Anna Hall

Some stress can be good, however, chronic stress can and does create major problems for your whole body – immune system, heart, ulcers, blood pressure, pain, anxiety, migraines, diabetes. It is important to manage stress to help your skin.

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. Manage your stress to encourage healthy skin and a healthy state of mind. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results may be more dramatic than you expect.

Skin Health is Related to Stress

There has been clinical proof that hormones will effect your skin. Cortisol is the chief stress hormone. When stressed your levels of cortisol is elevated. The bad news is that the increased levels of cortisol breaks down collagen and causes inflammation. This results in skin breakouts, adult acne and rosacea. The other affect that the reduction in collagen has is the increase of fine lines and wrinkles.

Your Skin is Aggravated by Stress

Stress may manifest itself in many ways, hives, various forms of eczema and other chronic itching, scratching and rubbing conditions. Stress has been shown to intensify skin conditions and even infectious diseases, such as herpes and shingles viral infections

Itching, Scratching and Picking Only Make it Worse

Skin conditions are worsened by stress. These can range from common acne, which is picked by the anxious or nervous patient, to severe dermatologic conditions resulting in chronic rubbing and picking of the skin. The itching and rubbing can turn into a chronic compulsion.

Find Ways to Manage Your Stress

Stress has a significant affect on you as a whole – your mind and body. It is essential to find ways to manage your stress and deal with the root causes of the stress as quickly as you are able to. If you feel that your stress load is too great for you to cope with alone, you may chose to speak with a confidant, a trusted family member or a professional.

Here are a few thoughts on how you can reduce your stress levels:

• Share your feelings instead of bottling them up.
• Be willing to compromise.
• Be more assertive.
• Set limits.
• Accept the things you can’t change.
• Don’t try to control the uncontrollable.
• Look for the upside of any situation.
• Focus on the positive
• Learn to forgive.
• Take a step back and look at the big picture.
• If necessary, adjust your standards (e.g. perfectionism can cause a lot of stress).
• Make sure to get enough sleep.
• Get adequate physical activity.
• Get help from a professional if you need it.

Some techniques to help you cope with stress.

• Take a break from your usual routine.
• Seek a diversion. Dance, go to the theater, listen to music, go for a walk, make a cake.
• Relax (using deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or massage).
• Take a long hot bath.
• Get a massage — professional or from a willing loved one.
• Take a little time for yourself.
• Try volunteering at a local food bank or animal shelter.
• Think about the big picture; this may help you put the stressful situation in perspective.
• Write down your thoughts. Alternatively, you can use Guatemalan “worry dolls,” pocket-sized dolls that you tell your thoughts to when you feel stressed.
• Talk to friends or loved ones.
• Avoid dealing with stress in unhealthy ways (such as smoking, drinking, or overeating).

Bottom line, at the time being stress is overwhelming but it can be managed and brought under control. You really must do this for your long term well being and good skin.

As always I look forward to your comments.

Make it a wonderful day!

Anna

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Testimonial

I love the feel and condition of my skin. Turning 51 tomorrow, I still look like I am in my 30’s. – Dianne Partee, WA

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Skin is quite resilient and arguably subjected to more than any other human organ. However, the skin is delicate in its own way, and if abused, will react with breakouts, rashes, and other signs that it’s being mistreated.

You should be careful to not underestimate the importance of proper skin care, especially for your face. A basic routine should be developed with the onset of puberty. This is the time that the oil production in the skin increases and the tendency for breakouts become more pronounced.

Facial skin care is relatively straight forward and should not be complicated. You should be aware that there are many different types of products on the market and not all are created equal. Your preferable choice would be to go with and all natural ultra premium product line. The process consists of 3 basic steps:

1. cleansing
2. toning
3. moisturizing

Cleansing: The process of removing the dirt, makeup, oil, and general daily grime from your face. Wash your face being sure to clean all areas, and rinse well with water. Using your clean hands is preferable because of the potential for bacterial growth that may occur on a washcloth or cleansing pad. After washing thoroughly rinsing your face (splashing your face 5-10 times with warm water), pat dry with a clean, soft cloth or towel.

