Skin Loving Makeup Makeover Event| RSVP Feb 13th

You get 1 CHANCE and 3 SECONDS to make a good impression.

Love Your Skin Mineral Makeup Makeover

Tell me, when is the last time…

• you updated your makeup bag colors that suite you best?

• detoxed your beauty drawers of chemicals, synthetics & bacteria

PERSONALIZED WITH TOP TIPS FROM MAKEUP EXPERTS

• learn a new look or technique

• how to avoid a creased or heavy look

• contouring to pop features

• get a natural glowing look

• how to apply for ease and speed

• match my colors and quick tips for my age

SAVE THE DATE

When: 
February 13th

Time: 
3pm - 8pm
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Investment: 
Makeup Focus Session Only $20

**Spend $75 and receive a FREE GIFT with purchase**

With Amy | National Makeup artist

HOW TO BOOK
Please email us at : hello@beautyecology.com 

Request what time between 3pm - 8pm work best for you.  

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WHY LA BELLA DONNA?

Zero Toxins  |  Confidence without Compromise

Not all minerals are created equal. Conventional makeup and mineral lines include fillers such as talc and dyes that pull the moisture OUT of your skin, leaving the skin feeling tight and caky. 

Other mineral lines also contain nano-particles, which leach into the bloodstream - in which you both loose your coverage and put your health at risk.   

80% of AGING is from UV rays. 
Makeup should be an extension of skin care and provide every day UV protection.  Four ingredients that enhance your skin and health with
an SPF 50 - on the daily.

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HOW TO BOOK

Please email us at : hello@beautyecology.com 

Request what time between 3pm - 8pm work best for you. 

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A Brief on Your Beauty Pro

Meet Amy - Your Makeup Artist

Amy’s worked with the Prestige line as a top leader with Estée Lauder Companies for over 18 with many additional roles such as a lead Account Executive with multiple retailers.

Amy's passion is to help woman learn about the benefits of safe, high performance makeup and for them to feel their best.  "La Bella Donna products offer natural, prestige, affordable and makeup with skincare benefits  perfect for any women of every age.

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HOW TO BOOK

Please email us at : hello@beautyecology.com 

Request what time between 3pm - 8pm work best for you. 

How Your Skin’s Endocannabinoid System’s Changing the Game & Your Genes for Good

Inflammation no mo!

How CBD is Changing the Skincare Game & Your Genes for Good

Whether it's fighting free radicals, treating blemishes,  or reducing inflammation, the power of cannabinoids (CBD) are proving to be a key for treating a variety of skin concerns.

Researcher and buyer beware, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there because of all the red tape  and the plethora of unregulated “me too CBD companies.”

In a previous editorial, we explored the body’s endocannabinoid system which is often referred to as ECS. We discovered the key roles your ECS plays in your overall wellness and outlined how CBD engages to bring equilibrium to your brain and body.

Next, we move onto the ECS and your skin!

Being in the skin industry for over two decades, the new re-discoveries around our skin’s very own endocannabinoid system and its own receptor ecosystem findings is beyond exciting. It put me into re-formulation mode (watch for our relaunch 2019).

When out of balance, the skin’s endocannabinoid system results in pathological skin conditions such as: acne, accelerated aging, dermatitis, psoriasis and seborrhea to name but a few.

The Gut Connection to our Skin’s Immunity

It is well-documented that the gastrointestinal tract, which, like the skin, is one of the primary physical barriers of the immune system, has abundant cannabinoid receptor sites.

Now, research has shown that the skin also has an endocannabinoid system of its own, which helps to regulate the production of various hormones and proteins, including cytokine causes the skin to spike into inflammation), which is also involved in the immune response.

The skin’s endocannabinoid system also helps to regulate various cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis or cell death. Thus, imbalance of this system is responsible for the occurrence of chronic skin conditions such as advanced aging, psoriasis and eczema, and developing targeted cannabinoid therapies may help to control the root of optimal skin health.

Many skin conditions are inflammatory in nature and the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids on skin cells have been demonstrated. Both THC and CBD show anti-inflammatory effects.

What’s happening below the surface.  

Skin flare ups are common whether it’s acne, psoriasis or eczema because hormones like cortisol tell the glands in your skin to make oil, suppress your immune system and can cause an inflammatory response in the skin.  

Applying CBD topically is an effective method for introducing cannabinoids to the skin’s ECS for immediate absorption, and faster results.

