Thursday, February 26, 2015

Get the Glow - with Yoga!

Get the Glow: Five Yoga Poses That Give You Great Skin

 
As it turns out, the answer is a little of both. Practicing yoga does wonders for the mind and body. As skin guru Dr. Nicholas Perricone wrote in The Clear Skin Prescription, “It is the perfect exercise for people who lead busy, stress-filled lives who want to look and feel their best.” Yoga in general improves skin health by reducing stress (a common catalyst to breakouts and fine lines) and removing toxins from the body. In fact, there are certain asanas (poses) that are especially good at this, and therefore especially good for the skin. I spoke with two Los Angeles–based yoga instructors, Lisa Paskel and Mary Fanto, to find out the best ways to get a yogic glow.
The Best Asanas for Your Skin
Before going into skin-advantageous poses, it’s important to note that these shouldn’t be performed without warming up the body first. “I would never tell anyone who’s not warmed up to go into a spinal twist or an inversion,” warns Lisa Paskel, co-founder of Yoga Shelter. That could cause injury, especially for beginners unfamiliar with the poses in the first place. Even the simpler ones should be done slowly and carefully.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
This easy standing pose allows you to focus on deep, rhythmic breathing—an essential element of healthy skin. “Most adult humans barely breathe into their throats,” Paskel explains, “[but] getting oxygen in the body is the number one thing.” Yogis and yoginis believe that drawing oxygen into, through, and out of the body releases harmful toxins and keeps vital systems running optimally.
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)
This one is difficult if your hamstrings are especially tight (hence the importance of warming up first), but luckily, you don’t have to touch the ground or keep your legs pin-straight to get the pose’s skin benefits. “Even if you just bend over at the waist, close your eyes, and let your head hang … you’re clearing everything out and your blood is switching directions,” says Mary Fanto, an instructor at U Studio Yoga. She suggests trying that for one minute a day and working up to five.
Because forward-bending poses fight against gravity by turning the head toward the ground instead of toward the sky, Fanto refers to them as fountains of youth. Blood flows into the face faster, bringing with it oxygen and other helpful nutrients that fight free radicals, encourage skin cell renewal, and give the visage a rosy glow. Uttanasana is the easiest of the forward bends; those who practice yoga regularly can also try Downward-Facing Dog and the hip-opening Child’s Pose.
Bharadvaja’s Twist (Seated Twist)
Both Fanto and Paskel say that twisting positions are great for digestive health, which is important for moving toxic properties out of the organs. “Anytime you’re clearing your body of waste, it’s better for your skin,” Fanto says. However, simply twisting isn’t enough—deep, cleansing breaths are a necessary component to the pose. “If you don’t follow up with really good breath and water, then the toxins get released, but then they get trapped,” Paskel points out.
Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
Challenging poses like Chair make the heart beat faster, increasing the circulation of blood flow throughout the body and prompting the skin to sweat out impurities. Chair pose lengthens and strengthens the thigh muscles. Warrior I and Half Moon Pose are more advanced poses that also work the legs.
Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)
Inversion poses include some of the hardest, most advanced postures in yoga and shouldn’t be attempted by anyone who hasn’t been practicing for some time (or any female menstruating, for that matter). Inversions such as Headstand and Shoulderstand (known as the king and queen of asanas, respectively) increase blood flow to the face. They also require clear focus, regular breathing, and a great deal of endurance—all of which help to clean out the body. Viparita Karani is a less challenging version of Shoulderstand that supposedly aids everything from digestion to insomnia.
Doing a forward bend or seated twist once in a while can’t hurt (as long as you’re warmed up and aligning yourself properly, that is), but both Paskel and Fanto emphasize deep breathing, lots of water, and a healthful diet as equally key to youthful, radiant skin as well. And while they agree that certain poses are especially beneficial for the skin, both maintain that regular yoga practice or at least regular exercise of some sort is what it takes to get that coveted glow. A forward bend alone won’t achieve yogic skin—but it’s a good place to start. 

Monday, February 23, 2015

Eye Cream!

Have you tried our Multi-Function Eye Cream yet? It's one of my favorite products that we sell - if you haven't tried it yet, you need to!  Check out these before/after photos!



