Top nutrients for beautiful skin
Top nutrients for beautiful skin
MAY 10, 2018
- DR LIBBY WEAVER
LAST UPDATED ON JUNE 18TH, 2019
From the soil, health and beauty are born. The soil contains minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which we need to live. But we can’t eat the soil, so we need a medium that is able to supply us with the Earth’s nutrients. The middlemen are plants, as they absorb nutrients from the soil and make them available to us as food.
However, if the soil is deficient in nutrients, then those nutrients are not in the food. So the quality of the soil where our food is grown plays an enormous role in our health and therefore the clarity and health of our skin.
You have probably noticed that certain nutrients appear in skincare products for topical application. I am a fan of supplying all of the cells inside the body with those nutrients so that they can be distributed where they need to go, including to nourishing your skin.
Here are some of the top nutrients for clear, luminous skin:
Zinc
This essential mineral is critical for wound healing—whether that’s a cut on your finger or the aftermath of a pimple. Zinc is necessary for the skin involved in these traumas to heal, and it helps prevent scar formation. It acts in the control of the production of oil in the skin and it also helps balance some of the hormones that can be involved in driving acne. Zinc even nourishes the scalp, helping to maintain the integrity and strength of hair.
Many soils in the world are now zinc-deficient so many people today are deficient in this vital mineral. Boost your zinc food intake with oysters from clean waters, red meat, eggs, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds or you may like to take a supplement.
Vitamin C
This superstar nutrient is highly effective at reducing free radical damage, such as that caused by overexposure to the sun or pollution. Free radicals consume collagen and elastic, promoting wrinkles and other signs of premature ageing. Vitamin C is also involved in the production of collagen, the elastic tissue that is found in the skin, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels. Foods high in vitamin C include berries, capsicums, citrus fruits, kale, parsley and broccoli.
B-Group Vitamins
The various B-group vitamins are essential to skin health. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) increases blood flow to the cells and is therefore beneficial to hair and skin, vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) are helpful in the process of skin regeneration, and can help slow the signs of ageing skin when consumed daily via what you eat. Great energy and vitality also contribute significantly to our sparkle, and the only way we are able to get fuel out of our food is when we have optimal levels of B vitamins. Good food sources of vitamin B1 include seeds, legumes and nuts. Get vitamin B3 and B5 from meats, fish, chicken, eggs and most other protein-containing foods.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Dry, inflamed skin, or skin that suffers from the frequent appearance of whiteheads or blackheads, can benefit from a radical increase of EFAs. They play a major role in skin repair, moisture content and overall flexibility. Since the body can’t produce its own EFAs they must be obtained through the diet. There are two types of EFAs—omega-3 fats and omega-6 fats. The typical Western diet is overabundant in omega-6 fatty acids (found in many processed foods, baked goods and grains) and lacking in omega-3s. Increase your omega-3s with cold water, wild-caught fish or through chia seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts. Good sources of an essential omega-6 fat include evening primrose oil and blackcurrants (seed included).
Vitamin E
A powerful antioxidant that can penetrate through layers of skin, assisting the body with the natural wound-healing process. Vitamin E also helps to renew skin cells, making them stronger by reducing oxidative stress. An optimal intake of vitamin E may also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Food sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, eggs, almonds and avocados.
Thanks for reading!
What microneedling actually does to your face
What microneedling actually does to your face
It might sound a bit daunting, but this non-invasive, highly effective treatment is the go-to for plumping fine lines and creating fresher skin with a rejuvenated glow...
Microneedling is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure for skin rejuvenation. A microneedling device (at Sole Revival, we use the Dermapen) is used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin, which helps it to regenerate itself.
How does it work?
Each fine needle creates a channel, or micro-wound to the dermis. This controlled micro injury triggers the body to stimulate the wound healing response. Fibroblasts (think of this as the ‘Mother Cells’) and growth factors (substances that are key for cell growth) are then stimulated to fill these micro-wounds with new collagen and elastin. New capillaries are formed leading to greater oxygen and nutrient absorption for a brighter complexion.
What are the benefits of micro needling ?
Creating micro-channels in the skin helps active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. This hydrating ingredient can then plump the skin, as well as soften fine lines and wrinkles.
By stimulating the fibroblasts (those powerful ‘Mother Cells’), we increase the production of collagen and elastin. This effect has been shown to last 12-18 months after treatment.
The effects and benefits of skin needling for various skin concerns:
#acne
Skin needling can help improve acne by stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of acne scars and uneven skin texture.
The tiny needles used in skin needling can promote the renewal of skin cells, unclog pores, and minimise the occurrence of acne breakouts.
#rosacea
Skin needling may help reduce redness and inflammation associated with rosacea by promoting skin healing and reducing blood vessel visibility.
The micro-injuries caused by skin needling can trigger the production of collagen and improve the overall texture and tone of rosacea-affected skin.
#pigmentation
Skin needling can assist in reducing pigmentation concerns by increasing the turnover of skin cells, leading to a more even skin tone and reduced appearance of dark spots.
The controlled micro-injuries of skin needling can promote the penetration of brightening and lightening products, aiding in the reduction of pigmentation issues.
#aging skin
Skin needling can help combat signs of aging by stimulating collagen and elastin production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The micro-injuries created during skin needling can promote cell turnover, resulting in smoother, tighter skin and a more youthful appearance.
Undergoing micro-needling treatments (a course of 3-6 treatments, these would be 4-6 weeks apart, is recommended) once a year ensures that the fibroblasts are functioning at a greater rate, which helps to counteract the natural breakdown of collagen and slows down the rate of ageing.
The process also leads to angiogenesis, the production of new blood vessels, and that means more nutrients and oxygen in the skin for optimal function and vitality.
There are plenty of other benefits too, from improving acne scars and minimising large pores to improving hyperpigmentation and stretch marks; plus, you can undergo a microneedling treatment anywhere on the body.
What are the differences between at-home and in clinic microneedling treatments?
Microneedling performed in-clinic utilises a much faster, longer needle, and although this creates a micro-channel for effective product penetration, the goal is to initiate trauma. This trauma, deep within the skin, kick-starts the wound-healing cascade, leading to stimulation of the fibroblast, which enhances the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin.
Short needle microneedling for at-home use definitely have their place in creating a healthy, optimally functioning skin that ages more slowly, but it is not a replacement for in-clinic treatments if your goal is to reverse skin ageing or considerably slow the ageing process. Using at-home treatments regularly (we would recommend 2-3 times a week) in conjunction with active skincare and targeted in-clinic skin treatments will ensure the best results for your skin.
What will my skin be like immediately after the skin needling treatment?
You will experience some redness for one to two days. You may also have a little puffiness around the eyes in the morning as you have been lying still and will have built up lymph (that’s the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system).
Product-wise, you need to use a good quality cleanser, hydrating products – no vitamin C or retinol 5 days pre and post needling). We recommend using Dp products to cleanse and hydrate the skin for a few days pre and post-treatment. This helps to keep the skin clean, protected and fights against bacteria.
Want to find out more about microneedling?
Check out our Microneedling treatment and book a consultation for a tailored skin care plan.
How to boost your microneedling results
Since introducing microneedling into Sole Revival Skin & Body Clinic we have not stopped in setting ‘gold standards’ in everything we do to boost microneedling results.
