The Spa Dr

Effective Skincare Routines and Treatments with Patricia Damon (Skincare Secrets part 2 of 4)

Our guest Patricia Damon is a graduate of the International Dermal Institute in California, the owner of Zanté Spa in Deer Valley Utah, and my personal esthetician.

In part two of our four-part Skincare Secrets series, we discuss the incorporating facials and cleansing into your regular skincare routine as we prepare for the launch of The Dr. Spa skincare line (click here to get on the VIP list and get priority access).

We also talk with Patricia about different treatments and natural ingredients for managing common skin conditions, including dehydration, acne, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and rosacea.

Making Facials Part of Your Skincare Routine

Patricia recommends getting facials at the start of each season to combat problems associated with changing weather and environmental aggressors.

To address specific skin conditions, schedule a series of weekly treatments during the shoulder months (mid-season) when the weather is less variable. Some of the common issues that facials can help treat include:

• Dehydrated Skin
• Acne
• Premature Aging
• Hyperpigmentation

Patricia recommends that you speak with your esthetician to come up with a custom treatment to cater to your specific skincare concerns and create a schedule that works well for you.

Remember, facials aren’t just for women; they work just as well on men!

Treating Common Skin Conditions

• Dehydrated Skin: For oil dry skin, use shea butter, jojoba, and primrose oil to get oils back into the skin. Hyaluronic acid can be effective on water dry skin.
• Acne Prone Skin: A good exfoliation can extract congestion in your skin. Patricia also recommends using gommage from the karite tree, karite butter, and clay masks to help absorb the overproduction of oil
• Hyperpigmentation: Use citrus acids to exfoliate and target hyperpigmentation.
• Rosacea: Look at ingredients that soothe and calm the skin, such as chamomile and arnica.
• Clogged and Enlarged Pores: Products such as thyme and mild salicylic acid can help. Keep your skin cleansed and exfoliated to minimize the appearance of pores, but leave pore extraction to the professionals.

Patricia’s Recommended Daily Skincare Routine

1. Cleanse your skin in a two-step process:

• Remove surface, dirt, oil, makeup, debris, and environmental aggressors.
• Cleanse the pores.

2. Apply a toner. This will bring your skin back to a natural pH balance.
3. Apply a treatment serum to address any skincare concern you may have.
4. Apply a moisturizer. Patricia recommends a moisturizer with SPF in the morning, but not at night.

Maintaining Good Skin While Traveling

Air travel dehydrates the skin, so avoid peels and aggressive exfoliation before flying. Patricia recommends applying a hydrating mask while flying. If you’re not comfortable with that, mildly exfoliate your skin once you land and sleep in a hydrating mask that night.

You can infuse hydration into your skin while in flight using toners.

Links to Check Out

Zanté Spa
Get on the VIP list for The Dr. Spa skincare line

About Patricia

Patricia Damon is a graduate of the International Dermal Institute and is trained in both medical and Ayurvedic skin care techniques. She worked as a national educator for a top skincare line in Europe and an instructor at one of the first accredited esthetic colleges in the United States. She was also the founder and president of RejuvenAir, a world-class in-flight spa service. Patricia currently owns Zanté Spa, a beautiful boutique spa at the base of Deer Valley Resort in Utah.

Skincare And DIY Face Treatments With Rachael Pontillo (Skincare Secrets part 1 of 4)

Our guest Rachel Pontillo is an expert at helping people with skincare and DIY face treatments as she’s a Certified International Health Coach, licensed aesthetician; and natural skincare formulator and educator.

We’re diving into a four part series on Skincare Secrets talking all about natural and effective external treatments as we’re getting ready to launch The Spa Dr skincare line. Click Here to Get on the VIP list and get priority access.

We talk about the benefits and uses of Jojoba oil. Always be aware of purity and where you get your oils from as it makes a huge difference. If your products ever go rancid it’s not going to be good for your skin!

Jojoba oil has a ton of uses, but just like with any oil it’s not perfect for everyone. Jojoba oil can block pores for some people and not for others, if it does there are numerous options to look at and replace with. We have a conversation about alternatives and how they might work for you.

