Water....Gotta Love It!!!!

Hormones and Acne Breakouts...

Ever wonder why you have breakouts, despite taking good care of your skin?  It could be hormone related, particularly if it is cyclical or you have been diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).  In both cases, elevated testosterone levels in the pilosebaceous gland of the skin are converted into dihydrotestosterone, a more potent androgen which can cause overproduction of oils in the skin.  This combined with surface bacteria invading pores of the skin can create the problem of acne.

  Additionally, stress is a contributor of acne due to elevated cortisol levels.  Elevated cortisol competes with other hormones in the body and can cause hormone imbalances.  For example, progesterone can block some of the effects of testosterone when they are balanced.  But, when cortisol levels are high, progesterone is pulled down the hormone cascade to make cortisol, and thus women under stress can become progesterone deficient.  With lower progesterone levels, testosterone effects may be more noteably seen in the form of acne or oily skin.  This is often why acne breakouts are seen shortly before ovulation or prior to menses.  By obtaining adequate nutrition, exercise, and sleep, hormones can naturally balance themselves from within.  However, if you find these interventions do not help, it would be wise to talk with your provider.  Hormone imbalances over time can cause metabolic problems and insulin resistance, things not apparent to the naked eye.  Thus if your acne is resistant to topical treatments- it would be worthwhile to get your hormones checked. 

Karsen Delgado, FNP-C is our medical director at Simply Skin & Laser.  She specializes in Hormone Balancing.  If you have any questions regarding hormones, let us know, she can help.  

www.bodybalancedcare.com

kdelgado@bodybalancedcare.com

February Product of the Month...Tinted Sunscreen!

This month we are featuring our tinted sunscreen.  I love, love, love this product.  I have been a fan and loyal customer for 7 years.  It is a staple in our house of all girls (except for Mr. Marcus), when we are running low, 

it is every woman/girl for herself! 

Ayur-medic tinted sunscreen was developed by a plastic surgeon and dermatologist in Beverly Hills.  Together, Dr. Raj Kanodia and Dr Ezra Kest took the best ingredients from nature and science to create one of my very favorite products.

February Special $30 (Retail $40)

The thing I love about this sunscreen is that is doesn't smell or feel like a sunscreen.  It moisturizes and it hydrates while protecting the skin.  It doesn't clog the pores!!!  I use it instead of foundation...I apply the sunscreen in the morning and then a little mineral makeup.  It never feels heavy, it just looks fresh!

This sunscreen comes in two different finishes, Tinted and Sheer Tint

I usually use the Tinted in the winter when I need a little more coverage and the Sheer Tint during the summer and fall.  The tint in the product matches most skin tones.  A little goes a long way, so this product will last for a few months.

Some people think sunscreen is a product only to be used by the pool or while visiting the beach...not so my friends.  Sun protection is a 365 day/year job!!!

As long as I have my Ayur-medic tinted sunscreen and a tube of mascara, I can leave my house!  And most days, that's about all I have time for!!!  I also love the fact that as long as my teenage daughters have been wearing make-up they have also been protecting their skin from sun damage.  They really don't care about the spf , they just love the product and think of it as their "make-up".  

But some day, when they are 40-something, they'll thank me !!!

If you'd like to try to drop by and pick up a sample of either the Tinted or Sheer Tint Sunscreen, let us know!!

Milk and Acne...not a good combo!

This is a really great article about why milk is bad for the acne-prone.

http://suite101.com/article/is-milk-bad-for-acne-a265952

Is Milk Bad for Acne?

Finally medical researchers have affirmed that diary products do worsen acne. How does milk affect acne and what are the precautions to be taken?

