Bella Blog

Skin Brushing for Healthy Skin

Dry skin brushing is not only healthy for your skin, but for your entire body.  The skin is a vital organ of detoxification and has been called the "third kidney" for its important role in water regulation.  Every square inch contains hundreds of pores that help excrete toxins from the skin. 

It is a commonly recommended therapy in Naturopathic medicine due to its numerous health benefits:

• Stimulates lymphatic drainage making it a great way to detoxify your body on a regular basis. 
• Enhances blood circulation by increasing venous flow.
• Tonifies muscles and nerves of the skin having an overall relaxation effect on the body.
• Improves body temperature regulation.
• Exfoliates the skin, removing excess dead skin cells creating a healthy glow.
• Improves skin tone by stimulating collagen and elastin. 
• Great for reducing cellulite!
• Improves overall energy and vitality.

The best time to brush is either before your shower ending in it in a series of alternating hot or cold water, espom salt bath, or before you go to bed.  Use a natural fiber brush, brushing in the direction the body's lymphatic drainage.  It is important to "open" up areas of lymphatic drainage before brushing lymph into these regions.  Also, always brush the area that drains first to clear the way for the lymph below.  For example, brush the area under your armpit before brushing your chest or arms.  Brush your arms from your elbow to shoulder before wrist to elbow.  As a rule of thumb, start on the left side of the body.  Each area should be brushed 7 times.

Areas that should be avoided:

• Active cancer
• Varicose Veins
• Arthritis
• Open wounds, skin lesions, eruptions, or burns
• Sunburned skin
• Enlarged or hardened lymph nodes

To learn more visit: Vital Chi Skin Brushing

Special thanks to Dr. Thom and Dr. Beck for teaching me the importance of dry skin brushing!

Cleansing Drinks for your Skin

Spring is a great time for cleansing!  The extra daylight hours bring forth a vibrant renewal of energy allowing us to shed what we've acquired over the winter months.  It's a great time to do Spring cleaning of our own bodies so that we can enjoy the energy of this season.

Cleansing typically involves eating an organic whole foods diet, and taking a break from the things that have been keeping us going such as  caffeine, alcohol, and/or sugar.  In addition, cleansing focuses on supporting our primary organs of elimination which include our: liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines, and skin.  The skin is our largest excretory organ and can become compromised when our other organs of elimination are overburdened.  Thus, the skin always benefits from cleansing.  Ways to optimize the ability of these organs to eliminate properly is through eating an organic diet, drinking purified water, exercise, dry skin brushing, and castor oil packs to name a few.  See my blog post: Creating a Day of Wellness for more info.

Your skin will benefit greatly by incorporating fresh vegetable juices or herbal teas aimed at cleansing the body.

  

Do you have a vegetable juicer or blender?  Below are some ideas of fruits and vegetables to combine for a juice.  Be creative and try out your own!

1) Apple, Beet, Kale, Ginger

2) Carrot, Celery, Parsley, Lemon

Apples:  Full of vitamins and minerals, plus a soluble fiber called pectin that supports the intestines in elimination.

Beets:  The high mineral content make this veggie a great blood cleanser and blood builder.  Beets are very supportive for your liver.  Word of caution, don't be alarmed if you notice a beet color in your toilet after consumption.

Kale:  A dark leafy green rich in calcium, iron, chlorophyll, and beta carotene.

Ginger:  Stimulates your digestive fire.

Carrots: Full of beta carotene, calcium and other minerals.  Also a source of pectin that is great for intestinal cleansing. 

Celery:  Full of minerals that calm the nervous system.

Parsley:  Rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, chlorophyll, and minerals.  Both a blood cleansing herb and diuretic.

Lemon:  Great source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids.  The sour taste helps purify the liver and stimulates peristalsis in the intestines.

Herbal Teas:

Botanicals for the skin include: Sarsaparilla, Yellow Dock, Burdock, Oregon Grape, Red Clover, Nettle.  These blood cleansing botanicals improve the function of the liver, large intestine, and kidneys. 

You can either go to your favorite bulk herb shop and make your own combination herbal tea or reach for these convenient teas at your health food store.

