Category Techniques

If you suffer from depression, you are not alone. The fact is that there are people around the globe that are affected by this debilitating disease.

When you are depressed, the chemicals in your brain and other parts of your are out of balance. In order to effectively treat your depression, this situation must be rectified.

Otherwise, the best you can hope for is to mask the symptoms you are experiencing each day with pharmaceutical solutions that may have unwanted side effects. However exercise was found to be the best way to deal with depression on day by day basis.

Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce perception of pain. They also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. Over time, your body will begin to balance out naturally as long as you continue to keep exercising.

One of the best forms of exercise that you can choose when it comes to treating issues such as depression, anxiety and agoraphobia is yoga. This ancient practice originated in Japan. It has spread globally, helping the people who practice it to find an inner spiritual balance along with increased physical health.

You will find various forms of yoga available, each with a different focus. Talk to your local instructors to find out which courses fit best into your schedule and that will fulfill your needs and meet you at your current level of health. Try to take at least three classes per week to see how that can help. Once you have become comfortable with it, you can even add a Sun Salutation to your morning routine!

Taking care of yourself means addressing and treating every aspect of your health. The right types of exercise, such as yoga, will do that!

SPF (Sun Protection Factor)- wear it on not?

As an Esthetician I can assure you that you will regret in 20 years from now for not having worn sunscreen when you look at your skin compared to friends and family who have worn daily sunscreen.

Top five reasons you should wear sunscreen:

1. The ozone layer is depleting and our body needs shielding from harmful rays.
2. Skin cancer rates are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer.
3. It helps to prevent skin discolorations.
4. It helps to reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness.
5. It slows down the premature skin aging and wrinkles.

What about the need for obtaining vitamin D via the sun?

Most people can meet vitamin D requirements of 600 IU per day with daily 30 minutes outdoor activities, twice per week. Same result they can achieve by eating vitamin D rich diet of fish, milk, dairy, liver, eggs or taking vitamin D supplement. So prolonged sun exposure gives no extra benefits of Vitamin D production.

Medications, that increase risks of sun burns and damage.

There are many medications which may make the skin extra susceptible to sun. These include: anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and acne medications.:

• Doxycycline and Minocycline used in the treatment of acne
• Accutane
• Topical acne products, such as vitamin A (Yes! your Retin A from Doctor office!)
• Benzoyl Peroxide.

Are there any natural sunscreen?

Yes. The newest sunscreens are formulated with either tinted mineralized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that can bronze the skin or matched to skin color.

Are there any natural spray-on sunscreens?

Yes, Spray-on sunscreen are great for people who don’t like the feel of lotion on their hands or face. Great spray sunscreen to try is a Cosmedix Reflect.

Do I need to reapply SPF every 2 hours?

Yes. Most of the SPF stop working after 2 hours. If you plan to spend ore time outside then you need to reapply it after 2 hours.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

While diet and exercise can be important, people sometimes need to take special steps in order to get the results they want. If you want to burn stomach fat, you’re going to have to make sure you’re doing all you can to help with that.

One of the simplest ways to burn fat in any area is to do cardio exercises. If you do 30 minutes of cardio a day three times a week, you’ll be able to burn a great deal of fat.

However, if your main intention is to slim down your stomach, you’ll want to combine that cardio with some exercises that will work the stomach. If you burn fat and strengthen your stomach muscles, you’ll see some real results.

It’s also a smart idea for people to change their diet. A lot of foods can cause bloating. If people give up these foods, they should be able to see their stomach shrink.

Cutting down on the intake of carbohydrates, like bread and pasta, is especially important. People don’t need to give them up completely; they only need to eat less of them. When people do consume carbs, they should try to make sure they’re eating whole grains.

It’s also important for people to make sure they’re getting fluids from the right places. Sugary drinks (soda, artificial juices etc.) can cause people to form more fat in their stomach. Water and other healthy drinks, however, can help people to keep their stomach slim.

You may want to try drinking some kind of herbal tea in the morning. Green tea has been linked to a loss in stomach fat. You could also try starting your day out with lemon water.

If you follow these simple tips, you should be able to burn stomach fat and get your body into shape.

What concerns many is how persistent eye festoon bags are and if they can be treated. For those who are not willing to undergo surgery to improve the appearance, there are some conservative options including the following:

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedies and Vitamin K
• Neotensil (Spandex for the eye)
• Dermal Fillers
• Lipodissolve

In Chinese medicine, dysfunction of internal organs present themselves on the face. Problems around the eyes are believed to be connected to some underlying imbalance, usually involving the kidneys, adrenal glands, and the liver. Well-trained acupuncturists will take a full health history to pinpoint the culprit and then treat the acupuncture points associated with the imbalance. Doing it will improve the appearance of bags and dark circles. Holistic acupuncturists may also prescribe herbal medicine or micronutrients, such as Licorice, Angelica, Milk Thistle, or Vitamin K. They will improve the functioning of those organs, bring nutrients to the affected area, and result in improved facial representation of organ function.

Neotensil™ is a new product. It involves the application of two layers of product that works to reshape the skin and acts much like Spandex. Step 1 involves the placement of a reshaping base layer. Step 2 application of an activating layer that cross links with the base layer; resulting in shaping the skin under the eye. The improvement seen can last up to 16 hours.

Dermal Fillers can improve the appearance by “filling in” the space below the fat pad thereby blending the fat pad to the cheek curve. Results can last up to one year.

Lipodissolve is injection of a solution into the fat pad that essentially dissolves the fat pad. This should be done with extreme caution and can be associated with significant erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) for up to 10 days and may need to be repeated.