As early as 1949, Robinson had published a study in the South Medical Journal that stated that the majority of the1925 acne patients in his study that kept a food diary reported that milk was the commonest food that was associated with their acne flare ups.
His study was relegated to the background when two studies by Fulton et al (1969) and Anderson (1971) failed to find any association between acne and chocolates, milk, roasted peanuts and cola. Both these studies were later discredited because of the small number of subjects, a shorter duration of follow up and inadequate choice of controls chosen for comparison.
More recently, Adebamowo and his colleagues from the Harvard University found positive relationship between milk consumption and acne eruptions in a survey conducted among 47,335 nurses. Their study was interesting as it revealed a stronger association with skim milk than whole milk, indicating that the fat content of milk may not be the reason for acne flare ups. Similar observations were made among high school teenagers in other studies as well.
How Does Milk Affect Acne?
The reason for the negative effects of milk products on acne is thought to be due to the presence of hormones and biologically active substances in the diary products. Most of the consumable milk is produced from pregnant cows; the main reason for high levels of hormones in milk. Hormonal levels are also high in just delivered cows and cows treated with bovine growth hormones.
Allergy to milk protein resulting in an inflammatory reaction and blockage of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands has also been cited as a contributing factor for worsening of acne following consumption of milk.
Iodine fortified food is given to the cows to fight infection and iodine solutions are liberally used to cleanse the udders and milking equipments in the diary farms. This may result in higher than normal levels of iodine content in the milk and other milk products. For acne sufferers this is bad news, as iodine, iodides and other halides have been shown to worsen acne eruptions in a number of studies.
It is now clear that milk contains a number of substances which act as acne triggers.
Hormones in Milk Responsible for Acne Flare Ups
Milk, especially those from pregnant cows and just-delivered cows, contains high levels of hormones like progesterone and precursors of di-hydro-testosterone. Increased levels of these hormones increase the sebaceous gland activity and the oily sebum output, resulting in aggravation of acne in teens.
Other hormones present in milk are also implicated as culprits in worsening of acne. The most frequently involved hormone is the IGF-1(insulin-like growth factor). This is present in organic milk and milk from cows treated with bovine growth hormone. IGF-1 levels are increased in the body in response to increased secretion of insulin. IGF-1 has a stimulatory effect on the sebum production in the sebaceous glands, one of the main events in the development of acne.
The effect of IGF-1 in response to increased insulin levels in the blood is also thought to be the cause of high incidence of acne following consumption of refined carbohydrates, the so-called high glycemic index foods. The same mechanism is responsible for the increased prevalence of acne among women suffering from the polycystic ovarian syndrome.
It will be interesting if a few studies are undertaken to see whether milk derived from home grown cows fed on natural feeds and grass has any adverse effects on the natural course of acne.
As the food-acne relationship is no more a myth, acne affected teenagers would do well to avoid excessive intake of diary products and other food items that affect acne.
References:

• Bowe PW, Joshi SS, Shalita AR. Diet and acne. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;63:124-41
• Ferdowsian HR & Levin S. Does Diet Really Affect Acne? Skin Therapy Letter 2010;15:3:1-2
• Robinson HM. The acne problem. South Med J 1949; 42:1050-60.
• Adebamowo C, Spiegelman D, Danby F, Frazier A, Willett W, Holmes M. High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52:207–14.

***Originally posted by Face Reality Skincare Clinic in October 2012

Get Skinny with Body Wraps!!!

We are hosting an "Open House" to launch one of our new products, "Body Wraps".

Thursday, January 24th from 6:30-8:00pm.

Come and find out more about our body wraps...if you decide to try one out, they are only $25!!! Bring a friend and you'll both receive $5 off. Get skinny for only $20!!!

Expect "ultimate" results with this amazing 45-minute body Applicator! The Ultimate Body Applicator is a non-woven cloth wrap that has been infused with a powerful, botanically-based formula to deliver maximum tightening, toning, and firming results where applied to the skin.

•Tightens, tones, & firms

•Minimizes cellulite appearance

•Improves skin texture & tightness

•Mess-free and simple to use

•Results in as little as 45 minutes

•Progressive results over 72 hours

  Made with natural ingredients

Coconut Oil for Acne?

I often have clients ask if it's okay to use coconut oil on their skin to treat acne. Here's a post from my favorite acne clinic, "Face Reality". Face Reality is an acne clinic in Northern California that only deals w/acne clients. Our office trained w/them in January of 2011 on treating acne and we currently offer their line of acne products in our clinic.