Yogi Detox Tea:

Indian Saraparilla Root, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger Root, Licorice Root, Burdock Root, Dandelion Root, Cardamom Seed, Clove Bud, Black Pepper, Long Pepper Berry, Chinese Amur Cork Tree Bark, Japanese Honeysuckle Flower, Forsythia Fruit, Gardenia Flower, Skullcap Leaf, Chinese Goldenthread Root,Rhubarb Root, Wax Gourd, Juniper Berry Extract

New Yogi Skin Detox Tea:

Burdock Root, Cardamom Seed, Dandelion Root, Green Tea Leaf, Hibiscus Flower, Honeybush, Orange Peel, Oregon Grape Root, Red Clover, Rose Petal, Stevia Leaf, Yellow Dock Root, Natural Flavors

The Republic of Tea Get Gorgeous Tea:

Organic Rooibos (leaf), Orange (peel), Hibiscus (flower), Chamomile (flower), Red Clover (flower), Chaste Berry (fruit), Burdock (root). Other Ingredients: Natural Pomegranate Flavor

Exfoliation the Key Step for Glowing Skin!

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin’s outermost surface.  An individual sheds approximately 5 billion skin cells per day.  Desquamation is a natural process where new skin cells migrate from the basal layer up to the stratum corneum of the epidermis where they are shed off.   The new skin cells are plump and round; however, as they approach the skin’s surface they become flatter and die off accumulating keratin, a protein that forms a protective layer.  The process of desquamation can take as little as 12-19 days in teenagers and up to 60-90 days as we age.  Some skin cells may linger clogging and congesting pores creating a lack luster complexion. 

Exfoliation facilitates this process by sloughing off dull, dead skin cells and encourages skin turnover to speed up.  Exfoliation helps skin to look more radiant and allows products to penetrate better.  It is great for acne prone skin by removing debris that can collect inside pores and hair follicles causing breakouts.  It’s also been shown to stimulate the production of collagen. 

There are two types of exfoliants: mechanical and chemical.  Mechanical exfoliation uses ingredients such as oats, pumpkin, and papaya to physically scrub away dead skin cells.  Chemical exfoliants use hydroxy acids or enzymes to dissolve the adhesions between skin cells so they can easily be removed.  Chemical exfoliants include salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and fruit enzymes.  

Leaf People has several mechanical exfoliation products such as: Green Papaya Scrub, Transform Age Reversing Scrub, and Pumpkin Rose Scrub all of which pair well with the Aloe and Honey Activator.  Also, the Oatmeal Face Wash combines well with the Herbal Foaming Face Wash to make a gentle exfoliating scrub.  Check out Bella Fiore Organics to learn more.

Be careful not to over exfoliate your skin and be gentle with the delicate skin around your eyes.  Start with a mechanical scrub 3-4x/week.  It is best to check in with your esthetician to learn what the best exfoliant is for you.  Remember to always use sunscreen!

 

Chocolate Coffee Sugar Scrub

Indulge your senses and get luxuriously smooth skin with this gentle exfoliating scrub.  Inspired by my recent trip to Hawaii when I picked up a local Kona coffee cacoa sugar scrub.  You can recreate this scrub in your own home. Coffee stimulates circulation, while chocolate is full of antioxidants, and sugar exfoliates.  Use in the shower and follow with a moisturizing body lotion or oil.

Chocolate Coffee Sugar Scrub

2 cups ground organic coffee

1/2 cup brown sugar

1-2 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tbsp honey

1/4 cup almond oil

Mix ingredients together.  You can adjust ratios to make the scrub consistency you desire.  Enjoy this invigorating and revitalizing scrub!

Absolutely Natural Sunscreen

I realize it is the middle of winter and many of us aren't thinking about sunscreen...  However, I was fortunate enough to go to Maui and Oahu last week and was faced with the dilemma of which natural sunscreen to use to protect my Seattle skin.  I had carried with me Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen. Although I was thoroughly impressed with the ingredients, I was disappointed by it's texture and application.  It was hard to apply and flaked off my skin.  Frustrated, I almost succumbed to using my boyfriend's Banana Boat, but luckily I ran into a stand that carried Absolutely Natural Sunscreen.  I was amazed at the natural formulation and its creamy, spreadable texture.  Check out the website at: www.absolutley-natural.com. 

When looking for natural sunscreens, choose ones with titanium oxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredients.  These reflect the sun offering both UVA and UVB protection instead of chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin and can generate free radicals.  Also, look for nourishing sun protective oils like Rosehip seed oil and antioxidants such as vitamin E.  And always remember to choose natural products that are free of parabens, petroleum derived ingredients, phthalates, and other synthetic ingredients.

