We are thrilled to be working with www.webvixxen.com. They are implementing a brand new website design for La Vie Celeste. I can tell you that it will be absolutely stunning! They have worked with brands such as Lancome, Lanvin, Revlon and so many other upscale companies. Lana Antonova is the company CEO and owner and her creative design and intregrity are truly the best! Will let you know when it is up and running.
Happy Holidays to all!!
By Dr. Teri Dourmashkin
Some years back, Oprah Winfrey announced on her nationally syndicated TV show that she had been diagnosed with a low thyroid. Many probably breathed a sigh of relief because the symptoms she described undoubtedly resonated with a lot of viewers. In fact, I recall reading that after the show aired, thousands of women made appointments to see their physicians. Bringing public awareness to this often undiagnosed condition is certainly a move in the right direction.
Low thyroid is typically more common in women than men. Some women may first encounter a low thyroid during their peri-menopausal and menopausal years. However, younger people of both genders can experience a low thyroid as well.
Low thyroid or hypothyroidism can have a profound effect on just about every aspect of our bodies. This tiny butterfly gland located in the neck, regulates our metabolism and functions as our body’s thermostat. Symptoms of a low thyroid can include depression, cold hands and feet, hypoglycemia, weight gain, hair loss, arthritis, and can even affect the skin. Changes in skin can include facial puffiness, acne, rashes, eczema and dry, flaking skin. Less common conditions can include vitiligo and yellowing of the skin. However, dry skin is by far the most common.
If you suspect you might have a low thyroid, then seek out a competent physician. It is always wise to have the appropriate blood tests taken along with a physical examination. Your physician will look for various possible indicators such as elevated cholesterol, weight gain, hair loss, dry, flaking skin, etc.
The usual course of treatment is medication prescribed by your physician. Thyroid medication can be of natural origin or synthetic. You can discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
Even with proper treatment, your thyroid can still vacillate. Several factors such as stress and even seasonal changes can lower your thyroid. Often your body will tell you when you are out of balance. Even though I have been on thyroid medication for several years, I can usually tell when I am low. Recently, I experienced a return of carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands (many physicians are unaware that a low thyroid can cause this condition). Sure enough, I got tested and my thyroid was low. In this case, my physician adjusted my dose accordingly. Others may have a return of dry skin or depression which may indicate their thyroid is low. It will likely be different for most.
If you are experiencing dry skin due to a thyroid condition even if you are on medication, there are steps you can take which can keep your skin moist and hydrated. The following are great tips for dry skin, even if you have a normally functioning thyroid.
Stay away from harsh detergent cleansers, particularly those which are very alkaline. Most foaming cleansers and soaps are very alkaline. Alkaline products can dry and strip your skin. Use a very gentle gel type cleanser with no harsh detergents or a milky natural cleanser with can help keep your skin hydrated.
Use only alcohol and fragrance free toners. Alcohol, such as SD Alcohol 40 can be very drying. Added fragrance can cause skin irritation which can further exacerbate dry skin conditions. Look for toners that include soothing and moisturizing ingredients. Aloe Vera is an excellent natural moisturizer.
Use all natural anti-aging creams and moisturizers which use nourishing oils such as sesame seed oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba and almond oil. Some heavier oils which you may want to try are macadamia nut oil, avocado oil and evening primrose oil. See which formulations feel best on your skin. Natural oils penetrate much better than petroleum based products which tend to sit on the skin. Petroleum, mineral oil and lanolin may actually cause drier skin in the long-run.
Exfoliate with gentle exfoliators. A once or twice a week exfoliating mask with glycolic or lactic acid is more than enough. Look for formulas which incorporate soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and Hyaluronic Acid. Many natural botanical extracts also have anti-inflammatory properties which may help to reduce puffiness.
Don’t despair. Dry flaky skin which might stem from a low thyroid can be treated with both proper medical treatment and well formulated all natural skin care.
You Can Have Flawless Skin
Women have always wanted to look anything but their age. Young women always want to look older and older women want to restore their youth. As we try to have flawless skin as we age, we have partners in crime, foundation and concealer – they know our dirty little secrets and can cover our tracks. Choose a foundation formula that works for your skin type. Creams for dry skin, powders for oily, and mineral formulations if you’re sensitive.
