"Peeling Away" what a Facial Peel Is - and Can Do for You

What Are Facial Peels?

Facial peels are products that are applied to the skin in order to remove dead cells and expose the fresh, softer skin below. The term is also used to describe the treatment you receive when a peel product is applied to your skin.

Estheticians use mild facial peels that affect only the outermost layer the epidermis — skin that’s most hardened, and no longer “alive.” Dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other similar medical professionals apply peels that delve deeper into the skin’s “live” dermal layer.

How Do Peels & Exfoliation Differ?

The term exfoliation refers to any procedure that sloughs away dead skin to reveal softer, fresh skin below, and that includes facial peels. We can exfoliate our skin manually with scrubs or a microdermabrasion procedure, or chemically by applying products such as peels.

Any method that helps remove dead, crusty skin is a form of exfoliation. Doing something as simple as using a washcloth to remove product will help exfoliate your skin.

What Are a Few Products Estheticians Use for Facial Peels?

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are acids that remove dead skin by dissolving the “cement” that holds cells together. They are often formulated from glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk) and malic acid (from apples). Read an article by Dr. Diana Howard, which explains why products made from lactic acid might be a very good choice for your peel.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) exfoliate the surface of the skin, as alpha hydroxy acids do, and are also lipid soluble, a characteristic that allows them to penetrate into pores to soften oily blockages.

Salicylic acid is an antimicrobial BHA used in chemical peels. It can be an effective treatment for acne and other blemish-prone skin, but does come with a few warnings:

• Pregnant or lactating women should speak to their doctor before having this type of peel, because  salicylic acid is absorbed through the skin and could impact the baby and mother’s milk.
• Salicylic acid peels should not be used over large areas of the body unless approved by a physician.
• People with kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or poor circulation may not be able to use products containing salicylic acid.
• Anyone with an allergy to aspirin should avoid salicylic acid, since the two products are related

Always ask your dermatologist or skin care therapist to explain the pros and cons of any product used in a skin peel.

Why Should I Have a Facial Peel?

Superficial chemical peels can benefit the skin in many ways:

• Stimulate blood flow and increase the rate of skin turnover, bringing newer cells to the surface more rapidly
• “New” skin has a smoother appearance, and is better able to retain moisture.
• Improve the effects of sun damage, including a softening of fine lines and a lightening of hyperpigmentation (commonly called age spots)
• Helps to remove open comedones (blackheads) or make their extraction an easier process; often makes it easier to remove closed comedones (whiteheads) which must be lanced prior to removal
• Improves red, pus-filled acne blemishes (by making them easier to extract when they’re ready)
• Improve overall skin texture and remove debris from the skin’s surface.

After evaluating your specific concerns, your skin care therapist may recommend a series of peels.

Conventional Peel Strengths & What to Expect

Each state regulates the strength of peels that can either be sold over the counter or applied by an esthetician. Acid peels are only left on the skin for a few minutes, but your skin will probably become red during the procedure.

Your skin will be sensitive after a peel, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat sure can’t hurt. Many people opt to undergo a series of peels in the fall and winter months, when the sun isn’t directly overhead. Your therapist will offer recommendations for complete home aftercare.

Peels applied by physicians are more intense, and recovery time varies. Ask your doctor to explain the process thoroughly before you have a medium to deep peel.

Kasia Organic Medi-Facial - NO Down Time - Best Organic Peel Alternative 

A revolutionary facial treatment that will have you rethinking the average facial “peel.” This treatment is safe, painless, and will not strip or damage your skin.

The  Kasia Skindeep Organic Medi-Peel and/or Facial have a 2.0% Retinaldehyde, making it the only non-acid peel that will infuse the dermis with fibroblast stimulators, immune boosters, antioxidants, pigment lighteners, and calming anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients.

Expect results with this powerful synergy that rejuvenates the skin by increasing collagen production, fighting free radical damage, scavenging scar tissue and helping reduce hyperpigmentation making it an amazing treatment for any skin type or condition.