We continue to innovate, not only with device upgrades but by formulating the best skincare products packed with active ingredients to complement microneedling. And that’s because microneedling alone is only one part of the equation to maximising skin rejuvenation.
Our device and Product knowledge delivers a complete skin care system for ultimate results to boost microneedling results in-clinic and at-home, so you can enjoy beautiful glowing skin.
In-Clinic Treatment Boosters
Microneedling with Dermapen 4™ helps deliver solutions for many skin concerns including ageing skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, pigmentation rosacea, stretch marks and scars—to name a few. But to get the best out of your in-clinic treatments, ask your therapist about adding in professional-only performance ingredients into your skincare plan.
My top picks are
ÜBER PRO™
One way to accelerate skin rejuvenation results is with a chemical peel. And ÜBER PRO is unlike any other chemical peel. It’s the word’s first anabolic meso-peel and is exclusively designed to enhance Dermapen 4 microneedling.
The special blend of treatment actives in ÜBER PRO increase cellular turnover to help improve skin conditions including the signs of ageing, hyperpigmentation, melasma and acne.
MG-COLLECTION™
Our MG-COLLECTION, otherwise known as Meso-Glide™ serums, deliver professional grade actives deep into the skin via the micro-channels created by microneedling.
Each serum in the collection is carefully crafted to target specific skin conditions. They’ll improve the appearance of fine lines and ageing, pigmentation, acne or scars.
Now that you know about some of the next-level, in-clinic solutions, talk to your therapist and discover the right approach to maximising your microneedling results.
Boost Skin Rejuvenation At-Home
Let’s look at simple and effective ways you can boost skin rejuvenation results at home, in between appointments.
Dp Dermaceuticals™
Our skincare range, Dp Dermaceuticals is a non-negotiable essential in your skin treatment journey. And here’s an interesting fact: the products were specifically created by DermapenWorld, in consultation with Dermatologists, to complement microneedling. The two work synergistically together.
Dp Dermaceuticals covers everything from cleansing and moisturising to correcting, nourishing and protecting. And no matter what skin concerns you may have, we have specialty products to target them.
By adopting a twice-daily skincare routine, Dp Dermaceuticals helps prepare your skin before you commence microneedling and assists with recovery post treatment.
Step it up and add in the in clinic professional peels or serums, use the recommended Dp products at home and discover the amazing results of the Dp Dermaceuticals range today. You’ll be more than impressed!
6 Mighty Mushrooms For Immune Health
6 Mighty Mushrooms For Immune Health
By Nick Polizzi
September 19, 2022
Home » 6 Mighty Mushrooms For Immune Health
We humans have been foraging for medicinal mushrooms for thousands of years. They could be found in the apothecaries of Ancient Greece and Rome, the Taoist healing temples of early China, and are now back in high demand here in the Western World.
This innate love of mushrooms is shared by just about every culture on earth – why? Because these mysterious organisms contain powerful medicines that can keep you free of illness.
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of mushrooms is that they are considered to be modulators. This means that they go into your body and detect where things are out of balance – and then correct the issue by boosting certain organ systems.
Fascinating, right?
Fun fact – There are well over a million species of mushrooms in the world, but less than 2% of them have been studied for their medicinal value. Thankfully, the 400 or so mushrooms that are deemed “medicinal” have had a huge impact on human health – not only from an herbalist’s perspective but in modern medicine as well.
The most shining example is the penicillium fungi, which is the core ingredient of the life-saving antibiotic penicillin, a medical breakthrough that arguably changed the course of human history.
Ok, without further ado… Today I want to share 6 fantastic fungi that we keep in our pantry at all times – for both their immune-boosting effects and also their overall therapeutic value.
Are you ready?
6 Mighty Mushrooms For Immune Health
Shiitake “The elixir of life”
(Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms are not only delicious when sautéed in garlic (along with your dark leafy vegetable of choice), they are now proven to possess serious antiviral and antibacterial properties. Shiitakes are rich in polysaccharides that contain a compound known as lentinan, which helps to fortify your immune system. They also contain a number of beta-glucans that are shown to boost the production of white blood cells, strengthening your body’s resistance to harmful germs and toxins in your environment.
These beta-glucans also have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, particularly on the digestive system – which is where much of your immune system lives. One of these beta-glucans known as eritadenine is also shown to reduce cholesterol and promote heart health.
Stack on the number of B-vitamins, amino acids and fiber that shiitake contains and you’ve got yourself quite a mushroom!
Reishi “The mushroom of immortality”
(Ganoderma lucidum)
Among all the mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Reishi is perhaps the most cherished. Thought of as the “king of herbs” (even though it’s not a plant), Reishi belongs to a special class of herbs and fungi known as adaptogens. The dictionary definition of an adaptogen is – a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes. A well-known example is ginseng.
Not only is Reishi able to modulate (or rebalance) your immune system for optimal health, it is also used to bring your emotions and overall psyche into balance as well. Don’t take my word for it – try drinking reishi tea each morning for two weeks and report back to us… You’ll see what I mean
From an immunity perspective, the triterpenes found in Reishi boost the production of your immune system’s natural killer cells, which are able to detect and destroy cancer cells and viruses. Reishi is also a great source of biologically active polysaccharides, which possess a host of health benefits, including lowering blood sugar, reducing inflammation and regulating the immune system.
Lion’s Mane “The brain booster”
(Hericium erinaceus)
If you come across a Lion’s Mane mushroom in the woods, its otherworldly appearance is enough to stop you in your tracks. This mushroom looks like a cross between an albino sea anemone and a wild pom-pom. Often growing on the remains of fallen logs, Lion’s Mane is not only extremely good for you – it’s also a prized edible with a flavor and a texture that will blow you away.
This mushroom has most recently been hailed as a remarkable brain booster, because it contains a plethora of compounds that are highly beneficial for cognitive function and the health of your nervous system. The hericenones and erinacines found in Lion’s Mane are shown to stimulate the growth of new brain cells. Kind of a big deal…
But yet another accolade that Lion’s Mane has sitting on the mantle is its immune-enhancing effect. Lion’s Mane has been shown to stimulate the beneficial bacteria in your mouth and gut, which make up a large portion of your immune defense. These bacteria help to neutralize the harmful germs and chemicals that often enter your body through the mouth or nose, as you breathe in.
Maitake “Dancing mushroom”
(Grifola frondose)
A favorite Chinese edible, the Maitake has a peppery flavor that is a wonderful addition to any stir fry. This mushroom also goes by the nickname “hen of the woods” because some feel it resembles a hen sitting on her nest.
The Japanese also call it the “dancing mushroom,” because legend has it that the ancient Samurai warriors – as stoic and serious as they were – would behave like giddy children and start dancing when they came across a patch of Maitakes in the forest!
Maitake’s special power is helping to ease physical and mental stress, while also fortifying your immune system with its host of vitamins, nutrients, beta-glucans, and polysaccharides. Maitake is also being studied in Asia for its anticancer effects – particularly its ability to stimulate the production of your immune system’s natural killer cells (which go after cancer cells), as well as T cells.