Prep with primer, use a moisturizer with a silicone base primer so your base guides on smoothly. Also, if you can get an SPF15 product, all the better.
You must find the right shade by testing it in sunlight or a mirror with a natural light setting. Try drawing a streak across your lower cheek, the color should almost disappear. Generally, yellow-based hues look more natural than ones with pink undertones.
It’s important to cover blemishes with a thick concealer in the exact tone of your skin. Dot it on with a brush and pat with your fingers until it’s completely blended. Finish with a small dash of translucent powder.
Next, dot foundation along the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. If you don’t need full coverage, just apply it where it’s needed.
Get a flattering glow by mixing a few drops of liquid highlighter into your foundation.
If you have a rough complexion, wash morning and night with a cleanser containing up to 2% salicylic acid. Be careful with sensitive skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
If you have active spots, don’t rub with a washcloth; it can actually rupture pimples and spread bacteria.
Finally, speed cell turnover with an occasional glycolic acid peel once a week, however, that night don’t sue retinols and if your skin is sensitive, skip the next night too.
For additional articles on soft hands, beautiful feet, tons of celebrity beauty tips, and healthy recipes, check out www.AlwaysNewYou.com.
By Dr. Teri Dourmashkin
Pomegranate or Punica Granatum Extract, can now be found in a multitude of products such as juice, internal supplements, teas and even skin care. Pomegranate is native to North Africa and can be found in the Middle East, India, China, and Spain. Biblical references describe it as “a life-giving fruit.” Pomegranate dates back as early as 1552 B.C. when ancient Greek healers used it to control digestive disorders, infections and other health related issues.
Pomegranate is pressed from the seeds of the pomegranate and is rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals. It is high in ellagic acid, an antioxidant which can help combat free radical damage. It is also high in pnicic acid, a compound similar to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
Pomegranate is reported to have more antioxidant properties than red wine and green tea. The seeds contain numerous flavanoids, including isoflavone which has mild estrogenic capabilities. It is also considered to possess anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Pomegranate shows some promise in the treatment of diabetes since it may help lower oxidative stress which can lead to vascular disease. However, diabetics should be very cautious when drinking pomegranate juice since it contains a lot of sugar. A good alternative may be internal supplementation in capsule or tablet form. Always consult your physician before embarking on a new supplement regimen.
Pomegranate also shows promise as an anti-tumor compound, particularly skin cancer. Studies conducted on mice indicated that ellagic acid inhibited the growth of skin cancer cells. Ellagic acid has been shown to inhibit the formation of harmful enzymes which can cause cancer cells to grow out of control and divide too rapidly. It is reported that some drug companies are investigating pomegranate for its role in cancer prevention. Additionally, some skin care companies are now incorporating pomegranate into sun blocks to boost their effectiveness.
Pomegranate oil, which is extracted from the seeds, is being incorporated into skincare and cosmetics to boost moisture levels, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve elasticity and may even help to relieve symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and sunburn. It may also be helpful in wound healing.
We incorporate pomegranate in several of the La Vie Celeste skin care products –it can be found in our original face cream, our new extra rich cream and our eye cream.
We are thrilled to announce that our new and improved Extra Rich Cream is now in stock. In addition to our signature R-Lipoic Acid, we have also included Apple Stem cell and the amazing peptide, ChroNOlin. Great for those with dry, combination and sensitive skin –your day cream, night cream and anti-aging cream all rolled into one. Just remember to add a good sunblock to your daytime regimine.
Here is a great article by Always New You on treating combination skin…Enjoy!
What is Combination Skin?
Combination skin is a mix of oily skin in the center of the face plus dry or normal skin on the cheeks. Exactly which area is affected often changes with age – teens find the forehead and nose are big problems and this tends to be caused by hormones flying around in puberty; older women find chins sometimes break out and this is often linked to increased stress levels.