Learn more here about our Medi-Facial

Enzyme Exfoliants Can Be an Excellent Option

Enzyme exfoliants, also usually called peels, are an excellent option for most of us, and are especially useful for skin that is too sensitive for other types of peels. Kasia's pumpkin enzyme peel is a personal favorite of mine, for removing that very outermost layer of hardened skin and for preparing clients for much easier blemish extraction.

Skin Peel Advice from Skin Care at Blue Ridge Comforts, ©2012

FREE 1 Day Super Green Detox (Guest Post: Young and Raw)

Experiencing sugar cravings, fatigue or an unwanted sloth-like feeling? This one day detox plan was designed to support all of your elimination organs, with a special emphases on liver supporting foods.

Your liver is responsible for doing a large portion of the work when it comes to detoxing your body. By eating foods that help it do its job, you will be facilitating healthy and effective toxin removal.

It is important to rest and nourish yourself while you are detoxing, even if it is just for one day. Take extra time to sleep, read, meditate, do restorative yoga, take a bath or any other activities that feel like nourishment for you. The more you rest and allow your body to heal, the more effective this little detox will be.

Super Green Detox Menu:

Upon Rising: Lemon Basil Vitamin Water Breakfast: Super Greens Smoothie Lunch: Love Your Liver Green Salad Snack: Clean and Green Juice Dinner: Lentil and Cauliflower Detox Soup Before Bed: Herbal Tea

Super Green Detox Recipes:

Lemon Basil Vitamin Water

• 1 litre fresh water
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 5 basil leaves
• pinch Himalayan salt

Instructions: Place your lemon slices, basil leaves and Himalayan salt in your water and allow to sit for 1-12 hours. It can be nice to make this the night before your cleanse to have waiting for you in the fridge when you wake up. The longer you let it sit, the more potent the drink will be.

Why It Works:

• Water: will help to re-hydrate your system after being dehydrated over night.
• Lemon: will kickstart the activity of your liver as well as help to stimulate the emptying of your colon.
• Basil: is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that will work to help cool and soothe your system which is very important for cleansing and detoxifying.
• Himalayan salt: has all 84 essential trace minerals the body needs to thrive, and it will help to alkalize your body.

Green Super Smoothie

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup red leaf lettuce
• 2 ribs celery
• 1/3 cup parsley
• 1/3 cup cilantro
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 1 inch piece ginger
• 1 cup water

Instructions: Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

Why It Works:

• Berries: will provide essential antioxidants that are crucial to help protect your liver during detox. They are also rich in fibre which will help to cleanse your colon.
• Red Leaf Lettuce: is a slightly bitter green which will stimulate bile production helping to cleanse and clear the liver and gallbladder.
• Celery: will alkalize your system and provide your body with alkaline minerals.
• Parsley: is going to be supporting your kidneys.
• Cilantro: will help to pull heavy metals from your system.
• Lemon: will boost your liver function and the ginger will help to cleanse and clear your whole digestive tract.

Love Your Liver Green Salad

• 2 cups arugula
• 1 cup romaine lettuce
• 1 small beet, grated
• 1 large avocado, pit removed and sliced
• 1 lime, juiced
• option to add oil free balsamic and 2 tbsp. sauerkraut if you wish

Instructions: Place all ingredients in a bowl, toss and enjoy!

Why It Works:

• Arugula and romaine lettuce: will both alkalize your system, help to cleanse and clear your colon as well as providing that bitter taste to help stimulate your liver and gallbladder.
• Beet: is rich in beta-carotene and bioflavonoids, which are essential nutrients for liver detox.
• Avocado: is a precursor for glutathione, which is used in phase two liver detox. It is also rich in other amino acids which are all needed for effective liver detoxification.
• Lime: acts much like lemon in its liver cleansing action.

Clean and Green Juice

• 1/2 green apple
• 3 ribs celery
• 1/2 field cucumber
• 1/3 cup cilantro
• 1/3 cup parsley
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 1 inch piece ginger

Instructions: Run all ingredients through a juicer and enjoy!

