Beauty Tips of The Week: The Benefits and Drawbacks of Summer Sun
Protect Your Skin – Sunscreen is essential every day, even if you don’t plan on being outdoors. Buying a daily moisturizer that contains SPF protection will help ensure that your skin is protected at all times. You should also wear a hat, a thin scarf around your neck, and sunglasses with UV protection anytime you plan on being in the sun for a significant period of time.
Avoid Rays during Peak Periods – The sun is most powerful midday between 
noon and 3pm. If you must go outside during this more potent time period, it is best to cover your skin as much as possible.
Stay Hydrated – Drinking water will help retain skin moisture and combat the signs of aging caused by sun exposure. It will also ensure that you don’t suffer from dehydration.
Rejuvenate Your Skin After Sun Exposure – Applying an all-natural Aloe Vera based facial mask after spending time in the sun will revive your skin and replenish moisture. You can make a simple mask using Aloe Vera, a little sugar, milk, and some honey.
If you can’t resist spending time in the sun (and I am not saying that you should), make sure to contact your skincare specialist for a recovery skin treatment afterwards. These powerful treatments will accelerate healing and prevent the signs of pre-mature aging.
Your Skin Needs Four Seasons of Skincare
How important it is to give your body a combination of different skincare solutions?
There is no single product available that has everything you need to combat all of the different factors that affect your skin on a daily basis. Your skin needs four seasons of skincare to keep it fresh and effective. Your skincare regimen should be catered to your skin type, current skin concerns, as well as any environmental factors.
Your skin is exposed to different elements depending on the season, which has inspired me to create JL Skin Fitness’ four principles of ageless skincare. Correct, repair, rejuvenate, and preserve. This 28-day regimen includes a skincare solution that corrects imperfections, one that repairs damage, one for rejuvenating and tightening skin, and one that preserves skin cells.
Season to CORRECT 
This season is focused on controlling oil and correcting imperfections in your skin by smoothing out uneven facial skin, moisturizing dry patches, reducing fine lines, and minimizing any puffiness under the eyes. The Correct lotion is a gentle exfoliator that loosens and removes aging cells, oil, and debris, while stimulating collagen and new skin cell production.
Season to REPAIR
This season tackles past damage caused by too much sun, wind burn, redness, and dark circles. The Repair serum works just below the skin to reduce the depth of wrinkles while increasing the longevity of skin cells.
Season to REJUVENATE
This season is designed to rejuvenate the cells while building collagen for firmer and healthier skin. The Rejuvenate serum targets stubborn signs of aging by gently reducing the muscle contractions that form expression and by stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen.
Season to PRESERVE
This final season is necessary to preserve the new healthy cells by using nutrient- and antioxidant-rich ingredients that have proven long-term benefits. The Preserve crème is similar to the Rejuvenate serum, but it also contains a potent antioxidant found in red wine known as Resveratrol. This powerful addition will eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, and decrease physical signs of aging.
There are many different products on the market that tackle various aspects of what your skin needs to look radiant, but only the Ageless System combines everything you need to correct, repair, rejuvenate, and preserve your skin. The four seasons of skincare are scientifically proven to make you look visibly younger in just four weeks.
How Celebrity’s keep their Skin Looking Young and Healthy
Many of the world’s hottest female celebrities are over forty years old and their skin still looks young and radiant. Take for example Jennifer Lopez, Heather Graham, Jennifer Aniston, or Halle Berry. None of these women are still in their twenties, although based on their skin they look as if they could pass for it.
How do they do it?
I have followed many popular celebrities to learn the tricks they use and the beauty routines they use to achieve such impressive results. They take exceptional care of their skin, because they know how crucial it is to their success as actresses. Fortunately, anyone can follow the same regimen and get the same results.
The Beauty Routine Celebrity’s Use to keep their Skin Looking Healthy:
They Never Leave Home without Sunscreen
Skin damage from sunlight will accumulate with continued exposure, whether or not a person is actually sunburnt. In addition to sunburns and deadly skin cancer, other effects of too much UV Ray exposure include wrinkling, premature aging, and a somewhat leathery appearance to the skin. Celebrities cannot risk their skin looking old before its time, so they never leave home without sunscreen. They apply moisturizers with built in sunscreen daily, add on extra sunscreen when they know they will be outside for longer periods of time, and always wear sunglasses that have UV protective lenses.
Many celebrities even go one step further and wear sunscreen when they are inside, since UVA rays have a powerful way of finding you through windows and reflections off of shiny surfaces. Your skin can never be too protected, so there is no harm in wearing an oil-free sunscreen all day long.
Celebrities Love to Exfoliate
Celebrities like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Felicity Huffman, and Kate Walsh are all committed to their monthly facials. Exfoliation removes dead skin-cells and rejuvenates new cells. It also brings more oxygen to the skin’s surface which inspires collagen production. Stripping away the old skin is a natural and effective way to keep your skin looking and feeling young.
Celebrities Value Constant Cleansing
Heavy makeup used in the movies or on television can quickly clog pores and make skin look older than it should. Most beautiful actresses make sure that they thoroughly cleanse their skin at night and remove all traces of makeup. A good facial cleanse will make your skin look young and fresh.
Ample sunscreen, regular exfoliation, and daily cleansing are really all it takes to stay young and beautiful like your favorite celebrities!
How Your Facial Shape Affects Aging
Can the shape of you face really determine how well you will age?
I have always emphasized the importance of nutrition, physical activity, moisturizers, and regular exfoliation when it comes to preventing premature aging of your skin. Unfortunately, there are also some factors in the aging process that you simply won’t have any control over.
Genetics, skin-tone, and even the shape of your face will all play an important role in how you will physically age. Certain people are blessed with attributes that will naturally keep them looking younger longer.