Anti-inflammatory Foods for Clear Skin

Inflammation is a natural protective mechanism activated by the immune system to combat an injury to tissue or infection that includes signs of heat, redness, pain, and swelling.  Today, it is well known that chronic inflammation is related to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer…and even acne.  With acne, there is low-grade inflammation in the pilosebaceous unit, which includes the hair follicle and sebum producing glands of the skin.  In addition, free radical damage to the pilosebaceous gland contributes to the inflammation.  One approach to decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by free radicals is to eat a diet that is full of natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Read below to learn more about these skin friendly foods from the Clear Skin Diet by Dr. Logan and Dr. Treloar:

 

• Fish Oil:  Fish oil is full of anti-inflammatory omega 3 -fatty acids especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).  Make sure to get a reputable source of fish oil that is free of mercury.  Aim to get 3,000 mg per day.  Eating fish up to 2 times per week has a comparable effect.  Check out Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch to make sure you are eating sustainable fish.
• Whole Grains:  Whole grains have both fiber and antioxidants known to combat acne.  One caveat is that people tend to have wheat or gluten sensitivities, which can also be inflammatory and a contributory cause of acne.  Always look for organic whole grains, and if you are avoiding gluten stay away from wheat, spelt, kamut, rye, barley, couscous and more.
• Turmeric:  Also known as Curcuma longa, the active ingredient, curcumin, has been well researched for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is a yellow powder found in curry.  Incorporate turmeric into soups and vegetable cooking.
• Ginger:  Ginger is in the same family as turmeric and has many of the same antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  It is also a wonderful digestive remedy, optimizing digestion is important for clearing the skin.
• Green Tea:  This popular beverage has been touted for its amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  The constituent EGCG, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is known to suppress inflammatory chemicals in the body.  In addition, green tea promotes the growth of beneficial flora such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria that are important in gut health and overall immune health.  Also, green teas can contribute to reduction in abdominal fat.  Topical green tea has been shown to be both anti-aging and treat acne flares. 
• Nuts:  A handful of raw nuts provides both mono- and poly- unsaturated fats, vitamin E, sterols, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients that not only are heart healthy but also stabilize blood sugar and have an overall positive effect on the skin.  In order to make raw nuts most digestible you can soak them in water and also bake them on low heat.  Walnuts are very high in omega 3-fatty acids.
• Purple/Deep Red Foods:  Foods that are purple/deep red such as blueberries, bilberries, dark cherries, purple carrots, pomegranates, acai, purple sweet potatoes, purple cauliflower, black grapes, and beets contain the powerful antioxidants anthocyanins.  Anthocyanins bring blood flow to the skin, which is great for moving lymph and detoxifying the skin.
• Green Foods: Green foods are an abundant source of magnesium from chlorophyll a nutrient that many Americans are deficient in and that is very important for many biochemical reactions in the body.  Also greens create a health promoting alkaline environment in the body
• Eggs:  Eggs are a natural source of omega 3-fatty acids when produced by chickens that eat a traditional diet of greens, seeds, and insects.  Unfortunately, today many eggs are high in pro-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids due to chickens that are routinely fed corn and grains in factory farms.  Look for organic eggs that are labeled omega 3 containing on them to get the anti-inflammatory benefits.

The foods mentioned in this article are great way to put out the fires of inflammation in the body that can be contributing to acne flares.  In addition, applying topical antioxidants directly to the skin can calm and soothe inflamed skin.  Check out Leaf People’s Green Tea Serum and Antioxidant Cream packed with potent antioxidants.  

Reference:  The Clear Skin Diet by Alan C. Logan, ND, FRSH and Valori Treloar, MD, CNS, FAAD.

What's Your Dosha?

 

On a recent trip to NYC, I was able to stop in Pratima Spa located in Soho.  This spa has been on my list of places to check out since reading Absolute Beauty by Pratima Raichur.  This book embodies the Ayurvedic approach to health and beauty.  Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally translates to the “science of life.” Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system of healing from India dating back more than 3000 years.  In this system of medicine, remedies are prescribed according to your individual dosha.  There are 3 doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which represent the five elements found in nature.  Vata represents the space and air elements, Pitta represents fire and water, and Kapha represents water and earth.  Each of us has all 3 doshas within us, but we usually have one dosha that is dominant (you can also be a combination).  The goal of Ayurveda is to bring balance to your dosha using qualities from the other elements.  For example, Vata skin needs Pitta and Kapha to bring balance to this skin type.  Many skin care lines are formulated using Ayurvedic dosha skin typing.  Pratima has a beautiful natural skin care line doing just this. 