Toning: Using a specially formulated toner to remove any last traces of soap, makeup, oil, and grime. Although some consider this an optional step, the evidence on the cotton pad after use convinces me that this step is effective and necessary. You want to be sure to choose a product that is well suited to your skin. Pay particular attention to the amount of alcohol in a toner, keeping in mind that alcohol can be very drying to the skin.

Moisturizing: The replenishing of natural moisture that your skin loses through cleansing and daily life. Dot on cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead, and blend gently and thoroughly, taking care not to pull or tug at the skin

I recommend following this basic three-step skin care routine twice a day, once in the morning and before going to bed. Extremely oily skin types may benefit from an additional gentle cleansing midday, be careful not to get carried away and over do it as that can result in even greater oil production for your skin.

Depending on your skin type, you may want to do additional skin treatments. To remove dead skin cells, you can use a scrub or other exfoliant, from once a week up to once a day. Just be sure the product is not too abrasive and the application is gentle. This will help in making your skin clearer, and aid less of a tendency towards breakouts and blotchiness.

Masks, can be used as often as a couple of times a week or as little as once every month or two. A mask is formulated to treat everything from very dry to very oily skin. The mask will offer you an intensive moisture treatment, a deep cleansing experience, or simply a gentle aroma therapeutic cleansing boost.

Eye creams, are appropriate for even the dry skinned teenager, but find their most appreciative audience in those age 30 and older.

In closing, for your daily facial skin care be sure to apply a sun screen.  An SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 is ideally the minimum will want to use to guard against risk of sun damage, skin cancer, premature aging, and wrinkling. Be sure your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Let me know what you think, I look forward to your comments.

Make it a wonderful day!

Anna

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Anti-Aging RE9

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I love the feel and condition of my skin. Turning 51 tomorrow, I still look like I am in my 30’s. – Dianne Partee, WA

Contact me for Samples and Discounts available on these and other products.

This is a continuation of the post  5 Tips to Have Healthy Skin and the effects if smoking and your skin.

Effects of smoking on your skin:

Your skin becomes pale and yellow in color: As the oxygen content in your blood gradually reduces due to smoking your skin shows the effects by becoming pale and yellowish in color. This is one of the most noticeable effects of smoking on skin.

You can experience premature aging: Due to cigarette smoking your skin will age more rapidly. Each cigarette uses almost 35 milligrams of vitamin C from your body. If this vitamin is not present in your body, then it can lead to deficiency of this vitamin your skin will show the effects.

Collagen: The main substance which is responsible for youthful and glowing look in your skin. If you smoke, the levels of collagen gradually reduces and results in adverse effects on your skin.

Smoking constricts the blood capillaries in your skin: This results in a decreased blood supply to your.

Smoking results in impaired blood flow: Formation of wrinkles is the most significant evident for effects of smoking on the skin. This is due to the reduced supply of blood along with healthy nutrients. This gradually reduces the skins elasticity, which is commonly known as wrinkles.

Apart from formation of wrinkles: smoking leads to damage of skin on the other parts of your body including inner arms.

The tobacco smoke: which is released into the air while smoking, can contribute to dry skin.

Vitamin A: One of the essential vitamins for your skin. Vitamin A helps protect your skin from harmful allergens and chemicals. Smoking gradually reduces the content of vitamin A in your body. This results in your skin becoming more prone to allergies and damage by the agents produced by smoking.

You can also develop hallow cheeks: As a byproduct of extended sucking of cigarettes your cheeks will become hallow. Typically seen in the under-weight smokers.

Prolonged smoking can lead to discoloration: I am sure you have seen people who have smoked for an extended period of time, their fingers and finger nails become yellowish and discolored as a result of holding the cigarette.

Smoking can also cause yellowing of teeth: The teeth show the effects of the smoke through a yellowing in color. Smoking also contributes to bad breath.

