Go Green for Fall! Update your Fall Makeup Collection!

La Bella Donna goes green!

La Bella Donna's "MONTAGA" simple green eye palette is a easy way to update a rich fall color into your makeup routine!

We are  inspired forest green eye shadow called Montaga.   It can be worn dry as an all over lid or crease color, or it can be used wet as a sultry eyeliner. Paired with a brown mascara, this is a wonderful way to create an earthy-looking eye.

And here's a little fun fact for you.  Women who love green are meticulous about details and are seekers of balance and harmony. Do you love green—and if so, do you fit this description?

Schedule a 30 minute makeup lesson to refresh your Fall makeup collection today!  612.824.7611

Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay for Internal Cleansing

I must first say that I have used bentonite clay internally for 3 months, and feel great.  This clay can be used in many ways.  Keep in mind we do stock this at Kasia Organic Salon, so please contact us with any questions!  - Kassandra

 

Bentonite clay is an alternative detoxifying and medicinal cleansing agent derived from the weathering of volcanic ash. Bentonite can be purchased at most health food stores and is available in several forms, including liquid, gel, capsules, and powder. Bentonite powder can easily be mixed into an ingestible solution and is commonly employed for internal use. The powder swells up like a sponge when absorbed in water, attracting and drawing in toxins as the clay passes through the body. The actual clay is not digested: it passes through the body and is eliminated along with the toxins.

Health Benefits

A high level of toxins in the body can affect your overall health. Bentonite acts as an intestinal detoxifying agent by cleansing your body of toxins such as heavy metals, free radicals, and pesticides. Health benefits from regular use of bentonite include relief from indigestion, liver detoxification, reduced food sensitivities and allergies, improved blood circulation, and an overall immune system boost.

How to Make a Bentonite Clay Solution

Pour eight ounces of water into a glass container with a tight-fitting lid, add one tablespoon of bentonite, close the lid, and shake well. Remove the lid and allow mixture to sit for 30 minutes. Make sure the powder is fully absorbed, and add more water a little at a time as needed if the mixture is too thick. Drink the mixture and follow with a full glass of water.

Tips

• Mix bentonite with fruit juice instead of water for better flavor.
• Take bentonite on an empty stomach, one hour before or after meals.
• Sprinkle a small amount of bentonite powder on your food for an extra boost.
• Drink at least eight cups of water or more throughout the day when taking bentonite.

Topical Uses for Bentonite Clay

Bentonite can help treat acne, eczema, cellulite, wrinkle reduction, poison ivy, burns, and insect bites when used topically. Simply dab a small amount of liquid bentonite solution onto problem areas. Soak in a clay bath to release toxins from the pores of your skin by adding two cups of bentonite clay to a warm bath. Soak for at least 20 minutes.

From Experience...

• Do not use metal utensils or containers to stir or store Bentonite clay powder. Contact with metal may decrease the clay's potency.
• The internal use of Bentonite clay is an excellent and simple way to do an effective cleanse. Among other benefits, it can reduce body odor, skin blemishes, and digestive track issues of all sorts.
• The clay can be stirred into water, juice or any other beverage of your choice. It can also be sprinkled on foods or encapsulated.
• We keep it on hand, among other items, to use internally and externally in case of snake bites or any other kind of poisoning.
• Bentonite clay can be used to benefit anyone: men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing), children, and animals.
• It can be used as often as you would like, and in any way you choose. Just remember to consume LOTS of water while using it internally.

Health Disclaimer

Always consult a physician before taking bentonite clay internally. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescription medication. Your physician will be able to advise you if this is a safe and appropriate treatment for you.

Seven Chakras And Their Corresponding Essential Oils

Methods of Balancing the Chakras

Using Essential Oils: Massage, reflection, meditation and energy work using essential oils is thought to help restore specific balance to each of the chakras Below are individual Chakras listed  for information on the essential oils associated with each chakra.