Want to learn how to create an awesome DIY toner?
Rachael shares her formula around the 15 minutes mark.

What to do about Hyperpigmentation

Rachael shares how she’s starting to see more and more hyperpigmentation with younger people. Although hydroquinone is the go to ingredient of over the counter and prescription products some of the side effects are worth looking into. (maybe even going the extreme direction and causing vitiligo)

She’s seen green tea and black tea extract work very well with clients over time. It does take time topically and internally however, as with anything give yourself 30 days to see if it’s working or not.

Try using Rose Water, cucumbers, and ice to start reducing puffiness around your eyes.

Links to Check Out

Rachael’s Past Interview on The Spa Dr Podcast

Rachael’s website Holistically Haute

Rachael’s Online Courses

About Rachel

Rachael Pontillo is the bestselling author of the book Love Your Skin, Love Yourself, and co-author of The Sauce Code. She’s an AADP and IAHC Board Certified International Health Coach, licensed aesthetician; and natural skincare formulator and educator.

She’s the creator of the popular skincare and healthy lifestyle blog, Holistically Haute, as well as the 6-week online course, Create Your Skincare.

Rachael received her health coaching education from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition®, where she was the recipient of the school’s prestigious Health Leadership Award, and her aesthetics education from the Vision Academy Paul Mitchell School.

The Mind and Skin connection (Clear Glowing Skin part 4 of 4)

Today we’re covering the mind-skin connection – which is often not talked about as skin issues are often thought of just as an external issue – or a vanity problem however, we all know it goes much deeper than that.

You’ll hear about how I struggled as a little girl with self-esteem issues due to being bullied at school since I was different, and missed out on a lot because of health issues - I had skin reactions to medications and constantly felt alone as we tried to find a solution to my health.

Skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, vitiligo and even premature aging can both cause AND be triggered by stress! Video

What Stress Will Do To Your Skin

Acne: When you are stressed out, your adrenal glands release the hormone cortisol. A surge in cortisol causes increased sebum production, which triggers acne.
Eczema and other skin conditions: Anxiety and stress at work, school and home can make skin conditions flare up.
Vitiligo and Psoriasis : Stress negatively impacts our immune system, and being anxious or stressed can aggravate these autoimmune conditions.
Aging: Excessive frown lines, happen more with chronic stress. High levels of cortisol are likely to cause swelling, insomnia, weight gain. – which makes the aging process worse.

Covering up skin blemishes with makeup or trying to turn back the clock with botox/plastic surgery and topical steroids can suppress a skin eruption - Yet none of these address your skin problem!

A survey was done by the National Rosacea Society, 70% of people with severe rosacea symptoms said it negatively affected their professional interactions, and 41% said rosacea made them avoid public contact or cancel plans.

Top 10 Tips to Decrease Stress to Enhance your Mind, Mood and Skin

Laugh - When we laugh, our cortisol levels drop and serotonin (our mood-boosting neurotransmitter) increases. It’s really the fastest and easiest way to stop stress fast.

Breathe - This might seem like a simple task, but most people don’t know how to breathe to relieve stress. The first step is to be aware of your breathing. Next, take deep breaths that expand your chest and belly while relaxing your muscles in your neck and shoulders. (Tip: try counting to 10 breathing inward and then another 10 count breathing out.)

Surround yourself with positive people - We can’t always choose who is around us at work and school, but we can choose the people we are with, in our free time. When we’re positive too, our skin is more likely to heal and have a healthy glow.

Do visualization exercises - It only takes a few minutes and can quickly reduce stress. Close your eyes and picture a scene you love such as a beach, mountaintop, or picnic spot, and sit quietly to fully experience the beauty, serenity and joy it brings. If you have skin issues, you can also visualize healing of your tissues and healthy, glowing skin taking over.

Get outside - Get away from your computer, phone, and stressful situations and into nature. Even if it’s just a walk around the block, a few moments in the sun or fresh air it can boost your mood and give you a little extra Vitamin D to brighten your day.