As smoking is the root cause for these adverse effects on your skin, it is very essential for you to quit the habit of smoking if you really want a healthy glowing skin.

As always I look forward to your comments.

Make it a wonderful day!

Anna

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In 5 Tips to Healthy Skin the first step was to protect yourself from the sun. UV sun protection is critical to good skin care. And with the disturbing number of skin cancer cases being diagnosed all over the world, it has become more apparent that people of all colors need protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

UV Sun Protection should be kept in mind all year round, not just a bright sunny day at the beach. UV rays reach your skin regardless of the weather during the day. It does not matter if it is cloudy, hazy or bright and sunny. Some people are not aware that UV rays reflect off of surfaces such as water, cement, sand, and snow.

In the USA, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time, are the most dangerous for UV exposure. The late spring and early summer months have the highest concentration of UV rays in North America.

Protection should begin at birth and continue throughout life. Individuals who have fair skin and light eyes should be extra careful. Infants and babies should be kept out of the direct sun and should wear sun protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses. It is best to only use a sun block with zinc and/or titanium dioxide. Be sure to apply only on exposed skin such as hands and face but it is best to keep them out of the sun if possible.

As the child grows n to adolescents UV sun protection should be encouraged. Being adolescents, it will probably be more difficult to convince them to use sun protection, but they need to understand the significance. They should begin to become more aware of their skin and check their skin for possible changes. Skin cancers are not so common in teenagers, however more are being diagnosed as time goes by.

Adults should be sure to use UV sun protection daily. Skin damaged from childhood sun exposure may be more vulnerable to skin cancers. It is important to know that skin cancers can be appear at any time. Be sure to wear UV sun protection because some damage can be reversed with proper care. It is very important that adults routinely check their skin for changes.

Basic recommendations for UV sun protection:

• Always apply a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and a sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
• Always be sure protect your exposed skin with tight knit clothing.
• Always protect your face, head, ears, and neck by wearing a hat with a wide brim.
• Always wear sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection and that wrap around.
• Always seek shade when possible, especially important during midday hours.

Following these basic steps will help you enjoy the sun and not be as concerned with the potential harmful effects of UV radiation.

As always I look forward to your comments.

Make it a wonderful day!

Anna

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Testimonial

I love the feel and condition of my skin. Turning 51 tomorrow, I still look like I am in my 30’s. – Dianne Partee, WA

Contact me for Samples and Discounts available on these and other products.

If you want to have healthy skin it does not have to be an unreasonable routine or big ordeal. As it is quite often, common sense will go a long way. Just take a few simple steps and be aware of what you are doing when it comes to sun, smoking, bathing, diet and stress. You will be amazed at the end results and be much happier with your appearance as time moves forward, which it inevitably will.

1. Protect yourself from the sun:
   As much as many of s love the sun and the look of that perfect tan, The sun is probably the biggest enemy of maintaining beautiful skin. The most important way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, freckles, age spots and rough, dry skin. Sun exposure can also cause more-serious problems, such as skin cancer.For the most complete sun protection you should avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Consider wearing protective clothing, such as tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Sun protective clothing is available, which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable. Use sunscreen when you’re in the sun. Be sure not to skimp on the sunscreen, Apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.
   .
2. Don’t smoke:
   Smoking has shown not health benefit whatsoever, but people get addicted to smoking. Your skin is no exception, smoking makes your skin look older and help in creating wrinkles. You ask how does smoking cause skin issues?
   • Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are vital to healthy skin.
   • Smoking damages the critical element in your skin, collagen and elastin. These fibers give your skin its strength and elasticity.
   • The repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking, such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke help to contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. If you are unable to quit, you should consult  doctor to help you stop smoking.
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3. Treat your skin gently:

Although an important part of our daily routines. daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. You must keep it gentle:Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin.

• • Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
  • Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
  • Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
  • Pat dry.