CHAKRA	COLORS	ESSENTIAL OILS
# 7 Crown Chakra	Violet	Frankincense, Rosewood, Jasmine, Rose, Neroli
# 6 Third Eye Chakra	Indigo	Rosemary, Juniper, Lemon, Pine, Helichrysum, Thyme, Clary Sage
# 5 Throat Chakra	Blue	Blue Chamomile, Myrrh, Cypress, Basil, Hyssop, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood
# 4 Heart Chakra	Green	Geranium, Rose, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Mandarin, Jasmine, Lavender
# 3 Solar Plexus Chakra	Yellow	Juniper, Cedarwood, Black Pepper, Hyssop, Marjoram, Cardamom,  Lemon, Grapefruit, Vetiver,
#2 Sacral Chakra	Orange	Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Ginger, Clary Sage, Fennel, Cardamom
# 1 Base Chakra	Red	Myrrh, Patchouli,Vetiver, Rosewood, Thyme,  Frankincense, Rosewood, Ylang Ylang

The Seven Primary Chakras

The Root Chakra

The Root Chakra centers upon our core needs for survival, security and livelihood. When the Root Chakra is unbalanced, you will feel ungrounded, confused and lack the ability to move forward. Without a balanced Root Chakra, it is impossible to fully balance the other chakras.

The Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra influences personal creativity ranging from artistic expression to creative problem solving. Healthy sexual desire and expression is also controlled by the Sacral Chakra, though communicating sexual desires is also directly affected by the Throat Chakra.

The Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra strongly influences your identity and sense of self worth. Imbalances can take on polar opposites ranging from low self-esteem all the way to arrogant, selfish behavior.

The Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra strongly influences the ability to give and receive love in a healthy way. The Heart Chakra also influences our ability to cope with the sadness of betrayals of a loved one or losing a loved one due to breakup, abandonment or death.

The Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra strongly influences our ability to effectively communicate our thoughts, opinions, desires and feelings - and just as importantly, our ability to hear, listen and understand those in our daily lives. The Throat Chakra not only influences what we hear and say through verbal communication, but it also influences body language and written communication methods.

The Third Eye (Brow) Chakra

The Third Eye Chakra influences the areas of our mind that control our common sense, wisdom, intelligence, memory retention, dreams, spirituality and intuition.

The Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra influences our deeper understanding of ourselves beyond the physical or material.

Three Main Reason’s of Hair Loss -Prevention and Action

The three main reasons for hair loss in woman are: low iron, low thyroid and not enough minerals in the diet.

You can’t open a newspaper or magazine without seeing advertisements for hair loss solutions for men, but very few options are offered to women who are losing their hair. Over two-thirds of women suffer hair loss, and hair loss can be quite extreme—from thinning to bald patches. Thank- fully, few women go totally bald like men do, but there is nothing more distressing than watching your lovely locks fall out in abundance. Topical solutions for women rarely reverse hair loss. And the drugs that are available have been predominantly researched in men and do not address the underlying reasons for hair loss in women.

The three main reasons for hair loss in woman are: low iron, low thyroid and not enough minerals in the diet.

Low Iron and Hair Loss

One of the least known causes of hair loss is low iron. You do not have to be anemic to lose your hair. Your doctor may advise you that your iron levels are normal, but we know that low normal levels of iron will cause huge hair loss. Many women after childbirth and women during the perimenopausal years experience heavy periods. Simply being a woman of childbearing age automatically puts you at risk of low iron. Up to 60 percent of women have low iron and it is of ten undiagnosed. Due to higher iron requirements as a result of menstruation, women need 20 milligrams of elemental iron daily yet most of us are only getting 8 mg per day from our diet. Now that we are not eating as much red meat, even postmenopausal women and seniors are suffering from low iron.

Symptoms of iron deficiency may be any combination of the following

1. Skin: dry skin, sensitivity to cold temperature; pale complexion, thin, brittle nails, dull, lifeless hair.

2.Brain: Fatigue, light headedness, headaches, depressed or disturbed mood (anxiety), sleep disturbance.

3.Body symptoms: muscle weakness, aching joints, breathlessness or heart palpitations are, difficulty in swallowing.

Don’t Believe a Normal Iron Test

If your doctor tells you your iron is normal, ask for the test results. There are two iron blood tests: hemoglobin and ferritin. For hemoglobin, the test range suggested as normal by your doctor is 117–160 g/L for women. Yet hemoglobin below 140 g/L will cause significant hair loss. Ferritin, which is your iron storage, has a suggested test range of 15–160 ug/L; but to prevent hair loss and ensure thick hair, your reading should be above 40 ug/L.

In addition, for those who are either on thyroid medication or who have low thyroid but are not on thyroid hormone, there are key nutrients that can help support thyroid function. These include potassium iodide, tyrosine, ashwagandha, gugguls and pantothenic acid.  If you are on thyroid medication, take your medication first thing on an empty stomach and then take this supplement at breakfast. Once the underlying low thyroid is resolved and the TSH drops below 2, hair starts to grow back in six to eight weeks.