A Full Face Will Maintain Its Youthful Appearance
The first attribute that you hopefully have is a round or heart-shaped face. You probably won’t appreciate the shape of your face while you are young since it will look fuller (fatter), but it won’t always be that way. The fact that a long, thin face looks skinnier means it is also more prone to fat loss which is not a good thing when it comes to aging. Facial skin that has a greater number of fat cells will maintain a youthful appearance longer.
A Baby Face Can Hide Your Age
Although the model industry might favor chiselled features and a more angular shape, scientists have proven that having a baby face when you are young will help you look younger longer. A baby face is characterized by round cheeks, large round eyes, a small jaw, and a large curved forehead. These attributes create an angelic childlike appearance that will convince people someone is considerably younger than their true age.
High Cheekbones Can Keep You Looking Young
High cheekbones are popular in high fashion, and when it comes to appearing younger. The upside-down triangle that they create counteracts the natural drooping of your face. Having high cheekbones supporting your face will naturally reduce the amount of sagging, so you appear younger.
Unfortunately, some of us were born with long, skinny faces with low cheekbones and angular features. This doesn’t mean that we are doomed to age quickly. If you take proper care of your skin by eating right, exercising, moisturizing, exfoliating and regular facial treatments, you will look younger longer regardless of the shape of your face.
Beauty Tips of The Week: How to Achieve that Springtime Glow Inside & Out
Spring is the season of rebirth and rejuvenation. It is a time for spring cleaning everywhere, which should include your skin and pores. You can start this spring with a healthy glow inside and out by shedding your old skin using a nutrient-rich homemade exfoliating scrub. Exfoliation will gently remove the old skin while breathing life into new and more radiant skin.
Give Your Skin a Sugar Scrub
Exfoliating your skin is refreshing for the mind and body, plus it goes a long way toward improving the appearance and health of your skin cells. A sugar scrub is especially effective because it is gentle enough that it won’t scratch or burn your skin. It is a great choice for sensitive skin, but everyone should use it because unprocessed sugar contains natural glycolic acid that will give you a more nourishing exfoliation and improve the circulation in your skin.
Antioxidant Sugar Scrub
There are so many different types of antioxidant-rich sugar scrub recipes that you can create on your own at home. The most basic method is to combine a cup of sugar with half a cup of olive oil. Mix these two household staples together and you will have a sweet and effective way to rejuvenate your skin.
For a full-body dose of antioxidants, try adding a tablespoon or two of green tea into the mix. Green tea can heal, strengthen, and brighten your skin naturally. It is also an excellent way to nourish your body on the inside. If you do not have green tea, you can stir in a touch of honey for more moisture.
Oatmeal Exfoliating Scrub
Ground oatmeal is a wonderful and effective base for an exfoliator, because it will absorb and remove impurities while leaving your skin feeling nourished and hydrated. It also has been known to soothe and heal sunburn, dry skin, and acne. It is also ideal for people with sensitive skin, as it won’t scratch or burn. Mix a tablespoon of oatmeal and a teaspoon of olive oil with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The salt will enhance the oatmeal’s exfoliating properties.
Morning Antioxidant-Rich Raw Juices
Another way to cleanse your skin and bring out its natural glow is a morning ritual of antioxidant-rich raw juices. Natural fruit and vegetable juices contain a significant amount of vitamins and antioxidants that will cleanse your body of preservatives, toxins, and other chemicals that seep into your skin due to the pollution in our environment. Drinking the juice of dark berries like acai berries, black currants, blackberries, and blueberries or the juice of dark vegetables like beetroot and broccoli are all great for naturally giving your skin that springtime glow.
Beauty Tips of The Week: Cleansing Your Skin from the Inside
Eighty percent of how your skin looks on the outside will depend on how healthy your skin is on the inside. The outer skin acts like a filter that absorbs nutrients and expels toxins. If it is not getting enough nutrients or it is ingesting too many toxins, it will throw it off balance and cause blockages in the natural flow. Clogged skin cells will result in dry, wrinkled and lack luster skin.
By detoxifying and cleansing your skin from the inside, you can remove these toxins and breathe life back into your skin. An effective skin detox will improve your digestion and nutrition absorption, enhance your immunity, give you an increase in energy, all while clearing your skin cells of harmful toxins.
Here are some powerful tips for cleansing your skin from the inside:
Drink Plenty of Water!
Water is essential for detoxifying. It not only delivers nutrients to our cells and keeps our kidneys functioning well, but it also aids in eliminating wastes and toxins. To maintain healthy skin, you need to drink at least six glasses of water every day.
Dry Skin Brushing
The skin is the body’s largest organ used for eliminating toxins and waste. Dry skin cells accumulate on the outer layers of the skin and when you use mineral-oil based moisturizers or wear tight-fitting clothing, it can cause these pores to clog. Dry skin brushing is used to remove the outer layers, allowing the pores to breathe and detoxify more effectively. Brush your body (except your chest and face) for about 10 minutes in a circular motion when your skin is completely dry. Do not scrub so hard that you skin turns red. Follow your dry skin brushing with a cool or lukewarm shower or bath. Do not use hot water, since it will dry out your skin.
Eat Plenty of Fruit
Antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental damage, as well as premature aging. Make sure a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits are a daily part of your detox. Some great choices are blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, cherries, pears, pomegranates and plums.
Sweat Out the Toxins
Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Any type of exercise that will make you sweat will work. The idea is to increase your blood circulation, relax your muscles and most importantly, get rid of excess toxins through sweating. You can also detoxify by sweating it out in a sauna.
You can cleanse and detox your skin by drinking plenty of water, dry brushing your skin, eating fruits rich in antioxidants, and sweating out the toxins. When your body is clean and clear on the inside, it will reflect in your skin.