Why It Works:

• Apples: are rich in b vitamins which help to support the digestive system and the metabolism.
• Celery: is rich in trace minerals which help to dilate blood vessels, supporting the transportation of wastes from your cells to your liver for removal.
• Cucumber: Cucumber is a super high water content fruit that will help to flush toxins from your system.
• Cilantro: will pull mercury from your body, which is a known neurotoxin
• Parsley: this awesome herb is a bitter green, meaning it will boost bile flow and help cleanse the liver
• Lemon: rich in vitamin C, this fruit will help your body fight any infection it may be dealing with.
• Ginger: is a powerful antibacterial food helping to defend your body from pathogens.

Lentil and Cauliflower Detox Soup:

• 1/2 cup dried lentils
• 1/2 head cauliflower, chopped
• half-inch piece fresh turmeric root, minced fine (or use 1/4 tsp dried)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 garlic clove
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions: Place your lentils, cauliflower, turmeric root water and spices in a pot and bring to a boil. Allow to cook for 15-20 minutes or until your lentils are tender. Remove from the heat. Add your apple cider vinegar.  Enjoy!

Why It Works:

• Lentils: will provide your body will the needed amino acids so that it can detox properly.
• Cauliflower: is a cruciferous vegetable which means it is rich in sulfur compounds.  These compounds are amazing for protecting the body from cancer as well as aiding in efficient liver detox.
• Turmeric root: contains a compound called curcumin which helps to slow down phase one liver detox, and stimulate phase two. This is a good thing because for most people phase two liver detox can be sluggish and this can lead to poor detoxification.
• The apple cider vinegar: will help to cleanse your whole system including your liver, gallbladder and digestive system.

Herbal Tea - Your choice:

• Chamomile
• Liquorice
• Lavender
• Passion Flower
• Valerian Root
• Lemon Balm

Instructions: Steep your tea in 1 cup of hot water and sip slowly before bed.

Why It Works: All of the above herbs have individual health benefits, though the one thing they all have in common is they are nourishing and replenishing to the adrenals and promote calm and relaxation. The reason we recommend them is because they are all calming and soothing for the nervous system and will help you to fall asleep and rest well.

Shopping lists:

Veggies

• 2 cups arugula
• 1 avocado
• 1 small beet
• 1 head cauliflower
• 5 ribs celery
• 1 field cucumber
• 1 cup red leaf lettuce
• 1 cup romaine lettuce

Fruits

• 1 green apple
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 3 lemon
• 1 lime

Fresh Herbs

• 5 basil leaves
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 2 inch piece ginger
• 1 bunch parsley
• 1 inch piece fresh turmeric root (or use 1/4 tsp dried)

Dried Herbs

• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Nuts/Seeds/Legumes

• 1/2 cup dried lentils

Grocery

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• pinch Himalayan salt
• Herbal tea of choice

Guest Post:  Ali Washington Holistic Nutritionist

 Ali is the Resident Holistic Nutritionist for Young and Raw. She came to the natural health field when she was 14, as a way of healing chronic stomach aches, skin issues, weight problems and hormonal imbalances. Years of doctors visits, specialist appointments and conventional medicine had never yielded results, so she tried looking for a natural solution. Going vegan in 2007, and 100% raw shortly after that, she was able to heal her body, and was inspired to share what had helped her so much with others.

Quick *Go to List* for Gluten Free Alcohol and Food Substances

Ok ladies, I just had to post on this subject matter.  The "gluten free," Paleo, SCD, and plethora of other nutritional systems to better your health are flooding the market.  These nutritional transitions can take years to execute.  As you continue on your journey - grab these easy tips to add to your "Informed Beauty" list.

Note:  For people with overt Celiac disease and/or those who have been recently diagnosed or who are exquisitely sensitive, it is not recommend that they have liquor that has been made with wheat, barley or rye. There have actually been no studies to confirm or deny that people with Celiac can safely consume these alcohols. The Celiac Sprue Association also maintains this position.

For people in this category, it is best to stick to potato-based vodkas (listed them below), rum, tequila, wine, gluten-free beer, mead, hard cider, champagne and brandy.