Thursday, February 19, 2015

Oscars Skincare Prep

Hollywood’s Skincare Experts Reveal Pre-Oscar Treatments


Hollywood’s Skincare Experts Reveal Pre-Oscar Treatments

Before a celebrity hits the Oscars red carpet, or sits down in the makeup chair for that matter, the star seeks the services of one of the industry’s top skincare experts, to ensure that their complexion is beaming as bright as that little gold statuette. Six experts who prep the skin of Hollywood’s A-List share their beauty secrets, as well as what the average person can do at home in order to look and feel Oscar-ready. 
Clients this awards season: Dakota Johnson, Julianne Moore, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Signature look: Fresh, glowing beauty.
Advice for clients before awards season: I send a mask and hydrating rose water spray for the plane ride. 
Home remedies for maintaining red carpet-ready skin: Drink a green juice every day. It will literally transform your skin in a matter of days. 
Clients this awards season: Our Clinic is booked solid this week! One of our Oscar attending clients is Anna Kendrick.
Signature look: Glowing skin.
Advice for clients before awards season: Exfoliating sloughs off dead skin, and helps subsequent products work more effectively. Hydrating will help skin feel supple and softer. Moisturizing skin seals in hydration and prevents water loss.
Home remedies for maintaining red carpet-ready skin: Limit salt intake a few days before a big event, and stay hydrated. Try a green smoothie—it’s an easy and delicious way to include dark leafy green vegetables and fresh fruit. 
Dr. David Colbert, New York, NY 

Clients this awards season: Sienna Miller loves my Triad Facial. 
Signature look: A natural aesthetic. Not making drastic changes to one’s “look,” but to enhance their youthful vitality.
Advice for clients before awards season: Eliminate alcohol and minimize sodium intake to reduce puffiness and water retention. Hydration is key; drinking plenty of water and hydrating your skin with topical products like my Nutrify & Protect Day Lotion and Illumino Facial Oil.
Home remedies for maintaining red carpet-ready skin: Increase the consumption of super-foods like pomegranate and berries for their antioxidant effects; and spinach, kale, cucumber, for their fiber and vitamins content. 
Sonya Dakar, Beverly Hills, CA 

Clients this awards season: 
Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lawrence.
Signature look: Natural looking healthy and glowing skin.
Advice for clients before awards season: Never go to bed without washing the face, follow your skincare routine everyday, and do not pick at blemishes. In case of an emergency breakout, my clients have my cell and know that they can reach me 24/7. 
Home remedies for maintaining red carpet-ready skin: I recommend my clients take a probiotic two times a day. Since 70% of your immune system is located in your GI tract, it’s important to keep things purified in order to keep skin looking good. 
Clients this awards season: We always have a bevy of nominees, presenters, and attendees during awards season.  
Signature look: Even, hydrated, youthful sheen.
Advice for clients before awards season: Eliminate carbs, sugar, added salt, caffeine, and any processed food. Replace the removed junk with at least 64 ounces of room temperature water per day, plus plenty of dark green vegetables and lean protein.
Home remedies for maintaining red carpet-ready skin: Healthy skin foods like arugula, kale, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, yams, avocado, salmon, blueberries and almonds.
Gina Mari, Beverly Hills, CA 

Clients this awards season: Here, we never cleanse and tell!
Signature look: A dewy complexion that radiates health without a drop of make-up.
Advice for clients before awards season: Don’t neglect the skin on your body. Doing an extra rinse on your back after you wash your hair will remove excess shampoo and conditioner and helps to prevent breakouts.
Home remedies for maintaining red carpet-ready skin: A really active vitamin C serum is a must. We are fans of is Clinical’s Super Serum.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Julie: Before/After

This is my friend Julie's before/after pix. She had been using the Reverse Regimen for 3 months, along with the Amp MD Micro-Exfoliating Roller and the Multi-Funtion Eye Cream. Obviously it lightened her sun spots and freckles, but it also brightened up her entire complexion and minimized wrinkles. Love Rodan + Fields products to turn back time without expensive dermatologist / medical spa visits! Contact me today to start reversing YOUR sun damage! It's so easy and FUN - you will actually WANT to wash your face as you face will feel so good with each wash!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Glowing Green Smoothie

I'm a big fan of Kim Snyder's Glowing Green Smoothie. It's so easy to make and a great way to get your greens! I sometimes add cilantro to it, and always chia seeds on top for a little crunch!