It’s never too late to Care for your Face
I recently attended an event and a woman approached me. She had heard about my Skin Fitness Facials and was interested in having something done for her skin. She had such a beautiful face but I could tell right away that her skin was neglected. When I was speaking with her, I originally believed her to be in her early 50s, but later found out that she was only in her late 30s. She told me that she had never dealt with acne issues and always had beautiful skin. Then, one day when looking in the mirror, she noticed she looked about 10 years older. As she examined her skin she noticed crow’s feet on the side of her eyes, droopy cheeks, lines around her lips and on her neck. She told me that she eats well, drinks lots of water and exercises, but has some indulgences and bad habits like tanning during the summer. When I asked her what she was using for her skin, she said whatever products she had easy access to, from beauty store samples to drug store buys. She felt that because she already had beautiful skin, the products didn’t really matter, just as long as she was using something. In terms of facials, she received them once or twice a year for special occasions like birthdays and vacations.
This woman’s story is pretty typical of what I hear from new Skin Fitness clients. The bottom line is that most women don’t put the time or effort toward the skin maintenance that they should when they are younger. Therefore, when aging starts to take its toll, its effects are worse than if skincare due diligence was performed in earlier years. But is it ever too late for your skin? And can you reverse the aging process? The answer is that it’s never too late.
Skin care is like any other aspect of your life – take exercise for example – you get what you give. The more you put into your time at the gym training your body, the better benefits you reap. Skincare is the same in this regard because the better you train your skin, the better it will look.
For women who are just now noticing premature aging on their faces, I have created a special 3 month Intensive Face and Neck Program. The program includes:
- Weekly facial and neck treatments to help Correct, Repair, Rejuvenate and Restore tired, stressed, damaged and overly aged skin.
- A 28- day beauty calendar for at-home and skin care products. This booklet will help to guide you on your skincare recovery plan, with quick tricks, expert tips and advice on how to get your skincare routine back on track.
The Intensive Face and Neck Program would make a great start if you want a fresher, more radiant looking you.
Beauty Tips of The Week: How to Tighten a Sagging Neck
I am often asked if there are any real solutions for sagging skin on your neck. It is an unattractive nuisance that just emphasises the fact that you are getting old. Fortunately, there are some proven methods for tightening up that droopy, wrinkled skin that seems to hang down from your chin.
Women (and occasionally men) who are frustrated and fed-up with the excess sagging neck skin can turn to surgical options like a neck lift or Tumescent liposuction to trim down that troublesome sign of aging. A neck lift requires a small incision to pull the muscles up and secure them to the bone around ear. Tumescent liposuction is done by removing fat from the neck, cheek, and chin to firmer up its overall shape and contour.
Give your neck some TLC
Don’t worry these invasive surgeries are not the only answer to the sagging skin on your neck. Serums, moisturizers or neck firming creams that contain Retinol, Collagen, Peptides, Vitamin C, E, Seaweed, Aloe Vera and Mineral Rich ingredients are ideal. Look for anti-aging products that are specifically formulate for tightening sagging skin. Moisture-rich facial masks are also beneficial for aging skin.
One great, all-natural face mask for sagging necks is a mixture of Milk, Honey, Green Tea powder, Egg whites and Aloe Vera. Take two tablespoons of Milk and add a few drops of Honey, Egg whites, one tablespoons of Aloe Vera and half tablespoons of Green Tea powder. Just leave it on the skin on your neck and face for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. A facial mask made with a mushed banana should also work just as well.
Exercise Your Neck into Better Shape
The neck is made of many complex muscles and tendons that are linked to your jaw and facial muscles. These neck muscles can be tightened and toned using several easy at-home exercises. Believe it or not, sticking your tongue out and saying “ahhhh” is one of them. This silly exercise will actually firm up the skin directly beneath your chin. Forming an O shape with your mouth and using your tongue to trace your lips will also have the same positive effect.
You can lie on the floor and grab your neck with both hands (one on each side) and then lift your head off the floor using your neck muscles. If done properly, you will feel the contraction of your muscles in your hands.
Another good skin toning exercise for your neck is shoulder shrugs. Shoulder shrugs are easy to do and will quickly firm and tighten your neck muscles. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and raise your shoulders up towards your ears using your shoulder and neck muscles. How simple is that?
Sagging skin on your neck can be stubborn and hard to fix, but don’t lose hope. If you use quality moisturizes daily, use firming facial masks weekly, and then do these simple exercises whenever you can squeeze them in, I promise the skin on your neck will respond. You can quickly and naturally restore its former elasticity by following this proven regime.
LED Light Therapy to Rejuvenate Your Skin
There are so many different products and techniques available for skin rejuvenation and it is hard to know which methods can be truly trusted. I personally recommend LED Light Therapy, since it is the most effective and non-invasive skin rejuvenation system available today. Light emitting diode technology has been used in the medical industry for decades for reparative eye surgeries and other delicate operations.Recently the same technology has been proven to reduce wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, and acne scars without any dangerous side effects.
LED Light Therapy turns back the Clock
All it takes is a few simple treatments and it will make your skin look and feel younger. Even after the very first LED skin treatment, patients will notice a significant decrease in the lines in their skin. They will have fewer signs of aging, improved moisture, a more balanced skin tone, and an overall healthier glow.
How LED Light Therapy Works
LEDs produce lights at different frequencies which can penetrate more deeply than traditional laser therapy while causing less physical damage to your skin. The LED light stimulates skin cells, causing them to produce collagen and elastin. The combination of those two skin rejuvenating superpowers will make your skin’s texture feel and look healthier.
LED Light Therapy will also increase circulation in your skin which will reduce inflammation and redness. For the treatment of acne scars or other flaws in your skin, the increase in collagen production will soften and reduce the amount of scar tissue at the damage site.