I have highlighted the best, safest boozes for those people.

Vodkas (Smirnoff, Tito’s, Blue Ice, Ciroc, Chopan)

Brandy

Bourbon

Champagne

Cognac

Gin

Gluten-Free Beer

Grappa

Hard Cider

Mead

Rum

Sake

Scotch

Sherry

Tequila

Vermouth

Whiskey

Wine

 

Foods and Substances Containing Gluten

 

Grains to Avoid

-Wheat (including wheat germ, wheat bran and sprouted wheat)

-Rye (including sprouted rye, rye crackers, etc)

-Barley (including sprouted barley and barley malt)

-Bulgur

-Durum

-Semolina

-Cous Cous

-Spelt

-Kamut

-Muesli

-Graham

-Triticale

-Einkorn

Foods Containing Gluten – to be avoided, always read labels!

-Pasta

-Crackers, Pretzels

-Soy sauce – check the label, is often made with wheat

-Beer (unless it says gluten-free; many microbreweries now offer gluten-free selections)

-Farina

-Malt vinegar

-Matzo

- Bread, Breading, Breading mixes, Baked goods

-Seitan (this is straight up gluten)

-Communion Wafers

-Crab Cakes

-Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein

-Texturized Vegetable Protein

-Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

-Marinades – read label!

-Processed Meats – read label!

-Rice Dream (contains barley)

-Tamari

-Soup Bases/Broths/Bullion – read label

-Imitation meats and “soy burgers”  - read label

Foods that are safe (do not contain gluten)

Gluten-free grains

-Amaranth

-Rice

-Wild Rice

-Corn

-Quinoa

-Tapioca

-Teff

-Sorghum

-Millet

-Buckwheat (yes, despite the name!)

-Oats – see note below

Gluten-free foods

-Meat

-Eggs

-Vegetables

-Fruit

-Nuts/Nut flours/Nut butters

-Coconut/Coconut flour/Coconut butter/Coconut milk

-Flax

-Potato

-Beans

-Arrowroot

-Fava/Garbanzo

-Dairy Products (check label, however, on yogurts and cheese and ice cream)

A note about Oats: oats contain a protein called avenin. In the vast majority of studies, oats are well tolerated in people with Celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Up to 98% of people with Celiac disease can consume oats without worry. However, there can be issues of cross-contamination at storage sites. If oats are stored in a silo that housed wheat, there is a chance some gluten residue is present in the oats. The solution to this is to seek out oats that are labeled “gluten free” and only consume those.

Reading Labels: Perhaps the most crucial aspect to successful gluten elimination is that you become an expert in reading labels. Remember that you want to remain gluten free, and not just wheat free. If you are in doubt about a product, write to the company online. Don’t forget to ask about prescription medications, and read the labels to over-the-counter drugs carefully, too. Always shop the gluten-free “GF” labels.

Guest Post -   fix your digestion (doc) com

Common Industry Skin Care Terms You Need to Know

Getting familiar with common skin care terms is helpful when choosing skin care products! Understanding the following words will help you to understand your own skin and it's needs.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids AHAs include lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, and pyruvic acid. Found in sugar cane and citrus fruit, AHAs loosen and remove cells from the stratum corneum (skin surface). In doing so they reduce the visibility of wrinkles and cause the skin to look and feel smoother. They also assist your skin in retaining moisture. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular structure of the AHAs and can thus most easily penetrate into the stratum corneum.

Amino Acids Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are mild on the skin and strengthen connective tissue and stimulate collagen to keep the skin smooth and elastic. They have also been noted to improve skin tone and increase hydration.

Antimicrobial An element that slows and restricts the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Antioxidants Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins) that repair cellular damage. They do so by counteracting Free Radicals damage, binding to the Free Radicals and transforming them into non-damaging compounds. They also stimulate new collagen growth for smooth, firm, youthful skin.

Astringent Astringents constrict cellular tissues, reducing pore size and minimizing oil production. They remove dirt and oil from the skin and are often used after a cleansing product to remove residue. Astringents help to keep the skin clean, clear, and properly functioning.

Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA radiation causes aging while UVB radiation causes burning. It is important to protect against both forms of sun radiation to prevent premature aging of the skin.

Cell Renewal The process by which skin produces new cells that travel from the lowest level of your skin to the topmost layer. After some time they shed and allow new cells beneath them to emerge. These cells form a paper thin barrier on the surface of the skin to guard against moisture loss and environmental damage.

Cellular Regeneration The process of cell renewal, cell restoration, and cell growth.

Collagen A natural protein found in the dermis (middle layer of the skin). Collagen makes up 75% of the skin. It provides strength to the skin and gives it its form, shape, and firmness.

Comedogenic A product applied to the skin that contains an ingredient which increases the accumulation of dead cells within skin follicles. Comedogenic products lead to acne and blackhead formation, it is important to look for “Non-Comedogenic” skin care products.

Dermatologically Tested Clinical tests performed under the supervision of an independent third party dermatologist.

Dermis The middle layer of the skin comprised of blood vessels, hair follicles, and oil glands. Here is where collagen and elastin live, two proteins that offer the skin support and elasticity.

Elastin A natural protein found in the dermis. Elastin gives the skin strength, giving it its form, shape, and elasticity.

Emollient A mixture of agents designed to make the external layers of the skin (epidermis) softer and more elastic. They help the skin retain moisture by reducing evaporation.

Emulsifiers A substance that allows oils and liquids to mix (creating an Emulsion). Emulsifiers help to keep products in tact and help to remove oils from the skin.

Epidermis The Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and is in charge of Cell Renewal. It is composed of 5 layers; the topmost layer is made up of flat, dead skin cells (the stratum corneum) that shed about every two weeks. The bottom layer is made up of column-shaped cells that push already made cells from the Dermis to the surface. Although the Epidermis the thinnest layer of the skin it is responsible for producing pigment and protecting the skin from the environment.

Exfoliants Substances that break down and remove dead, dull skin cells that naturally build up on the skin’s surface. Exfoliants smooth and brighten as they help the skin achieve and maintain optimal performance. Suggested use is usually 2-3 times a week to keep the skin looking fresh and young.

Flavonoids Flavonoids are natural substances found in fruits, vegetables, pine bark and green tea. They are loaded with antioxidants and work actively to strengthen blood vessels and stabilize elastin and collagen to keep the skin young and vibrant.

Free Radicals Free Radicals are atoms or molecules with an odd number of electrons. Normally, when a chemical bond splits it doesn’t leave an odd, unpaired electron. However, when weak bonds splits a Free Radical is formed. The subsequent lone electron will steal a proton from another molecule to complete itself, causing a chain reaction of damage that can eventually disrupt a cell.

Humectant A Humectant is a substance that promotes the preservation and retention of the skins natural moisture.

Hygroscopic Hygroscopic is the ability of a substance to readily take up and retain moisture from its surrounding environment.

Hypodermis The Hypodermis is the deepest layer of the skin. It is composed of fatty tissue and is attached to the dermis via collagen and elastin fibres. The Hypodermis is responsible for conserving the body’s heat and protecting vital inner organs.

Keratin Keratin is a key structural protein that makes up hair, nails, and the surface layer of the skin. Keratin determines the skins rigidity.

Lipids Naturally occurring compounds that protect the skins natural barrier. Topically applied, Lipids help the skin to retain its natural moisture to keep it soft, supple, and protected.

Melanin Melanin is pigment that gives the skin its color. The more melanin you have the darker your skin will be. The amount of melanin you naturally have is based on your genetic makeup, sun exposure, and your hormone levels. Melanin is produced at the base of the epidermis.

Moisture Barrier A function of the epidermis that protects the skin from excessive moisture loss.

Non-acnegenic Non-acnegenic products are products that do not cause acne, versus non-comedogenic products that do not cause clogged skin pores.

Peptides Amino acid chains that create a protein that maintains the health of hair, nails, and skin.

pH The measure of acidity in a substance. Neutral pH is 7.0 (the pH of pure water). Substance with a pH of less than 7.0 are acids and with a pH of above 7.0 a base. The lower the pH the stronger the acid, and higher the pH the stronger the base. Very high or low pHs are irritating to the skin.

Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid works as an exfoliant and fights acne. It penetrates the follicle and encourages the shedding of dead skin cells to keep the pores clear of buildup.

Sebum The skins natural oil produced in the dermis.

Surfactant An active agent that promotes the foaming, dispersing, and spreading properties of a product. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants. They help products get their job done.

T-zone The area of the face that produces the most sebum. Located on the forehead, nose, and chin.

Toner Skin care products used after a cleanser and before a moisturizer. Toners remove any traces of cleansing product, dirt, and makeup.

Toxins Irritating substances that cause the skin to break out.

Love is in the Hair! Sexy & Smooth Valentine's Day Keratin Special!

 Our Valentines Day Keratin Special restores and strengthens hair leaving it shiny, smooth, and best of all, it works with all hair types and textures.

Our healthy hair experts are here to help bridge the gap of that "middle of winter hair blues!"

 To show our love, we are offering the fastest, simplest and most affordable way to have smoother, shinier and healthier hair.  The treatment works great on over processed hair, as it will improve the hair’s overall look and integrity.

Love is in the hair.......   seal in your color creating a more vibrant color and shine like never before. When you layer this treatment, results improve and you add more of the protective protein layer around your hair.

Contact our healthy hair experts today! kassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com * Call 612.824.7611

Read all about the benefits of our NEW Keratin Services HERE! 

Expires February 20th Pricing may alter pending on the length of hair, and/or density.

The Anti-Aging Hair Diet

Hair not only loses color as you age it can also lose thickness and become dry and brittle.   Eating a diet full of antioxidant vitamins, minerals, healthy proteins and oils can help slow the aging process by repairing damage and helping you grow stronger strands.

We’ve compiled a list of healthy foods with vitamins and nutrients your hair needs. Consume them regularly to keep your hair vibrant.

Dark Green Vegetables – Choose dark green leafy veggies like spinach and kale. Greens are packed with antioxidants including A, C, and E, folate and calcium. They also contain iron, key for healthy blood, and circulation.  Good circulation in the scalp is one of the keys to keeping precious hairs. Try them raw in a salad or blended into a green smoothie.

Carrots - Take a cue from Bugs Bunny and eat LOTS of carrots as they are brilliant for building healthy skin and hair. Packed with carotene which turns into vitamin A for cell repair. They are also a good source of potassium, vitamins C & B6, copper, folic acid, thiamine, magnesium, and fiber. That means they heal, act as a diuretic (aka get rid of bloating), and remineralize the body. The perfect food for hair, eyes, and skin.

Lentils - These little protein, biotin, and iron-filled superstars help build long and strong strands.  They are also loaded with cholesterol-lowering fiber, and make a delicious soup during these cold winter months.

Coconut Oil - If you need an oil or fat for any dish, we recommend coconut oil. It’s good for your insides and outsides! You can use it as a skin moisturizer or a hair mask as well. Rich in

Vitamin E and other critical antioxidants this multipurpose oil is all about repair.

Avocados - Do you need anot

her reason to eat avocados besides they’redelicious? New studies show that avocado oil seems to assist with the absorption of carotenoid antioxidants like beta-carotene (see carrots).

Greek Yogurt - It’s high in hair-building protein, vitamin B5 and vitamin D. Emerging research links vitamin D and hair follicle health.

Make sure to consume 6 to 7 servings a day of these hair nutrient superstars and you can help slow the aging process from the inside out.

Contact the Kasia for your custom plan on how to Age-Less from the inside - out!

Guest Post:  HairColor4Women

 

Your Top 10 Detox Foods

Help flush toxins from your liver, cleanse your bloodstream and clear up your complexion with these healthy foods and cleansing herbs. 

Regular cellular detoxification causes the most amazing chemical reactions that can boost your energy level sky high. Detox food plans and modern-day juice cleanses are grounded on the premise that eliminating “toxins” and particular foods (usually meat or processed products)—even for a while—will rid your system of substances that slow your metabolism and cause acne breakouts, inflammation and bloating.