Move your body - Studies show that moderate exercise improves our energy, mood, and sleep. If we exercise every morning ,it can help balance our adrenal function to help us better cope with stress.

Sleep soundly - Sleep is essential for helping us energize, manage stress, stay focused and be positive. Optimally, we should all get about 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. (Tip: Try taking a warm bath with a few drops of lavender essential oil and some Epsom salt before bedtime.)

Eat a healthy diet - Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and high quality protein to ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs to keep your hormones balanced and your skin healthy. (Tip: Start your day with a nutrient-packed smoothie and skip the grains and sugar.)

Practice gratitude - Gratitude is about appreciating what you have around you. Research shows gratitude helps us feel happier, improve our health, be better at dealing with problems that arise, and build solid relationships. (Tip: Start a gratitude journal and write down 1 thing every day that you’re grateful for.)

Meditate and/or pray - Research shows that meditation helps you lower stress, be more compassionate, improve sleep, boost mood, decrease inflammation, and even lower yearly doctor costs! The goal of meditation is to focus and quiet your mind in order to have greater clarity and inner calm. (Tip: Simply close your eyes and focus on a word that brings you a sense of peace. Let go of all other thoughts.)

The Gut and Skin Connection (Clear Glowing Skin part 3 of 4)

Today we’re covering the gut/skin connection – how digestion affects our skin and what we can do about it. This might seem like an unlikely connection and one your dermatologist or esthetician probably hasn’t talked with you about.

It really is a key component in having healthy skin and overall health!

Digestion is important for breaking down and absorbing nutrients in our food. We need certain micro and macro nutrients for healthy skin – that we get thru a healthy diet. But, you could have the best diet in the world but if your digestion is not working, then you won’t get the nourishment you need and it does show up on our skin.

As more and more research is showing, the bugs within our digestive system are not only important for digestion but they’re also connected to our skin.

Your Skincare Products May be Toxic – Clear Glowing Skin (part 2 of 4)

Today we’re covering top toxic triggers in skincare products and some shocking ways these may be impacting your health and your skin. Although you may think just putting something on your skin isn’t a problem, we actually absorb chemicals through the skin.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reported that nearly 900 toxic chemicals are used in skincare and cosmetic products.

One of the biggest issues with many skin products are Endocrine disrupting chemicals. EDCs have been linked to a number of health concerns including infertility, lowered sperm counts, obesity, diabetes, menstrual irregularities, early menopause, thyroid imbalance, and certain types of cancers.

10 harmful ingredients to watch for

1. Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen and irritant found in nail products, hair dye, fake eyelash adhesives, and some shampoos.

2. Fragrance/Perfume: A source of hidden chemicals such as phthalates, which is a Endocrine disrupting chemicals.

3. Lead: A known carcinogen and hormone disruptor is found in certain eyeliners, hair dye, and lipsticks but it’s never listed because it’s a contaminant, not an ingredient.

4. Mercury: A known irritant and allergen that, with body accumulation over time, can impair the brain and nervous system. Often found in skin lightening creams, mascara and some eye drops.

5. Parabens (Propyl-, Isopropyl-, Butyl-, and Isobutyl-):  A preservative found in many products.

6. Oxybenzone: Active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cellular damage, even low birth weight in babies of mothers using it.

7. DEA/TEA/MEA (Ethanolamines): Used as emulsifiers and foaming agents for shampoos, body washes, soaps and topical application has been associated with cancer in animal studies.

8. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, SLES): A former industrial degreaser now used to make soap foamy, it’s absorbed into the body and irritates skin.

9. Coal Tar: Used in hair dyes. Also, a coal-tar hair dye containing p-phenylenediamine (PPD) can cause dangerous skin reactions in some people.

10. Diethylene glycol (or DEG): A Central Nervous System depressant and potent kidney and liver toxin. Sometimes found in fragrances.

If you can’t put it in your mouth don’t put it on your skin.

There are so many toxic triggers that might be affecting your skin.  Make sure to be careful about what you’re putting in your body (and on), so you can.  Don’t be overwhelmed there are alternatives!