LED Light Therapy Treatments
Prior to each treatment, the skin will be thoroughly cleansed to completely remove all makeup, dirt, and oil. The patient will lie under the light panels for approximately twenty minutes while the light therapy works its magic. The lights emitted are warm and relaxing, so many people tend to fall asleep during treatment. Since it is a completely safe and non-invasive treatment, there is absolutely no recovery time necessary.
The number of treatments will vary depending on your current skin issues and the results you want to achieve. Some patients may only require a few treatments and others that suffer from more extensive skin trauma or chronic conditions that affect deeper layers of tissue may require a more long-term program. I will always work with each person to develop a treatment regime that is catered to their specific skincare needs.
Add this therapy as part of your facial treatment and your skin will look like you just had 8 hours beauty sleep.
It’s All about The Eyes
Lately, I have been receiving a lot of questions about how to make the eyes look younger, as well as how to correct dark circles, puffy eyes, droopy eyelids, crow’s feet, and fat under the eyes. As far as treatment goes, Radio Frequency and Dermapen therapy can both significantly help with tightening and strengthening the skin around the eyes.
Radio Frequency Therapy
Radio frequency therapy involves the use of electrical pulses for the reduction of wrinkles without damaging the skin. It is a method that transports heat energy to areas of the skin in order to inspire fresh collagen growth. Radio frequencies offer women who want younger eyes essentially a facelift without surgery.
The skin is gently warmed with a blast of radio frequency waves encouraging collagen to rise to the surface of the skin. This strengthens the skin and reduces dark circles under the eyes. There is no skin incision in the process, so the recovery time is relatively short. It also will not burn the skin like invasive laser therapy.
Dermapen Therapy
Wrinkling around the eyes is caused by habitual facial expressions, smoking, sun damage, aging, and poor hydration. Dermapen also helps to slowly minimize fine lines and restore collagen in the skin around the eyes. It effectively stimulates new skin by micro-needling the surface with the Dermapen’s vertical stamping method. This precise stimulation can be done quite quickly and the recovery time is minimal.
Radio frequency and Dermapen are both safe and effective treatments for tired eyes, but there are natural home-based solutions that can also help keeps your eyes looking young. Here are five simple tips to naturally brighten your eyes and maintain their youthful appearance.
1. Get the Right Nutrition & Hydration
Your eyes respond to the nutrients you consume and the amount of hydration you receive, the same way the rest of your body does. Water, Vitamins A and C, and Zinc are all necessary to eye health and eye appearance.
2. Tea Bags will Wake Up Your Tired Eyes
Tea bags are a great at-home beauty remedy to perk up puffy or tired eyes. The caffeine helps to shrink the underlying blood vessels and draws out some of the liquid that causes the swelling. Place the tea bags in hot water for a minute and then into ice water for a few seconds before applying them over your eyes.
3. Cleanse Your Face Nightly
Thoroughly removing all of your makeup every night is necessary for your eyes and eyelashes. This will keep the skin around your eyes feeling clean and refreshed.
4. Apply Eye Cream at Night
Take care of the sensitive skin around your eyes by applying eye cream every night. Nourishing your skin with eye cream will keep that delicate skin healthy and soft, while making your eyes look brighter and younger.
5. Enjoy your Beauty Sleep
Sleep is essential for young and vibrant eyes. Try to aim for eight hours every night and if you still wake up with puffiness around the eyes, try using a cold compress to bring down the swelling.
6. Choose the right ingredients
Choose products that contains these ingredients: Peptides, Eyeliss, Haloxyl, Vitamin A/Retinol, Vitamin C, Collagen, Stem Cell, Green tea, Cucumber, Arnica, Honey, Rose Hips.
Rejuvenate Your Skin with Dermapen® Therapy
I am always looking for the latest and greatest trends in skincare and recently I have been following closely the incredible progress of Dermapen® 
therapy. This powerful and effective new technology safely resurfaces your skin and promotes self-rejuvenation. It is quickly replacing more drastic non-laser techniques like punch grafting, subcision, and CROSS technique due to the superior results it provides.
The Dermapen provides the same (if not better) results without using a manual rolling micro-needling device. Dermapen uses a flexible spring-loaded trigger with stamping technology that rapidly pierces the skin at ninety-degrees. Dermapen should only be performed by a trained physician who can specify and control the depth of penetration.
Stimulates Healthy Tissue Growth
Dermapen therapy involves smooth and precise micro wounds to the skin that will stimulate
healthy growth of new tissue without the heat damage caused by traditional lasers. Patients who have tried both techniques experienced less pain and a shorter recovery time using Dermapen. When it is used for generalized resurfacing of your face, future applications of skincare products like anti-ageing serums will be better absorbed into the skin.
Targets Tough to Reach Areas
I would highly recommend using the Dermapen for targeting very small sections that cannot be accurately targeted using larger devices. Thanks to its more ergonomic design, it can be used to easily reach difficult areas like the sides of the nose, the area surrounding the eyes, the lower and upper lip, as well as heavily scarred tissue and fine lines. The Dermapen can also be used to target your entire face for complete rejuvenation.
Used to Treat Many Common Issues
Although Dermapen is normally used to treat acne scars and fine lines, there are many possibilities using this new technological advancement. The Dermapen can reduce stretch marks, remedy pigmentation issues, and it can even be used to treat Alopecia (hair-loss) by stimulate and rejuvenating hair follicles.
New uses for this technology are constantly being discovered. The Dermapen creates tiny holes in the skin tissue that will encourage the development of new blood vessels and restore the skin tissue that has been treated. The micro needling process will also inspire your body to manufacture elastin and collagen which are necessary for smoother skin.
I was the first in NYC to offer Dermapen and I have seen incredible results adding this therapy into my Skin Fitness Level 4. The demand is high among those who need skin correction, repairing, and skin rejuvenation, as well as post skin trauma recovery. I encourage everyone to try this therapy to see how it can improve their current skin concerns and for prevention of pre-mature aging.