I actually can understand why someone who is desperately looking for relief from their acne might turn to cocout oil. It contains lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. It can help to kill yeast and parasites which improves digestion, and it can also boost your immune system to fight infections. HOWEVER, the molecule for coconut oil is very small and will CLOG pores. It is highly comedogenic; and clients that I have had who used it came into our clinic with a terrible mess of acne where they slathered it on day in and day out. Here’s a review from the acne.org website: I read all the fantastic reviews and was stoked (I ignored the few reviews that warned against using it). I attributed the initial breakout to the “purging,” only the purging didn’t stop. I even emailed the author of “coconut cures” when I started to get concerned. His wife responded saying to keep with it… and so I did (I was still hopeful). Finally, a month later (I used it three-ish months) I accepted the reality that this highly comogenic stuff was not purifying my skin… oh no. It was clogging it in the worst possible way. Fast forward two months and I am still dealing with this nightmare. I have officially gone from “mild” to severe. All in all, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So, in the words of the review “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Sorry boys and girls….

Welcome to the new blog layout! We hope you enjoy.

Skin Fact

Dead skin cells make up about 90 percent of household dust! EEWWWWWW!

Novemeber: National Healthy Skin Month!!

Happy Halloween!!!

The big day is here...COSTUMES & CANDY DAY! Halloween has always been a favorite holiday at my house. This year I'm sad, my girls are growing up and I have no one to take trick or treating...I'm not as excited about staying home to hand out candy, boring! But I might as well enjoy my last day of candy eating, because starting tomorrow it's time to be good until the next holiday...Thanksgiving! So, happy candy day, have fun treat or treating!!

Last Possible Day for Fall Leaves???

If you love fall colors like I do...today may be your last day!!! Take a quick drive up the canyon and experience one of my favorite things of living in Utah...the gorgeous fall leaves!! My favorite drive is the Alpine Loop starting in Provo canyon and ending down American Fork canyon.

October--National Candy Month!!

As a self-proclaimed sugar addict, I am glad I finally I don't have to feel guilty about my candy splurges!!! I have to admit, I'm much better than I used to be. I don't HAVE to buy a candy bar at every check-out line. I still want to, I just am better at exercising self-control! But, here is a easy way to eat your chocolate yet still keep your calories in check!

A new study was just published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Assoc, researchers found that people who were served 20 candy halves ate about the same number of pieces as those given 20 whole ones--but they consumed less calories. The take-away: When it comes to snacks, size does matter. So munch on M&M's minis or mini candy treats, trying to go easy on full-sized versions and you may feel satisfied w/less.

Let me know how that works for you! Happy Halloween/Candy Month!!

A New Season--Time for New Make-Up!

Well, it's mid-Oct and I guess we are officially into Fall, the summer glow is fading and I feel like I'm over due for check up at my favorite make-up counter! I've been a fan of Bare Essentials for years and I would pick it up at either Nordstrom or Sephora...but now we have our own Bare Escentuals Boutique at the University Mall. (Located by Eddie Bauer)

My daughter and I visited their new boutique for the 1st time last week and worked with a darling make-up artist, Tonya. Tonya color matched my daughter for the season and was so helpful with any concerns, issues and make-up questions. She was NOT pushy or over the top sales person, so nice! If you are still using drugstore liquid make-up, do us both a favor and STOP! I LOVE mineral makeup, it is SO much better for your skin, especially if you have problem skin. And it lasts much longer, so in the end it is more cost effective. So here's my advice, head to Bare Escentuals and "Get your Face Fall Ready"!!!

Fall Facial Featuring our Pumpkin Scrub!!!

If you're like me, I love everything fall, pumpkin desserts, fresh apples, fall leaves....the list goes on and on!!! This month come in an experience the ultimate fall facial...first we'll exfoliate your skin with a microdermabrasion, getting rid of all that summer sun damage, then we layer the skin with a relaxing and delicious smelling pumpkin scrub...the perfect way to FACE a new season looking your best!!!