Topical Application of CBD

Topical applications of Cannabidiol can penetrate as deep as one inch from the surface.  Imagine what our Evoq Nano infused CBD can influence at 1 billionth of the size! Topicals containing higher amounts of CBD (5 mg per application) can offer relief from physical pain, arthritis and rheumatism.

Communicating the Connection Points

Human tissues have at least two types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, each coupled with a protein. CB1 receptors are expressed predominantly at nerve terminals where they mediate inhibition of neurotransmitter release.

CB2 receptors are found mainly on immune cells, one of their roles being to modulate cytokine release.

Endogenous ligands for these receptors, endocannabinoids, also exist, and examples include the molecule anandamide. These discoveries have led to the development of CB1- and CB2-selective agonists and antagonists and of bioassays for characterizing such ligands. So in the future we can have much more targeted cannabinoid therapies.

Human skin cells or keratinocytes are part of the peripheral endocannabinoid system and showed a unique signaling mechanism of CB1 receptors, which may have important implications in epidermal differentiation and skin development.

How About Scalp and Hair Health?

Cannabinoid receptors have been found in even the smallest nerve fibers controlling hair follicles, and keratinocytes have also been shown to bind and metabolize anandamide, the most abundant endocannabinoid.  Plant cannabinoids Δ-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol, cannabinol and cannabigerol (CBG) for their ability to inhibit the proliferation of a hyper-proliferating human keratinocyte cell line and for any involvement of cannabinoid receptors for ultimate hair health.  

In other research, published in The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Journal, it was shown that cannabinoids produce lipids that can regulate skin conditions such as acne vulgaris, seborrhea and dry skin. They suggested further exploration of cannabinoids as “novel therapeutic tools" to treat dry scalp.   

In summary, we have many studies documenting the contributory nature of cannabinoids, their receptors, and the skin’s endocannabinoid system in the metabolism of psoriasis and eczema and other inflammatory diseases, of which aging of the skin is considered one.

In the coming years there is great hope for the use of targeted cannabinoid therapies to better control our overall skin health.    

Our topical formulations were developed with the well-being of your skin in mind by enhancing your powerful forces of nature with the highest quality of NANO CBD enhanced formulas soon to be offered in 2019!

Stay tuned, and in the meantime, check out our internal tinctures or One Hit Wonder-ment Skin Oil to get you started here!

All the best, to you and to your skin’s best health. - Kassandra

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References:

M.Pucci, C. Rapino,A. Di Francesco, E. Dainese, C. D’Addario, and M. Maccarone, “Epigenetic Control of Skin Differentiation Genes by Phytocannabinoids,” British Journal of Pharmacology 170, no.3 (2013): 581.doi:10.1111/bph.12309

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4240254/

https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/beauty/cannabinoids-hemp-beauty-skin-health

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System. Your brain and body are dependent on it.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The word endocannabinoid roots itself in Latin, endo meaning within and cannabinoid describing a key in the complex system and is often referred to as the ECS.

The key roles of the ECS are growing daily through research studies by top universities and governing bodies.  

The biological influences of the body’s ECS are many, but to put it simply, it is the neurofeedback system keeping your body in balance despite fluctuations in the external environment.

Keeping your ECS in Balance.

Throughout your body there are cell receptors and corresponding molecules which comprise your endocannabinoid system.

There are two primary cell receptors called Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2). Your body produces cannabinoids with the assistance of fatty acids, not unlike those cannabinoids produced in the cannabis plant (hello CBD).

Your endocannabinoid presence acts as the master communicators with your cells to better regulate inflammation, pain, appetite, sleep, mood, insulin sensitivity, fat and energy metabolism, and also impact neurologic and immune conditions.  

Cannabinoids influence the activity of more than 1000 genes, and help increase our cellular antioxidant defenses as well as downregulate many pro-inflammatory mediators.  Most can attest that one of the most appreciated uses of CBD is it’s direct activation of serotonin receptors, providing you an anti-anxiety effect.

The symbiotic relationship of cannabinoids and your ECS.

There are few plants that render the phytochemical abundance of cannabis. Cannabis hosts over 400 unique chemicals and are critical for bioregulation and homeostasis throughout our body and brain.  

What happens when you take CBD internally?

When CBD is ingested, it acts as a supplement, if you will, that kick starts the body’s ECS which is stimulated to produce its own cannabinoids. Current research shows that ingesting CBD actually assists the body in switching on its own capacity for maintaining balance and well-being.  