I will usually recommend a series of Dermapen treatments that will vary based on each individual’s personal concerns. Any treatment I perform will always begin with a thorough skincare consultation to determine the best course of action, as well as a detail explanation of the entire process. I want my all of my clients to be as comfortable with the treatment process as I am.
Skin Care Beauty Tip of the Week
Rejuvenate Your Skin with Exfoliation
Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis will help refine your complexion, tighten your pores, and prevent acne, while making your skin look radiant and smooth. It literally strips away dead cells and breathes life into new, healthier skin cells.
There are two types of common exfoliators:
There are chemical or acid-based products that are applied and left directly on the skin to dissolve the dry cells. These usually include ingredients like Glycolic Acid, AHAs and BHA, or natural enzymes like pumpkin, pineapple, and papaya.
The other type is a physical exfoliator, which will include a little extra effort on your part (unless you ask a professional to do it for you). These exfoliators include various types of facial brushes, beads, scrubs, and sponges. Using a combination of both chemical and physical exfoliators will have the greatest impact on the health of your skin.
For most skin types, this would involve a mild alcohol-free Glycolic Acid Serum or AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) applied underneath your moisturizer. This will give you an intensive exfoliation without being too harsh on your skin. You should combine this exfoliation regimen with a mild facial scrub once or twice a week to remove any dissolved skin cells.
If you have sensitive skin, it is better to use exfoliators that contain enzymes instead of acids, since these tend to be gentler on delicate skin. If you have severely sun damaged skin, you are better off choosing stem cell therapy to truly rejuvenate your skin. Stem cell therapy is a proven skincare method for giving your skin back its youthful glow.
Choosing the Right Product for Exfoliation
Have you ever walked into the skincare aisle at a drugstore and felt completely overwhelmed because of all the skincare choices?
Choosing the right skincare product can be challenging, especially if you are not sure about what you need. Look for exfoliators with enzymes that are designed to naturally loosen and remove aging cells, oil, and debris. A quality exfoliator will give you smoother and softer skin by decreasing fine lines, reducing pore size, and balancing pigmentation. One exfoliator that I am confident will do all of the above is our Correct Lotion.
Give your skin back the life it deserves with exfoliation!
How to turn dry skin into smooth, supple skin
Dry, itchy skin is uncomfortable and unattractive; fortunately it is also unnecessary and it can be prevented with proper care. Whether your dry skin is caused by harsh winter conditions or over exposure to the sun, there are simple ways you can reverse the effects and restore your skins’ natural texture.
A few quick tips on how to turn dry skin into smooth, supple skin:
1. Moisturize, moisturize, and then moisturize again. Use a moisturizer with sunscreen during the day and a nighttime moisturizer that you can wear overnight.
2. Only cleanse your skin once per day. If your skin is particularly dry, cut back on your usually cleansing routine and avoid harsh chemicals or soaps that may further dry out your skin.
3. Use a humidifier in your home. The forced air that is used to cool your house in the summer and heat it in the winter will dry out your skin. Running a humidifier will combat this by keeping moisture in the air.
4. Take omega and collagen supplements. These will help lubricate the skin on the inside, making it soft and luxurious on the outside.
5. Exfoliate on regular basis to remove dry surface skin. This will make it easier for your moisturizer to absorb into your skin,
6. Stay hydrated inside and out. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water and try an hydrating mask once a week
7. Don’t take long showers or baths. A long hot bath can quickly dry out your skin, so limit your bathing to 10 to minutes at the most. Avoid bubble baths completely, since they will further dry out your skin.
8. Use sunscreen regardless of weather. Sunscreen protects your skin and slows down the aging process. It can also help to moisturize your skin and renew its smooth texture.
Should you add a serum to your skin care routine?
Women with radiant and flawless skin are not usually born that way. Most women with beautiful skin have a morning and evening routine designed to keep it that way. They exfoliate, they cleanse, and they moisturize every day. Some women even take their skin care to the next level by using a serum.
What’s All In It
A serum contains concentrated amounts of highly active anti-aging ingredients. They are formulated to address specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, firming, age s
ate deeper into your skin. Serums deliver vitamins, retinol and antioxidants to the skin to make it look and feel younger.
pots and discolorations. Serums usually address needs that are not covered by most moisturizers. The structure of the molecules inside a serum is smaller than those inside of a moisturizer, allowing the serum to penetr
How To Use
Always apply a serum to freshly cleansed skin. The idea is to allow the serum to soak into your skin before you apply your moisturizer. After cleansing your face, pat your skin with a towel, and while your skin is still moist, gently apply a few drops of the serum. It is better to apply the serum directly onto your skin rather than mixing a few drops into your moisturizer. It is the direct application of the concentrated serum on your skin that will give you the best results.
There are a variety of serums available and choosing one will depend on what you need. Some are for day use, others for evenings, and some are formulated to target specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, uneven texture, or hyperpigmentation. There are serums designed to work on your skin at night when your epidermis is in repair mode. These serums may not be recommended for daytime use, if they contain ingredients that make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Always read the label to be sure.
If you want your skin to have that luxurious glow and smooth texture, try adding a serum to your daily routine. It may just be that missing ingredient that brings out the very best in your skin.
Skincare Myths Debunked
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding new beauty treatments, must-have products and new regiments that promise to make you look your best. Amid all the hype are the facts that you need to know about some of the biggest skincare myths today.
Here’s the skinny on common beauty misconceptions:
Myth: The best way to clean facial skin is give is to give it a good scrub.
Fact: Facial skin is much more sensitive than the rest of your body. While infrequent (once/weekly) gentle exfoliating can help to clean pores, you should never scrub your skin, for danger of irritating it. In fact, scrubbing skin can actually remove beneficial oils.
