The One Thing I NEVER Do
As a skincare specialist, I get frequent questions from patients, friends, and strangers asking for advice about what they should do for their particular skin condition. While there are plenty of wonderful things we CAN do to make our skin healthy, there is one thing I suggest we NEVER do. Simply stopping this one behavior can definitely have a positive impact on how your skin looks and feels - PLUS it will shift your mindset for the better!
Have you ever thought any of the following: "My pores are HUGE!" "My zits look like volcanoes!" "My face is covered in peach fuzz!" If you have, chances are you were looking at your skin in a magnifying mirror. Friends, inspecting your face close-up has NO benefit - small disturbances become giant, it tempts you to pick at any blemishes, and often times we start to see ourselves as all of the flaws that show up under 10x magnification.
Everything looks huge through a magnifying mirror—your pores, the hair on your face, any small blemish that might be present—everything! Constantly looking at a close-up view of your face can give you a skewed view of your skin. Nothing looks normal under magnification! Think about it - NOBODY (and I mean nobody) looks at your skin from the point of view of almost ten times its normal size. So, why would you inspect it that closely?
You can drive yourself crazy by looking at yourself enlarged. What would it be like if we magnified our voices ten times the normal volume or magnified all our sense of smell by ten times? We would have a totally different perception of what our voices sounded like or what things smelled like. Don’t magnify your perfectly good skin ten times larger by looking at it through a magnifying mirror! Otherwise you are completely setting yourself up for failure, disappointment, and ultimately for taking steps to solve a problem you probably don’t even have.
So, what's the one thing I NEVER do? You guessed it - look at my skin through a magnifying mirror. Trust me, get rid of your magnifying mirror (of give it away to someone you don't like, lol). I always tell my patients they shouldn't use magnifying mirrors for anything other than applying makeup (if you can’t see very well), shaping your eyebrows*, or for some other positive reason.
If you do have problems with your skin, looking through a magnifying mirror certainly isn’t going to help clear it up. Looking at your lifestyle habits and making better choices will be a surer way to bring about long-term, permanent change.
*using a magnifying mirror to tweeze brows can be equally disastrous: at best you can end up with over-tweezed or uneven brows, at worst, you can end up plucking hairs that aren't ready to be tweezed thereby breaking the skin and causing scabs or even scars.
Perhaps you’ve heard of dry brushing - supermodels swear by it, Gwyneth Paltrow sells a dry brush on her GOOP branded website, and many luxury spas incorporate this treatment. Despite the recent popularity, dry brushing has been around for centuries as an ancient Ayurvedic healing technique. Keep reading to find out all about dry brushing, how to do it properly, and the benefits of this amazing modality.
Facial rolling and gua sha is EVERYWHERE these days. These radiance-boosting, cheekbone-defining, detoxifying treatments promote lymph drainage, de-puffs the face, relaxes over-tight muscles, and gives your skin an amazing glow.
So, now that you’re on board with facial rolling and gua sha, you face a decision - which roller and gua sha gemstone do I get? Let us help you sort through the noise and find the best gemstone gua sha tool for you! At our boutique we carry gemstones of green jade, white jade, rose quartz, sodalite, aventurine, and amethyst…
Eliminate maskne (mask acne) and facial distress with post-pandemic facials. Refresh and rejuvenate skin that’s stressed from mask wearing.
Are your breakouts making you want to hide your face? We all know that things like dairy, sugar, and stress can certainly trigger acne. But did you know there are several hidden acne causes? Many of the things we eat, drink, and do every day can be directly correlated to your acne. Whether you suffer from an occasional breakout, or you have painful cystic acne, you need to read this post AND watch my YouTube video on this topic!
Friends, let me tell you about the magic that is pearl powder. If you aren’t already familiar with this amazing beauty powerhouse, you need to add it to your arsenal. In fact, I made a YouTube Video HERE that shows you exactly how to use pearl powder to get rid of acne scars, fade age spots, and boost collagen.
Nothing says warm weather like the onset of bug bites. Insect repellents are a must, but the chemical versions are pretty scary. Keep reading to learn an easy recipe for your own natural insect repellent you can make in your kitchen with ingredients you probably already have on hand. No bugs, no chemicals, no kidding.
Anti-aging myth: One of the most common reasons why people aren’t wearing sunscreen is because they work indoors and therefore think they don’t need sunscreen. Read on to learn about why EVERYONE needs sunscreen, even if you think you are well-sheltered from UV rays.
Get ready to shed your dry skin (and winter coat) and embrace spring! As the days get warmer, we naturally shift our skincare, our beauty routines, and even our food choices! When it comes to beauty trends, natural products, minimalism, and self-care are at the top of the list this spring. Put your best face forward and welcome spring 2018 with these top 5 beauty trends:
You may think of Jade Rolling as a recent beauty trend. This radiance-boosting, cheekbone-defining, detoxifying treatment is being buzzed about all over the pages of your favorite beauty magazine and jade rollers are seen in the hands of top models. But this treatment is nothing new. Jade rolling as actually thousands of years old and is a treatment once reserved only for Chinese royalty.