Outside the oily zone the state of the skin tends to depend a lot on your skin care. Using products to tackle the grease dramatically dries out the cheeks, chest and eyes. Fixing combination skin is, therefore, a matter of balance.
How To Care For Combination Skin
The goal should be to treat the problem on one area of the face without harming the skin of the other areas. Your first step is cleansing. Its’ best to avoid harsh cleansers that are formulated for oily skin or milky cleansers formulated for dry skin and instead use a moisturizing cleansing bar or facial wash. The foaming action of these will help strip through the oil and the greasier parts of your skin but won’t dehydrate the cheeks at the same time. After cleansing, use a gentle exfoliator. Many women with combination skin find they tend to get pimples around their nose as the dry flakes of skin from their cheeks stick to the oily areas and so cause blockages. Gentle exfoliation will help reduce this.
Exfoliation will loosen blackheads but, for the ultimate blackhead buster, turn to pores strips (little sticky pads that you place over blocked pores and pull off). These are perfect for combination skin as they allow you to focus your treatment on affected areas. For best results, use the strips every day for three weeks and then reduce to one a week.
Final StepUse your moisturizer and here you do need to pander a little to your different skin type. During the day, when beating the shine is what counts, you should use mattifying products to soak up the sebum produced in your T-zone without drying your cheeks.
This article is brought to you by Always New You.
We are so happy to be launching our new Extra Rich Day and Night Cream this coming week. We’ve been working on this super emollient cream over the last many months and are so pleased with the results. If you have extremely dry skin or you prefer something really rich for the harsh winter months, then this cream is for you. We’ve included a 5% concentration of apple stem cell, 1% R-Lipoic Acid (as found in our original face and eye creams), argan oil, rose hydrosol (found in our eye cream), monoi De Tahiti oil and so much more. We’ve even added in Vitamin B3 which is also in our Illuminating Toner. Vitamin B3 can help increase cell turnover, fade or diminish hyperpigmentation and increase ceramide levels which means more moisture for your skin.
We are so grateful for our wonderful customers. I want to especially thank those who have taken the time to contact us with their wonderful feedback.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
Dr. Teri Dourmashkin
Blackheads and pimples are two major signs of acne and most of us will suffer this skin condition at some point within our lives, what a lot of us don’t expect is for this to happen when we are in our adult lives. Acne is most commonly seen and associated with teenage years; however middle age acne affects 25% of men and 50% of women at some time in their adult lives.
One of the major causes of adult acne are blackheads and what should be noted is blackheads are not dirt. They are, in fact, a combination of dead cells and oil that have become trapped within our pores. These dead cells and oil then clog the duct and mixes with bacteria, which causes it to turn black through air exposure. Once these blackheads have formed, they then have the potential to become inflamed, which is what causes red colored pimples to appear. These red colored pimples then have the ability to spread from unclean hands whenever you touch your face. This is the main way in which middle age acne occurs.
It was originally believed that the best acne skin care regimen was to scrub the skin roughly when actually, according to experts, the best way of dealing with blackheads is to use a grainy scrub or an exfoliate that contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which will aid in clearing the area.
Middle age acne is actually a lot more common that a lot of people realize. It is one of the most commonly treated skin diseases according to doctors and dermatologists. It is a skin condition that currently affects one in five people who are between the ages of 25 and 45. This constitutes over 80% of young and middle aged adults. In most of these cases, the problem goes beyond merely being blemishes. It can impact the quality of life on a multitude of different levels, from self-esteem issues, to mental health, and body image conflicts.
Although it is safe to say that most adults will suffer the occasional spot or two, dermatologists are seeing more middle age acne cases than in previous decades. This includes people who are well into their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Some of the main reasons that so many middle age adults are suffering acne is related to hormones, cosmetics, stress, and an increase in resistant bacteria. Women, however, are generally more prone to breakouts as they often experience premenstrual flares and have an increase in the risk of a breakout during menopause.
Acne during your middle age years is an inconvenience that you could do without and, unfortunately, it isn’t quite as simple to clear as teenage spots. When you had an outbreak of spots as a teenager you would simply buy a product over the counter and the problem would start to go away. As an adult, however, these products are more likely to just dry your skin out as opposed to helping with the problem. It is important that you seek help and advice from your doctor or dermatologist who will be able to advise you of the best solution for your middle age acne.