Myth: Soap and water is a tried and true way to wash your face.
Fact: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using a sweet smelling soap or hand soap may actually be bad for your skin. Most deodorant body soaps are designed specifically for the body – not the face. Choose a face cleanser that is designed specifically for your skin type – oily, dry or combination.
Myth: You don’t need to apply sunscreen if you’re wearing make-up.
Fact: Whether it’s bright and sunny or overcast and bleak outside, you still need to protect skin equally. While some foundations have built-in SPF, the amount you’d have to apply for them to be as effective as lotion with SPF is mind-boggling. Unless you’re going to layer on 15 coats of SPF foundation, apply protective lotion instead.
Myth: Toner is good for your skin.
Unless a dermatologist or aesthetician has actually recommended a toner for your skin type, this product can strip skin of its natural oils. Steer clear of toner unless you have very oily skin and have been directed by a professional to use one.
Have a question about a beauty myth you’ve heard or read? Contact me to find out what’s fact and what’s fiction.
A Vitamin C Boost for Skin
Each and every day, skin is e
xposed to harmful pollutants and dangerous UV rays. Even when it’s overcast or cloudy, skin is still at risk. These environmental factors take their toll on skin, advancing the signs of aging and diminishing collagen levels. There is however, a natural and safe solution for helping to slow the signs of premature aging while protecting skin from the elements.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and essential nutrient that is beneficial for the body’s immune system, as well as a strong contributor to beautiful, radiant looking skin. Unfortunately, many people fail to get enough Vitamin C in their day-to-day routine, which results in a dull and dry appearance.
Fortunately our lab has created a serum that includes multiple forms of Vitamin C, which are artfully combined and proven to be far more effective than simply taking just one supplement. My new antioxidant Vitamin C serum is packed with three derivatives that work alongside each other to produce unbelievable results.
The powerful ingredients offer the following benefits:
- Magnesium Ascorbate Phosphate is a known antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals, maintain cellular longevity and stimulate the growth of collagen.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate helps to protect the skin, impact collagen growth, and improve skin’s appearance by killing off problematic bacteria.
- Ascorbyl Glucoside provides a range of benefits, by working with an enzyme in the skin called α –glucosidase, which helps to brighten skin by suppressing Melanin synthesis and reducing the amount of existing Melanin.
This combination of Vitamin C is designed to protect against the adverse exposure to the elements and inevitable toxins that your skin encounters on a daily basis.
To find out more information on my new Vitamin C serum, which will be available exclusively to my VIP clients first, contact me today at Julie@jlskinfitness.com.
How to Care for your Skin During and Post Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a special time that results in many changes in the body, including a spike in hormones, which can greatly affect the tone and appearance of skin. Many women wonder what they should do differently during pregnancy in order to keep their skin vibrant and healthy. And while it’s true that smart skincare practices like drinking plenty of water, using sunscreen and moisturizing can provide some benefits, there are a number of extra things that are suggested pre and post pregnancy to keep skin looking its best. Here are a few of my top tips:
Pay attention to your body – It’s not uncommon for women to develop dark skin patches during pregnancy, but the sooner they are treated, the better. Consult with a licensed aesthetician who can provide safe product recommendations, and remember to wear sunscreen, as it helps to treat and prevent melasma (dark spots). Also, avoid products containing soy, which can actually worsen dark spots.
Remember to moisturize – During pregnancy, skin can become very dry, so it’s important to keep it hydrated. Drink 8-10 glasses of water each day, eat water based foods such as fruits, and try a humidifier, if needed. Also, in order to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, moisturize the belly and legs daily with a natural lotion, especially one containing Shea or cocoa butter and Vitamin E. Massage into skin after bathing for maximum absorption.
Relax – While pregnancy can at times, be very uncomfortable, the more you take care of yourself, the better you’ll look and feel. Weekly facials can help to open pores, remove toxins and improve overall skin tone.
Take your vitamins – Prenatal vitamins, especially those rich in iron, calcium and folic acid are beneficial for preventing birth defects, ensuing healthy fetal development and keeping mommies-to-be looking and feeling their best.
I have created a treatment specifically made for mom-to-be and post-baby skin. To find out more details or to book a “babymoon” beauty treatment, please email me or visit my website.
New RF Face and Body Tightening Treatment Launches January, 2013
While many people choose to go under the knife for surgical beauty treatments, recent advances in science and modern medicine have it made it possible to yield the same or similar results from non-invasive alternatives. One such option is the use of radio frequency (RF) to melt away fat and tighten the skin on the face and body.
Using the latest ultrasonic cavitation RF technology, you can now get the beauty results you’ve always dreamed of without the cost, pain or recovery time of plastic surgery.
Because I always want to bring my clients the best and most effective beauty innovations, I’m now offering several RF procedures.
About Ultrasonic Cavitation Radio Frequency
Ultrasonic Cavitation uses low energy and high frequency ultrasound waves to safely and painlessly find and destroy fat cells, which are located deep under the skin’s surface. The technology means that each layer of skin is targeted and treated differently with the optimal current for maximum results in a minimal amount of time.
Beauty Benefits
Radio frequency treatments can provide the following:
- Increased tissue metabolism
- Prevention of cellulite
- Tightening of skin
- Increased skin elasticity
- Dissolution of fat
- Body shaping of abdomen, legs, arms and buttocks
- Non-surgical Face lift
- Removal of acne, scars and stretch marks
- Long-lasting results with little to no downtime
To find out more information about how affordable and easy these new treatments are, visit my website or to schedule an appointment, contact me today at Julie@jlskinfitness.com.
RF treatments are safe for most patients, but clients are advised to consult a doctor before proceeding with any new treatment programs.
Winter Radiance Cleanse Now Available!