Chaga “The diamond of the forest”
(Inonotus obliquus)
From the untamed wilderness of Northern Siberia all the way to the Birch forests of North America, the Chaga mushroom has been used for millennia for its powerful immune-boosting properties. Indigenous cultures across the northern hemisphere consider this mushroom to be one of the most powerful medicines in the forest… and the science now agrees.
Known scientifically as Inonotus obliquus, Chaga is one of the most promising mushrooms yet discovered. It contains the highest levels of antioxidants of any mushroom (more than most plants as well). This alone makes it extremely special, as antioxidants are vital for fighting off free radicals – which attack our healthy cells and make us sick.
When you add Chaga’s antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties to the mix, your immune system gets the solid protective barrier it needs to stay healthy year round.
Turkey Tail “The cloud mushroom”
(Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor)
Another tree mushroom like Reishi and Chaga, this organism’s scientific name Trametes versicolor translates to “of several colors.”
Turkey Tail contains a variety of natural compounds that improve energy levels and promote a healthy microbiome – which is the heart of your immune system.
The array of triterpenes, organic acids and alkaloids that it contains pack a germ-fighting wallop. Turkey Tail also contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK) that stimulates your body’s natural defense against foreign pathogens. PSK is so effective that it’s now an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan.
The great thing about the 6 mushrooms above is that they’re fairly easy to get ahold of – either from your local health food store or from a trusted source online.
*Note: Make sure to prepare each mushroom correctly for proper consumption – and if you go with supplements, it’s best only to use those that contain actual mushrooms and not mycelium.
Stay curious,
Nick Polizzi
Host of Remedy: Ancient Medicine for Modern Illness
& Founder of The Sacred Science
Is cellulite bad
Cellulite – is it bad?
It is important to understand that it is normal to have some cellulite on our bodies. In a culture where cellulite is often shamed, we want to speak about it from an Ayurvedic perspective.
Cellulite does not always equate to excess fat and adipose tissue. It can be related to unhealthy formation of the adipose tissues.
It is important to remember that people of all sizes can experience cellulite.
The individuals digestive system.
The digestive toxins in the body.
The functioning of the bodily tissues, particularly the plasma, muscle and fat tissues.
Lymphatic system and circulation.
Dietary habits.
Exercise and lifestyle habits.
If the cellulite results from excess weight, poor diet and lifestyle habits, we would treat the individual with more reducing treatments.
First start by reducing the fat and sugar intake.
Detoxification.
Body brushing.
Powder massage
Cardio exercise and muscle toning.
If the person that is experiencing cellulite has a slim frame, we would avoid excessive dietary restrictions, but increase the good fats such as avocados, as weight loss may not be suitable.
Oftentimes, the cellulite can be corrected by addressing a poorly functioning digestive system, so increase good gut bacteria in to your system.
Ayurvedic herbs may be prescribed during a consultation based on the client’s unique needs. This may include Triphala, manjistha, panchakola, ginger and more.
Interested in creating a specialised treatment program for cellulite?
Bookings online on our website
#cellulite #lymphaticsystem #fatmetabolism #digestivefire #diet #ayurvedicdiet #ayurvediclifestyle #ayurvedaperth #ayurvedaaustralia
* 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘎𝘈. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘯. 𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘺, 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴.
Everything you need to know about skin rolling at home
O Skin-Inject Derma Roller
(Micro-Needling Therapy System) Derma Roller (0.25mm) utilises 600 gamma-sterilised, micro-needles to effectively and visibly rejuvenate and regenerate the skin’s own natural healing response. The independently rotating disks with advanced silicon suspension system provide the most comfortable and beneficial treatment possible, whilst reducing procedure downtime.
O COSMEDICS Skin-Inject MTS Derma Roller supports:
• CIT Collagen Induction Therapy
• SRT Scar Reduction Therapy
• Cosmedical Product Infusion
• Skin Aging
• Lines and Wrinkles
• Acne and Pimples
• Enlarged Pores
• Pigmentation
• Body Stretch Marks
• Refreshed, Revived and Awakened Complexion
How to use
When starting out, cleanse skin and dry well. Roll over face, neck and decolletage at night before bed, follow with serums and hydrator. As confidence is gained and for best results, cleanse, apply corrective serum(s), roll over face, neck and decolletage every night and follow with hydrator. Use 1-2 times a week.
For optimum rolling technique, complete how to use and device care details please refer to O Skin-Inject Derma Roller Brochure inside roller carton. Device will last up to 6 months before a replacement is required if cared for as directed.
Cost $79.95
Recommended serum : as advised by your therapist
The-latest-beauty-craze-on-TikTok-is-Slugging–But-What-Is-It
Slugging it’s the term used to layer thick gooey substances onto your face.
We know that TikTok is not the place for beauty advice, but there is no denying that millions view all the crazy trends that appear on it, and slugging is the latest of them.
Luckily enough though there are a growing number of skin experts who are going on there to debunk the madness and myths, saving Gen Z's skin, from the crazy beauty trends.
The latest skin trend to have Gen Z in a spin is Slugging.
Curious to know what it is, or whether TikTok's latest craze actually holds some weight? Here’s the lowdown.
What is slugging?
It first appeared around 2018 on Reddit's Skincare Addiction subreddit, and is thought to have originated in South Korea (when it comes to skin trends they lead the way in crazy).
So back to Slugging, it involves coating your entire face in a thick occlusive like Vaseline before bed as the last step in your routine.
Using it as the last step in your routine is the most important part. The aim is to reduce TEWL (that's trans-epidermal water loss, which in short is the process whereby hydration is lost from the skin), the occlusive nature of Vaseline acts as a 'seal', locking all of that moisture in.
Therapist Jules O’Driscoll from Sole Revival Skin & Body Clinic points out that slugging won't add moisture, but it will create an airtight seal to stop you losing it. It gives skin a chance to repair and recuperate.
As many of my regular facial clients would know, I’ve been Slugging them for years, only I call it layering. When I know a client is going to go straight home and I can see they would benefit from intense hydration, I’ll finish their facial off with layers of protecting and hydrating sealers to give their skin an extra boost. They wake up the next morning seeing the benefits of it that’s for sure.
Is slugging good for the skin?
Yes and No! Plenty of dermatologists and skincare experts attest that for some skin (particularly drier) types, it can be a beneficial treatment to occasionally retain moisture. Jules O’Driscoll only recommends this method to clients with dehydrated skin, dry, flaky skin - or if you're experiencing some inflammation after an intense facial treatment, or your reacting to a new treatment or skincare product. The most common one I see is when clients have been overdoing it on the retinols, or the peels and are showing sings of an impaired skin barrier.
Who should not slug their skin?
"If you have excessively oily skin or are you're prone to acne, this would not do your skin any favours and would mostly likely cause it to get worse and could block your pores 'For others, I'd use it to boost their skin after a facial.
What should I use to slug?
First things first, before you slug, get your daily hydration from good quality serums and hydrators; they support your skin's natural barrier, which, when they're working effectively, will stop excess TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss - AKA dryness).
You can slug other parts of your body as well - try your lips and drier body parts (like elbows and knees) too. The key to effectively slugging lies in the preparation : in this instance, layering your skincare with lightweight hydrators.