Tuesday, February 10, 2015

February Special!!


Since February is the month of LOVE - I am showing some LOVE to my customers this month!  For any new Rodan + Fields customer, I will pay your $20 Preferred Customer (PC) fee!  This means that you will get 10% off all products forever AND free shipping!!  

 Message me - ❤️ - xoxo

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Chocolate for Your Valentine!


Raw Cocoa Truffles - By Kimberly Snyder
Originally Appeared: www.kimberlysnyder.net

I thought I would post a cacao recipe with Valentine's Day around the corner . . . an excellent excuse to remember to bring more chocolates into your life!!! But raw chocolate - not the kind with processed sugar and pasteurized dairy. Sorry!!  Kit Kat bars and Mars bars and stuff like that are NOT acceptable. But trust me, with this recipe you won't want that crap anyway! Your cravings will be totally satisfied and you'll feel great.

Cacao promotes feelings of love and joy and opens up the energy of the heart chakra. It contains the neurotransmitter anandamide known as the "bliss chemical." In yoga, ananda means bliss. Even better - cacao ALSO contains anandamide inhibitors, keeping the compound from breaking down quickly and the feeling of cacao anandamide lasting longer, so we feel great longer!

This is not to say that we should eat cacao often - and certainly not every day! It is a very occasional treat. Cacao contains caffeine, and toxic compounds such as theobromine. It has taken off in the raw food world because it tastes good and people want so badly to believe it is good for them, since it is a tasty treat. But the reality is that we do not need it at all in the diet for nutritive value - it is a treat and must be treated as such!

That being said, here is the recipe for your occasional truffles, for special times like this - Valentine's Day! Make it for your loved ones, your friends, and yourself!

Raw Cocoa Truffles

  • 3/4 C raw cocao powder
  • 2 C ground raw almonds 
  • 1/2 C raw organic honey
  • 1 T organic coconut oil
  • Sea Salt
  • 1 C shredded, dried, unsweetened coconut flakes
  1. Combine all the ingredients except for the coconut flakes in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
  2. Roll up your sleeves, take a small amount of the mixture, and roll small balls between your palms. Add your love!  
  3. Dip each ball in a separate smaller bowl containing the coconut flakes.
  4. Freeze overnight to harden the truffles. Keep frozen until ready to serve!

Monday, February 2, 2015

10 Tips for Better Skin


By Kate Somerville

First posted @ LAURENCONRAD.COM  



Perfect skin has always felt like a carrot dangled in front of me — so close, yet so far away. If there’s been a blog or magazine article professing the secret to perfect skin, chances are I’ve read it and attempted to follow its advice. (Never fall asleep in makeup: check. Stay out of the sun: check. Drink plenty of water: check.) Yet, I’ve struggled to find a skin-care routine that really works for me. (And, I still suffer from breakouts, sensitivity, dryness, and more.) 


This year, I’ve made it my goal to kick up my complexion a notch with 10 skin-care resolutions courtesy of the one and only Kate Somerville. Whether it’s acne, a dull complexion, or premature aging you’re worried about, Kate’s advice will take your routine to the next level, too.