True beauty radiates from within. It’s a positive feeling, a mindset, a set of emotions that project energy from the inside out, not only affecting our state-of-mind but also important aspects of our physical well-being. Negative emotions on the other hand can trigger all sorts of adverse physical changes, from lack of energy and a weakened immune system to premature aging and weight gain. That’s why it’s so important to take care of ourselves emotionally, as it affects so much aspects of our lifestyle.
Sometimes, the stresses, bad habits and pollutants from day-to-day life can take their toll, causing harmful toxins to build up in the body, thus delaying inner beauty from finding its way to the surface. However, periodic internal cleansing can help to detox the body, restore balance, and provide a new outlook on life.
The winter radiance cleanse is the answer for getting rid of that sluggish feeling and experiencing rejuvenation and renewal. It’s just the thing for bringing the body out of hibernation and jump starting a healthier and happier you this holiday season.
What is the Winter Radiance Cleanse?
While I have always offered a seasonal cleanse as part of the Ageless Beauty Program, the Winter Radiance Cleanse was co-created with holistic health and lifestyle consultant, board certified practitioner and nutritionist Meredith Geller.
The all-natural cleanse is a 3 or 7 day program that includes a healthful menu, recipes and a special supercharged herbal pack, as well as pre and post cleanse support sessions with Meredith.
Benefits of the Winter Radiance Cleanse
The cleanse helps to promote true beauty from the inside out, enhancing vitality and healing the body of harmful toxins.
The Cleanse:
- Removes build-up as a result of eating the wrong foods.
- Improves digestion and gives the body time to recharge.
- Floods the body with beneficial minerals and enzymes.
Prepping
Before each cleanse, program participants are encouraged to start a pre-cleanse 5 days out. During this time, certain foods and drinks are eliminated in order to prepare the body for the week ahead.
Getting Started
The Cleanse can be performed as either a 3 or 7 day regimen, depending on your goals and lifestyle needs
The Winter Radiance Cleanse includes:
- Menu and recipes
- 15-minute pre and post assessment with Meredith Geller, plus unlimited email support
- Herbal pack
- 3-day pack: herbal teas + Natural Calm + bath salts
- 7-day pack: herbal teas + Natural Calm + bath salts + MSM powder/Tocotrienols for smoothies
- Skin Fitness Radiance Facial & Infra Red Body Wrap with Julie Lindh on the last day of (3-day) cleanse
- Choice of RF Body Tightening Therapy or Skin Fitness Radiance Facial & Infra Red Body Wrap with Julie Lindh on the last day of (7-day) cleanse
- Tips for a successful cleanse and instructions on how to stop the cleanse
Sample Menu
- Breakfast: Green radiance juice
- Snack: Green glow smoothie
- Lunch: Enzyme-rich salad
- Afternoon: Herbal tea
- Dinner: Greens and steams
The Winter Radiance Cleanse is just one part of a healthy lifestyle and feeling beautiful from the inside out. It is recommended that the Cleanse be supplemented with infrared sauna treatment to improve blood circulation and burn calories, as/or a Radiance Facial with herbs, enzymes and clay to detoxify pores and skin.
The Winter Radiance Cleansing program is now available. Don’t wait until the New Year to celebrate a new more radiant self. If you are ready to make the transformation and enjoy a more energized holiday season, contact me today at Julie@jlskinfitness.com.
How to Fight Raccoon Eyes this winter
This time of year brings many fun things, but raccoon eyes aren’t one of them. Dark, puffy eyes and tired dry skin seems to be more prominent in the winter. This can be due to a number of factors, such as stress, lack of sleep, overconsumption of caffeine, too many cocktails or even just seasonal allergies.
But don’t fear! Here are some simple tips to help reduce the appearance of unsightly raccoon eyes and keep you looking fresh and rested over the holidays:
Protect your eyes – Even though it’s winter, sun damage is still a factor. Remember to wear a moisturizer with sunscreen and protect eyes with sunglasses when out and about; this is especially important if you’re planning on taking a winter vacation. If you do find yourself overexposed to the elements, try a cold compress such as chilled spoons or an eye mask to reduce swelling and bring blood vessels back to their normal size.
Take your vitamins – Aside from many health benefits, certain vitamins contain elements that are ca
n keep you looking youthful. Vitamin K, which is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, broccoli and kale helps to reduce inflammation. Vitamin A, which is found in pumpkin, apricot and mango, contains antioxidants that fight aging skin, while Vitamin C increases collagen levels. Iron also plays an important role in helping to reduce under eye circles and improve overall health. Having a hard time getting your vitamins? It’s a good idea to work vitamin and antioxidant eye creams into your routine for added coverage.
Get some R & R – The holidays can surely be stressful, so it’s important to remember to take time out for some much needed rest. You can help to put your body in a relaxed state by doing things like aromatherapy with scented candles such as Jasmine, Lavender or Vanilla. If you’re having a hard time falling asleep, try the old favorite of a cup of warm milk, or a cup of chamomile tea, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.
If you’ve tried to get rid of dark under eye circles, and aren’t having any luck, contact me for an appointment or product recommendation.
Stem Cell Repair
Over the past several months, I’ve given more insight into my 28-Day Ageless System and how using these products along with a skincare fitness program can help work wonders on your skin. Today, I want to highlight my serum REPAIR which includes Stem Cells from a Swiss apple that contains ingredients designed to improve the overall look of your skin. This Swiss Patented formula is super popular in Europe since the ingredient received many awards in 2008. Let’s take an in-depth look at this product and why it is beneficial for your use.
Benefits of Repair Component
The main thing that you need to understand about your skin, is that the more we age, the less stem cells our skin has. When our skin does not have enough stem cells, then we begin to see the declination of our skin. We develop wrinkles and fine lines that were not there before. By using Repair, one of the components of my skin care routine – you are utilizing the stem cells from apples. Surely, this sounds odd – how can stem cells from apples replace the stem cells in your skin?