Many people use Vaseline and petroleum jelly, ( petroleum jelly should be a definite NO, Ultimately, the only main difference between Vaseline and petroleum jelly is that Vaseline is made up of pure petroleum jelly which contain minerals and microcrystalline wax so it is smoother, while petroleum jelly is made up of a partial solid mix of hydrocarbons that comes from mines. skip the petroleum jelly please )
Personably I prefer to use a good quality face mask to Slug( Omveda mango butter ) or a sleep-in mask ( Ocosmetics hydra sleep mask)
As always I recommend you find yourself a good therapist who puts you first and will look after you long term.
Book a skin treatment at
Step by step guide to perform facial Gua Sha
Step by Step Guide to perform Gua Sha :
The Face
TO BEGIN
Following your usual skin care routine, apply a generous amount of facial oil or serum to your face and neck, gently massaging into the skin. Take a deep breath and drop into your practice, remember that this is a self loving and self nourishing practice that cultivates benefits far beyond one’s physical beauty.
STEP 1
Start your practice at the base of the neck, and beginning at the back, using the comb edge, perform upward strokes at a 35 degree angle and work around to the front. Place the tool just above the collarbone and gently sweep upwards.
STEP 2
Move your way up, under the chin and continue to glide the tool outward towards the bottom of the jawline. You can secure the skin at the front of your neck and tilt your head upwards to help you glide the Gua Sha upwards until you reach the base of your chin.
STEP 3
Using the U-shaped end of the Gua Sha tool (pointy end down), begin at the centre of the chin. Using your free hand, secure the skin next to the tool and begin to glide the stone from the chin, up along the jawline towards the jaw muscle. Then at the end of that stroke, follow the jawline to under the ear and twist the Gua Sha so you can use the smooth edge to stroke downwards from the bone below the ear, behind
the angle of the jaw.
HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR REJUVENATING VACATION
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE ON TRIPS TO AND FROM YOUR DESTINATION.
1. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
This one is the standard 101 no-brainer tip, wherever you are. But it’s especially important to remember when travelling on a plane with recirculated, dry air. No one wants to get to their destination feeling like a chalky raisin. Drink up! (Water – that is. Alcohol on the plane will surely zap your moisture and could leave you with a pressure headache. Wait until you arrive to imbibe, if you do at all).
2. Eat light and healthy.
We tend to crave not-so-good-for-us foods when we’re travelling. High carb and high fat comfort foods can feel like they’re relieving stress. But the reality is, it’s a short term spike of blood sugar that gives us that kick which just as quickly turns into a slump. Instead of grabbing a greasy bite as you run to your flight, try planning ahead and reach for a fresh salad or similar, packed with veggies and fruit for protein and fiber – especially if you’re going to be sitting for a few hours. You want your metabolism working hard so it can’t drag you down later.
3. Sanitise and mask up.
This one’s still very much top-of-mind for most of us but it doesn’t hurt to remind everyone just how important it is to keep clean in small, cramped spaces. In many Asian countries, it’s pretty much been the norm for many people to wear masks on planes already. It’s not only good for your own health, it’s considered respectful others to wear a mask when in a crowd. Also, it’s a good idea to carry around a bottle of hand sanitizer for elbow rests, etc. You don’t have to get carried away. A little goes a long way for peace-of-mind.
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE WHILE AT YOUR DESTINATION.
1. Ground yourself.
Arriving is rarely “arriving.” From standing too long in the plane to the passport control to baggage claim to the taxi to the ferry (or to the dugout canoe or to the donkey-pulled wagon) to the hotel check-in – you’re still travelling. No, it’s not until finally you ARRIVE and lay on your back on the bed if just for a moment that have you arrived. So breathe. Relax. You’re here. Take the moment before you do anything else to practice gratitude and calm your mind. This is the point of escaping.
2. Make yourself at home, with a twist.
There’s a plethora of lodging options around the world, some with the most amazing and breathtaking amenities. But one thing I love to do when I travel is to find a local knick knack, like a flower or small plant from a local shop, and bring it into my room. It’s just a little touch of adding my own design to something. I enjoy it during my trip and then it’s like a little leave behind of joy for the person who comes after me.
3. Adapt your beauty and skincare routine.
Even the most organized regimens can go awry on a trip. Try simplifying your usual routine, but be sure to adapt your serums and lotions to the environment. The hardness or softness of the local water, as well as the differences in humidity, sun or cold exposure, as well as insects and environmental pollution all can affect how effective your routine will be. You can bring small sample size treatments and products to experiment with in case you experience a breakout or irritation.
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE UPON RETURN.
1. Ease into it.
2. Take time to relax.
Yes, relax. Especially after a long vacation, you need to allow proper time to transition back to daily life.
Now is the time to let the whole recent experience soak in and lock those memories in to your own home. Close your eyes and reflect on your trip. Light a scented candle or apply some essential oils that you purchased abroad. Look at the pictures again. Treat yourself to a gentle under eye massage. Doing all of this helps ground and center you as you move from one experience to another, so they’ll be linked in your mind. You want to return home not only to your house, but to everywhere you’ve ever enjoyed being, amongst the memories of everyone you’ve ever shared a friendly conversation with on your travels.
That’s when you know you’re truly home, whenever you are.
Hoping you get to have a quality getaway soon!
Safe Travels!
- GingerChi
WRITTEN BY ELISA TAN
CHAMOMILE
During the summer months, you can find an array of wild flowers that are useful for a range of health benefits, as well as being vital for wildlife.
Amongst them is the lovely little chamomile flower, which speaks to the gentle power of this plant for easing discomfort and bringing happiness.
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind.
In herbalism the two most commonly used chamomiles are the German chamomile, which may be the most familiar, and Roman chamomile.
This little plant has long found a happy home in the garden where people would keep it close at hand to help their families with such unpleasantness as fever, painful menstruation, headaches, digestive upsets, and emotional stress. It is also widely regarded as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer. Chamomile’s abundant useful actions make it a wonderful herb of choice for everyone.
When it comes to using it for skin, chamomile has many powerful skin benefits since it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. It is also hypoallergenic and helps reduce skin irritation by neutralizing free radicals.
Three compounds found in chamomile that give it its soothing and healing benefits are bisoprolol, chamazulene, and apigenin. These compounds are especially great for sensitive and eczema skin as they calm angry flareups.
Another two powerful anti-oxidants polyphenols and phytochemicals may help reduce signs of aging by protecting the skin from free radical damage. These also accelerate cell and tissue renewal, reducing the appearance of fine lines and giving skin a youthful glow.
A herbal home remedy that can clear your sinuses when you have a cold, is to incorporate chamomile in your steam bath. It's fast and effective. The smell is also the closest to nature as you can be.
We hope you enjoyed this small piece of information!
♥
Thanks for this great article GingerChi Of New York
HOW DO YOU REDUCE PIGMENTATION CAUSED BY SUN DAMAGE
WHY DOES PIGMENTATION HAPPEN?
Melanin, your skin’s brown pigment protects your skin from UV damage. It is made by the specialised pigment-producing cells called melanocytes and is then transferred to the surrounding skin cells.
Studies have shown that without UV rays, the number of melanocytes (pigment producing cells) decreases by 10-20% per decade.