“The way we eat influences how we sleep, how we think and process, as well as how we manage our stress,” says neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, President of the Perlmutter Health Center in Naples, FL, and author of Grain Brain (Little Brown and Company, 2013). In fact, according to Dr. Perlmutter, what we eat—or sometimes, more importantly, what we don’t eat—impacts every aspect of our health and digestion.

Here are our top 10 suggestions for cleaning up your act:

1. Eat healthy fruits and vegetables

If it doesn’t grow on a tree or if it’s not available at a local farmers market, don’t include it in any detox plans. Your body and mind require calories to sustain optimal functioning and focus, says expert Kris Carr, author of Crazy Sexy Kitchen (Morris Publishing, 2012). “Humans are at the top of the food chain and more likely to be exposed to an accumulation of toxic substances in the food supply,” says Carr. Pesticides and herbicides, for example, are sprayed on grains that are then fed to farm animals. Toxins are stored in fatty tissue of animals, and then we devour those proteins. The detox message? Eat fewer (if any) animal products but nibble, nonetheless, on organic fruits and unlimited vegetables as you cleanse.

2. Quash alcohol calories

Beat bloating by avoiding alcohol calories if you can. Since the body cannot store or remove alcohol efficiently, it is synthesized, then stored, in your liver. During a thorough detox, teetotalers provide their detox organs a big break, especially the hard-working liver and kidneys. “Humans are exposed to heavy metals, herbicides and insecticides and 80,000 other nefarious industrial chemicals and preservatives every day,” says Carr. The last thing to do is clog your system with excessive alcohol.

3. Drink quarts of water

Nothing helps flush your skin, blood and organs better than pure water, say our experts. Aim for a minimum of eight to 10 glasses per day, to stay hydrated and aid digestion. “The detoxification process is intricate and when circulating antioxidants latch onto toxins in your bloodstream, they neutralize their oxidizing capacity and escort them to the liver,” explains Dr. Perlmutter. Liver cells then perform a detoxification process, whereby chemical reactions in the liver neutralize and eliminate toxins via urine, feces and perspiration.

4. Consume kombucha

Drink six to 12 ounces of tangy, tasty kombucha tea daily to depollute the liver and blood, and settle your belly with helpful gut bacteria that delivers medicinal spirits, says Jessica Childs, author of Kombucha (Penguin Group, 2013). Childs, who holds a degree in molecular biology, says, “Cells are constantly forming toxins as normal byproducts of your metabolism, which boosts the immune system and help restore healthy bacteria into your gastrointestinal tract.” Keeping that tract clean daily with a tangy detox tea does the job.

5. Try powerful turmeric and curcumin

The medicinal potency of the antioxidant turmeric lies in the active ingredient curcumin, the anti-inflammatory compound that may minimize cellular inflammation and promote wound healing. In “Anticancer Potentials of Curcumin: Preclinical and Clinical Studies,” a study published in Anticancer Research, turmeric was found to help soothe symptoms of cystic fibrosis, hemorrhoids, gastric ulcer, colon cancer, breast cancer, liver diseases and arthritis.

6. Detox with dandelion root

Native Americans boiled dandelion leaves in water and drank it to treat kidney disease, skin problems and heartburn. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, roasted dandelion is tapped to treat stomach problems, appendicitis and inflammation. The root helps to break down dietary fats during digestion, and carry away waste to promote optimal liver function. Preliminary studies at the University of Maryland Medical Center suggest that dandelion may also normalize blood sugar levels, lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, and raise the “good” HDL cholesterol in diabetic mice.

7. Make mine a multi

Take a daily multi-vitamin with fiber to compensate for the lack of potential calories on any detox plan, and to make sure your digestive system is breaking down calories efficiently while you limit the alcohol, caffeine and excessive calories.  “Multi packs [vitamins] should contain vital B vitamins or you may supplement with niacin, riboflavin and thiamine,” says Childs. Vitamin B is essential to a healthy metabolism, cell maintenance and the efficient breakdown of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, says Childs.