Read that sentence again so it sinks in: Research is showing that ingesting CBD actually assists the body in switching on its own capacity for maintaining balance and well-being.

Game-Changing Discovery Linking the Brain and the Immune System

Cerebral Health + ECS

Cannabinoids have shown to have a protective effect in the brain and nervous system.  As a powerful neuroprotective antioxidant, CBD is superior to the largely known Vitamin E  and Vitamin C in preventing toxicity from excess amounts of the neurotransmitter glutamate.  

Cannabinoids are now being studied as a target as a new antidepressant and antianxiety solution due to its ability to help to balance mood by their effect on a serotonin receptors.  They even help regulate excitability in the brain, which now shows a track record on the impact on epileptic seizures.

Proactive Neuron Health

Certain cannabinoids offer an overall tonic for the brain, protecting against chronic stress, which can result in a decrease the growth and density of new neurons. They also influence mechanisms that govern the life and death of neurons, suggesting they may be helpful for neurodegenerative conditions and increase the capacity of the brain to adapt, change and remodel itself in response to experience. 

Your Body + ECS

The chronic stress and abundance of toxins in today’s culture is a great burden on our bodies. Cannabinoids are a first line of defence in combating the oxidative stress that burdens us all. They’ve shown to diminish damage related to diabetes, retinal disease, leaky gut, and other conditions associated with oxidative stress and immune activation.

As early adopters of CBD, many start taking Cannabinoids  to address inflammation and pain, which may also support musculoskeletal system function and joint health.  We also know how important recovery from sleep is. Good news! According to a 2017 review of scientific research,  cannabinoids were found helpful in improving disturbances in REM sleep leading to excessive daytime sleepiness.

In summary, nature in her brilliance and infinite creativity, has gifted us with a stream of plant bliss-genes,  blooming perfectly for our own innate regulatory cannabinoid system.

What happens when your ECS does not produce enough cannabinoids or regulate the cells properly?  

We are now starting to discover the everyday and more severe autoimmune health issues to be linked to a  “Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome (ECDS).” I will help you explore this concept in a future article.  

We think CBD taken internally is pretty remarkable, which is why we created our tinctures to keep you in check. I think of our ECS as a great harmonizer, helping us to regain equilibrium and balance.

Thank you for following along and discovering more of your inner-brilliance!

Are you happy?

It’s a journey to INNER JOY….

Everyone you meet always asks if you have a career, are married or own a house; as if life was some kind of grocery list

…. But nobody ever asks if you are happy.

- Heath Ledger

The 2 Types of Hair Loss [and how to reverse it]

Why is my hair thinning!?

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We've all been there. Speaking from experience and empathy - I went through a 50% hair loss experience (dreadful) this winter due to stress and incredibly low hemoglobin. As my gut was healed, and my body restored - I see the fruits in full return from applying meditation, our Evoq products (especially the root activator), CBD, and disciplined sleep habits.

Hair loss has always been specialty of mine at BE Salon. I’ve witnessed hundreds of women battle thinning hair - so I can validate that 1 in 4 women will experience hair loss.

I’ve also helped these women throw their locks in a role reversal (positive). By understanding the catalysts to hair loss, we can then learn and be proactive in combating it. Sitting and fretting ads to the issue. Girl, LET’S GROW!

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WHICH IS IT?
There are two general reasons for hair loss: hereditary and reactive.

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Hereditary hair loss refers to a genetic predisposition to hair thinning, which includes "male pattern balding" experienced by about 50% of men over the age of 50, though genes can also cause hair loss much earlier.

When it comes to hormones,women can experience this patterning.

Hormones play a huge role in regulating the hair growth cycle. Oestrogens (female hormones) are 'hair friendly' and help to keep hairs in their growth phase for the optimal length of time. Androgens (male hormones) are not very hair friendly, and can shorten the hair growth cycle.

An excess of androgens (which could be caused by an endocrine disorders) can cause hair loss. The extent of this is often down to genes - If you have a genetic predisposition to follicle sensitivity, a hormonal imbalance can affect your hair more than it would someone who does not have a predisposition.

I suggest seeing a Functional Medicine Practitioner to see what’s stressing your hormones and organs inside-out. Even if you're predisposed genetically, there are still plenty of lifestyle changes and natural remedies to explore.

Here’s a GREAT read on how to test your Thyroid - often a partnering culprit.