The components of the apple stem cells include phytonutrients, proteins, in addition to the aforementioned long-living stem cells. Your skin is getting its much needed nutrients and thus, delaying the aging effects. If you do not use a product like this on your skin, you will quickly find that your aging process is ongoing. You need a dynamic formula to help you battle the aging effects.
Tested Personally by Me
Due to so many other innovative ingredients from so many brands, it’s hard to make the right choice what products to use. I pretty much try every great ingredient out there and since I have more of a scientific mind I like to know what happens below the skin rather than what shows on the surface. All of the products I offer to clients have been tested on me and studied as far as what they can do. Aligned with my Skin Fitness services, my choice of products helping the skin to correct, repair, rejuvenate and preserve the results with long-term benefits.
If you have found products and treatment that made a difference in your life, you can no longer go back to where you were. So keep up with the good work and continue to stay ageless inside and out.
Get your face in shape with the Skin Fitness Workout
The Skin Fitness Workout is broken into three stages much like the workouts that you do in the gym – the warm up, core exercises and the cool down. The idea behind these workouts is to develop more structure and tone in your face, but you have to be careful not to overwork the muscles – hence the need for a warm up and cool down.
The Warm Up
The warm up of the Skin Fitness Workout is designed to loosen you up. You will start off with simple breathing exercises, a neck rotation and what I call the dancing shoulders. These three exercises will get you in form for the core workout.The Core Workout
The core workout provides you with nine separate exercises, each of which is designed to focus on a separate part of your face. I bet you didn’t realize there were so many exercises you could do on your face. The workout is centered on the following areas:- Neck – Extending your neck forward and holding the position will strengthen your neck muscles and help to prevent or eliminate the loose skin that can be mistaken for a double chin.
- Chin – Chin pull downs and chin lifts help create a defined chin and banish excess skin.
- Cheekbones – To lift and enhance your cheekbones, you will do exercises such as fish lips, kissy lips and open mouth smiles to strengthen the muscles in your cheeks and help raise them.
- Eyes – Several exercises are given to help eliminate sagging around the eyes as well as crow’s feet. By keeping the muscles intact and in good shape, the appearance of these so called laugh lines will gradually begin to fade.
- Forehead – Eliminate pesky frown lines with resistance exercises.
The anatomy behind the workout is to develop and strengthen the muscles. Exercises such as a chin lift, cheek stretching and eyebrow lifts help to create a youthful new look. Not only are you helping to increase the tone of skin that may be sagging, but you are also renewing your skin by increasing the blood flow to your face, which happens when you work out the muscles. In as little as two weeks – with diligence on the exercises – you will be well on the way to increasing your facial physique.
Meditation – How it Can Help You Retain Your Youth
When you think of meditation, you may not be thinking along the lines of skin care and beauty. However, this is a very powerful tool in helping you to retain both youthful looking skin as well as a beautiful body inside and out. Meditation helps the body in so many ways and I refer to it as “calming your mind and being in the moment.” Meditation helps to relieve the stressors of your daily life and allows you to focus on what is most important – you. When you are truly free from stress, it shows in your whole body from the condition of your hair and skin to the physical shape of your body and internally, as well.
Ways Meditation can Help
- Release of pent up emotions and stress – stress is one of the top reasons why your skin loses its luster and vitality. Over time, experiencing high stress can cause your skin to develop chronic problems such as acne and swelling due to the increased visibility of your blood cells. When you meditate, you are pushing out all feelings of negativity. Get rid of the stress that you carry home from work and the demands that your life places on you. Simply focus on you and only you and how your quality of life is improved in just a few simple moments.
- Clarity and Focus – When you push everything else out of your mind, you often experience clarity like you never have before. Many people rely on meditation in moments of conflict, to help show them the right way. This is important in terms of caring for your body, because seeing clearly will remove any internal source of conflict that can cause external symptoms.
Meditation is not one of those things that comes with a set of instructions or a required daily allotment. You simply choose a time that is convenient for you, relax and let your mind be free. Making meditation a regular part of your life is one of the most beneficial ways you can help your skin and body, without spending any money at all. Try it and see how much improvement you notice, you will likely be quite surprised – in a good way.
What can you do to cover the appearances of a hangover?
So, you make it to the next morning after a drinking binge the night before (chances are you may not have slept so well, alcohol interferes with sleep). Do you feel (and look) like a dead person walking? There are some things that you can do to avoid that tell-tale appearance by following some simple procedures.
Drinking alcohol takes away vital nutrients from the skin, causing it to look blotchy, pale and tired. It can also contribute to pre-mature aging and breakdown of a healthy complexion. You look and feel old and dismal. But by doing a few little things and using the right facial products, you can help your skin to have an improved appearance and add a little life to that otherwise worn-out look.
There are several things you can do to minimize the appearances of a hangover. Before bedtime—take milk thistle capsules to flush the liver, do a green powder to neutralize the stomach or take alkaline powder to alkaline the body while you sleep.
Other tips that may help to relieve hangover symptoms are as follows—
- Upon waking up, do a morning cleanse. Warm water with 3/4 lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper which helps to cleanse the stomach
- While taking a shower, use (in this order) warm water, followed by hot water, then concluding with a super cold rinse (as far as you can take it). Repeat this process three times. This will increase blood circulation and tighten the skin, thus improving one’s appearance.
What products should you use?
Besides the harm done to the inside organs, drinking alcohol causes the skin to lose necessary vitamins and nutrients. So, before bedtime and first thing in the morning, apply facial products with ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients, such as argireline, peptides and caffeine.
The next time you go out on a drinking binge, try to limit yourself so you don’t harm your system. But if you did go overboard, refer to these handy tips to cleanse your body and get on the fast track to a returning healthy appearance.