2 Foods To Avoid At All Costs for Clear Glowing Skin (part 1 of 4)

In today’s episode we’re starting off with part 1 of 4 talking about the essential keys to clear glowing skin. Today we’re going to talk about the importance of diet and exactly what foods you should focus on eating and staying away from.

We start with the question:
Why is it that I develop acne now that I’m no longer a teenager? Is it due to hormones? Are there any foods that can help?

It’s a myth that people only get acne in their teens. It can honestly happen at any time.

Hormones change over time and can play a large role in acne flare-ups. (pregnancy, breastfeeding, teenage years are all times this can happen) Also stress (cortisol) can factor into acne and increase as we age. (causes inflammation and ultimately acne)

The best way to balance this out is with Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, onions, garlic, beets, etc. These are great foods to start with to get your hormones back in balance.

4 Critical Foods For Clear Glowing Skin

Colorful fruits and vegetables. (especially berries and greens)
These foods are high in antioxidants that help to stop wrinkles and sagging skin.

Bone Broth
This food is full of collagen. Always choose organic and grass fed if possible. And for those of you that aren’t keen on meat, check out gelatin.

Good Fats
We need the good fats to nourish the lipid bilayer. (not the trans fats) Some foods to get you started with eating good fats are wild caught salmon, avocado, and coconut oil.

High Quality Protein
We need protein so our body can repair skin. Nuts, seeds, legumes, grass fed beef, chicken, and fish.

 

2 foods to avoid for clear glowing ageless skin.

#1 – Sugar

Americans eat on average 22.2 teaspoons of sugar every day

Sugar is found in a lot of hidden sources like bread, salad dressing, soups and more. It’s highly addictive and highly destructive, and we know it’s particularly bad for the skin.

It’s a direct link to acne causing oils in the skin and an age accelerator.

#2 – Dairy

Dairy products are pro inflammatory foods as well as being full of hormones (regardless of where you get your milk) Both of these factors are triggers for acne.

Want to learn the 10 foods you should avoid to give your skin a break and regain clear glowing skin?

Sex and Your Health with Dr. Lauren Noel

What's the biggest killer of sex drive?

Do we need sex to be healthy and have glowing skin?

Find out on today's show with my guest Dr. Lauren Noel.

Dr. Lo (as her patients call her) is a licensed naturopathic doctor and her areas of expertise are digestive disorders, thyroid & hormone imbalances, and autoimmune disease. She received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Since 2010, Dr. Noel has treated over 5,000 patients using natural therapies. She has been a frequent guest/lecturer on health radio shows and medical conferences, and she is the host of Dr. Lo Radio, a top rated podcast on iTunes that has attracted over 1 million listens.  Dr. Noel owns Shine Natural Medicine in Solana Beach, CA where she treats patients locally and all over the country.

On today's episode of The Spa Dr Podcast, discover what is the biggest killer of sex drive. And for those of you who feel like you don’t need sex to be healthy, we also cover how sex actually is beneficial for our health and even improves our skin! In addition, Dr. Lo covers body image and self-esteem issues. These are topics many people are afraid to talk about, but Dr. Lo talks about all of this with ease and great information and with a naturopathic approach.

Dr Lo is offering her eBook Are You Wired but Tired as a free gift. Download it here.

Click here for more information on the Shine Natural Medicine Clinic.

You can listen to the Dr. Lo Radio podcast here.

So please enjoy the show!

Dietary Dilemmas and Discoveries with Kevin Gianni

Have you ever struggled with dietary choices?

Who hasn’t? I know many of us have struggled with dietary choices, so on today’s show I have as my guest Kevin Gianni who shares his personal journey going from eating twinkies to raw vegan and a surprising turn to the food choices he now makes. I think you’ll enjoy his story and what led him to write his new book.

Kevin started researching preventative natural health therapies in 2002 when he was struck with the reality that cancer ran deep in his family, and if he didn’t change the way he was living, he might go down that same path. Since then, he’s written and self-published six books on natural health, diet, and fitness, produced over 900 YouTube videos with over 10 million views and has published hundreds of articles.