Reactive hair loss refers to a harsh internal jolt to your system and external stressors that affect hair loss and strength. These include diet, hormones, stressors, behaviors, environmental factors, sudden weight loss/gain and even skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

How does this happen? Androgen (male hormone) levels are yet again raised, which in turn can causes hair loss. Feeling like it’s out of your control?

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Here’s a few ways to TAKE CONTROL of your HAIR VITALITY TODAY

Take note.

1. Eat well and Smart Supplements. 
Deficiencies in iron, zinc, B vitamins, protein, and complex carbohydrates can all have a negative effect on hair growth. B12, commonly found in animal products, is often found to be low in vegans and vegetarians. Hair is made of protein, making adequate daily intake of protein rich foods essential. Include at least a palm sized portion of protein at breakfast and lunch.

Generally speaking, it's important to eat plenty of vegetables to help chelate excess xenoestrogens to keep your hair and scalp in optimum shape. Say not to SUGAR! It’s a direct release of cortisol and can feel the follicle popping as I think about it!

2. Stay on top of immunity and hormonal balance.
Undiagnosed thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, autoimmune diseases and other conditions can be found at the root of hair loss. Be sure to consult a Functional Medicine Practitioner if you're experiencing any symptoms related to these conditions. Skilled to get to the root!

3. Take it easy on the styling.
Heat styling as well as tight braids, buns, and ponytails can take a toll on the strands. As for styling products, pay attention to ingredients. Polyethylene glycol and alcohol can dry out strands and lead to weak, brittle hair that's more prone to breakage.

4. Gentle Ammonia Free Hair Color.
About 70% of women use hair color. I’ve witnessed it time and again - after our clients at Beauty Ecology. BE was one of the first salons to exclude professional-grade Ammonia, Resorcinol, and PPD from our services. We stay true to that commitment, making our color much gentler, safer, and kinder to the stylist, environment and most important -your healthier scalp!

5. Find healthy ways to cope with your stress.
Stress and anxiety can raise androgen levels, which increases the likelihood of hair loss. Therapy, meditation, and CBD, and natural supplements are effective ways to reduce stress in our day to day lives. I love adaptogenic herbs (CBD also acts like an adaptogen). Look for ashwagandha, rhodiola, and cordyceps - all shown to relieve stress.

6. Nourish your top crop and reactivate your scalp.

This is VITAL. Remember, your scalp and outer skin is the last chain of command to receive nourishment from the inside, so externally assistance for the scalp is a critical MUST from my experience. It’s why our Root Revival System has been a reviving blessing to many of our success - hair - full clients.

Experience our HAIR GROWTH ACTIVATOR that’s proven to be 2x’s MORE IMPACTFUL THAN MINOXIDIL (drug based).

When you purchase our Root Revival System YOU GET FREE SHIPPING!

Addiction + Collagen’s Worst Enemy [must read]

Hello there!
Q: Noticing wrinkles, some deep lines or sagging in your skin?

Sugar may be one of the culprits.

Yes, sugar is classified as America’s top addiction, but you may not realize you have MORE POWER THAN YOU THINK when it' comes to taking control of advanced aging skin.

What Happens When You Eat Sugar?

Regular cellular hits of all kinds of sugar can trigger a cascade of physiological events that may ultimately cause inflammation, AGE factors from glycation and flare up issues.

Collagen’s Natural Enemy | AGE

Wrinkles and sagging skin are a partial byproduct of the process known as glycation, in which excess sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen fibers and ultimately cause them to lose their strength and flexibility (we call these bondings AGEs, or advanced glycosylation end products).

The result? Skin becomes less elastic and more vulnerable to sun damage, fine lines and sagging.

Sneaky Sugars are found in high-glycemic carbohydrates such as breads, starches, potatoes, baked goods, pastas, desserts and soda, are rapidly converted to glucose in your bloodstream.

The Effects Are More Than Just Skin Deep

While wrinkled skin is one of the visible signs of AGEs, most degenerative diseases are affected one way or another by disease-producing glycation reactions.

In fact, AGEs lie at the very heart of the aging process—from the skin to the brain—and can be responsible for wrinkles, heart disease, cancer, diabetes and more, including age-related memory loss and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Simply put, the formation of AGEs is responsible for both internal and external damage to the body…and sugar is the primary culprit.

With a few nutrition changes, you can get beautiful skin in no time!