1. Apply Sunscreen Every Day According to Kate, sun protection is the single most important element to keep in mind. When clients come to her with skin complaints, they're most often a result of sun damage. Sun degrades the skin’s collagen and elastin, and affects our bodies' abilities to create healthy new cells. Make it a resolution never to leave the house without applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 — even in the winter and on cloudy days. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF (which means protection from all UV rays), like Kate Somerville Daily Deflector SPF 50
2. Make Sure You're Using The Right Products Taking the time to get to know your skin will help you navigate through the aisles and aisles of products in stores. Is it oily, combination, or dry? If you’re not sure, enlist a dermatologist or aesthetician to help you assess your concerns. Also, keep in mind that different areas of your face may have different characteristics and concerns. Kate explains that one common skin-care mistake is using the same product all over your face. And, no matter what your skin is like, hydration is key. If you're really oily, look for an oil-free formula with hyaluronic acid.
3. Exfoliate
Exfoliation should be a part of every skin-care regimen. Kate recommends exfoliating twice per week if you’re in your 20s, three times a week if you’re in your 30s, and up to four times a week if you’re in your 40s. Exfoliation is really important because it lifts dry, dull skin and allows products to penetrate and work more effectively. Look for exfoliating formulas with fruit enzymes, like ExfoliKate (or ExfoliKate Gentle). They gently dissolve dead skin. Stay away from products containing sharp nuts or seeds, because they can actually damage skin. Always exfoliate with steam (in the shower, for example). Steaming not only warms the skin, but it also adds moisture to soften. 
4. Don't Neglect Your NeckOur necks can show our age more than our faces. Kate recommends bringing any products you’re using on your face down to your neck, and massaging them in an upward motion to create a lifting effect. Like your face, the most important step is to wear SPF daily. Also, moisturize morning and night.
5. Purify Your Water 
The simplest thing you can do to ensure that your skin is properly hydrated is drinking more water. We all know that by now. But, in addition to this, Kate recommends looking into what’s in your local water supply. Your water department should provide you with data on chemicals and impurities. You can then decide whether you want to use a home filtration system or a purifier. Certain metals and impurities can be filtered out, but other chemicals, drugs, and toxic materials cannot.  
6. Watch Your Dairy, Coffee, & Alcohol Intake What we put into our bodies is every bit as important as what we put on our faces, says Kate. Be wary of dairy. Studies suggest that certain foods can worsen or trigger acne. Also, as coffee may dehydrate the skin, you may want to limit your intake to no more than two cups a day. Keeping it to two drinks a day isn't a bad idea either. If you want to enjoy a drink, consider opting for red wine, which contains the protective anti-aging compound resveratrol. Note: One serving of wine is just five ounces, which is not always the average pour when you’re dining out!

7. Supplement Your Skin CareHere are a few supplements Kate recommends:      

Vitamin A is your skin’s “maintenance man” — it helps keep everything operating properly. This vitamin repairs and reinforces the mucous membranes and tissues that protect against bacteria and viruses. It keeps your skin from becoming dry, flaky, and wrinkled, and helps prevent acne.

Calcium is a major player when it comes to skin health. Low levels of it in your skin can make you more likely to experience premature aging and have a higher risk for skin cancer.

Vitamin C is vitally important to our bodies, and our skin in particular. It is instrumental in forming collagen, helps heal wounds, and fights free radicals.

Fish oil and flaxseed oil (with essential omega-3 fatty acids) work to hydrate and lock moisture into cells. Hyaluronic-acid supplements are also incredibly effective in attracting more water to the skin cells and then locking it in by preventing evaporation. (Before adding any supplements to your routine, make sure you consult with your physician!) 
8. Do The Double Cleanse It’s important to fully remove ALL of the makeup, dirt, debris, and other junk that’s gathered on your skin. Kate promotes the "double cleanse" with her clients. First, use a makeup wipe to remove impurities on the surface. Use both the front and backside of the wipe. Then, apply a cleanser (suited for your skin type) to penetrate deeper and fully clean the skin. You can also use a cleanser twice if you prefer.
9. Pop Properly
Let’s face it, sometimes it’s impossible to resist popping that pimple (even if you know you shouldn’t!). If you’re going to do an at-home extraction, it’s important that you at least do it correctly. According to Kate, here are the rules: Only extract if the blemish is ready, use the proper supplies, cleanse and steam skin thoroughly, and give the blemish a canal. Begin by gathering your supplies: your cleanser and exfoliator, a clean washcloth, some tissue or cotton swabs, witch hazel, and Neosporin. Cleanse and exfoliate skin, and apply a warm compress to steam. Wrap your fingers in tissues or use cotton swabs. Start with blackheads by gently squeezing with two cotton swabs or your tissue-wrapped fingers. Do the whiteheads next, but only if they’re ready. Carefully squeeze the blemish by pushing underneath it — not on top. Gently release the infection by squeezing at the base of the blemish. 
 10. Get Regular FacialsEven the best at-home skin-care routine isn’t a true replacement for regular facials. If you can afford to set aside a facial fund, stop in to see your aesthetician regularly. Exactly how often you need a facial depends on your skin type. Kate recommends getting a facial every three to six weeks if you're oily or acne-prone, every four weeks if you're dry, every four to six weeks if you're combination, every six to eight weeks if you're normal, and every eight weeks if you're sensitive. Be sure to discuss any issues you’re having before you begin, so your aesthetician can choose a treatment that's targeted to you.

Cheers to 2015: the year of perfect skin!