Any skin exposed to UV radiation causes inflammation to the skin (even at low levels) which stimulates the melanocytes to increase in number and clump together. Plus these sun-exposed melanocytes seem to overproduce melanin. Mottled hyperpigmentation, ephelides (freckles), solar lentigines (sun spots/ age spots) and pigmented seborrheic keratoses (AKA senile warts!!) are the main pigmentation problems you get as you get older.
So whilst freckles and sun spots are cute when your younger and that odd little pigment spot on your cheekbone is kinda nice, believe me when it starts to get bigger and darker you are not going to find it quiet as cute. It’s better to take some measures now to decrease the problem. You can start with some simple products. Used daily the new cosmedical range of pigment reducing lotions are excellent, and will go a long way towards lightening and breaking up the pigmentation. This will result in you needing fewer laser or needling treatments to get rid of it completely.
So how can I get rid of them?
Getting rid of pigmentation is never quick, the best results come from using multiple depigmenting solutions together.
Left untreated, pigmentation caused by the sun will most likely persist indefinitely and will not go away on their own.
There are steps you can start taking now to minimise and prevent further damage. The following products have the strongest evidence for managing pigmentation:
Tyrosinase Inhibitors: Right now, the most effective depigmentation agents available are tyrosinase inhibitors. Tyrosinase is an essential enzyme for the formation of melanin by the melanocytes. The most potent tyrosinase inhibitor available is
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): It inhibits the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to surrounding skin cells. We have various products available with this ingredient
Vitamin A: Really good evidence exists for Vitamin A for pigmentation. It tends to increase cell turnover, and indirectly inhibit tyrosinase.
Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid seems to inhibit melanin production as well as preventing inflammation in the skin which limits the inflammatory pathway in overproduction of pigment. This is a great powerful antioxidant to help with your pigmentation.
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol): Anti-inflammatory properties as well as indirectly inhibiting tyrosinase
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): They are helpful in treating pigmentation by increasing cell turnover and studies show they inhibit tyrosinase.
Don’t forget that it is NEVER TOO LATE to start to prevent more pigmentation from happening.
A day cream offering broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays should be an must as part of everyday skin care.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15773537
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/479104
https://jcs.biologists.org/content/121/24/3995
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769151/ ***
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0115/p109.html
Do you need to cleanse your skin in the morning
Yes you do.
Here’s Why You Need To Use a Cleanser On Your Skin In The Morning
As you sleep your whole body , including your skin, is repairing and renewing itself. It is going through a process of regeneration which means every cell in your body takes in nutrients and expels toxins. Your skin cells take in nutrients from the blood stream and the surface cells from the serums and treatment creams you have applied before sleep, then excrete toxins. How yucky is that?
Some of these toxins are collected by the lymphatic system (that's why drinking water before bed and on rising is so important) then processed through the liver, kidneys, and lungs (which is partly why you have the morning breath).
Some of the toxins are excreted to the surface of the skin overnight via the sweat ducts. One of these waste by-products is urea, the same substance in urine. So literally your skin excretes waste on your face overnight, so that's WHY you need to use a cleanser in the morning! Just splashing water will not do it.
Leaving sweat, urea, skins oil on the skin may cause breakouts, congestion and free radical damage which accelerates aging. You don't want to be walking around with toxins, waste products and urea on your face all day, do you?
So start the day fresh and clean! Your skin will thank you for it!
Was this article useful?
#beauty #spa #skincare #tips #salon #marketing
Facial Reflexology and why it is so good for you
Chinese Reflexology for Your Face: Hydrate Your Skin from the Inside Out with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
So here’s the secret to looking younger and having really good skin… Be healthy and harmonious on the inside.
Yin and Yang
To understand the ancient Chinese Medicine theory behind this approach to feeling & looking healthier.
We should look at yin and yang. They’re an essential cornerstone of Chinese philosophy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Yin is the black shape, and it represents female, night, rest, internal, and water.
Yang is the white shape, and it represents male, daytime, external, action, and fire.
These two elements depend on each other and when operating at their best, they will be balanced.
Day and night follow each other and rest and action go together.
If either one gets unbalanced you create dis-ease in the body and this leads to I’ll health.
When I see really dry skin and wrinkles I see an imbalance in Yin ( Yin is water 💦 , Yang is fire 🔥 )
And just like everything in life, as we age our Yin & Yang become depleted.
Yin is feminine so woman are naturally a bit more Yin than the males, so when Yin starts to wane woman are going to see the aging skin more.
Smokers usually have premature wrinkling, and from the Chinese Medicine perspective, it’s because the smoker is introducing the fire element—the cigarette into their bodies. The health of the lungs is reflected in the skin, so introducing fire into the lungs results in a yin deficiency, and that’s going to lead to the wrinkles.
So what can we do about it?
Try and keep yourself balanced. Replenish your Yin, the inner body will become balanced and this will reflect on your appearance. That means, eat healthy food, keep hydrated, and exercise regularly.
Then you can work on the surface appearance with the specific creams and serums that suit your skin. But remember without addressing any underlying imbalances we are not addressing the root causes and any change win our appearance will be temporary.
So the good news is, that you can strengthen your body’s internal organs and boost your energy meridians by balancing your Yin and Yang. When that starts to happen I can see a noticeable difference in the skin, you can actually see the inner glow.
This little blog got written after a FaceTime conversation with my sister Christina Forte, a fabulous acupuncturist based in the Uk. She was asking me how I developed from a Reflexologist ( BA Hons ) into a Dermal therapist specialising in the skin. For me it was a natural progression. As I performed reflexology and facial reflexology I found more and more people seeking me out. They wanted to an alternative to fillers and Botox and I had the knowledge, the training and the desire to deliver exceptional treatments that could erase the signs of aging and reverse the damage.
To this day my favourite treatments are the anti aging ones. We can take it slow and steady or be more active and use various hi tech options to get the results. I find it very exciting and extremely rewarding.
These days I’m generally booked out 4-6 weeks, in advance and I have to be very mindful of taking time off and keeping myself in balance.
It’s never to late to start. One of my favourite bookings was a lovely grandmother who was going to be attending her grandsons wedding and all she wanted was a facial that would make her look less sad. ( when your skin drops, you do kinda look a bit sad) so we performed a non-surgical facelift, using the power of radio frequency to tighten and lift her face. The results were fabulous, even if I do say so myself. It’s still one of my favourite pics.
You can find me working away in my home based clinic in Winthrop, Wednesday to Saturday ( Tuesdays an admin day, so a good time to call 📞 me)
I’ve made life as easy as possible for you by putting all my info, prices and appointment system online. You can even reschedule your own appointments if you need to.
Any questions feel free to pm me, I’m always happy to help if I can.
You can check out our 5*reviews on google, or leave one for us if you have visited us for a treatment. We love to hear from our VIPs.
www.solerevivalperth.com
Meridians and energy in reflexology
So let’s talk about the energy meridians right now.
2,000 years ago, Chinese Medicine identified 12 primary energy meridians that run throughout your body. There are meridians for the lungs, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, bladder, kidney, pericardium, San Jiao, liver, and the gallbladder.
In Chinese Medicine, the concept of an “organ” encompasses not just the physical organ, but also its associated energy meridian, and yin and yang elements.
And all of these meridians are interconnected, so the function of one organ and meridian depends on the function of another. If there's a problem in one, it will eventually affect the others.
