10 Skin Care Myths

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Does Milk Cause Acne?

Milk doesn't necessarily cause acne, but can contribute to it in those that are prone to acne.  It tends to be the first question asked depending on the type of acne.

Milk contains a protein called Casein that causes similar effects as gluten.  These cause inflammation in the body. Plus many people can’t digest them.  Not to mention the amount of hormones that are in regular milk.  If your acne is hormonal to begin with this doesn‘t help at all.  It also seems many people that drink milk and have acne, tend to drink milk very often.  There are various flora and bacteria in the body and an overgrowth will show up on the skin as inflammation or bacterial.

Not all acne is created equal.  So it may not be from what you are ingesting, but from what your not ingesting.  For example green foods, and other vegetables plus water.  If your acne shows signs that it may be caused by something you are ingesting, it would help to test your skin and do a temporary switch.  Some alternate options are Almond Milk - I prefer Blue Diamond, unsweetened vanilla or Rice Milk.  There are a few others I have never tried like Hemp and Hazelnut.  See your professional there are usually signs and symptoms that show that will trigger them asking "Do you drink milk often?"

Summer Skin care Tips:

Summer is not too far away and some skin care tips seem to be necessary at this time.

1. Sunblock, the sun can & will age you.  You must block the UVA and UVB rays, so a broad spectrum sunscreen should be the ONLY option.  I do prefer a physical sunblock which deflects the sun rays over a sunscreen that absorbs them.
2. Hydration, yes you must stay hydrated.  The heat and summertime can dehydrate you and this can take a toll on your skin as well.  It can give you a dry feeling and you may want to over moisturize.  When actually your skin is dehydrated.
3. Vitamin C and other antioxidants.  Antioxidants fight free radicals.  While you are having your fun in the sun it is very important to add that extra protection.  This will help obtain and retain radiant skin, and slow the aging process that the sun contributes to.
4. Looking for that glow and great skin with little or now makeup.  Mild exfoliation, Vitamin C treatments.  These can assist with giving you an even skin tone and continued Vitamins to nourish your skin.
5. Stay away from harsh chemicals and harsh exfoliation.  You don’t want to compromise the barrier of your skin while out in the sun.  This will contribute to further damage and aging.  If you plan on getting a peel and get your skin on track try to do these treatments before summer begins and just maintain with hydrating, nutrient based treatments during the summer.

Everyday I see many clients with skin damage, aging, and beginning stages of skin cancer all due to the sun & free radicals.  These things can be reduced and/or prevented with a little extra effort and knowledge.

Inside Outside Skin Care & Beauty

Just Like any other profession Aestheticians have there particular "gurus" they enjoy listening and learning from.  For me the two I will talk about today may not be my "gurus" yet, but I enjoy the information they have to offer.  It is usefull & necessary.  
Sometimes it doesn't matter what a licensed professional advises you to do or gives you for take home use if the client is not doing their part.  I believe in both inside and outside beauty.  I believe solutions are not just topical product usage but also internal aswell.  A pretty good book I purchased at Amazon and have been reading is "The Beauty Detox Solution".  
It has been proven that problems with your interal organs, systems, etc. can show up on your skin, hair, and nails.  So eating properly goes a long way.  So why do many doctors claim it doesn't, but yet know your intenal problems show up on your skin & yes what you eat & drink affect those internal organs & systems.  Do you have to commit and go to the extreme?  No, but incorporating some of these tips and solutions can make a difference. 

Another book that caught my eye while on Amazon was a book by dermatologist Jessica Wu, "Feed Your Face".  Why?  Because I love the name, I was originally set on naming my blog "Fix Your Face" ha! ha!.  Well she gives a 28 day step to smoother skin and better body.  Also goes into how and why food affects your skin. 

So do you have a skin problem that is just not going away no matter what you do, an alternate options is to look at what you are ingesting.  We live in a country were most of us are not going to go to the extreme of a complete lifestyle change.  Why live if you can't have fun & good food.  Well incorporating and cutting down make a world of differnce.  Baby steps. 

Stem Cells and the Skin

What are stem cells and where are they derived? About 30 years ago scientists were able to derive stem cells from mouse embryos. Stem cells are derivedfrom embryonic and non-embryonic tissues. These develop into different types of cells for the body’s function and identity. Embryonic stem cells are derived from remaining embryos from in vitro fertilization. These cells are then stimulated in a culture and can be differentiated into a specific function or remain undifferentiated. Adult stem cells are differentiated because they are found in the tissue and organ of the human body and are available in small amounts. Adult stem cells were first discovered through bone marrow research. Certain cells in the bone marrow can generate bone, cartilage, fat, formation of blood, and fibrous connective tissue. Per research adult stem cells can be found in organs and tissue, brain, bone marrow, blood vessels, heart, teeth, gut to name a few.
Stem cell usage and research is developing in the esthetic industry. With this development also comes agreeing and disagreeing with the use of stem cells for cosmetic reasons. Some professionals feel that the topical use of stem cells can lead to mutated cells chromosomes. Others feel that our cells are not repairing themselves with age and sun exposure and stem cells can help regenerate that process. At this time topical cosmetics are not using human stem cells but are using peptides and enzymes from plant stem cells. Some products and companies that use different types of stem cell technology include EMK Placental Botanical, Dior’s Capture R60/80 xp, Image and more. Some use ingredients that stimulate the production of the body’s own stem cells. At this time it doesn’t seem as if topical cosmetic products will use stem cell technology at all other than those derived from plants. One company has tried it and is also switching to the plant based stem cell.  This may change soon due to what we know and continued research that is done.
As we learn, adapt and advance as humans technology is part of that in all industries including skin. There is still much to offer in the world of science and technology. With many people looking for alternate non invasive and long term results many things will continue to be developed and enhanced. Hopefully within this there is enough research and clinical trials done to ensure there are no long term adverse reactions to some of these new developments. With companies trying to be the first to utilize new technology and make their product the best and still maintain a high price we are sure to see many things to come soon.