 

So what is your dosha?  Read below to see which skin type sounds most like you.  Remember you can be a combination of more than one.  You can also use the skin type quiz found on my website.   A clear complexion is a result of balancing whichever dosha your skin embodies.

 

Vata: Vata skin has a tendency to be dry, thin, rough, cold and flaky.  The complexion may have a bluish undertone, small fine pores, and fine lines and wrinkles.  Problem areas are in the forehead region.  Vata skin is prone to dehydration and dryness especially in cold weather.

 

Pitta: Pitta skin usually has areas of redness and is typically sensitive.  It is soft, slightly oily, and hot with large pores in the T-zone, and small fine pores throughout the rest of the skin.  Pitta skin has broken capillaries, moles, and freckles.  Problem areas can be in the T-zone and/or cheeks.  It is prone to inflammation, rashes, and sunburns especially in hot weather.  

 

Kapha: Kapha skin is oily, thick, moist and cold.  There is a yellowish undertone and pores are large and open.  This skin type has blackheads and excessive oiliness, and is prone to acne and pimples in the mouth, chin, and neck region. 

 

The goal of your skin care routine should be to bring balance to your dosha both internally and externally.   Ayurvedic home care includes cleansing, nourishing, and moisturizing.  Pratima recommends a regime that includes warm, nourishing, calming, hydrating, and lubricating qualities for Vata skin; cooling, soothing, and hydrating qualities for Pitta skin, and hot, stimulating, and invigorating qualities for Kapha skin.

 

Leaf People Skin Care formulations correlate as follows: Vata-Transform, Pitta-Nourish, Kapha-Balance.  Find out more at Bella Fiore Organics.

This information comes from Pratima Raichur’s book Absolute Beauty.

Create a Day of Wellness

 

A few weeks ago, I celebrated my 29^th birthday and had the luxury of a day free from class and any obligations.  In the spirit of reflecting on another year, I decided to create a wellness day for myself.  I met my good friend Alexis and my runny buddy, Coop, for coffee and a walk around the neighborhood.  We didn’t let the rain stop us, I have enjoyed many early morning walks with Alexis as we catch up and set intentions in motion for things we are working on.  Next, I found myself at yoga class at the new 8 limbs yoga studio down street.  The teacher was a woman who used to teach lunch-time yoga at Bastyr, one of my first real experiences cultivating a yoga practice.  She connected me with my breath, and I could feel myself in my body again.  I then was off to the Olympus Day Spa a little north of Seattle.  I took advantage of the free birthday admission.  This Korean women’s spa is full of different therapeutic rooms, pools, steams, and saunas.  I treated myself to a body wrap.  After heating up in the charcoal room, my body was painted in mud and then wrapped in three layers.  My core temperature rose, and I had a good detoxifying sweat.  I then was blessed to have my good friends cook dinner for me and my boyfriend, Dan.  I felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated!

 

I was thinking how differently we all would feel if we gave ourselves permission to declare a day of wellness for ourselves.  It doesn’t take an expensive trip to the spa either.  Check out these suggestions to customize your day of wellness:

1) Fast from technology.  Give yourself permission to turn of the TV, not answer your cell phone, and don’t check your email.  Feel the freedom of unplugging and concurrently give yourself a break from electromagnetic frequencies.

2) Drink herbal teas or lemon water.  Herbal tea is a great way to nourish your body and calm your mind with healing botanicals.  I like Yogi Tea’s Detox blend.  Also, you can go to your local botanical store and create your own blend.  Add lemon slices to your water to stimulate your liver and digestion.  Hydration is key to good health.

3) Do yoga in the comfort of your own home or your favorite studio.   Nowadays you can download yoga videos right onto your computer.  I have been enjoying Yoga Download.com (this is your only excuse to use the computer.)  Many studios offer introductory specials, use this as a way to find a studio that is right for you.