Hair follicles contain ferritin. When ferritin stores decline in the hair follicle, it affects the ability of the hair to grow causing non-pigmented
 fine hairs to develop.
  These hairs are often 
mistaken for androgenic alopecia. Low 
ferritin also causes the
 hair to change structure become dry, not hold the curl or color well and break easily. Hair loss can be gradual, a general thinning out over the years, or it can be sudden and startling.

Iron supplements represent another challenge because you will want an iron that does not constipate or cause digestive distress but is effective and fast acting.   Kassandra (Kasia Organics) recommends Premier Research Labs ErythroPro.  ErythroPro features highly bio-available iron (beet and rice bran-derive) that does not promote free radical production such as inorganic (rock) forms or iron (i.e. ferrous fumarate).  Instead, ErythroPro provides key blood factors from natural sources of folic acid, vitamin B12, copper, iodine and more.  Most women notice hair regrowth in as little as six weeks with this type of iron.

Low Thyroid Affects Up to 23 Percent of Women

Like low iron, hypothyroid or low thyroid hormone is an undiagnosed epidemic in Canada. Twenty-three percent of women are currently taking thyroid medication and up to 30 percent of women may also have subclinical or mild hypothyroidism whereby their thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is within the “normal” range of 0.5–5.5 IU/mL yet they still experience symptoms. Thinning hair, hair loss and loss of eyebrow hair are common symptoms of low thyroid. A deficiency in these hormones may also result in some of the following symptoms:

• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight • Sensitivity to cold
• Menstrual problems/heavy periods
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Headaches

It is important that you ask your doctor what your TSH test result number is because although it may be “normal,” research has shown that if it is greater than 2.0 IU/mL, chances are it is low thyroid that is contributing to your hair loss.

Mind your Minerals

It is a rare person who eats the recommended seven to 10 half cup servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Most of us eat only two to three servings a day and, on top of this, the modern lifestyle is rampant with “nutrient robbers”— e.g. stress, medications, the birth control pill, smoking, alcohol— that further deplete our nutritional stores. As a result, deficiencies in the key nutrients required for healthy hair are rampant. Zinc, silicon and selenium, for example, are critical to hair growth yet most people do not get enough.

Everybody should be on a multivitamin with minerals to prevent the nutritional deficiencies associated with not only hair loss but also chronic disease.

Start today with ErythroPro, Thyroven (a thyroid-support formula) if needed, and a great multivitamin with minerals and your hair will start to regain its youthful bounty. It is not normal to look down at the bottom of the tub and see nothing but hair swirling around the drain.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH AND BEAUTY:  Kasia Organic Salon is a leading pioneer in healthy beauty to fit your lifestyle. Follow us to ammonia-free /MEA/PPD Color, organic facials, and natural and organic products that support your life. –Kassandra, Owner

Resource: Lorna Vanderhaeghe, MS, is Canada’s leading women’s health expert and has been researching nutritional medicine for over 30 years.

How to prevent wrinkles..botox or NO botox?

Think organically!  Natural alternatives to anti-aging, wrinkles, toxins and modalities as we uniquely age.

 

One of the most difficult signs of aging to 'correct', wrinkles begin appearing on our faces in our 20s, and continue to deepen and multiply right through the rest of our lives. The fight against the innocent wrinkle has caused the rise of the Botox phenomenon ...  injecting this formulation into our body purposefully has given rise to the organic wrinkle-treatment ideology! If you like the idea of looking younger and healthier, but don’t like the idea of paralyzing your face - or the unknown long term effects, read on. We examine the natural alternatives to Botox for a smooth, glowing, radiant complexion ... and for Beautiful Health.

What planet do wrinkles come from?

Unfortunately, we can’t just send them back where they came from! Wrinkles are caused by several factors. Some of these are beyond our control, and some we can have an effect on. The following are the main causes of wrinkles:

Aging - The middle layer of skin, the dermis, begins to thin with age. The structural proteins that bind the dermis to the epidermis loosen and unravel, meaning that the epidermis sags away from the dermis. The extent to which your skin wrinkles as you age is determined genetically.