Thus, in order for the body to be healthy and in balance, all of the organs and meridians need to be in balance.
The body's energy meridians are like a circulation system for blood. When energy is flowing smoothly and abundantly, then our bodies are in harmony and we experience wellness.
But if the flow of qi is disrupted, this can result in dis-ease because qi helps move the physical substances in the body such as blood, air, lymph and food. So think of these meridians like a river. When a river is flowing smoothly, the ecosystem is in balance. If a twig lands into the river, a healthy current can easily clear it away.
But if there's more and more debris falling into the river or if the current is weak or there's not enough water, then the river can't flush away the debris as easily. And over time, things start to get murky and blocked.
This same principle applies to the body's energy meridians. When qi is abundant and flowing as it should, your body is in harmony. And when it's not flowing smoothly,
that's when problems at the energy level can shift to the physical level.
This concept of balancing all 12 primary meridians for health is what makes Chinese Medicine different from the Western approach. You have to take a holistic whole body approach to healing.
For example, if a person has eye issues, the Western approach is to look at the eyes.
But this doesn't address the underlying imbalances.
In Chinese Medicine, eye problems are a symptom of imbalances in the body’s primary organs and meridians.
That's why I can't recommend five points to massage for a health issue because the best points to massage are usually all of the points
We cover all of the primary organs and meridians, in our reflexology treatment session. This is the Chinese Medicine approach to restoring health, improving your health and maintaining good health.
Reflexology is based on Ancient Medicine, so it isn't about addressing a diagnosed disease. It's about bringing the whole body back into balance so that your body does the healing.
Your body is the expert on the healing.
But sometimes it just needs a nudge in the right direction.
Now let me explain an old proverb: One disease, many treatments. Many diseases, one treatment.
What this means is that two people could have the exact same disease and symptoms, but they could be due to different organ and energy imbalances. As a result, the treatments would be different.
An example of "one disease, many treatments" would be the common cold. Two people could both have a runny nose and cough, but there would be two completely different treatments from a reflexology perspective depending on what is at the root of the underlying imbalances.
Conversely, two people could have completely different symptoms, but from a Reflexology perspective, they could actually have the same underlying organ and energy imbalances.
The treatment for hot flashes might be the same as the treatment for fatigue. The treatment for digestive issues might be the same as the treatment for eye issues.
When I learned Reflexology, the course did include Chinese Medicine theory. I have since gone on study the meridian systems further to enhance my knowledge and to understand how reflexology worked.
Working with the meridian systems gives you big clues to look for. When you spot these big clues you can customise your reflexology routine to help you meet the clients health goals faster.
This truly is a treatment that aids your health & well-being
Reasons to get a professional facial
When it comes to our faces, we don’t rely on just anyone to tell us what our skin needs to get that ever-elusive glow. Instead, we turn to skin care veteran (and celebrity fave!) Renée Rouleau, who knows it takes more than the right products to get radiant.
For many, getting a facial is a calming indulgence akin to a massage or a pedicure — though, maybe not as frequent. But, getting routine facials from a trained, professional skin therapist offers so much more than just a relaxing experience — most importantly, keeping skin healthy, clear, and glowing.
Even if your at-home regimen is working just fine, visiting a skin therapist could completely change the way you view your complexion, no matter your age or skin care woes. Below, I've detailed 10 reasons why you should see a professional.
Expert Skin Analysis
Wherever you go to buy your skin care products — department stores, pharmacies, chances are, the consultant sees your face with makeup on. The benefit of getting your skin analysed through professional facials is that the therapist sees your skin without makeup. This allows the therapist to cater to your skin’s unique needs, whether you struggle with enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration, it is through advanced treatments they can suggest the best products for your home care routine. In addition to his or her ability to identify and treat skin, your therapist works with your skin for an hour so they can achieve a real understanding of your true skin type. This is something that a consultant or department store salesperson is usually not trained for.
Professional Advice
An hour of one-on-one time creates an opportunity for the therapist to provide professional advice, skin tips and tricks. And, during the consultation, you have a chance to ask any questions you may have. Part of getting a facial is learning how to care for your skin properly. Most importantly, this “lesson” will include which products or ingredients work best for your skin type and how to care for your skin at home so you can maintain the results of your facial.
Most facials include a professional form of exfoliation using ultrasound, microdermabrasion crystals, enzymes or acids. Some of the exfoliating ingredients mentioned can be spotted in ordinary skin care products but during a facial you will experience the treatment at a professional strength. The exfoliation is specifically catered toward your skin type so that it will smooth the skin, increase cellular turnover, soften lines, and break up skin discoloration to promote more even-toned skin.
Clean Out Blackheads And Clogged Pores
With proper preparation and skin softening techniques, your therapist will use a skilled method to gently extract clogged pores, blackheads, and impurities without causing harm to your skin. People usually have a difficult time eliminating blackheads at home because home care products can only help to reduce the surface oil in clogged pores. It takes a professional therapist to properly prepare and soften the skin before manual extractions can take place in a safe and effective way. Though you may experience some redness after a professional extraction, this should not leave any marks on the skin.
A Scope For Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is on the rise, so it's increasingly important to regularly check your skin for changes to moles and to look out for abnormal skin growths. Usually, these changes are so subtle and develop at a slow pace so over time you may not notice them. A benefit of having a professional skin therapist work with your skin is that he or she will analyse your skin and bring to your attention any potential abnormalities that they feel you should check out with a medical doctor. An skin therapist is also a new set of eyes that may notice skin imperfections that you have been blinded to over time.
Problem Solve
Whether it’s dry skin, brown spots, redness, irritation, or inflamed acne, a good facial is always customised to focus on what your skin needs to help solve your skin problems. If your skin is prone to brown spots and discoloration, your therapist will use skin brightening or lightening treatments. If your skin is dry, then they'll use lipid-increasing ingredients to repair your skin’s protective barrier to reduce dryness. Facials are always geared to problem solve, and the level of your facial’s intensity is contingent on the severity of your skin’s problem. By using the right combination of ingredients and high-tech tools, an therapist can really create lasting change in the skin over time to improve its appearance to achieve your greatest complexion.
How to use a facial scrub
Intensive Hydration
Every skin type needs hydration. It doesn’t matter if you have oily, acne-prone skin, or dry, flakey skin. Your skin cells are like fish and need water to survive. In order to maintain healthy skin, it is imperative to keep it hydrated. With oilier skin types, the face tends to produce more oil when moisture is lacking, the opposite of what you'd guess. Oily skin needs moisture, but keep in mind that the moisture it’s seeking is water, not oil. Hydrated skin is healthy skin and a facial will help regulate the proper moisture level your skin requires.
Increase Circulation To Encourage A Glow
There is no doubt that when blood circulation slows, the skin’s health is impaired. Aging leads to slowed circulation, which inevitably results in dull, tired looking skin. Facial massages help to increase blood flow and circulation to bring oxygen and new nutrients to the skin. This will encourage a youthful radiance.
Stress Release
Aside from the various skin benefits facials can offer, they are extremely relaxing and immediately de-stress you physically and psychologically. Studies show that stress can lead to unhealthy skin, so what’s a better way to eliminate stress and promote healthy skin than a face and neck massage complete with soothing music and ambient lighting? And, if you think the $100+ price tag of a facial will just stress you out even more, go for an express facial, and get your therapist to advise you on the right products and purchase them one by one till you’ve built up your own facial kit.