He's experimented with many diets and medical protocols to differentiate myth from reality. Kevin has also traveled around the world searching for the best foods, medicines and clinics to introduce them to the readers of the blog he co-founded - www.RenegadeHealth.com - which is one of the most widely read natural health blogs with hundreds of thousands of visitors a month from over 150 countries around the world.

During that time, he and Annmarie co-founded Annmarie Skin Care, a natural, organic skin care and beauty company. He spends his time now keeping the wheels on this award-winning line as acting CEO. He lives in Berkeley, California with his wife, Annmarie, two kids, two cats and a chicken.

On today’s show, you’ll hear Kevin’s story and what led him to write his new book Kale and Coffee. We cover some interesting food myths and information. And, because of Kevin’s work with his wife AnnMarie on their skincare line, we also discuss some surprising differences in the various skincare products on the market today (even those marketed as “natural”).

To learn more about Kevin Gianni visit his website and click here to get information about his new book.

So, please enjoy the show!

Gene Expression With Dr. Ben Lynch

Today, we talk about the WHY behind healthy lifestyle choices.

Everyone from your parents to your naturopathic doctor tells you to eat healthy foods and make the right lifestyle choices. My guest today, Dr. Ben Lynch, shares how we can actually change the way our genes are expressed by making healthy lifestyle choices. What that means is that just because your family is predisposed to certain diseases or you have a chronic health problem already, you can make changes through something called nutrigenomics and methylation support. For those of you who have no idea what these are, don’t worry Dr. Lynch covers these topics in detail.

Dr. Ben Lynch received his Cell and Molecular Biology, BS from the University of Washington and his naturopathic medicine degree from Bastyr University. His passion for identifying the cause of disease directed him towards nutrigenomics and methylation dysfunction. Currently, he researches, writes and presents worldwide on the topic of MTHFR and methylation defects. (Don’t worry, Dr. Lynch explains exactly what all these mean during his interview.)

Dr. Lynch is also the President & CEO of www.SeekingHealth.com, a company oriented towards disease prevention and health promotion. He lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and their three boys.

There is a reason I asked Dr. Lynch to come on the show and this will be very clear when you watch the interview.

Visit Dr. Lynch's website www.seekinghealth.org, to access some great membership products, conferences and educational resources about MTHFR.

Another helpful resource about MTHFR  is www.mthfr.net.

Click on the banner below to learn more about Dr Lynch and the supplements he offers.

Please enjoy the show...

Is It Me or My Hormones? with Marcelle Pick

Have you ever wondered why you feel tired, moody and/or overweight and if your hormones are the cause?

On Today’s show, Marcelle Pick covers many aspects of hormones for women of various ages.

Marcelle Pick earned a BS in Nursing from the University of New Hampshire School of Nursing, a BA in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire, and her MS in Nursing from Boston College-Harvard Medical School. She is certified as an OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner and a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Marcelle co-founded  Women to Women in 1983 with a vision to change the way in which women’s healthcare is delivered. In her practice, Marcelle undertakes an integrative approach which not only treats illness, but also helps women make choices in their lives to prevent disease.  In 2001, Marcelle created womentowomen.com with a goal to inspire and educate women.

Marcelle has served as Medical Advisor to Healthy Living Magazine, writes a weekly newsletter from WomenToWomen.com, and lectures on a variety of topics — including weight loss resistance, infertility, stress and illness, and adrenal dysfunction.  Marcelle has written three books: The Core Balance Diet, Is It Me or My Adrenals? and Is It Me or My Hormones?  Her PBS show, Is It Me or My Hormones? is a favorite among viewers.

I asked Marcelle some specific questions, based on many of your questions and frustrations expressed to me, and I think you’ll be excited to learn the answers. Whether you’re a woman in your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s or beyond, I think you’ll take away some great nuggets of information for your superior health and vitality.

To find out more about Marcelle, visit her website. 

Please enjoy this interview…