October Special $40 Call now to schedule your appt 801.427.6895!

Who Wants Luscious Lashes??? EVERYONE!!

Everyone loves beautiful lashes....they open your eyes and make you look more youthful. We have two easy ways to get luscious lashes...

Lash Extensions OR Newly released Revitalash Advanced

This summer make life easier by getting lash extensions...you can either do a full set or sassy set of mink lashes. They are natural looking and perfect for someone who wants to hit the pool, gym or vacation this summer w/out the hassle of putting on eyemake-up. You wake up and "you're ready to go"!

Summer Lash Extension Special: $60 full set $40 sassy set or fill

If lash extensions aren't "your thing" the next best thing is Revitalash. They just released a new advanced version this month at the Esthetics Show in Las Vegas. You apply it everynight on lash line (or if you are kinda lazy like me, in the morning after my shower) and watch your lashes grow like you never thought they could!!! A tube lasts for about 5 months...you'll start to notice a difference in 2 weeks and in 6-8 weeks, wow, look out!!!! Add a lash tint and you're ready to go!!!

Summer Special on Revitalash $75 ($98 Value)



These specials are a limited time offer, so act quick. Call now to schedule a lash extension appt or order your tube of Revitalash!!!

Who says you can't look fabulous at Lake Powell while on the boat or camping in the Unitas!

Dr. Amen--Change Your Brain, Change Your Body!!!

One of my favorite shows is going to air on KUED on Tues, March 15th at 7pm (channel7)!!!

Some of you may have heard me talk about Dr. Amen, his approach to food and how it affects our brain and our body! He is amazing...he makes me work harder at eating better. It is because of him that I am "trying" to break my sugar addiction!!! It's soooo hard. Whenever he is one, I watch it again, I need all the motivation I can get.




If you have time, I strongly encourage you to watch it, or at least record it on your dvr/tivo and watch it later!!! It's so good! I'd really hate to see what my brain looks like right now. Sunday is our "make a yummy dessert day", we made chocolate cupcakes with mint filling and chocolate frosting...I ate too many!!! If you do watch it, let me know what you think.

Right now, I'm reading "The China Study", a client recommended it to me....I post more on that later....but very eye-opening....this one may be a life-changer!!!

Update on Olay Brush....

Okay....so I'm still loving my Olay cleansing brush, but a word of warning, proceed w/caution. I was using my cleansing brush 1-2 times a day...can you say "overboard"??? Well after a week, my skin is showing the effects of too much of a good thing. My skin is very flaky and dry, so I would recommend only using 2-3 times a week....

Since then I've given myself a 50% Lactic/Kojic peel, so I will take at least a week off and then start again!!!

If you have questions before buying your own Olay Cleansing Brush, feel free to email me!!

Have a great day!!!

New Cleansing Brush...I like it!

I have to admit, I've always wanted to purchase a Clarisonic Cleansing Brush...but I've had a hard time getting over the $195+ price tag.

VS.

Well, recently I noticed that Olay launched a cleansing brush of their own...only $30 and available at Walgreeen, Walmart, etc. At first I was skeptical....would it cleanse as well as the pricier version??? I also, had to get over my aversion of OTC products. As a trained and licensed Master Esthetician, I am a big believer in professional products vs. products sold in the big box stores!!!

So I did a little research...and then decided to buy...I saved my receipt and will submit w/my taxes, I consider it research so I can inform my clients on whether they should spend their $30 or save for the big-bang product.

Click on review if you want to read one of the reviews I found online.

Here's what I found....I like it....really like it! My skin feels, softer and less dry. It's a great exfoliator. My skincare products seem to penetrate better and maybe it's hopeful thinking, but I'm sure my skin is much more glowy!!! It has 2 speeds, I use the slower speed under my eyes...my husband thinks the faster speed is too iritating for his skin, but he's not as tough as most women. (One year I told him for his bday I was giving him a rejuvenating facial laser treatment....oh yah, that's a story for another day!!!!) The biggest difference between Olay and Clarisonic is that Olay only spins in 1 direction, where Clarisonic rotates in either direction. The Olay cleansing brush did come w/an exfoliating cleansing scrub...but I have only used it with my favorite products...Image! Also, I just keep it on the ledge in my shower....I makes me excited to cleanse my face!!! Gotta love that!