As you age, your skin also loses some of its ability to retain moisture, declines in elasticity, produces less oil, and takes longer to heal. All of these factors have an impact on how much your skin wrinkles.

Sun damage - Up to 80% of the wrinkles that appear on our faces have been shown to be caused by sun damage. UV light can damage collagen fibers in the skin, as well as causing excessive elastin production. Wrinkles from sun damage basically form when your skin has to heal the damage produced by the sun over and over again, resulting in minute scarring.

Contraction of the facial muscles - Habitual expressions, such as frowning, squinting, and even smiling, can cause your skin to droop and wrinkle.

How the Sun Damages Skin

The skin gets its shape and firmness from a network of proteins outside our cells, made up of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans. Collagen gives the skin its basic structure, and elastin creates flexibility.  The sun damages these proteins by triggering our skin’s DNA to act in abnormal ways.[1][2][3] The sun’s rays degrade the collagen and elastin proteins that our skin cells produce in future [4]. These degraded cells are less elastic and have a less-youthful appearance than cells which are not exposed to the sun [8].

What is Botox?

Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin, the most lethal naturally occurring substances in the world. It is used to correct wrinkles The popularity of injecting your face with a lethal disease seems to indicate some sort of mass insanity, but in 2007, Botox injections to smooth wrinkles were the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Botox will correct wrinkles such as:

• Forehead lines
• Crow's Feet
• Frown lines

Botox does not work on wrinkles caused by sun damage or by gravity. Its mechanism of action is to block the nerve signals from the brain to the muscle, causing it to relax and soften, rather than contract.

The side effects of Botox include:

• The inability to control the muscles which were injected. You won’t be able to frown or raise your eyebrows.
• Having your eyelids uncontrollably dropping for up to three weeks after the procedure
• Temporary facial bruising
• Possible neurological or fetal effects in patients who are pregnant, or have a neurological disorder.

How to prevent wrinkles - Fighting off the invaders

Prevention is far more practical than a magic pill or ‘quick cure'.  In the case of creeping crows feet, in the early stages you should use nutrient rich skin care, sun care, and abundant hydration . These are the only ways to avoid these creepy invaders. Let’s take a closer look at some things you can do to prevent wrinkles forming, and for beautiful health!

• Wear a sunscreen every day. Choose a physical block and chemical free brand, so that you minimize the amount of chemical you absorb through your skin.
• Don't take up smoking, or give it up as soon as possible. Smoking reduces the collagen production of your skin cells.
• Drink your daily allowance of water. Water is necessary to help the skin stay 'plumped'. Dehydrated skin sags noticeably more than well-hydrated skin.
• Try to include polyunsaturated fats, plenty of omega-3 and omega-6, and a wide variety of different fruits and vegetables in your diet. The free radical theory of aging is one of the most widely accepted (although it does have its detractors!). The theory states that oxidative stress is one of the main causes of aging and related conditions - such as wrinkles. Oxidative stress is thought to be caused by free radicals, which can be reduced in your body by eating foods rich in antioxidants. Blueberries, papaya and whole grains are good examples.
• Exercise regularly, to help ensure maximum vitamin and mineral flow to your skin as well as increase oxygen content.

Lifestyle choices to help reduce wrinkles

The preventive measures above are all lifestyle factors that can help reduce the number and intensity of your wrinkles, as well as helping prevent new ones forming. Here are some other choices you can make that will reduce the appearance of current wrinkles, and prevent new ones forming.

• Don’t wash your face with tap water more than twice a day. Your skin needs its natural oils to prevent wrinkling, and washing (especially with soaps), strips them away.
• Avoid alkaline soaps and deodorants. Ask your beauty therapist about which organic soaps will clean your skin, while allowing it to retain moisture.
• Even if you will only be outside for short periods of time, apply sunscreen every day. Use moisturizers and cosmetic products such as minerals with sunscreen included.
• Don’t drink alcohol before you go to bed. Alcohol increase capillary leakage, which ultimately makes your skin look saggy and puffy. This leakage is also exacerbated when you lie down.

Get results with natural  products and procedures for wrinkle reduction

Antioxidant products - So popular it has almost become a meaningless buzzword, 'antioxidants' are a critical component of an anti-wrinkle skincare regimen. However, to reverse the affects of oxidation organic or all-natural products are recommended - many antioxidant products contain a wealth of additional chemicals that actually destroy your skin's health, rather than promote it.

Glycolic peels - These can be very effective at removing fine lines, scarring and discoloration from skin. Kassie Kuehl, founder of Kasia Organic Salon, uses a natural 2-stage system of a 2%-acid deep cleanser and 8% exfoliate formulation of the facial peel, which basically strips away dead skin cells and the outermost layer of skin, taking away lines to reveal new, fresh cells beneath. You can expect improvement in:

• Elasticity and firmness
• Tone, color and texture
• Moisture balance
• Fine line and wrinkle appearance
• Acne scarring and reduction of future acne

Moisture serums - Top organic salons like Kasia recommends using a nightly treatment that combines highly effective fruit acids, also known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) made from organic sources.

Heal your skin while you slumber, by using products like “ByNight “ from Kasia Skin care, formulated to minimize wrinkles, acne, and age spots, and help improve many other skin conditions. ByNight also strengthens the skin's barrier against outside chemicals.  Enjoy the scent of organic peach and plum extracts and pumpkin ferment, among other anti-aging ingredients. You will notice much smoother skin after using this product.

A Beautiful Health Lifestyle:  What to remember

Remember to focus on the prevention end of the wrinkle reduction scale, by stopping smoking, applying sunscreen every day, eating a healthy, varied diet, and exercising daily, even if it is only for a short period. When looking for wrinkle-reduction and skin improvement products, seek ingredients, think “long term", and go natural!   Nature has provided all of the solutions you need to stay looking like your kids (or kid cousins!) ... ask your skin care professional for solutions unique to you!

BIO: Kassie Kuehl is a professional stylist, specializing in ammonia free hair color, in addition to being a health and nutrition coach. Kassie opened Kasia Organic Salon, a chemical-free, natural and euphoric experience, located in Minneapolis, MN.  Kasia Salon “gk: pure,”  believes that our hair and skin reflects the state of the body's health and looks its best when properly nourished and hydrated, naturally.  Learn more about Kasia   Organic Salon and Kasia Beautiful Health Skin Care at: www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.

[1] Uitto J, Olsen DR, Fazio MJ. Extracellular matrix of the skin: 50 years of progress, J Invest Dermatol 1989; 92:61S-77S.

[2] Uitto J, Fazio MJ, Olsen DR. Molecular mechanisms of cutaneous aging: age-associated connective tissue alterations in the dermis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1989; 21:614-622.

[3] Timpl R. Structure and biological activity of basement membrane proteins. Eur J Biochem 1989; 180:487-502.

[4] Ryynanen M, Knowlton RG, Parente MG, et al. Human type VII collagen: genetic linkage of the gene (COL7A1) on chromosome 3 to dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Am J Hum Genet 1991; 49:797-803.

Deodorant..Aluminum..it's in the pits! Must Read!

  At Kasia Organic Salon, we were first surprised to see that our Pure-oderant was the second best selling item.  We know it is clean, fresh, and non-toxic - but as we listened to our guests and mail deodorant across the U.S. the reason reveals itself through frustration of trying all the deodorants on the market that ...just don't work. 

Many guests surf the local health food store shelves and find  "crystal" deodorants as a alternative to try, but they again...just don't work.   Not only that,  but crystal deodorants contain Ionic aluminum, which have been found to create oxidative stress on skin and breast tissue. Most people don't realize that they're slathering on aluminum when they use these crystals.  Manufacturers will say that it doesn't contain "harmful aluminums."   Aluminum is aluminum.  It has no benefit or place in the human body, and only creates a state of toxicity within.

What is aluminum?

Aluminum is the world's most abundant metal in the earth's crust.  It is a versatile metal that is lightweight, relatively soft, and durable.  It is a fairly reactive element that combines with negatively charged ions or elements to form compounds such as aluminum oxide or aluminum sulfate.

How does aluminum enter the body?

We're exposed to aluminum in many ways:

• Trace amounts in drinking water
• Baked goods that contain alum-containing baking powder
• Foods with artificial colorants (aluminum lakes, example: yellow 5 aluminum lake)
• Cooking acidic foods in aluminum cookware (the acidity causes the aluminum to leach)
• Over-the-counter medicines such as Maylox and Mylanta
• Vaccines
• Topical products such as deodorants or anti-perspirants

How does aluminum affect our health?

Unlike some other metals such as potassium, sodium, or magnesium, aluminum has no benefit or function in the body.

• Aluminum creates oxidative stress on cells throughout the body, causing damage to DNA and aging on cells.  (Source)
• Aluminum-containing anti-perspirants keep the body from sweating and properly releasing hormones out of the body.  This is a suspected cause of breast and prostate cancer. (Source)
• Aluminum accumulates in bone tissue, thus weakening it.  (Source) It is a suspected cause of osteoporosis.  
• "Once absorbed, Al accumulates in bone, brain, liver and kidney, with bone as the major site for Al deposition in humans." (Source)
• Aluminum robs the body of magnesium, calcium and iron, and accumulates in the brain.  "Trace aluminum levels cross the blood-brain barrier and progressively accumulate in large pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, cortex, and other brain regions vulnerable in Alzheimer's disease. More aluminum enters the brain than leaves, resulting in a net increase in intraneuronal aluminum with advancing age. Aluminum is responsible for two main types of toxic damage in cells. As a pro-oxidant, aluminum causes oxidative damage both on its own and in synergy with iron. Aluminum also competes with, and substitutes for, essential metals-primarily Mg2+, iron and Ca2+ ions-in or on proteins and their co-factors." (Source)
• Aluminum has been found to cause granulomas. (Source)
• Aluminum is toxic to skin and creates oxidative stress (Source)
• Aluminum is absorbed highly by abraided or irritated skin. (Source)
• This study found that ionic aluminum created oxidative stress in breast tissue. (Source)

Informed Beauty -- stay FRESH with Kasia Pure-oderant!

Certified Organic

Made with a pure blend of hemp oil, aloe vera and mineral salts that softens skin and eliminates odor-causing bacteria for up to 24 hours!

NO aluminum, alcohol, parabens or proplyene glycol — NO residue.

Scented with organic essential oils.

• Effective using hemp oil and mineral salts that eliminate odor-causing bacteria
• Soothing and healing aloe vera to softens the skin
• No aluminum chlorhydrate and no alcohol
• No tingly irritation and no staining
• We’re sure –  it leaves no white residue
• Hypoallergenic
• No harmful propellants, pit and ozone friendly
• No animal testing, just on hunks
• None pore clogging, breathe!

"Beauty sleep" and stress. More important than you think.

As you probably already know -- stress is bad for our health, and many of us are affected differently. Frustration can create havoc on your skin and as a matter of fact too much stress triggers your skin to start the aging process prematurely leading to wrinkles and fine lines before you want to have them.  Stress can actually age you as far out as three to six years!  

Stress causes our hormones to operate ineffectively, run down the wrong pathways and to become unbalanced.  Radiant skin comes from great skin care routines, protection from environmental damage and UV rays, good nutrition, adequate hydration, and getting plenty of sleep.

Dermatologist have come to agree that during hours of sleep, cortisol and insulin production inversely peak so that collagen production is accelerated.  Collagen production firms the dermal layers so evaporation is reduced and water retention is maximized.

 

Resting Tips for “Beautiful Health” Skin

Surroundings:

While you slumber, your skin produces more collagen, which gives it the support to counteract the forces of gravity.  If you have a radiant heater or air conditioner running, this can result in evaporation in your skin and water loss.  This contributes to dry skin, especially if you don’t use a high quality facial cream/serum, or do not replenish intake of water hydration through your day.

Bio-chemical Requirement

As the body enters the deepest stage of rest (Delta Sleep), our growth hormones peak and turn on cell and tissue repair.  When there is restless or limited sleep, we cut ourselves short of this crucial restorative process.

In order to give your skin beautiful health it deserves in repairing, rejuvenating, and producing collagen with minimum natural moisture loss, you need a good 6 – 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

Additional science on how stress can affect your skin include the following:

* Cortisol degrades collagen and directly leads to the formation of wrinkles in the skin.  When you live in a chronic state of stress your body finds it harder and harder to repair itself naturally and so you develop more wrinkles and fine lines.

* The stress hormone CRH can fuel inflammation in the skin and that in turn can cause acne.  Since acne is an inflammatory disease all it takes is in increase in inflammation in the body to cause more acne.  And if you are stressed you are more likely to pick at your breakouts which could lead to even more breakouts.

* Stress hormones can cause your body to release histamines, which can cause a range of skin conditions like dermatitis, irritation, hives, or inflammation or aggravate existing skin conditions like psoriasis.