Because You Deserve It!
Women tend to spend an exceptional amount of time caring for the people in their lives. Caring for the people you love is rewarding, but, at times, it can be mentally exhausting. Take just a couple of hours to yourself to do something that you won’t be required to share with anyone else. A facial is just for you and will give you time to re-energise and clear your mind. Nourish your soul and pamper your skin in just a few blissful hours at the spa.
Now, what are you waiting for? You’ll be glad you did.
What Does It Mean to Have Sensitive Points on Your Feet
“What does it mean to have sensitive points on your feet ?” when it comes to the Reflexology points on the feet. This is a great question because sensitive points can let you know what’s going on in your body at the energy level, thus empowering you to take command of your own health and well-being.
“Something new,
Something old,
Something chronic, and
Something yet to unfold.”
Something new refers to an acute condition. This is something that’s happening right now in your body. Suddenly points in your feet that you’ve never noticed previously, and that don’t normally feel sensitive, start feeling a lot more sensitive. For example, most people don’t usually feel much sensitivity on their Lung reflexology point. However, this area of the foot will become a lot more sensitive if they catch a cold.
Something old refers to sensitivity due to something a person experienced many years ago. The physical problem may be resolved, but there could still be an underlying issue in the body.
As an example, I have experienced people presenting sensitive lungs, that didn’t have any respiratory issues, no recent colds, no allergies and didnt , nor had ever smoked, however both their parents smoked when they were young. This sensitivity is an indicator that the area should be strengthened and reflexology sessions would start to stimulate the bodies own healing mechanisms, stimulating the bodies own healing process. To begin the process to strengthen the Lung qi (life force energy in the Lungs and Lung meridian).
When it comes to something chronic, this refers to chronic health conditions that have been ongoing for months or years. Chronic conditions usually affect more than one of the body’s primary organs or energy meridians.
For example, a person with Type II diabetes may be taking insulin to help control their blood sugar levels. From a western perspective, you would expect the person’s Kidney and pancreas reflexology points to be very sensitive.
Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM) takes a more holistic view, seeing the body’s organs and meridians as interconnected. The health of one impacts the health of the others.
From a TCM perspective, there are a number of different imbalances that lead to the symptoms diagnosed as diabetes. It’s different in each person, but a common root cause is a disharmony in the Lungs and Lung meridian known as Lung heat. Thus, someone with diabetes might have extremely sensitive Kidney, pancreas and Lung reflexology points.
“something yet to unfold “. Sensitive points can reflect physical issues, but they can also reveal imbalances that are only at the energy level. The imbalance hasn’t yet shifted from the energy level to the physical level.
Energy disharmonies can go on for quite a while before anything shows up physically because our bodies are quite resilient. But if the disharmony continues for a long time, it will begin to affect the physical body. That’s because qi is the energy that helps move the physical substances in your body. Qi helps move blood through your arteries and veins, food through your digestive tract, lymph through the lymphatic system, and air through the lungs.
A good example of something yet to unfold would be a cold, before somebody catches a cold, their lung point will suddenly become a lot more sensitive, this will happen before physical symptoms appear. This is one of the things I particularly love about the power of reflexology, it is the knowledge it can give you in advance, it’s early warning signal can enable you to take action to prevent ill health.
There’s an old proverb, that I understand explains how reflexology can benefit you. This is purely my understanding of it, and what I believe.
“ An average man will seek to take care of his health as it starts to fail, and that then gets his attention “.
“ A foolish man will bury his head in the sand, and ignore his problem, until it’s too late”.
“A wise man will seek to ensure he is in good health by being proactive about being preventative about his own individual health and well-being”.
Ancient Chinese Wisdom in Your Feet
There’s a Chinese Medicine proverb that says: The superior doctor prevents sickness, the mediocre doctor attends to impending sickness, and the inferior doctor treats actual sickness.
With Reflexology you have the opportunity to prevent sickness by identifying something yet to unfold through sensitive reflexology points on your feet.
For example, if you notice that your Lung point has suddenly increased in sensitivity, but you don’t have a cold, take action to look after yourself better, get enough rest, eat healthier, and slow down.
Massaging the Lung point will also help strengthen and harmonise the Lung qi, which helps to address energy imbalances that are at the root of physical symptoms. This helps to support your body’s own healing process. And as things shift at the energy level, things start to shift at the physical level.
Sensitive points on your feet can mean something new, something old, something chronic or something yet to unfold. But they mean much more than that because when you’re aware of the sensitivity of your reflexology points, you know what’s going on in your body at the energy level. This gives you incredible knowledge to be the “superior doctor” to prevent sickness and be in command of your health and well-being.
If you found this blog beneficial to you and there’s someone you love and care about, share this with them, you’re telling them you care about them.
Keep taking care
Jules @ Sole Revival
Reflexology foot chart
Why do I get bumps under my skin
If your skin is covered in lots of small colorless or red bumps, you may be dealing with Milia, these are small, bump-like cysts found under the skin. They are usually 1 to 2 millimeters (mm) in size. They form when skin flakes or keratin, a protein, become trapped under the skin. Milia most often appear on the face, commonly around the eyelids and cheeks, though they can occur anywhere.
Another possibility is it is subclinical acne. This type of acne can cause the skin’s surface to look and feel uneven, without ever developing into the typical “pimple” – pus-filled and inflamed. Rather, subclinical acne is simply congested, clogged pores.
These little bumps are caused by an excess of sebum – the waxy, oily substance that your sebaceous glands naturally produce. When there is an excess of sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, your pores become clogged, resulting in protruding follicles and a bumpy texture. Subclinical acne can occur in large numbers on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. It is usually most common on the forehead and cheeks, because the oil glands on these two parts of the face are highly active.
Subclinical acne is most often tied to your lifestyle, stress, and/or hormonal changes. So how can you reduce its appearance?
1. The first step is to improve in your cleansing regime.
Subclinical acne is caused by clogged pores, the first step in reducing them is to improve your cleansing technique. Firstly take a look at the cleanser you’re using. The best type of cleanser to use will be an oil-based cleanser. Oil dissolves oil, making a cleansing oil extremely helpful. Foaming or soap-based cleansers can dry out the skin, which will actually lead to MORE oil production, as your body will try and make up for what you’re stripping away!
The next technique to utilise is double cleansing. This may seem counter-intuitive, especially if you’re used to drying cleansers, but double cleansing with an oil cleanser will help to clear and remove dead skin cells. You will cleanse daily am and pm, but only double cleanse once a day, preferably at night, when your skin really needs it, after a day of makeup, dirt, and pollutants!
2. Use a toner
To remove any leftover oil or dirt left on your face (which is possible even after double cleansing!), the toner helps to balance your pH levels and decrease excess oil production. ( the Omveda rose toner is divine, smells gorgeous and is very hydrating)
3. Choose your moisturiser wisely.
Whilst you're working on clearing out subclinical acne, you want to make sure your moisturiser is nice and light and not too heavy.
4. Do not squeeze or pick
This is especially important for subclinical acne, which won't normally break the skin on its own, as the bumps are congested pores. Picking at them could lead to scarring, and can cause breakouts to worsen. The best bet is to flush out the congestion with professional facials and recommended products.
5. Peels & Masks
We have so many different type of peels & masks, we can choose one that will break down the congestion, cleanse and clarify the skin while also supporting healthy circulation.
6. Go makeup free for a few days
We know it can be hard when you want to cover up your skin but the best option is to leave it as clean as possible. If you feel like you can’t go bare then opt for an all-natural, lightweight coverage that will allow your skin to breathe.
7. Drink lots of water
Drinking water is essential for keeping your skin clear. Our cells are nourished and hydrated by water, and dehydration can cause your skin to compensate by overproducing oil. Double certified MD, Dr. Amy Shah, recommends drinking between 10-14 glasses of water a day.
Facials are workouts for your skin
Is-strong-skincare-better-for-you
There is so much information on social media where the stronger the skincare products are the better. Particularly when it comes to actives such as AHA's and Vitamin A, this information can be misleading. The belief that unless you're experiencing dryness and flaking on a regular basis that your results are going to plateau and the ingredients aren't working hard enough for you is not correct.
When your skin becomes compromised it’s a clear sign that If you over-do things, you risk causing irritation and sensitising your skin.
Most of the skin issues we see occur in the epidermis, so the first port of call should be perfecting how those layers are being formed. Once we do that all the skin issues will start to correct themselves over time. Wrinkles, loss of elasticity, rosacea and acne are all dermal ( surface) issues but really it all began in the epidermis long before it became visible.
Get skin savvy and find yourself someone into educating themselves to understand what it is your skin needs. When I recommend a treatment or a product to you it’s not to sell you something, it’s to help you. That’s my job, and I love 💓 it. Customised skin care programmes are the way of the future.
Think about the analogy of the marathon runner. If you were asked to run a marathon with no training or preparation would you do well, not likely, in fact you would do yourself damage. It’s the same with a good skin therapist, they are your personal trainer, setting you up for success. With preparation your less likely to risk injury as well as downtime and recovery time.
Jules x
Professional facials
Facial Reflexologywhy is it so good for you
Chinese Reflexology for Your Face: Hydrate Your Skin from the Inside Out with Traditional Chinese Medicine.
So here’s the secret to looking younger and having really good skin… Be healthy and harmonious on the inside.
Yin and Yang
To understand the ancient Chinese Medicine theory behind this approach to feeling & looking younger?
We should look at yin and yang. They’re an essential cornerstone of Chinese philosophy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Yin is the black shape, and it represents female, night, rest, internal, and water.
Yang is the white shape, and it represents male, daytime, external, action, and fire.
These two elements depend on each other and when operating at their best, they will be balanced.
Day and night follow each other and rest and action go together.
If either one gets unbalanced you create dis-ease in the body and this leads to I’ll health.
When I see really dry skin and wrinkles I see an imbalance in Yin ( Yin is water 💦 , Yang is fire 🔥 )
And just like everything in life, as we age our Yin & Yang become depleted.
Yin is feminine so woman are naturally a bit more Yin than the males, so when Yin starts to wane woman are going to see the aging skin more.
Smokers usually have premature wrinkling, and from the Chinese Medicine perspective, it’s because the smoker is introducing the fire element—the cigarette into their bodies. The health of the lungs is reflected in the skin, so introducing fire into the lungs results in a yin deficiency, and that’s going to lead to the wrinkles.
So what can we do about it?
Try and keep yourself balanced. Replenish your Yin, the inner body will become balanced and this will reflect on your appearance.
Then you can work on the surface appearance with the specific creams and serums that suit your skin. But remember without addressing any underlying imbalances we are not addressing the root causes and any change win our appearance will be temporary.
So the good news is, that you can strengthen your body’s internal organs and boost your energy meridians by balancing your Yin and Yang. When that starts to happen I can see a noticeable difference in the skin, you can actually see the inner glow.
This little blog got written after a FaceTime conversation with my sister Christina Forte, a fabulous acupuncturist based in the Uk. She was asking me how I developed from a Reflexologist ( BA Hons ) into a Dermal therapist specialising in the skin. For me it was a natural progression. As I performed reflexology and facial reflexology I found more and more people seeking me out. They wanted to an alternative to fillers and Botox and I had the knowledge, the training and the desire to deliver exceptional treatments that could erase the signs of aging and reverse the damage.
To this day my favourite treatments are the anti aging ones. We can take it slow and steady or be more active and use various hi tech options to get the results. I find it very exciting and extremely rewarding.
These days I’m generally booked our 4-6 weeks in advance and I have to be very mindful of taking time off and keeping myself in balance.
It’s never to late to start. One of my favourite bookings was a hothouse grandmother who was going to be attending her grandsons wedding and all she wanted was a facial that would make her look less sad. ( when your skin drops, you do kinda look a bit sad) so we performed a non-surgical facelift, using the power of radio frequency to tighten and lift her face. The results were fabulous, even if I do say so myself. It’s still one of my favourite pics.
You can find me working away in my home based clinic in Winthrop, Wednesday to Saturday ( Tuesdays an admin day, so a good time to call 📞 me)
I’ve made life as easy as possible for you by putting all my info, prices and appointment system online. You can even reschedule your own appointments if need to.
Any questions feel free to pm me, I’m always happy to help if I can.
www.solerevivalperth.com
Are You Using The Right Sunscreen?
SPF Explained – Are You Using The Right Sunscreen?
When shopping for sunscreen, you can be overwhelmed by the many products to choose from.
To make it easier, we’re here to explain what SPF is and to make sure you’re using sunscreen that’s right for you!
Let’s Start with What SPF Means.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. As Jules at Sole Revival Skin and Body Clinic explains, the number next to SPF relates to the degree of protection provided from the UVB rays.
To protect your skin from harmful rays, you want to be reaching for a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 to SPF 50+.
Now You Might Ask, What is UVB Protection?
UVB is the harmful rays that you want to protect your skin against, which causes sunburn and ageing.
The SPF number determines the time it takes for the sun’s UV radiation to redden your skin when using sunscreen products. As Claire states, SPF 30 offers 96.7% UVB protection, and SPF 50+ offers 98% UVB protection.
This is why applying sunscreen is so important to filter any UV rays and take care of your flawless skin!
Back to Basics
Anyone who has tried to buy sunscreen knows the countless choices available. From the different brands to different ingredients, and formulations - Where to start?
As each product differs, understanding the two basic types of sunscreens is beneficial in determining what is best suited for you. The two main types of sunscreen you will want to consider are - physical and chemical sunscreens.
What Is a Physical Sunscreen?
Physical sunscreens are formulated with minerals that include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These minerals act as a physical barrier to reflect sun rays off the skin.
Physical sunscreens are thicker in texture which can also result in white hues due to the zinc. Due to the natural formulation, physical sunscreens are best suited for those with sensitive skin as it doesn’t absorb into the skin, making it less irritating.
What Is a Chemical Sunscreen?
Unlike physical sunscreens, chemical sunscreen works by absorbing the sun rays. The UV rays are then converted to heat and released from the skin. The formulation tends to be more of a sheer and lightweight lotion making it ideal for daily wear.
Expert Tip
Sun protection is the best product you can use against anti-ageing!