INFLAMMATION

Sugar ruins your skin by causing inflammation in the body. Sugar causes blood sugar levels to surge and plummet, which leads to inflammation. All sugars such as white and brown sugar, agave syrup, molasses, maple syrup, and honey, are to be looked for.

Opt in for fresh fruit or the natural sweetener Stevia instead.

WRINKLES

Sugar’s inflammatory properties also lead to wrinkles. Collagen is what keeps your skin looking young and wrinkle-free but sugar attacks collagen, eating it on a cellular level. This dehydrates your skin and makes it look dull. And, of course, dehydration also leads to premature wrinkles.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE

Whenever you eat foods with a high sugar content, your blood sugar rises rapidly and falls rapidly. When you experience this sugar crash, you often feel hungry, shaky, and moody. Every time this happens, your body experiences internal stress, which often leads to breakouts.

Stabilize your blood sugar levels, eat meals that contain plenty of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

FREE RADICALS

Free radicals cause inflammation and disease in the body. Studies have linked high-sugar foods and high-sugar diets with creating free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are important fighters in the war against free radicals, and foods with natural sugars, such as fruits and vegetables, are excellent sources.

Avoiding foods with added sweeteners, to boost your antioxidant levels and help your body win its fight against free radicals. H2 water is incredible to squash free radicals.

REDNESS AND RASHES

The inflammatory properties of sugar also cause red, irritated skin. Many people who suffer from rashes or are prone to yeast imbalances can blame their issues on a diet loaded with sugar.

Clear it up by removing refined and added sugars and focus on cruciferous green veggies and fiber-rich foods.

DEHYDRATION

Sugar sucks the water from your body’s cells, leading to dry, puffy skin and those terrible under-eye circles that we all hate.

Invest in H2 rich water to instantly oxygenate your skin.

DIGESTION PROBLEMS

Sugar is very hard on your digestive tract and creates inflammation and flora imbalances in the gut, and any time food doesn’t digest well, it shows in your skin.

Reducing sugar leads to a better functioning digestive tract, fewer food cravings, and better skin.

So there ya go! If you have any questions about how to set up your skin for success, contact us - and our SKIN PRO’s will help you align a inflammation free skin care regime + matched with your new awareness on sugar and it’s impact on our skin! Email: Hello@beautyecology.com

What it all comes down to? A Healthy Scalp [bonus inside]

Natural Ingredients Are Only Beneficial [ IF ] They Are Bioavailable!
I'm pretty sure you agree there's countless hair and scalp products on the market today that state they contain natural ingredients. But far too often, the individual botanical may not convey any noticeable effect.

When I develop or revise any Evoq product, the delivery system and the preservations of it's natural ingredients (yes), but even more so, it's critical the bioactivity is preserved for short and long term results.  

For example:

This is why we invest in Vitamin C Esther (lipid encapsulated) versus ascorbic acid, (vitamin c form that goes rancid upon oxygenation).

So.... how's YOUR scalp? 
​​When it comes to your scalp and the extension thereof [ HAIR ] .....

At Beauty Ecology we help you resolve everything from dandruff, psoriasis, over oily scalp, and hair loss - we know how to recognize when your scalp needs that extra attention.   

Our gentle Chelation System in our Scalp Clarifying + Remedy Treatment is definitely my favorite (and client go to) when it comes to treating the hair and scalp.   Here's what to expect if you put it to work:

- Removing excess and trapped oils
- Product build up 
- Hard water and chlorine
- Prep for hair color for longer lasting and more vibrancy

The KEY here is to remember, the health of your scalp displays many cause and effects, but it is the very place HEALTHY HAIR STARTS.  This means the rate of growth and vitality of your cuticle strength also starts here. 

SURPRISE! LIMITED TIME OFFER

Grab 10% OFF our top selling Scalp Health & Regrowth products!

DISCOUNT CODE:  * BESTSCALPEVER *

Hair Regrowth Tonic

- Up to 200% Better OutcomeCompared to Minoxidil (drug based growth product)

- 78.9% noticed visible increase in Hair Diameter & Thickness

- 71% of satisfaction and desired continual use

- Outperforms Minoxidil by 90% in medical based clinical trial

Clarifying Pre-Wash

AHA + Willow Bark: ­Helps clear the follicles of excessive dead cell build up, allowing room for thicker hair growth.

Zinc Complex:  Reduce scalp irritation and employ scalp balance with this natural UV protectant infusion for the most advanced scalp ailments.