The non-invasive rolling action and the healing properties of jade are rooted in ancient Chinese medicinal tradition. This practice has been an integral part of total body health since the 7th century. It’s only now that Western culture is tuning in to the large list of benefits. Curious? Keep reading to learn more about Jade Rolling and its benefits.
You are probably already well-acquainted with some enemies of youthful skin - such as sun exposure and smoking - that keep your skin from looking smooth glowing. But did you know your sweet tooth is speeding up your skin’s aging process? Thanks to diabetes research, scientists are aware that excess glucose in the bloodstream causes damage to internal organs as well as your body’s largest organ - your skin. Having excess glucose in your bloodstream sets you up for an expedited aging process - think wrinkles, yellowing skin, brown spots, sagging, and more. So, before you reach for that next sweet treat, read this to find out what exactly that sugar is doing to your complexion and how you can break the sugar cycle.
So you don't sleep well. You get to bed late, routinely wake up at 3am, and you toss and turn most of the night. You feel chronically exhausted and burned out. You may think this lack of sleep is taking a toll on your health - and it is. And since skin reflects the overall health of the body, lack of sleep is taking a toll on your complexion as well. According to a recent study, sleeping less than 6 hours a night for a few days increases the appearance of wrinkles.
You are probably by now familiar with probiotics and their digestive benefits (see my previous post HERE about probiotics). Probiotics are extremely powerful - in fact, their benefits extend far beyond digestion. Probiotics can help to normalize cholesterol, relieve anxiety, and improve immunity. This is great news; however, if you suffer from breakouts there's even better news. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, probiotics are the "next big thing" in treating acne and rosacea. Emerging research shows that in persons prone to acne and rosacea, daily use of probiotics reduces severity and frequency of breakouts. ...
Most of us are aware of unhealthy habits. We are constantly bombarded with messages about not smoking, not drinking too much, drinking enough water, and getting enough exercise. So, you think - I don't smoke, I drink water, and I exercise - I'm the picture of health! Unfortunately that's not always the case. There are little things we do every single day that can either be a boon or a bust to your health. These little habits can add up to a major health impact. Ready to make a small tweak to your habits? Learn more about the top daily habits that are wrecking your health:
Our skin is a very important organ that serves a variety of functions. Skin is also our largest organ - we have about 22 square meters on our bodies and the skin of an average adult weighs about 8 pounds! No wonder skin is so important. Our skin acts as a barrier to protect us from elements that would otherwise harm our body; it is our first line of defense. But defense isn't the only function of skin! The health of skin is inextricably linked to the health of the body and because the skin is such a large, visible organ, the internal health of our body is constantly on display. Skin gives us very important clues as to what is happening inside of our body; if you are paying attention, you will have more insight into the health and wellness of your entire body. Ready to find out more about what your skin is trying to tell you? Read on to discover 5 common skin conditions that can have underlying causes. For a personalized look at your skin, click HERE to take our quiz - "What Is Your Skin Trying To Tell You"
Winter Is Coming for your skin - are you ready? Even if you live in a mild climate, the drastic change in season can leave your skin looking like a White Walker. To keep your skin head-to-toe smooth, hydrated, and glowing, you need these 5 Tips For A Clean, Green Winter Skincare Routine.
...and other home remedies that are wrecking your skin.
If you know me, you know I'm all about the home remedy. I slather castor oil on sore muscles, I drop vinegar in my ears when I get swimmer's ear, and coconut oil is my home-remedy panacea. But, there's a limit to this, especially when it comes to your skincare routine. You want to use caution when it comes to what you slather on your face because, well, your face is different than the skin on the rest of your body. The epidermis of facial skin – the top layer of skin – is made of smaller cells than the epidermis on the rest of the body. Facial skin is therefore thinner and has less of a natural barrier than skin on the rest of your body. This is why it’s so important to nourish and protect facial skin and avoid irritating ingredients. Read on and discover the Top 3 Home Remedy Products You Should NEVER Put On Your Face.
The lymphatic system is the body's garbage disposal - it traps and flushes toxins and helps keep our immune systems healthy. Unlike your cardiovascular system, which has a pump (i.e. your heart), the lymphatic system relies entirely on body movement in order to keep lymph properly flowing. When lymph fluid becomes stagnant, it becomes like a clogged drain - it traps but can't flush away toxins. This can lead to decreased immunity, sinus and allergy congestion, and fluid retention in the face. What's a good way to keep lymph moving?