After you wash or that a shower or bath, be sure to lightly pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin. Be sure to moisturize dry skin with a moisturizer that makes your skin look and feel soft.

.4. Eat a healthy diet

One of the basics should be a healthy diet. This can help you look and feel your best. Be sure to eat plenty of  healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. Manage your stress to encourage healthy skin and a healthy state of mind. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results may be more dramatic than you expect.

As always I look forward to your comments.

Make it a wonderful day!

Anna

***************************

You may be interested in the following‚

Anti-Aging RE9

BefoRE Sun, Sun Care

Testimonial

I love the feel and condition of my skin. Turning 51 tomorrow, I still look like I am in my 30’s. – Dianne Partee, WA

Contact me for Samples and Discounts available on these and other products.

Good skin care does not have to be difficult including sun protection and gentle cleansing with the right products can keep your skin healthy and glowing for many years.

It has been my experience that almost every person I know wants to have nice skin. This is perhaps a bit more true for women, but most men are concerned with their skin as well they just may not want to admit it.

Skin is the largest organ of our body. As we get older, we develop wrinkles, dry skin and with sun exposure our skin develops age spots. Additionally, different growths such as skin tags, warts, and uneven discoloration amongst many other skin issues become apparent.

Skin Problems

I am sure you know people of same age with totally different skin, one has soft smooth skin and another shows signs of wrinkles, dryness and much discoloration. The person that cares for their skin from a young age will keep their skin looking good for a much longer time. There are of course cosmetic treatments and procedures can repair the skin, but only to a certain point. Good basic skin care carried out daily is a much better alternative.

A Healthier Solution

The healthier solution is to take appropriate care of your skin to keep it more beautiful. With proper skin care, we can, not only keep it healthy but also keep it looking young for a longer time. Most people have a skin care routine. There are those of us who take a shower or bath daily wash their face and body with harsh soap as their skin care routine. The reality of this routine is that your skin will get drier and drier and the skin issues above will become more apparent more quickly.

I Don’t Have Time

Don’t have time for intensive skin care? I would recommend that you pamper yourself with the basics of skin care. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems.

The 5 basics:

1. Cleanse
2. Exfoliate
3. Tone
4. Moisturize
5. Sun Care

More detail to follow about the different steps to having clear, soft beautiful skin.

As always I look forward to your comments.

Make it a wonderful day!

Anna

***************************

You may be interested in the following‚

Anti-Aging RE9

BefoRE Sun, Sun Care

Testimonial

I love the feel and condition of my skin. Turning 51 tomorrow, I still look like I am in my 30’s. – Dianne Partee, WA

Contact me for Samples and Discounts available on these and other products.

All women I know want to get rid of cellulite!  Is it possible? Below you will find some helpful tips. (be sure to see the video below)

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a topographic skin change that is claimed to occur in most post pubertal females. Descriptive names for cellulite include orange peel syndrome, and cottage cheese skin. It appears as a change of skin topography evident by skin dimpling that occurs mainly in women on the pelvic region, lower limbs, and abdomen and is caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue, leading to a padded or orange peel–like appearance.

Cellulite is a description rather than a physical object. The term was first used in the 1920s and began appearing in English language publications in the late 1960s, the earliest reference in Vogue magazine, “Like a swift migrating fish the word cellulite has suddenly crossed the Atlantic.”

Its existence as a real disorder has been questioned, and the prevailing medical opinion is that it is merely the “normal condition of many women and some men”. One cosmetic company has noted its historical place in industrialized societies as an “inappropriate term used by women to describe curves which they judge to be too plump and not very aesthetic”.

Cellulite is thought to occur in 80-90% of the postpubertal females. There appears to be a hormonal component to its presentation. It is rarely seen in males.

What causes cellulite?

The causes of cellulite are not well understood, but there are several theories that have been put forth as explanations. Among these are:

How can cellulite be prevented?