Seed Oil Concentrate:  Nourish and support the scalp with an infusion of free radical quenching and anti­-inflammatory benefits.

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HAIR GROWTH ACTIVATION

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FREE UP OF PRODUCT BUILD UP + HARD WATER  

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Thanks for being the INFORMED BEAUTY you are! If you’d like more information on our scalp treatments, products or to make an appointment - please email me at hello@beautyecology.com.

Leaky Face? Setting Healthy Skin Boundaries.

At some point in time, as women and natural care givers, we’ve struggled with knowing the extent of our own boundaries - right? Many times we don’t even know we’re venturing outside of our boundaries, later we find ourselves tired, agitated and often times just plain ANGRY.

With this same unconscious when it comes to protecting our soul - it’s the same when it comes to our SKIN. That’s right, the boundaries of your skin - that create the ultimate protective barrier - for happy, healthy and joyous skin.

* Don’t forget to scroll all the way to the bottom for my #1 Suggestion! *

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Addressing Boundaries + Barriers - in our skin.

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, consisting of dead cells (corneocytes). This layer is composed of 15–20 layers of flattened cells and skin sebum. Shingles on a house - in which protects and keeps damage out of its interior is a great visual as it pertains to the stratum corneum and dermal relationship.

“Sebum, skin cells and lipids represent the food source that makes up our natural healthy bacteria, which gives the skin it’s homeostasis. ”

The Skin’s Microbiome + Leaky Gut and [FACE]

Think of bacteria as your daily “professional skin aesthetician.”

The microbes micromanage our skin’s fundamental health by which stimulate secretion and cell turnover which stimulates our pores to keep our skin supple. Just like watching a “leaky face,” we cannot look past the possibility of a leaky gut which are commonly the cause blackheads, psoriasis and can be further damaged by rancid oils that are clogging oils, increase acne prone skin. 

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LISTEN UP

Here’s a quick explainer video and detailed context below to further understand how to keep the biome and skin barrier optimized, plump and luminous.

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The Skin’s Natural ECOSYSTEM knows how to tend for itself. 

Again, our outer barrier protects the body from the external environment and is designed to hold water in and keep bacteria, microbes, and other external invaders out.

The strength and integrity of this barrier not only keeps our skin looking healthy and moisturized, it also plays a role in its clarity.

The Structure of The Stratum Corneum

The dead skin cells “bricks” and the intercellular matrix (the lipids and fatty acids – aka sebum) make up the mortar. These waterproofing lipids are what keep skin hydrated, soft, and firm in appearance by preventing the evaporation of the water it absorbs from the environment and the deeper layers of the skin. It holds the water in and keeps bacteria (including acne bacteria!) and other impurities out.

What if holes and cracks occur?
Obviously water evaporates and escapes. This is when the skin becomes compromised and barrier repair is needed in order to prevent dehydration and bacteria from getting into the cracks.

Your Re-birthing Process
Using its own natural exfoliation process known as desquamation, fresh skin cells migrate from the bottom layer of the epidermis to the outer most layer of the skin. This process is wholly dependent on adequate hydration, so when this process gets disrupted, the skin becomes rough, scaly, and dry in appearance.

Unclogging Pores
If the outer most barrier isn’t repaired, the skin becomes dehydrated (even if you have oily skin), tightens and holds onto dead skin cells. Say “hello to clogged pores!” Bacteria is added to the concoction and makes a perfect soup for your body to react and attack those bacteria in which cascades quickly into inflammation.

** Therefore, even if you’ve cleaned up your lifestyle and still have acne, chances are you have a damaged outer most skin barrier.

The Outward Signs and Symptoms of a Barrier Damage

Many skin conditions can be exacerbated by a damaged stratum corneum. These include:

• Acne
• Dermatitis
• Dry skin
• Eczema
• Flaky skin
• Inflammation
• Itchiness
• Premature aging
• Psoriasis
• Redness
• Rosacea
• Scaly skin
• Sensitive skin
• Tightness

It is thought that over 70% of people who suffer from acne have some degree of damage to their outer most barrier.

Even those with oily skin can have dehydrated skin, so don’t be fooled by oily skin and hydration levels! ANY skin type can become dehydrated because the outer most barrier has been altered causing it to lose its ability to retain moisture.

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So, What Causes a Damaged Barrier to Begin With?

