Brighter and Clearer skin??? Yes please!!!

Shhhh… I’m about to let you in on a little skin secret.
Every so often, skin needs a jumpstart. An extra push in the right direction. Especially this time of year – when your skin may still be stuck in hibernation, and it’s all-too-easy for it to look dull, tired, and become layered with so many dead flakes that you may scare yourself when you look in the mirror.
A few years ago, I figured out a secret way to use one of our products. At first, I shared it with the skin care pros who use Bioelements professional products in spas and salons across the country. And the results of this 7-day at-home secret treatment spread like wildfire: Smoother skin. Brighter skin. Better skin. And no scary person looking back in the mirror.
What is it? We call it the Kerafole Purge. Kerafole is one of our most popular masks, but instead of using it once or twice a week – you fast-forward the results, and increase the intensity. Here’s how:

The Kerafole Purge
Apply Kerafole every day for 7 days straight. This intensive treatment plan will sweep away dulling cells, uncovering fresh, revitalized skin. After 7 days (don’t skip!), your skin will experience a complete "purge" of its impurities and emerge looking clearer, smoother and brighter.
Now, this isn’t for everyone. Those with sensitive skin should stay away. And, by all means, only do the Kerafole Purge a few times a year. But trust me, you’ll be happy I let you in on this skin secret.

Kerafole retails for $48 and is available at Brilliant Bodywork.

3 lies you tell your skin

Are you lying to your skin? Take a look at some common lies below – from little ones you tell yourself to save some time in the morning, to big ones you tell yourself that could entirely change the way your skin ages. Time to fess up!
LIE #3 “I can get by without much sleep.”
TRUTH: Are you among the 35% of people not sleeping enough? The truth is, the skin repairs itself from the day’s damage while you sleep, and prepares for the damage it will face the next day. Not getting enough sleep can lead to blotchy skin, dullness, tired eyes… even illness. So turn off the tv, put the book down and get some zzzz’s. According to the National Sleep Foundation, you should aim for 7-9 hours every night!
LIE #2 “Only people who have breakouts need to use a toner.”
TRUTH: Many people hear the word “toner” or “tonic” and immediately think back to the 1980s, when many toners were full of alcohol and targeted to teens. But alcohol-free toners today are essential for all skin types (except acne), to hydrate the skin after cleansing, and to 'prep' the skin for the application of your next targeted skin care treatment. When you don’t use a toner, skin is less able to absorb product, and can be more susceptible to dehydration. Try: Bioelements Power Peptide or Equalizer.
LIE #1 “There’s no benefit to seeing a skin care professional.”
TRUTH: I truly believe that skin care pros are the secret of every person you see who has amazing skin. Regular facials result in clearer, smoother, more radiant skin, because professional facial massage nourishes the skin by increasing blood circulation, and firms and tones. Plus, as you keep regular treatment appointments, your esthetician will learn the cyclical changes that occur with your skin and will adjust your products to maximize results. These are just two of the many benefits of pro facials. Find a spa near you here.
Confess! Are you guilty of any of these fibs (or know someone who is)? Let me know in the comments.

M'Lis Contour Wrap Before and Afters!

Get your M'Lis contour wrap at Brilliant Bodywork in Onalaska!
(507) 450-7429

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnfngtmIuhE

Antioxidants for Healthy Skin

 Incorporating the right antioxidants into your diet and skin care routine can have a positive effect on your complexion, as well as your health.

Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins inside your body) that can help to prevent and repair damage to your body’s tissue. Antioxidants do this by slowing or preventing the effect of free radicals, which start oxidation — a process that causes damage that can lead to cell dysfunction. If you’ve seen a peeled apple turn brown, you’ve seen oxidation in action. As antioxidants block the effects of free radicals, they are :used up” in the process. This is why it’s important to constantly replenish your supply of antioxidants.

Free radicals may also play a role in heart disease, cancer and other conditions.  You can find antioxidants — such as beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium and vitamins A, C and E — naturally in many foods, including fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, some meats, poultry and fish.

When it comes to caring for your skin, antioxidants can help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Unlike sunscreens and moisturizers, antioxidants can protect your skin from the inside out by guarding your cells from damage. Vitamins A, C and E and the mineral selenium are thought to be particularly helpful in skin care. In addition to helping fortify cells against free radicals, vitamins A and C also encourage cell and tissue growth, helping the body to repair itself. This is very helpful to the skin, which is constantly shedding and regrowing cells. For this reason, any antioxidants that protect cells and encourage cell growth could be helpful in an anti-aging regimen, and they may also help fight fine lines and wrinkles.

What’s the best way to get antioxidants?

Healthy Foods: Generally, foods that are bright in color contain the highest amount of antioxidants. There is a variety of fruits, vegetable, nuts and more that make it easy to include these healthy foods into your diet daily.  These foods include; blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, plums, artichokes, kale, beans, pecans, walnuts and much more.

Supplements:

M’lis VITAL Antioxidant with Astaxanthin provides exceptionally powerful antioxidant protection.  Studies found astaxanthin to be ten times as effective as beta-carotene and many times more effective than vitamin E.  In addition to contributing to healthy complexion, VITAL can also enhance the immune system, reduce inflammation and has anti-cancer effects. For best results take 2 capsules two times daily.