Final Decision....Like It!!!!

I made a "Shoe Connection"!!!

The Runner's Corner in Orem may have saved me! One day I had an after lunch appt cancel, so with an extra long lunch in my favor, I decided to drop by "The Runner's Corner, something I've been meaning to do for several months and hadn't taken the time to do. I was a little intimidated at first, the store really looked like a place for pro-runners, I definitely did not belong here. I met the owner, Hawk, a super nice guy...explained my (old woman) foot issues to him and after spending an hour with him, he had me outfitted w/some new shoes!!! He had me run for him...of course at first I was mortified...me, run, outside, in my skinny jeans, people might see me...but I got over myself and I ran. I must of tried out 10 different types of running shoes...learned that for my problem, I had to lace/tie them a special way and even though I'm a size 6 1/2 shoe...I needed a size 8 running shoe!!! That also freaked me out! As the typical woman, I always have issues with numbers....whether they are on the scale, on calories listed, on clothes and yes, I guess shoes, call me crazy. Again, I got over myself and now I am running in a SIZE 8!

I found a few shoes that would work for me...but some of them were to crazy for my conservative self. Hawk said that finding the right pair of running shoes is like finding a mate. At the end of my hour of trying on shoes, running in them, I finally found my mate...they are actually the shoes pictured at the start of my blog. I want to give Hawk a HUGE thanks for all the time/energy he spent with me, he was the best. I never felt as though he was out for a sale, but only there to help me!!! I was so impressed and I recommend them to anyone who is looking for the PERFECT MATE shoes!!! I have actually taken my new shoes to the indoor track a few times now....so far....we're a match!!!

p.s. Hawk, next time, I'm going for the neon pink!!!

Running....it's a love/hate thing!

As most of you know, my 1st choice of exercise is lounging by the pool reading a book, but since that doesn't really count as exercise I guess I'd have to choose running. It's easy, pretty inexpensive, no special equipment is needed and I can get it done without going to a gym (I always been an anti-gym gal). Since I live in Utah, I usually take a BIG break on the exercise thing from the end of fall until Spring arrives. I know, pretty whimpy! Especially since last year there was not spring, basically winter until the 11th of June! But this year, I found out that our local rec center only charges $.50 to use the indoor track...it's actually a pretty nice track and it doesn't stink, so I'm not counting it as a gym. So I starting running again the last week of Feb...that is really early in the season for me!!! Luckily, I have several clients that are "real runners" and give me all kinds of motivating advice and make me want to be a "real runner". That's why my 1st book on my current reading list is, "Born to Run", so far, it's pretty good.



My biggest challenge with running....I have a bad foot, and it can be very painful for me to run. I even had considered giving up running this year and to start biking, but then I would have to do the expensive equipment thing.... but last week I may have found my answer to fixing my foot pain!!

Have I got your interest yet....I'll post more soon on my new hero(s)!!!

Winter Hand Help!

There are 2 areas of the body besides the face that tend to give your age away...the hands and chest. I don't know about you, but during the winter, my hands seem to age a decade, not exactly what I want to happen. I find that especially in my line of work, I am always sanitizing and washing my hands which only tends to dry them out even more. Here is what I've found to work for me...



It’s not glamorous, or new, and your eyes probably skip right over it when you’re browsing the lotion section of the drugstore—but so many dermatologists say that this old-standby hand cream is a proven miracle worker. It’s Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. And it’s only four bucks at the drugstore!

I like that it doesn't feel greasy and absorbs quickly into my hands. You only need to use a small amount....before bed I like to use a little more and massage it into my often dry cuticles. So this weekend, hit Walmart, Walgreens or your fav drugstore and get your hands re-moisturized this winter!!! (Also works great on the feet)