Sunscreen and it's many controversies!

Did our grandparents actually have it right?  Is sunscreen more toxic than the sun may be?  Are we poisoning the Ocean with its chemicals?  YES!  Studies are showing more and more proof that what we have counted on for protecting us from the suns harmful rays may be just as harmful.  So what is the best option?  How do we stay safe and still live our lives?  I will go over the science behind it all and give you some of my many tips for maintaining healthy, non sun damaged skin.

We know that there are two different types of rays... UVA and UVB.  UVA rays are the rays that are 'absorbed' into the skin.  They have longer wavelengths and can pass through windows, glass, and even clothing.  UVB rays are extremely strong in the summer and are the primary cause of sunburns.  Both have long-term, and harmful effects on the skin.

The toxic chemicals in sunscreen:
Padimate-O

Parsol 1789

oxybenzone
retinyl palminate

Free radical damage is one of my biggest issues in the treatment room.  My clients are always asking me about what they can do to avoid it and what sunscreens to use.  I always say the same thing... "sunscreen is controversial,  and I suggest you look further in to the subject.  But if you do want to use one, stick with an 'all natural' spf under 35.. or a baby sunscreen.  If it is safe enough for baby it is safe enough for us! and they didn't pump all those harmful chemicals in to it."  Have an amazing and bright summer and remember to protect your skin!! Xxx

Comment if you have any questions!

Shhhhh.. Under Eye Secrets!

 Under eye problems are not just caused by lack of sleep. There are a lot of factors that can cause bags and dark circles.  It can be hereditary, caused by stress, lack of hydration, a sign of internal stressors, and more.  Trust me, I know from experience!  I have dealt with a life long struggle with my under eyes, so I know just how frustrating they can be.  People ALWAYS asking me,  'Whats wrong?'  'Are you tired?' or 'Have u been crying?'   I even had a man come up to me once and say, "You know... you would be much more attractive if you didn't look so sad all the time!!"  I mean.. come on, REALLY!! Who says that??   He clearly had problems!  But it just goes to show you that "I feel your pain sister!!"...

Here are a few ingredients to look for; tips to help target those unwanted/sad/and pesky buggers; and some DIY at home treatments!

*INGREDIENTS*

• Green tea
• Cucumbers
• Coffee
• Potato skins
• Lemon
• ICE
• Almond oil

*TIPS*
The best way to treat your bags and circles is in the morning when they are most aggravated..  Usually depending on how much salt we intake the day before and sleep...  I wake up and grab 2 of my frozen cucumber slices that I keep in the freezer pre packed with saran-wrap.  I wash my face, put a serum on, and lay with the cucumbers on my eyes for 10 mins.  This is, of course, because I have that luxury of time in the morning.  If you don't have the time, you can simply use a really great eye cream with some of the above listed ingredients in them.  I have found this one eye cream that I LOVE by the line: 'Goldfaden MD.' called: 'Bright Eyes' <and not just because Conor Oberst is one of my 'boyfriends' either!>
Another option is to get one of those store bought gel eye masks that you keep in the freezer and just pop that on while you are making coffee/breakfast in the AM.  <I added a photo above so you know what to look for!>
You can even get really experimental like me and make your own treatments like freezing coffee grinds with almond oil and aloe vera water in a thick crescent-moon shape on wax paper!

*DIY*
Coffee, Almond Oil and Aloe Vera strips...
4 tablespoons coffee grounds
1 tablespoon Almond Oil
1 cup Aloe Vera juice
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
Mix together and apply to wax paper in a crescent-moon shape.
You can play with the mixture and add some almond oil if yours is not thick enough to hold the shape.
You would probably just need add another half tablespoon almond oil.

*DIY*
Green tea, lemon juice, potato juice, cucumber ice cubes...
Here is my secret little recipe:
Seep 2 green tea bags <caffeinated> for 10 mins in two cup measuring cup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1tablespoon potato juice
Mush up half a large cucumber and add to mixture
1/2 teaspoon almond oil
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
Mix well and disperse ingredients evenly in a nice ice tray... I like the ones that are rubber and make more of a circular cube.
Thats it!!!

*Please note that the eye is a very sensitive and delicate area.  You always want to stay in the eye bone area when treating your eye issues.  If applying ice or pads please leave 2/4 inch from bottom lid.  Don't worry, your skin is very supple and will draw the ingredients to the surrounding areas.

I promise you will love these little tricks of the trade!  And please let me know how they work.
Good Luck and please comment below if you have any questions!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is truly a gift from God!  Natures number one antiseptic in my book!  It has tremendous anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, leading to so different healing benefits.. here are a few:
Treats Acne by drawing moisture to the surface and killing bacteria at the same time.
Natural Toner and antiseptic.
Treats Warts, dandruff, ring worm, athletes foot, and helps soften corns.
Soothes Cuts, Scrapes, and Insect bites.
Anti-viral and anti-candida.
Natural Pain reliever.
Can help lower blood pressure.
Helpful for infections including vaginitis, sinusitis, cystitis.
May help reduce fevers and end headaches.

When using Tea tree essential oil directly on to your skin, make sure to dilute it with water.  It is very potent and you do not need a lot for it to be completely effective!  This is easy to do with a Q'tip by dipping the cotton in the oil and the dipping it right in to water and applying directly to infected or blemished area.  If needed for a larger area, or for often use, you can mix a tablespoon tea tree to two tablespoons water and keep in in an air tight container in your medicine cabinet.  A few more fun tea tree tips are... Add 5-7 drops to a full bath for a healing and soothing soak.  You can also add about 5-7 drops to a diffuser add a bit of water and let the aroma-therapy work wonder for your health while giving the whole house a pure and clean feel and smell! You can also add some to water and vinegar for a eco-friendly safe household cleaner!  Any questions.. please comment below!