 (reference: http://health.howstuffworks.com/)

Solution for Stretch Marks

It’s estimated that 90% of all women as well as many men deal with the issue of stretch marks. Stretch marks are often the result of rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth during pregnancy, muscle building, weight gain and may also be influenced by hormonal changes associated with puberty.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common places are the abdomen, breasts, upper arms, underarms, back, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks.

With the use of M’lis Tissue Repair Cream, stretch marks will improve dramatically as the cream works to repair the damaged cells.  Results are best on scars that still have color, or are still changing in size and shape. Generally, older scars that are white and flat are not as receptive to the cream and will not be as likely to improve.

 

Available at Brilliant Bodywork

Essential Fatty Acids for Healthy Skin

We all know that essential fatty acids are beneficial for our overall health, but they play a vital role in healthy beautiful skin as well.

 ”Essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which is not only what act as barriers to harmful things but also as the passageway for nutrients to cross in and out and for waste products to get in and out of the cell,” says Ann Yelmokas McDermott, PhD, a nutritionist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston.

Because it is the cell membrane that also holds water in, the stronger that barrier is the better your cells can hold moisture. And that means plumper, younger looking skin.

Also, the same inflammatory process that can harm our arteries and cause heart disease can harm skin cells. Essential fatty acids can offer protection to both.

The best-known essential fatty acids are omega 3 and omega 6, which must be in balance for good health (and good skin). Though we all seem to get enough omega 6, many people lack omega 3s. 

How do we get essential fatty acids?

Healthy Foods: Including foods such as wild salmon, walnuts, dark leafy greens, hemp and flax seeds in your diet will provide essential fatty acids, and thus are key foods for healthy skin.

Healthy Oils: Which oils are the right oils for healthy skin? Look for those labeled cold pressed, expeller processed, or extra virgin. When an oil is commercially processed, chemical solvents are added and the oil is heated to an extreme temperature. Through this and an additional five to six processing steps, important nutrients are lost.  By consuming good-quality oils, you get all the nutrients that are not only good for your skin, but good for your body as well.

Supplements:

Evening Primrose Oil is rich in gammalinolenic acid (GLA) which is essential to good health.  GLA is needed in order for the body to make a family of hormone-like compounds that control every organ in the body including our skin.  Linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid also found in Evening Primrose Oil, reduces many anti-aging problems like sagging skin, dry and rough skin. This oil also shows enhanced results in treating wrinkles and fine lines on your skin, as well as improving hair and nail condition and strength.  For best results, take up to 3 softgels, twice daily.

Flaxseed oil helps nourish the skin membranes by supplying the skin with natural Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids in Flaxseed oil are also essential for the production of prostaglandins in the skin to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.  For best results take 2 to 6 softgels per day, with food, for best absorption.

Reference: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments

Ear Candling Benefits

Ear candling---an ancient practice said to have been used by the Mayans and Egyptians---sometimes also gets referred to as Hopi ear candling, although no actual evidence exists to show the practice was, in fact, used by the Hopi. Ear candling entails withdrawing wax and impurities from the ear by burning a hollowed candle placed in the opening of the ear canal. It has been the subject of much debate between alternative healers and the medical community; however, some of its benefits appear undeniable.

Identification

1. In ear candling, a specially made fabric tube coated in wax is first inserted through the hole of a container (an aluminum to-go container works especially well) to catch the burned debris. Then the narrow tip of the candle gets snugly but gently placed in the opening of the ear canal as you lie on one side. The person performing the ear candling lights the other end of the candle and holds it at a slightly tilted angle. As one end of the candle burns, the hollow tube becomes a vacuum, drawing wax and impurities out of the ear and into the tube. You can purchase ear candles in most health food stores.

Uses

2. Ear candling can be used to treat many ailments of the ears and sinuses, such as congestion due to colds and chronic sinus or ear infections. It also helps with itching, ringing, fluid build-up or an accumulation of wax in the ear.
   
   Surprisingly, ear candling can also be used to relieve symptoms that seem unrelated to the ears, such as jaw pain, headaches, nervousness, chronic stress or dizziness.

Benefits

3. The initial benefit of ear candling has been the least debated: The process, a warmth and crackling sound as the candle burns down, can be relaxing and soothing.
   
   The benefits of ear candling have not been proved. However many report the following: relief of sinus pressure or pain in the ears; eased congestion; a feeling of balance, both physical and emotional; an improved sense of hearing, smell and taste. Some even say they can think more clearly after an ear candling. Ear candling may also lead to reduced stress levels, less pain and tension in the jaw and fewer headaches.

Considerations

4. Even though ear candling involves a fairly simple procedure, it does have its risks. If done incorrectly, you can burn yourself or drip hot wax onto your skin. If you're not sure about the proper way to do ear candling, you may want to seek a practitioner to do it for you. If you do perform ear candling on yourself, someone should be present to supervise. Carefully read and follow the directions on the package.

Warning

5. If you've recently had surgery on your eardrums, have tubes in your ears, a ruptured eardrum, mastoiditis or a cyst on the eardrum, you should not use ear candling. Those with artificial eardrums should stay away from ear candling as well.

Now available at Brilliant Bodywork.