This article is brought to you by Always New You!
Here is a guest post by Tisha Dotson on the negative effects that lack of sleep can have on you skin!
There’s no shortage of information about how lack of sleep can seriously harm your body. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re likely to suffer an inability to focus as well as impaired judgment. What’s more, you run the risk of increasing your susceptibility to heart disease. Yet there’s another harmful factor you might not know about: Not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to your skin in major ways. In other words, exhaustion will make itself known, no matter how you try to hide it.
A good night’s sleep is imperative for your body to restore the energy lost during the day, but it’s also a chance for the skin to slowly renew itself. Longer periods of sleep allow for greater periods of dermatological renewal, while shorter periods mean that your skin won’t have enough time to repair some of the damage it received. The major physical changes are the ones you probably notice first. When you don’t get enough sleep, you tend to wake up with puffy, irritated eyes, often with bags under them, and that state of drain eventually leads to greater wrinkles and lines around your eyes. Your skin will also start to lose some of its natural color if you live a sleep-deprived life: your face will be paler, and any blemishes like pimples (which can aggravate by lack of sleep) will be more visible. No matter how well you think you might be coping with a light sleeping schedule, your face will tell a different tale.
Here’s something you might not be aware of: When you’re stressed, your body releases a chemical called cortisol, a steroid hormone that helps the body fight stress but also takes a toll. Chronic stress winds up releasing copious amounts of cortisol, which can have an adverse effect on your blood pressure and reproductive system. You know when your body produces the least amount of cortisol? You guessed it: When you’re asleep. Specifically, three to five hours after you fall asleep, which usually lands between midnight and 4 in the morning. A lack of sleep, or even regular sleep disruptions, will result in higher levels of cortisol and wind up putting your body through the ringer the same as if you suffered from chronic stress.
So what do you do? There are plenty of remedies on the market for damaged skin, but the best way to restore skin damage caused by lack of sleep is, simply, to start sleeping more. Whatever’s keeping you from getting at least seven hours of sleep a night needs to go, or at least be re-organized in your schedule. You should also avoid stimulants before bed: no soda, no coffee, no nothing. Don’t ingest chemicals that will just make sleep more difficult. Avoid television, as well; if you’re looking for a diversion, try a book or some magazine articles, but nothing too involved or convoluted. The goal is to keep your brain working but let it wind down.
Remember: A good night’s sleep isn’t just important for your brain and body. It’s also the key to younger, more natural, healthier skin.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Tisha Dotson, who writes on the topics of medical coding certification. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: tishadotson86 @gmail . com.
This is an article brought to you by www.AlwaysNewYou.com.
Stress is an unpleasant emotion that causes a complex series of physiological changes in your body that can cause, among other health issues, dull skin, acne and premature wrinkling. This “flight or fight” response produces excess adrenaline whose primary function is to prepare you for action in an urgent situation by boosting the oxygen supply and glucose needed for energy, to the brain and muscles. The downside to your beauty skin care regime is in doing so; it also redirects blood away from skin decreasing the skin’s level of oxygen.
Repeated, chronic stress deprives your skin of what it needs and can result in a dull skin tone, lost elasticity, overactive oil glands and adult acne. Long term chronic stress levels can also cause premature wrinkles and discoloration of the skin as it slows down your cell regeneration process. Stress is commonly associated with hives, itching and acne, however, it can also aggravate or trigger otherwise treatable skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
What steps can you take to combat these effects in your daily beauty regime?
As irritating as stressed out skin may be, the effects are usually temporary and treatable with a modified skin care regime. Ultimately the most important thing you can do is to determine the source of your stress and to work on tactics to help you manage and eliminate the “flight or fight” reaction. For example, exercising regularly helps to produce endorphins that can help you reduce stress. In addition to the havoc stress can play on your beauty plan, it can also affect your immune system, digestion and overall health. For more information on how you can keep your skin and body in tip top shape visit AlwaysNewYou.com.