8. Consume common herbs and spices

Herbs are the leafy, green part of plants (think mint and parsley), and spices come from the dried seeds, fruit, root and bark. While you may add either to foods or brew them into healthful teas, cumin and cinnamon are increasingly revered not only for their culinary properties, but also for their detox benefits and a biological ability to induce cellular changes and immune function, according to research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Potentially purifying herbs and spices include burdock root, chicory and stinging nettle.

9. Chew on chia

Chia is a highly nutritious seed from the desert plant, Salvia Hispanica. A vital dietary supplement to ancient Aztecs and Mayans, the chia seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and easy to incorporate into a detox. Chock-full of soluble fiber to streamline digestion, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, chia seeds are overflowing with antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Dr. Weil touts the benefits: “Sprinkle the detoxing seeds whole or ground on cereal, in yogurt or on salads. Seek out organic versions and experiment,” he says.

10. Gobble up Brassica groups

Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts all contain glucosinolates, common sulphur-containing compounds that protect the liver from damage and improve its detoxing abilities. How? The humble, stinky Brassicaceae family—including cabbage and kohlrabi—contains isothiocyanates and indoles, nutrients that help your digestive organs equalize carcinogenic substances, according to the NIH.

All in all, feed your body the foods and nutrients it craves during a detox, and help self-cleanse your organs and blood circulation. It will do your body good.

Guest Post: Organic Spa Magazine

Photography by Robin Jolin.

New Year's Resolution ~ Tame Acne

As if an ugly blemish isn't bad enough, it can often leave it's reminder hanging around for weeks or months.  Luckily, you can speed up the healing  process and get your acne under control.

TO AVOID:  ANYTHING THAT INFLAMES OR DEHYDRATES THE SKIN

Many products function as drying agents designed to strip away oil. Skincare products that dehydrate in order to reduce oil succeed only temporarily.  As soon as the body senses the imbalance, the skin produces MORE oil in an attempt to protect the skin. Dehydration leads to fragile skin and a weaker barrier against dirt and debris, which can worsen acne in many cases.

INFORMED BEAUTY SOLUTIONS:

Renew AHA + Vitamin C Exfoliating Cleanser

Resurface + Cleanse:

• Contains 5% Alpha-hydroxy Acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate

• Soap-free formula

• Citrus extracts and multi-fruit acids refine and brighten

• Willow Bark: (nature’s salicylic acid) has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial elements

• Also doubles as a pore-refining antioxidant mask

Glow:

• Algae Extract: a regenerative sea mineral that provides a radiant glow

• Red Tea: a high-powered antioxidant that combats free radical damage and accelerated aging

• Gotu Kola: reduces redness, inflammation and promotes healing

• Neem: anti-aging botanical that reduces inflammation and offers cellular protection

Moisturize:

• Aloe: soothes and hydrates delicate skin

• Green Tea: provides anti-oxidant protection

• Apricot Oil and Shea Butter moisturize and soften

SoPure Clarifying Mask Key Benefits

Brighter:

• Grape seed extract and Vitamins E and C help reduce pigmentation and discoloration and promote healing.

Clearer:

• Beyond the dual exfoliate system of jojoba beads and Larch extract, Linden and Calendula oil help calm inflammation and breakouts.

Hydrated:

• Algae extract, Shea butter, Oat extract and Squalane balance the skin’s moisture levels and adds suppleness while increasing surface hydration.

INCREASE SKIN HEALTH:

ASSESS YOUR DIET:

• Increase you fiber intake to encourage your body to eliminate toxins through the bowels.

• Buy organic foods if possible.  Too many of the added growth hormones in our meat and dairy end up in our systems and the body responds with hormone shifts.  As a result, candida (yeast) populations in the body get out of whack which in turn, can contribute to acne.

• Reduce your intake of sugar, hydrogenated oils, sodium and synthetic flavorings where possible.  Inflammation, even internally, stimulates oil production and leads to acne.

Contact our Kasia Skin Expert Today!