Enter Facial Lymphatic Drainage Massage - this non-invasive and effective treatment helps support flushing of toxins from the body. It helps drain sinuses, relieves sinus pressure from allergies and colds, and reduces facial puffiness, resulting in a more defined jawline and slimmer face. Plus, it feels amazing! Ready to try it out? Book your appointment HERE
The Game of Thrones facial is here! Check out our Enzyme + Oxygen facial - designed to tone, tighten, brighten, and purify the skin. Go from dragon to Khaleesi in 75 mins as the enzyme and oxygen mask tightens over your skin to pull out impurities, pump fresh oxygen into your cells, and tighten sagging skin. This amazing treatment includes a customized hydrating mask, facial detox cupping, optional body acupuncture, and enzyme tightening mask.
This treatment was hailed by Cosmopolitan Magazine as the facial treatment to try! Click HERE to book an Enzyme + Oxygen facial.
So, I get it. You're busy and you have long days. You go from the gym, to work, to the grocery store, to picking up the kids from soccer practice, and then finally home. By the time you get into bed at night, you are just plain exhausted. Maybe, just once in awhile, you crawl into bed without properly removing your makeup. You think "I'm so tired, just once or twice of not taking off my makeup isn't going to matter!" Trust me, I've been there too. But, not removing makeup before bed puts your skin at risk in several important ways! To help keep your skin healthy, beautiful, and happy - learn about the 5 risks you take when you sleep in your makeup.
As a skincare specialist, I get frequent questions from patients, friends, and strangers asking for advice about what they should do for their particular skin condition. While there are plenty of wonderful things we CAN do to make our skin healthy, there is one thing I suggest we NEVER do...
Yep, that's my face! Here I am working on lifting and shaping my cheekbones while preventing smile lines, droopy eyelids, and dark circles under my eyes. Cosmetic acupuncture is more than just sticking needles in the face - it's working with the underlying muscular structure to shape, lift, and contour the face. When seeking a cosmetic acupuncturist, ensure you find a practitioner who has specific advanced cosmetic acupuncture training. Because they are trained specifically to understand facial musculature, a cosmetic acupuncturist will be able to develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your skincare and facial goals. Click HERE to learn more about me and my experience as a cosmetic acupuncturist. Click HERE learn more about cosmetic acupuncture procedures.
When I began my skincare journey, I wasn't very interested in 'green' or 'natural' products. However it wasn't long before I became aware that ALL of my skin was a mess - not just my face! I felt like my skin was perpetually dry and scaly unless I used a heap of moisturizer, I would get bumps on my upper arms, and my armpit skin would frequently feel itchy! So, I decided to trade in my lotion for coconut oil, I changed up my diet, and for the most part my skin felt great. BUT my armpits still felt itchy and I would get occasional bumps in the area. Believe me when I tell you I tried every deodorant in the supermarket - from traditional to 'natural' brands - and I felt like I was in a catch-22. The traditional stuff made my skin worse (and contained questionable ingredients) but the natural stuff didn't work. What was I to do?
Bone broth is loaded with nutrients and has innumerable health benefits – from healthier, firmer skin to healthy bones. Bone broth contains collagen, amino acids, and micronutrients that work to give us great skin and hair (after all, skin is made of collagen!) Incorporating bone broth into your diet helps build connective tissue, which makes skin smoother and healthier (think less cellulite and fewer wrinkles). Want more information on this amazing superfood PLUS easy recipes for making your own, including a vegan no bone broth? More after the jump...
This photo above described me perfectly - I suffered from widespread acne, rosacea, simultaneous dryness and oiliness, AND I started to see fine lines and wrinkles developing on my face. I would hide behind large amounts of makeup, often cancelled social plans because I was embarrassed of my skin, and my confidence was at an all-time low. I tried every cream, pill, and ointment and never found a permanent solution for my skin issues, until I tried THIS...
Anyone who has opened the front camera on their iPhone knows the importance of a soft, glowing complexion (hence the countless apps available to create the look for you). Are you ready to have skin that truly requires #nofilter? Read on for advice on how to get your skin selfie-ready now while simultaneously preventing future damage. Your Insta feed and 40-year-old self will thank you.
Oh, skincare ingredients; I've tried so many, each claiming to be "it". It seems like a new holy grail ingredient comes out once a month promising me young, smooth skin sans age spots, lines, blemishes, or wrinkles. So, I bite: I try it, slather it on my face, say a prayer and.....nothing. So, I decided I would go back to what's worked for me previously: good old fashioned Vitamin C. It may not be a new ingredient, but there's a reason it's been around so long: it simply works. Whether you're a long time Vitamin C devotee, or fairly new to this ingredient, I've rounded up the top 7 ways including Vitamin C into your skincare routine will benefit you.
Celebrity trends come and go, but one trend that does not seem to go out of style is their love for acupuncture. The uses of acupuncture consist anywhere from smoothing out wrinkles to getting and staying healthy. EAST Integrative Medicine can help you to reach your health and wellness goals through the use of acupuncture, cupping, and cosmetic facial rejuvenation treatments. The following are a few examples of celebrities who endorse acupuncture and how it helps them..
LED Light Therapy for Acne. An alternative treatment that is safe, non-invasive and chemical free.