4) Take a relaxing salt bath.  Mineral salt baths are full of trace minerals that are absorbed into the body and can alleviate muscle aches and pains, increase circulation, and be detoxifying.  Create your own using a blend of Epsom salts, Himalayan or Dead Sea Salt.  You can add relaxing botanicals like calendula, lavender, rose, or lemon balm or essential oils like lavender, rosemary, or sandalwood to your soak.  Check out the post Relaxing Herbal Bath Tea Bags or try a Leaf People Bath Soak.

5) Castor oil packs.  This is a popular Naturopathic remedy to detoxify the body and relieve lymphatic congestion.  Apply castor oil over your abdomen and liver, cover with a towel that you don’t care about, and then apply heat with a hot water bottle for 15-30 minutes.  Use this time to meditate, take a nap, or read a book.

6) Dry skin brushing.  With a loofah or dry skin brush, sweep over your body with gentle upward strokes always in the direction of your heart.  This will not only exfoliate the skin, but also stimulate circulation and lymph flow. 

7) Treat your skin to a mask.  Whether you have a favorite mask or want to create your own using clay, mud, or the leftovers in your kitchen, treat your skin to what it desires with a natural therapeutic mask.  Check out Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal for recipe ideas.

8) Journal.  With the New Year approaching, journaling is a great way to reflect, set your intentions, alleviate your anxiety, and give voice to what is on your mind.  I have journaled before going to bed for many years, it has helped ease my mind and also look back on how I’ve grown over the years.

9) Breathe.  I study with a doctor who says carbon dioxide is the most toxic substance to the body and it accumulates when we don’t take the time to deeply breathe.  My cousin gave out reminder notes this Christmas, that say take 10 deep breaths.  Whether you post a reminder, set aside time during the day, find yourself at a stop light, or need to go within use the power of deep inhalation and exhalation from your diaphragm.

10) Be gentle with yourself.  Detox from negative self-talk and set your intent on being kind to yourself.   Count your blessings and be grateful for the fullness of your life.

 

Make it a New Year’s Resolution to give yourself a day of wellness.  Better yet, make a commitment to yourself and your well-being to try and incorporate a wellness ritual into your daily routine. 

Feel the benefits of relaxation and peace! 

Give the Gift of Green Tea

As I am sipping on my matcha green tea latte at my neighborhood coffee shop, I am excited to share with you the many benefits of green tea for your skin.  Asian cultures have enjoyed the health benefits of green tea for millennium, but now you can experience these benefits in your skin care regime with Leaf People's New Antioxidant Green Tea Serum.

 

Green tea contains tannins and catechins that are astringent, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer.  Green tea's potent antioxidant properties can reduce the harmful effects from free radicals and inflammation caused by the UV radiation produced by the sun.  These antioxidant effects are also known to prevent skin cancer.  Green tea's antimicrobial action can calm and prevent both bacterial and fungal breakouts.  In addition, it is a skin cell rejuvenator helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Leaf People's formula boosts and balances the overall immune function of the skin.  The Green Tea Serum is excellent for detoxifying the skin from environmental toxins like car exhaust, cleaning/deodorizing chemicals, fertilizers and commercial farming chemicals.  Great for individuals with more active acne-prone skin, as well people who have pre-cancerous skin lesions.  Perfect for male clients too.

So give the gift of green tea with Leaf People's Green Tea Antioxidant Serum.  Choose from either the Active Skin Mini or Complete Starter Kits.  Happy Holidays!

Is your anti-aging face cream affecting your hormones?

As you may already know, I am studying to become a naturopathic doctor.  I frequently read a naturopathic online discussion group, where the doctors were discussing the possible connection between their patients' anti-aging face creams and abnormal hormonal panels.  This of course is all anecdotal, but one doctor commented that her client was using a topical anti-aging face cream and had extremely high testosterone level.  She asked her to stop using the cream, retested her client, and found her levels returned to normal.  A similar situation occurred that affected another client's estradiol levels.

Obviously, many other factors could be playing a role in these case studies, but we do know that many skin care ingredients are in fact endocrine disruptors.  Avoid using products that have ingredients such as phthalates,which are also hidden in the ingredient label fragrance, so opt for natural fragrance from pure essential oils.  Phthalates have been linked to birth defects, male infertility, and thyroid irregularities.   Also avoid parabens which can mimic estrogen in the body. 

Remember when choosing natural anti-aging skin care products look for naturally derived antioxidants such as those found in Leaf People's Antioxidant Face Cream.