There are several reasons why your outer most barrier may begin to deteriorate:

1. Constantly stripping away sebum
2. Cumulative damage that has affected the skin cell renewal cycle
3. Environmental conditions like dry, cold or hot weather, and wind
4. Not enough physical exercise
5. Not enough sleep
6. Nutritional deficiencies
7. Over-exfoliation
8. Over-washing your face
9. Poor diet high in processed foods and sugar
10. Stress
11. Sun damage
12. Unprotected winter skin
13. Using harsh products on your skin
14. Using hot water when washing and rinsing your1 face
15. Using too many chemicals on your skin

Experiencing any of the above for too long can start to alter the structures within the skin that are responsible for moisture retention and balance.

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THE RECIPE FOR RE-HYDRATION

All this information tells us that we need to achieve balanced hydration within our skin cells in order to repair the outer most skin barrier.

The first steps you want to take are things like lowering stress, getting quality sleep, exercising regularly, drinking enough water daily, and eating a clean healthy diet.

Cleansing:
While improving those aspects of your life, you should begin taking steps towards improving your skincare routine like using cooler water to wash and rinse, switching to a gentle cleanser, avoiding harsh exfoliants or over exfoliating, and allowing your skin to recover its hydration levels.

Water Content + Temperature
The worst thing you can do is use hot water or steam on your face, washing too often, stripping your skin’s oils, or scrubbing your skin too often. All this will do is dry out, strip, and damage the outer most barrier making it harder for your skin to hold onto water.

100% Non-toxic
Harsh chemicals in your face/beauty products can weaken and strip the skin and cause irritation and deterioration of the lipid layer.

Tearing Down Your Protective Barrier
”Even if your skin pro says it’s A-OK,” beware of the motives. Using harsh exfoliants and over-doing micro-needling and peels can actually scratch open the skin (microscopically) and allow water to evaporate.

UV Protect!
Wear your daily sunscreen if you plan on being out in the sun. 20 Minutes of raw sun is fab for natural Vitamin D needs, but anything over this is detrimental short and long term.

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Up-level Your Skin Hydration

Aside from the above, here are a few tips to quickly repair your barrier:

1. Barrier restoring ingredients
Lipids are excellent ingredients to use as they tend to mimic those found in the stratum corneum. The best ones to use are those that contain ceramides and are rich in linoleic acid such as baobab, evening primrose, rose hip seed oil, safflower oil (high linoleic acid), shea butter, and sunflower oil (high linoleic acid). Most, if not all Evoq Skin products contain ceramide rich nutrients.

2. Humectants
Humectants are essential for repairing the outer most barrier as they attract water from deep below the epidermis as well as from humidity in our environment. This moisture is drawn into the stratum corneum where it holds in moisture and repairs the skin.

Some of the best humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These are found in all of our Booster Serums.

Avoid synthetic humectants like:

• Polyethylene glycol (PEGs) – a petroleum byproduct that dries out the skin over time
• Propylene glycol – the synthetic version of glycerin, also a petroleum byproduct known to irritate the skin
• Urea – a preservative that releases formaldehyde; a known carcinogen that can cause dermatitis (there is naturally occurring urea in the skin which is part of the natural moisturizing factor of the skin or NMF)

3. Skin identical ingredients
Using ingredients like peptides, sea algae and omegas will help restore the acid mantle and balance the skin’s natural moisturizing factor.

4. Skin protectants – aka “occlusives.”
Ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, squalene, evening primrose oil, and baobab oil are all wonderful emollients and are rich in phytosterols that heal and buffer the skin against dehydration.

Learn more about our TOP ceramide-rich skin protectant will help keep your skin soft, supple, and firm in appearance.

-SOLUTION-

Our Youth Renew Oil is superior for repairing your lipid barrier - not allowing hydration to leak and keeping your skin bright, plump and luminous. 

** Cold­pressed, organic fruit seed oils rank high in omegas and naturally derived antioxidants that create the “power of 10” anti­-aging benefits. Infuses your skin with omega fatty acids that protect and improve your skin from sensitivities, skin allergies, and environmental aging while enhancing cellular metabolic functions.

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XO
Thanks for joining me on yet another skin lesson! Let me know if you have any questions on setting healthy barriers in your skin + life! E: Kassandra@beautyecology.com XO MUCH LOVE!

