Monday

What Are Age Spots?

I've been asked this so many times.... what are age spots? Yes.... as I've gotten older, they've started showing up on me as well.

Age spots, also known as sunspots or liver spots, are caused by over exposure to the sun and free radicals.

Age spots can be easily identified because they are discolorations on the skin that are flat and brown, and are a result of too much pigment being released in a pecific area.

Most often, age spots appear on hands and forearms, or areas on the body that are not usually covered by clothing. Keep in mind that age spots may appear anywhere on the body.

Which products are suggested for age spots?

For discolorations such as brown spots, age spots or sunspots, we
suggest NutriMinC® RE9 products. Please follow the suggested usage for each product.

Why are NutriMinc® RE9 products suggested?

NutriMinC® RE9 REactivating Facial Serum and NutriMinC® RE9 Body Serum could be beneficial because they contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids. The AHAs and BHAs will exfoliate the skin and increase cell proliferation (new cell growth), which could help even out skin tone. For specific attention to lightening age spots on the skin, we suggest that you may want to "spot treat" the areas with NutriMinC® RE9 REpair, Corrective Eye Crème.

NutriMinC® RE9 REpair, Corrective Eye Crème is suggested specifically because it contains kojic acid, which is a natural lightener and could be extra beneficial in lightening these spots.

Important Recommendation
Melanoma can be mistaken for age spots or sunspots. We suggest that those who notice age spots that are very dark, that increase in size, or notice spots that look different than other age spots, consult a dermatologist immediately.

references cited:
PM Maia Campos, Allured's Cosmetics and Toiletries; June 2000
Word Wise, Les Nouvelles Esthtiques; December 1999

Menopause Sucks

A lot has been on the news lately about hormone replacement
therapy, and natural alternatives.

If you have not read Dr. Lee's books on What Your Doctor May Not
Tell You About Premenopause and What Your Doctor May Not Tell You
About Menopause, I would highly recommend them. These books are
classics and should be in everyone's natural medicine library.

Natural progesterone is very useful to balance excess estrogen.
Natural progesterone is also different from estrogen in that your
body can use it as a precursor or starting material to make other
hormones such as adrenal hormones. It can even convert it into
estrogen or testosterone if your body needs it.

Some of the reasons that estrogen is frequently in excess in many
women are:

1. Overproduction of estrogen. Ovarian cysts or tumors can lead to
excess estrogen production. Stress also increases production, but
probably the most common cause is obesity. All body fat has an
enzyme which converts adrenal steroids to estrogen, so the more fat
you have, the more estrogen is present.

2. Inability to breakdown estrogen. Excess estrogen is generally
removed by the liver. Diseases of the liver like cirrhosis or
decreased enzyme activity can lead to increased estrogen levels.
Vitamin B6 and magnesium are necessary for the liver to neutralize
estrogen. Increased sugar intake will also excrete magnesium and
interfere with its ability to breakdown estrogen.

3. Exposure to pesticides in foods. Most of us eat foods that have
pesticides on them. These and many other unnatural chemicals share
a common structure with estrogen and serve as "false" estrogens
which further stimulates the body's estrogen receptors.

4. Estrogen supplementation. Clearly any additional estrogen given
by prescription will increase the level unless it is properly
balanced with natural progesterone.

5. Decreased production of progesterone. Progesterone is necessary
to counterbalance estrogen. If women do not ovulate during their
cycle they will not produce any progesterone that cycle. This
happens commonly and worsens the already disturbed
progesterone/estrogen balance.

For More Detailed Information on Natural Progesterone: You can
purchase What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause by Dr.
John Lee. It is a paperback book that sells for $13. The newer
version that was published in 1999, What Your Doctor May Not Tell
You About Pre Menopause, has a blue cover.

Order Natural Your Hormone Balancing Cream Here


Read More About Dr. John Lee Here

Wednesday

4 Secrets For Younger Looking Skin

Did you know that the first thing people notice about you is your face? Also, did you know that having healthy skin is an important part of a great looking face? Caring for your face is an important thing that you can do for yourself... and it's not that hard. See below for some basic tips and simple guidelines meant to encourage you to care for your skin. After all, your skin is your body's largest organ... and it deserves some TLC!


1) Cleaning your Skin.
It is very important, no matter what your skin type, to cleanse your face every day. To keep pores clear and to keep your skin looking healthy, it's a must to use a good product for deep cleansing at least once a week. Your choice of cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Soaps containing perfumes and deodorants should not be used on your face because they have harsh ingredients and can leave a detergent film behind. Yuck! These cleansers can also irritate your skin and clog your pores (we all know what happens next!). When cleansing your face, select a product that is as natural and mild as possible.


Occasionally using a good scrub will remove dead cells and smooth the skin surface. Stay away from scrubs that contain ground bits of nuts or seeds. These particles may tear and damage your skin. A good scrub will invigorate without irritating or damaging. Basically speaking, the scrub should clean your skin without damaging it.


2) Moisturize your Skin

The most important thing you can do for your skin is moisturize it! A lot of people say that they have oily skin and have no need for a moisturizer. Quite the contrary! Everyone needs moisturizer... a really good moisturizer. Again, natural is better. Use products with the least amount of chemical additives. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and don't forget to put the moisturizer on your neck area as well. If you are going to be outdoors always use a good sunscreen. You can find good moisturizers that also have a sunscreen in them as well.

For more intensive moisturizing and to target damaged skin and wrinkles use products containing rich, healing ingredients, such as vitamin E, aloe vera oil or squalene. These oils are great for under and around the eyes.This is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin produces less of the oil that occurs naturally on the skin (sebum).


3) Toning your skin
Our skin is exposed to environmental pollutants and the sun's UV and UVB rays everyday. Toning can help keep your skin clear and firm. As we age, it is harder is maintain the elasticity of your skin. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids work well for toning the face. These acids can reduce the pore size, and unclog the pores... helping to reduce acne and avoid ingrown hairs.

4) Protecting your skin
Healthy, glowing skin is a reflection of overall body health. Protecting your skin can keep it looking healthier and younger longer. Key elements to the protection and health of your skin include:

a) Avoid over exposure to the sun. Sun damage may cause hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into cancer. Sun exposure also causes facial wrinkles. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially your face. Remember, you are exposed to the sun even while driving your car to / from work, school activities, soccer practice, the grocery store, etc. There are companies that make moisturizers that actually contain sunscreen as well. However, make sure the products don't have any chemicals, artificial dyes or fragrances.

b) Exercise. Exercise promotes blood circulation which increases oxygen distribution to the capillaries and skin tissue. This oxygenation revitalizes the skin. As gross as this may sound, sweating helps remove dirt and toxins from the pores. Always clean your skin immediately after exercising so you can wash the sweat and toxins from the surface of your skin.

c) Eat Healthy. Eating healthy food, including lots of fruits and vegetables will keep your skin looking healthy. Foods rich in vitamins C and E also help to maintain skin's elasticity. Drinking plenty of water will hydrate and firm your skin as well. No time to eat healthy? Take a good vitamin supplement that contains anti-oxidants and plant/vegetable extracts to help your skin be healthy from the inside to the outside!

d) Avoid Excess. Too much alcohol, smoking, stress or fatigue can take its toll on the health of your skin. These factors can dull and discolor your skin making you look old and tired. Get a lot of sleep and avoid excess to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant.