Glycation and Aging Skin (Sugar driven aging)

Notice the criss cross pattern?

Glycation & Aging Skin (Sugar driven aging)

Glycation happens when sugar molecules bind to proteins and lipids in the skin leaving it deformed or looking much older than its years.  Exposure to sun will accelerate the process, along with a diet high in sugar.  Glycation interferes with the healthy formation of collagen and elastin.  Whenever collagen and elastin are compromised the skin will age much faster. In addition Glycation will deplete the skin of its natural moisture.  Hyaluronic Acid is made by our bodies naturally but depletes as we age.  A diet high in sugar can speed the process of Hyaluronic Acid loss resulting in older looking skin.

One way to help this skin condition, in addition to changing your diet, mentioned later in this article, is to treat it with Vitamin-C Infusions regularly.  Vitamin-C is essential in the body's production of collagen and is a potent antioxidant. When taken orally it has little effect on skin that is already compromised.  Although it is important include foods high in Vitamin-C to your diet, it is needed topically to help Glycation of the skin. Vitamin-C, when applied directly to the skin will help fight collagen degeneration and oxidative stress from free radicals. 

Basically, Glycation accelerates the body's aging process by greatly limiting the skin's ability to produce and regenerate quality collagen.  Smoking and exposure to the sun along with a diet high in sugar come together as the perfect storm.

So what should you eat?  Eat fresh, less processed foods.  A diet high in all vegetables and low sugar fruits.  Berries are a great fruit, for example.  Berries are high in antioxidants and low in natural sugar.  Sugar is sugar, your body doesn't know the difference.  Eat like a diabetic.  Diabetics need to stay away from all foods that translate to sugar in the blood. Low carb is a good way to go.  For example, if you eat a bowl of pasta with a side of bread, it will translate to higher insulin levels once digested.  Same as if you ate a candy bar.  Stick to low glycemic foods, your skin will thank you, as will the rest of your body.

Fruits to avoid because they're high in sugar are:

Bananas

Apples

Pears

Plums

Apricots

Cherries

Grapes

Figs
Mangos 

Some foods to avoid:

Pasta

Cereal

Oatmeal

Alcohol

Sweetened yogurt

Juice

Chips

Crackers

Milk

All Bread Products

Tortillas

Fried Foods

Processed Foods

The mind & body connection to the skin.

The mind & body connection to the skin

There is a new term, "psychodermatology" have you heard of it?  Probably not.  It is the term used to address the impact of a person's emotional state as it relates to the skin.  It is NOT a psycho dermatologist.   Just making sure that is clear.

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The research indicates that the mind and the skin are connected on many different levels.  Many nerve endings are connected to the skin, which wrap around the organs, so as emotions are played out neurologically they can be expressed through skin (acne, rashes, etc.) just as stress can be expressed through symptoms like anxiety or hypertension.  For example, when a person is tense their cortisol levels will increase which affects the oil glands which can lead to an imbalance in the skins' pH leading to blemishes.

Dr. Bruce Katz, MD has a theory which he calls the "target organ theory." Certain people have different target organs that channel stress.  Some get ulcers, others migraines, while some people it is the skin that is their target organ, these people may get rashes or other skin disruptions when stressed or emotionally strained.

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It is believed that during development in the womb the brain and the skin are derived from the same cells, so there is a connection.  The other immediate relationship is that when people experience stress in life, quite frequently, their skin becomes a reflection of that stress.

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What to do about skin disruptions that are related to stress varies depending on the condition and the cause.   If the condition is short lived, such as a temporary short term job that you dislike there is not much to do because the flare up is episodic.   But if the stressors are more chronic, such as a difficult marriage or a person is unemployed and unable to find work the conditions are longer lived and need on going attention.

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Talk to your skin care specialist.  Your visits are confidential.  Any and all information given can help tremendously when deciding which treatment options are best for you and your situation.Whatever information you can share will benefit you in the end.  Still not sure how I feel about the term "psychodermatology" still sounds like a crazy doctor to me.

13 foods that hydrate your skin

Cucumbers have a water content of 96.7%

Iceberg Lettuce has a water content of 95.3%

 

Celery has a water content of 95.4% 

 

Radishes have a water content of 95.3% 

 

Tomatoes have a water content of 94.5% 

 

Green Peppers have a water content of 93.9%

 

Cauliflower has a water content of 92.1% 

 

Watermelon has a water content of 91.5% surprisingly

 

Spinach has a water content of 91.4%

 

Strawberries have a water content of 91% 

 

Broccoli has a water content of 90.7% 

 

Grapefruit has a water content of 90.5%

 

Cantaloupe has a water content of 90.2% 

Visit our website at BRSfacialspa.com

Winter Skin Care Tips 2017

 Winter Skin Care Tips 2017

The ingredient to make sure is NOT missing in your daily skin care routine is Hyaluronic Acid.  Hyaluronic Acid holds more than 1000 times its weight in water.  It literally pulls in moisture from the environment as well as from other moisturizers used.  During the winter months it is much more common to experience dry skin.  Even if your skin is healthy and pH balanced, the cold weather coupled with the dry heat used inside homes and businesses simply takes a toll.  Not to mention that most of us do not drink as much water during the winter months.  Deep hydration is the life source of your complexion.  Here are some things to consider in your own skin care routines.  These are things that Beautiful Radiant Skin Products takes very seriously in order to ensure you the best possible skin care products & results. Try BRS Multi-Peptide &Collagen Elixir with Hyaluronic Acid.

Cleansing oils are a wonderful way to treat seasonal dry skin problems. Be aware though, that not all oils are created equal.  You want to make sure the Cleansing Oils being used are water soluble so they rinse completely clean.  The advantages to using an oil based cleanser during the cold winter months are obvious.  The right oil cleanser will not strip your skin in any way, will not dry or knock off the pH balance.  It will thoroughly cleanse and moisturize at the same time, while removing make-up quickly and efficiently.   
Try BRS Cleansing Oil.

Elixirs, by design, lack occlusive ingredients like waxes, fatty acids, and other emollients.  They are designed to use under other more emollient products to enhance or treat specific issues like hyper-pigmentation, pore size, wrinkles, sagging lose skin, and blemished skin types among others.  For seriously dehydrated skin a good Elixir can go a long way in turning that around. Elixirs have a lightweight texture without many additives to dilute them, they are a more potent and pure way to add active ingredients to your skin. Elixirs deliver high concentrations of active ingredients and should be an essential part of your daily skin care routine.  Try BRS Elixirs & Boosters.

The right night time moisture should have the ability to tackle multiple problems in a single jar. Used over the Elixirs the right night time moisturizer delivers 10 times more hydration than a moisturizer alone.  Try BRS Moisturizers.

Coming in November 2017 is the new Hydrogel Facial Masques designed to use at home between your visits for extra hydration.  Also coming in November 2017 is the new Instant Glow Facial Oil recommended to used along with your moisturizers for added hydration or use it alone.  May also be used to add glow to your skin after applying your make-up, also great on cuticles, elbows, knees, anywhere you have dry skin.  Will be available to order online soon. 

BRS Progressive Peel

Start your Progressive Peel now. Now is the time of year to do this treatment. Applied, at home, once a week for 8-12 weeks. This is a very gradual exfoliation, it will not interfere with your daily routine. These treatments are best to do during the winter months when it's easier to stay out of the sun. Resurface, lighten, clear breakouts, shrink pores, brighten!!! Pre-order necessary, product arrives within a week. Half the cost of an in office peel. HALF!   You can order online by CLICKING HERE

Here's how it's used:
Apply the BRS Progressive Peel 1x weekly for the time recommended by your skin care therapist.  Use Whitening Elixir every day and night along with your other BRS skin care products. Your skin care specialist may recommend you use the Progressive Peel 2 days in a row every other week.  This depends on our specific needs.

Instructions for pad usage:
Step 1:  After cleansing with appropriate BRS facial cleanser prep the skin with 90% Alcohol applied o a cotton pad.  Wipe cotton over face, do this twice and let face dry.

Step 2:  Wipe 1 pre-treated progressive peel pad onto the face (can be used on the neck and chest if desired.  Use a separate pad for these areas).  Keep product away from lash line, can be used under eyes.  Wipe with light even pressure.  Do not rub back and forth or pass over same area more than once.  A little overlapping is fine, don't worry.


Step 3:  Apply nothing else and leave on overnight.  In the morning resume your regular cleansing routine plus add the Whitening Elixir to your morning and night routine.  Use 1-2 pumps of the Whitening Elixir in the morning with your Vitamin-C Antioxidant Elixir and do the same at night with your Glycolic or Retinal Products.  You may pump the Whitening Elixir into the palm of your hand along with the Vitamin-C Antioxidant Elixir then apply all at once to your face, no need for 2 steps.  Same at night with your Glycolic or Retinol.  Use the Luminous White Skin Bleaching Cream every night.

Collagen Induction Therapy at BRS facial spa

A Collagen Induction treatment session takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on if you wish to treat the face or the neck & chest too.  As a non-surgical procedure, Collagen Induction isn't known for many side effects outside of some short term localized redness, which is easily camouflaged with makeup. You will notice an improvement in skin texture with the first treatment and even better results are achieved by a series of treatments over time.  A series of 4 to 8 treatments is recommended for most.

Collagen Induction is a skin-improvement procedure based on skin injury/repair technique. Collagen Induction causes a controlled damage to the skin with very tiny needles that create precise micro-injuries; essentially creating channels in your skin. This triggers the healing process, inducing the skin's self-repairing mechanism that creates collagen and elastin, both of which help improve skin texture, tone, pigmentation and lift.  The micro channels help special serums penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing their benefits as well.

As we age the skin becomes thinner, blood circulation deteriorates, and the natural production of collagen and elastin starts to slow down, which will cause the skin to lose firmness and elasticity. This natural ageing process starts from the inside out, but external factors can  accelerate the aging process.  Environmental exposures, sun, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, hormones, lifestyle etc. accelerate the process as well.  Short of medical procedures this is the most advanced clinical procedure available today!

Collagen Induction shifts the natural repair mechanism of the skin into high gear to restart producing collagen and elastin. The self-repairing property of the skin is a 100% natural form of skin renewal from the inside out.

Collagen Induction is the only skin improvement method that combines both aspects: natural skin improvement  with controlled micro-injury and externally applied active ingredients by means of special serums. A combined effect in the battle against skin aging is tackling not just the consequences, but the cause of skin ageing.

Collagen Induction creates a younger & fresher you in a 100% natural way.  The skin becomes firmer and regains its elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced or completely eliminated , pores become finer, circulation is stimulated and the overall condition of the skin improves tremendously. 

Lymphatic Drainage Facial Treatment Benefits

Lymphatic Drainage Facial Treatment Benefits

Lymphatic drainage facial treatment is great for under eye bags and dark circles.  Often time, especially as we age, our skin metabolism slows down creating puddles of fluid that present themselves as dark circles or puffy eyes.  This treatment is great during allergy season, after a cold or sinus congestion, or after a night out on the town where alcohol and salty foods may have been consumed.  It is especially beneficial to have during and after a nutritional cleanse to help rid your lymphatic system of toxins that are being released during the process.

A sluggish lymph system can be the cause of many skin related problems.  The skin is the largest elimination organ, approximately 1/3 of all body impurities are eliminated and released through the pores of the skin.  Our bodies are constantly being assaulted by toxic substances, from the foods we consume and even from the air we breathe.

The immune systems first line of defense is the skin.  Toxic build-up and sluggish lymph circulation limits the bodies ability to function properly.  A few examples of skin health related problems that can be attributed to improper lymphatic functions are:  

• Bumps under the skin surface
• Sensitive, allergic skin
• Puffy eyes
• Puffy cheeks
• Acne
• Dark under eye circles
• Sallow dull complexion

One of the easiest ways to engage your lymph system is to use a very gentle oscillating facial brush morning and night.  Let the brush sit on the different areas of the skin you see in the above photo, taking at least 1-3 minutes to complete the face.  You will notice your skin instantly looking more vibrant once the stagnant fluid is removed through the lymph system.  Ask for the lymphatic treatment when you come if for your services, you'll love it!  

At BRS we sell the perfect oscillating facial brush to engage your lymphatic system. You want a brush that is very gently and one that spins.  The lymph is located just under the surface of the skin.  If you use too much pressure it will not work.  Brushes that are too harsh, or too heavy on the skin will not engage the lymph system.  

www.BRSfacialspa.com

Best Night Time Skincare Advice & Products

Best Night Time Skincare Advice & Products

FACE IT....
Your night time skin care routine is so important.  It is the most important thing you can do to guarantee you wake-up looking refreshed & beautiful, ready to face your day.

The affects of sleep on your skin is not any different than the affect sleep has on the rest of your body.  Remember, your skin is the largest organ of your body and responds to how you treat it, good or bad.