Thank you, Holistic Health Herbalist

Look Younger While Living Longer (a plastic surgeon's perspective)

As a beauty and health professional, I get all types of questions form our guests about what I think about botox, lasers and potential natural alternatives.  While I am not here to position my opinion (every case is personal and individual), I thought this podcast would help add to the conversation on botox, skin health and "aging" tactics. 

The Episode

This episode explores the question of how we can maintain a naturally youthful look as we get older. Brett — a New York City oculofacial plastic surgeon who specializes in both non-surgical and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the eyes and face — shares some remarkably practical advice on everything from the most extensive procedural options, down to the simple steps one can do themselves, starting today, that can make a tremendous impact.  

Check out this podcast hosted by Peter Attia showcasing Brett Kotlus, MD.  I've also left the show notes to skim through the chit chat. 

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The Discussion Outlined

• History of medical training that led to Brett’s current interests [5:00];
• What changes occur that make skin look older over time? [8:00];
• How to avoid the “unnatural” look associated with cosmetic surgery [17:00];
• Facial augmentation, fixing eye-bags, and picking the right provider [22:15];
• Common botox mistakes, and how to do it right [37:30];
• Protect and rejuvenate your skin with these 3 main tools [46:30];
• Latest trends in cosmetic industry, botox, cryolipolysis, the various forms of facials, and PRP [1:05:00];
• Importance of picking a provider you trust, rather than a device you want [1:31:30];
• Future of the cosmetic field [1:33:00]; and
• More.

Dont miss our awesome discount below to get started NOW on healthy, long term aging to cover all the fundamental levels of the dermis and its critical regenerative abilities.  

You can find all show notes and the PODCAST HERE. 

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My Final Comments

On a professional level in the skin industry, it's a delight to see Brett commenting on UV protection, the power of the RIGHT kind of vitamin C (although I much prefer C-Ester due to it being enveloped in fatty acids to travel deep and deliver), and more education on the great tactics of Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP).

Really, the critical piece to capture on healthy aging come down to drinking plenty of water, quality nutrition, fresh air with doses of healthy sun, moving our body for detoxification and ridding old negative thought patterns.  

In closing, here are my top HIGH POWERED skin solutions with levels of actives need for true skin transformation - when used consistently.  

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I'm OFFERING a limited time discount to get you started. 

ENTER ' GREATSKIN ' and you'll receive 15% off your order!

 

SEA PEARL EXTRACT­ 

Works to slough away dull epidermal cells and reveal a brighter, more luminous complexion.

ISOTONIC SEA WATER­ 

Infuses skin with essential minerals and trace elements needed for healthy skin.

SHEA BUTTER + SUNFLOWER

Protects skin from everyday toxins and promotes cell renewal, while soothing dryness, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis with Vitamins A and E.

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BOTANICAL STEM CELLS OF NARCISSUS AND MADONNA LILY­ 

educes skin discoloration by inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes, which can create dark spots. 

VITAMIN C ESTERS

Gently brighten skin to reduce dark spots and scars, and regulates oil production.

LIQUID OXYGEN ­ 

Decreases the look of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing skin’s volume

 

HIBISCUS SYRIACUS, RUTIN, & IRIS PALLIDA STEM CELL EXTRACTS­ 

Plant­ based stem cell extracts stimulate cellular turnover, giving skin a younger, fresher look and feel.

SODIUM HYALURONATE­ 

Locks in moisture to plump up wrinkles, leaving skin looking firmer, and helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines.

NANNOCHLOROPSIS ALGAE EXTRACT (OMEGA­ 7 FATTY ACIDS)­ 

An anti­-inflammatory extract of algae that reduces redness and calms irritated skin.

 

HIBISCUS MALIC ACID

Natural acids increase cell turnover to support fresher, younger, smoother looking skin.

MARINE CRISTE EXTRACT OR “SEA RETINOL” 

Patented Sea Retinol visibly smoothes wrinkles and creates a radiant complexion.

LIQUID OXYGEN (PERFLUORODECALIN) 

Decreases the look of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing skin’s volume and improves the look of dark circles over time.

 

25% NON­-NANO ZINC OXIDE 35 SPF­ 

Reduces visibility of skin damage by eliminating free radicals that increase the risk of skin cancer. Safe for the whole family. 

VITAMIN D3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL)­ 

Traditional sunscreens block natural intake of vitamin D but our Primer is infused with it to offset what your skin doesn’t take in on its own.

SUNFLOWER SEED (VITAMIN E)

­Naturally a UV absorbent, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and lightens dark, under­eye circles and scars.