* Stress can make your hair fall our and make your nails brittle

* Stress makes your eyes look tired.  This could be because you are not getting enough sleep since you are stressed out.  A chronic lack of sleep could lead to fluid stagnation under the eyes and then dark, puffy under-eye circles in the morning.

* Stress could cause your skin to enter mini-menopause.  A chronic flow of cortisol causes a drop in estrogen, which means your skin produces less collagen and less moisture.  Your skin could end up looking dull and dry as a result.

Research and hard facts.

Not just your skin…yes, your belly.

I have learned first hand the effects of too much of the stress and the ramifications of the increased hormone of cortisol.  Lack of sleep and rest leads to our adrenal glands pushing out too much of this belly fat-promoting, collagen-destroying hormone.  The flip side to this is that when getting enough sleep, our cortisol levels reduce. In fact, a landmark sleep study found that those who sleep between 7.5 and 8.5 hours a night secrete half as much cortisol as those only sleeping 6.5 hours or less a night. This can mean significant weight gain of 33 pounds or more!

Excess cortisol turns your once flatter stomach into fat deposit because the abdominal region contains four times more cortisol receptors than other areas in the body.

Researchers have also found that lack of sleep can cause cravings for sweet and salty foods.   We end up compromising and eating foods lacking any nutritional value and lack hydration.  Our waistline or our skin responds well to this kinds of lifestyle for a period of time.

Other studies have found that sleep deprivation leads to inflammation and oxidative stress. One of these studies found that women who don't get their beauty sleep experience disruptions with their skin barrier function, have more water loss in their skin and have extremely high levels of inflammatory chemicals circulating in their bodies.  If we are under chronic stress, cortisol will disrupt collagen production, making skin thinner and weaker.

If you need more encouragement to turn in early every night, then keep in mind that adults who sleep five or less hours a night have a 15 percent chance of dying early from any reason you can think of. Why? Because lack of sleep ages your body.

Supplement to Sleep

Supplements like GABA and melatonin are known to have a muscle-relaxing effect and may improve sleep quality. In turn, better sleep can lead to greater skin repair capabilities, a better-looking complexion with fewer wrinkles and dark circles and less overall dullness.

GABA is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter with a proven connection to the quality and quantity of sleep we achieve. The brain chemical -- gamma-aminobutryric acid, or GABA -- is involved in regulating brain activity.

"It's the brakes of your brain," says Karl Doghramji, MD, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. "It stops activity."

Both sleep problems and anxiety disorders may result from problems with GABA, which helps neutralize the effects of glutamate, a brain chemical that causes excitement. When there is too little GABA, it causes those racing thoughts that characterize anxiety -- and keep you up at night.

Gaba increases the integrity of collagen and elastin and both preventing and counteracting sagging skin.

Melatonin is one of the most powerful antioxidants produced in the body. In addition, since it is both water and fat soluble, melatonin can reach almost every single cell in the body.

On the down side, however, since it cannot store in the body, it must be replenished daily. This would normally not be a problem, except when constant exposure to artificial light has significantly reduced production of melatonin in our bodies.

Mood Elevator: Nighttime melatonin levels are low in people with major depressive and panic disorders. Individuals with noticeable mood swings or who are melancholic also have depressed melatonin levels. Both seasonal affective disorder and non-seasonal cyclic depressions are related to the peaks and valleys of melatonin levels.

Contact Kassandra at  Kasia Organic Salon for any questions on what supplements may be best in assisting your "Beautiful Health!"

SOURCES: American Medical Association's 22nd annual Science Reporters Conference, Philadelphia, Sept. 11-12, 2003. Karl Doghramji, MD, director, Sleep Disorders Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital; professor of psychiatry, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.

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*Small family atmosphere - no drama

*Forefront of the natural and organic salon professionals

*Build your book of business fast

*Advanced education in color/cutting

*Product knowledge

*Revolutionary Color - Zero Ammonia, PPD, Resorcinol

*Custom and exclusive organic products found only at Kasia

*Busy SW Minneapolis corner next to Patina Gift Store and one mile from Lake Harriet

We feel strongly that the beauty industry is our life, passion and love.

This is not a 'job' -- this is our Career. Therefore we search only for extremely dedicated people to join our team.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Passionate -Creative -Dependable - Professional and Put Together - Team Player  -  Willing to Learn and Grow - Color & Cutting Skills

Contact us today!

Kassandra 612.824.7611

Kassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com