While you are asleep the cells of your skin, along with all the cells in your body go into overdrive.  Your night time cells are doing the best they can to repair the damage done during the day from exposure to environmental contaminants as well as toxins we ingest through our nutritional choices.  During the night your blood vessels dilate, allowing an increased flow of nutrients and oxygen to be carried to the cells.  Did you know that your cells regenerate faster at night?  They do!  This is the perfect time to feed your skin what it needs to repair itself so you can awake with Beautiful Radiant Skin.  

The best night time skin care routine is one that will do 3 things:

1.  Exfoliate the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin
2.  Feel your skin with cellular regenerative properties
3.  Moisturize with a product that goes deep enough to be retained all night

Take a look at Beautiful Radiant Skin's Daily Routine:

Shop Beautiful Radiant Skin Products

BRS Treatment Cycling for your best shot at keeping your skin younger longer

If you are working our program the way it is designed you will see a difference in the quality, clarity, tone, color, firmness and overall radiance of your skin. If you are not working the program or only partially participating then your results will not be as good....but they will still be much better than anywhere you go for a 'fluffy facial." 

So what does this mean? We call it Treatment Cycling. It integrates intense once monthly facial treatments along with a good strong at home care system of products and 3 to 4 times a year peel or C.a.a.t. Treatments. When combined this process comes together perfectly to keep your skin looking younger longer. For more information on how this works follow this link or ask us about it. http://www.brsfacialspa.com/#!cycling-your-treatments/cspr

Add fullness to your face without injections with the right products

 Watched a TV commercial yesterday on a new product they're advertising that adds fullness to the face, where you are losing volume. BRS has had this product for years. In fact we have 2 of them. The ingredient that adds volume is Hyaluronic Acid and/or Hexapeptide-3. Both Firm & Lift Elixir and Multi-Peptide & Collagen Elixir have VERY high amounts of these ingredients. We are seriously cutting edge, all the time. I keep up on this stuff to make sure we have the best, all the time, because my face depends on it too :-)

How to have glowing skin this summer

How to have glowing skin this summer 

The most important things you can do are
 (1) Exfoliate 
 (2) Moisturize  

Using a good manual exfoliation product, we recommend and use BRS Exfoliating Pore Reducer   at least twice a week during the summer months to keep that radiant glow.  

Exfoliating manually, in addition to your monthly facial treatments, will make sure all the dead skin cells are removed on a regular basis.  A good exfoliation increases circulation as well as aiding in a deeper delivery of the product that follows, as well as helping to control breakouts and minimize scaring left from previous blemishes.  Exfoliating is a must do.

The morning skin care routine I recommend for every age group, no matter how young or old, for beautiful glowing skin is the same.  The difference in skin care products used for different age groups happens at night.  Daytime is the same for everybody.  Shocked?  I know, right?  We all want to start of our morning routine glowing and protected.  We leave the treatments for different age related issues to our night time products when your skin has all night to soak in and benefit most from all that they do.

               Follow this morning routine and see how radiant and glowing your skin looks

               1.  Cleanse 
               2.  Manual Exfoliation at least twice a week during the summer months
               3.  Use a Skin Softener to open pores for acceptance of next product
               4.  Vitamin-C Elixir to help fight free radicals and ward off dark spots
               5.  SPF-30 combined with moisture for all day protection

It's fast and easy and your skin will look great right away!  Curious about the different routines for different age groups or skin issues?  Click Here

Beautiful Radiant Skin & BRS facial spa

We'd love to meet you and help you with your skin care needs, if you're local please call us at 909-436-4364.  We are in the Southern California area, for full address and location visit our website at BRSfacialspa.com   If you are someone who has questions about skin care, feel free to ask here, or SKYPE us at 'Beautiful Radiant Skin'  you may also visit us on our Facebook Page

Carboxy C02 Facial Treatment

I love, love, love this treatment.  Originally discovered by doctors using it to help heal the skin of burn victims.  It has since been realized to have benefits to healthy skin as well.  Oxygen, as we all know, is good for the body.  As applied to the skin the benefits are as amazing as when you breathe clean fresh air.  The C02 Carboxy speeds the skin metabolism, increases blood circulation which helps rid the skin of waste.  This alone gives the skin a glow, but it does more.  This treatment will balance the skin by allowing moisture to be delivered deeper into the skin, it will dramatically and over time improves scars left behind from blemishes and other causes, it will brighten and lighten the skin and improve skin elasticity.  It's a fun treatment to receive too, super bubbly and intense, in a good way :-)  Check out more at www.BRSfacialspa.com