeneration occur during our sleep. This includes all cells, so the cells that support our skin renew too. So when we skimp on sleep we do not allow for our skin to be renewed and refreshed leading to dull, damaged skin cells (and maybe a short fuse and grumpy disposition too).

In addition, when we do not get enough sleep, our cortisol production increases. Do you remember we talked about cortisol and stress last week? We need the hormone cortisol to deal with the ups and downs of daily living. It gives us the energy to react to stressors. When we over-produce cortisol, collagen is depleted, leading to sagging wrinkled skin which lacks a strong infrastructure. The hormone melatonin is released during our sleep and counteracts the effects of too much cortisol production.

For many of us it seems that there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done, and so we sacrifice sleep. The right amount of sleep varies by the individual. There are a few rare people who can live healthfully on very little sleep and on the other end there are some who need 10+ hours per night in order to function. On average, we need 6-8 hours per night. Below are some other tips to help ensure that when you do retire for the night, you get a high quality sleep:

Best sleep temperature is 62-68° F
Follow the same schedule every day – try to follow your body’s cues if possible.
Get electronics out of the bedroom – should be for sleep and sex only. Lights and EMF can disrupt sleep cycles.
Have a protein snack 2 hours before bed and no liquids 2 hours prior to avoid getting up to urinate during the night.
Try a magnesium soak before bed. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer and sleep aid. Magnesium is found in Epson salts—add a few drops of lavender oil for a relaxing bedtime bath. If you don’t like baths, you can try taking 100-300 mg of Magnesium glycinate before bed.
Keep a journal next to your bed and transfer your to-do list and/or stressful thoughts to the journal to be dealt with the next day. Don’t let these thoughts keep you awake.

As you may have guessed, the challenge this week is to Get Adequate Sleep. You know best how many hours you need to feel refreshed. Make it a priority to take time for rest so you can provide your skin with rejuvenation time as well as balance the hormones that contribute to healthy skin and a healthy you!

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The Cause

What to do about it