Eating healthy, low fat foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fiber can help one to avoid cellulite. Similarly exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress are recommended to prevent cellulite. In addition wearing thongs, boy shorts, or looser fitting undergarments can prevent cellulite that might form due to tight elastic.

Sources: wikipedia

No one is immune from cellulite – A Video For a Little Fun!
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7 Facts about Collagen and Why it is important in anti-aging.

Stretch marks happen when the collagen beneath the skin’s uppermost layer breaks down and stretches out. Collagen and elastin are essential to having supple skin, and collagen also plays a role in the support of tissues, organs and bones.

Collagen is referred to as the glue that holds the body together. Without it, the body would, quite literally, fall apart.

Keep in mind this important fact with 7 Facts about Collagen and Why it is important in anti-aging; the body’s natural ability to repair supporting connective tissue and maintain hydration of cells diminishes after age 25.

It’s estimated by 40 years of age, your body stops manufacturing collagen. This results in fine lines and wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, poor hair, nail and joint quality.

What is Collagen, Did you know?

1. Up to 30% of all protein in the body is collagen!
2. Up to 70% of the protein in connective tissue are composed of collagen!
3. Collagen makes up a substantial amount of the protein composition of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bone & skin!
4. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body!
5. Collagen also fills out the cornea where it is present in crystalline form!
6. It is also used in cosmetic surgery, for example lip enhancement!
7. It is responsible for skin elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging.

Muscles and connective tissue are naturally equipped to repair themselves by producing new muscles and collagen proteins. From the normal wear and tear that occurs over time from your daily activities, your body can become depleted of the important amino acids needed to manufacture collagen. This becomes a much more significant problem for individuals involved in strenuous physical activity as well as people with fibromoyalgia and other acute pain syndrome sufferers.

Collagen works hand-in-hand with elastin in supporting the body’s tissues. Basically, it gives body tissues form and provides firmness and strength; elastin gives the same body tissues much need flexibility. This combination of collagen and elastin is very important in many parts of the body, including, but not limited to, the lungs, bones, and tendons. Even the blood vessels rely on both collagen and elastin.

Often, collagen is discussed in relation to the skin. It works with keratin to provide the skin with strength, flexibility, and resilience.

As people age, however, collagen degradation occurs, leading to wrinkles. As such, it is an important substance for those looking for ways to fight the visible effects of aging on the skin.

Since collagens are so important within the body, collagen deficiencies can be problematic. Some genetic diseases are associated with collagen deficiencies. For example, osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly referred to as brittle bone disease, results from a significantly decreased level of collagen. It can also result from the presence of collagen that is of lower quality than normal.

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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Energy from the sun actually is a form of radiation. It consists of visible light and other rays that people can’t see. Invisible infrared radiation, for instance, makes sunlight feel hot. UV also is invisible, and causes sunburn and sun tan.

Fast Fact

Even on a cloudy day, up to 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds..

Today, the dangers of sun exposure are well known. While more and more people practice safe sun protection, many still believe a tan enhances natural beauty. Bronzed skin has long been associated with good health, however the fact is that sun exposure is the number-one contributor to extrinsic aging, which leads to premature development of wrinkles, sagging skin and skin discolorations.

SPF

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the measurement of how long sunscreen can block UVB rays. A SPF rating indicates how long a person can stay in the sun without getting burned. For someone who normally burns after only 10 minutes, using an SPF 15 can increase that time to 150 minutes. Using an SPF product daily is crucial to maintaining a youthful appearance. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognizes sunscreens as the most effective cosmeceuticals on the market used to combat the signs of aging. In order to achieve maximum sun protection with sunscreen, a thick layer of sunscreen must be applied liberally to all exposed areas of the body, including face, ears, hands and arms. If used too sparingly, SPF in a sunscreen can decrease by half. Frequent application will help maintain the sunscreen’s integrity, especially after exposure to sweat and water and help prevent the main cause of skin cancer. While an SPF rating is a common indicator of sun protection, using a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB filters is necessary for broad-spectrum protection.

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