Organic food is more popular than ever, and people are even taking the initiative to plant organic farms in their backyards. People are tired of hearing about the consequences of processed foods and artificial ingredients. You have surely heard about the many benefits of eating organically, but what do you not know about organic food items.

If you have yet to jump in and participate with the organic food movement, realize that almost 80 percent of the entire nation is already participating. Now, that doesn’t mean they buy everything organic, but they do buy organic from time to time. And then of course some of them choose to grow an organic garden as mentioned, too. One statistic in 2011 said that approximately 4.2 percent of the food sold was organic food. Now that doesn’t seem like a lot until you put a cash value to it, and that would be over 29 billion dollars. Furthermore, this was a number representative of over four years ago, and the growth of the organic food market continues to skyrocket.

You might think that organic food is always going to be grown somewhere in your own country, but it can come from other countries as well. Did you know that? You can inquire about food items to see if you can get organic food that is local, and you can always check with the local Farmer’s Markets if there is one near you.

Realize that rinsing your vegetables doesn’t take the pesticides away, so buying organic would be the right solution. It’s up to you as to how you want to handle buying your groceries, and certainly organic food can seem to cost more. That is why people are growing organic gardens or buying at farmers markets.

What is the difference between “eye bags” and eye festoons?

Festoons—also called malar mounds are not well understood by most people. Many who actually have festoons are unaware of the condition or what is causing it. Bags are caused by fat or fluid protruding through the skin in the lower eyelid area, while festoons, which also protrude, are primarily on the upper part of the cheek. The two together can look like one large protrusion, but they’re separate issues.
Bags often appear as puffy circles directly beneath the eye. If you touch them, they’re usually firmer, and you can’t easily move them from side to side. That’s an indication they’re bags. Also, if you look up, they become more prominent. Bags are generally associated with aging, allergies and fatigue.

Festoons, on the other hand, are high on the cheek, although they can extend to the lower lid area. They feel squishy to the touch, and they can be easily moved from side to side. They don’t become more prominent when you look up.
Festoons are usually the result of damage. Sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, drinking coffee and alcohol and aging are among the possible causes. In addition they can be due to circulatory issues and high blood pressure. The results can be worsened by the contrasting pull of underlying facial muscles over the years. Fair-skinned people tend to be more susceptible to festoons. Although those with darker skin tones are not immune.

Although festoons can be an indication of some serious medical conditions it is more likely that they are a result of lifestyle and diet. For example, festoons may expand if someone has a sensitivity to caffeinated drinks. Eye Strain caused by too much computer time or television can also increase their size. Festoons will become a pinkish color and will diminish or expand.

Treatments for festoon and eye bags:

What concerns many is how persistent festoon bags are and if they can be treated. Once they start to appear they tend to become a permanent facial feature which shrinks or expands depending on the body’s reaction to certain triggers. Skin care products can help improve fine lines, wrinkles and the look of “bags”.

For those who are not willing to undergo surgery to improve the appearance, there are some conservative options including the following.

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedies and Vitamin K
• Neotensil (Spandex for the eye)
• Dermal Fillers
• Lipodissolve

In Chinese medicine, dysfunction of internal organs present themselves on the face; and problems around the eyes are believed to be connected to some underlying imbalance, usually involving the kidneys, adrenal glands, and the liver. Well-trained acupuncturists will take a full health history to pinpoint the culprit and then treat the acupuncture points associated with the imbalance, and in doing so will improve the appearance of bags and dark circles. Holistic acupuncturists may also prescribe herbal medicine or micronutrients, such as Licorice, Angelica, Milk Thistle, or Vitamin K, which will improve the functioning of those organs, bring nutrients to the affected area, and result in improved facial representation of organ function.

Neotensil™ is a new product that can be used on the skin to offer temporary improvement in the appearance of “eye bags”. It involves the application of two layers of product that works to reshape the skin and acts much like Spandex does for abdominal fat. Step 1 involves the placement of a reshaping base layer. Step 2 involves the application of an activating layer that cross links with the base layer; resulting in shaping the skin under the eye, and the improvement seen can last up to 16 hours.

Dermal Fillers can improve the appearance by “filling in” the space below the fat pad thereby blending the fat pad to the cheek curve. Depending on the filler used this can last for at least one year.

Lipodissolve is injection of a solution into the fat pad that essentially dissolves the fat pad. This should be done with extreme caution and can be associated with significant erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) for up to 10 days and may need to be repeated.

Regardless, if the condition is really a Festoon, and not a bag, all of the above treatments may either not improve the bag, or actually make the appearance worse.
All depends on individual skin condition…

What to Look for In Moisturizers for Oily, Normal and Dry Skin

Oily Skin?

Oily skin is a skin type prone to breakouts. Most people assume that because it has a moisture to it that moisturizers should not be used on this skin type. Actually, oily skin needs just as much moisture as any other type. However, you should be looking for formulations that contain anti-acne ingredients as well as ingredients that keep it from becoming too greasy. Look for willow bark in a natural lotion. Also, if you can find moisturizers with salicylic acid you should buy them as they will help prevent breakouts.

Skincare Routine for Oily Skin

1. Cleanse twice a day: morning and night. People with this kid of skin should use gel based cleansers to help clean out pores and strip away excess oil. Ingredients such as: Alpha Hydrox Acid will best.
2. Toning is very import to pick up left over dirt, cleanser and pH the skin.

If you have Normal Skin, you are lucky. You can choose just about any moisturizer you want, as long as it does not have the ingredients you might find in products designed for oily skin.

If you have Combination Skin, choose an oil-based or cream moisturizer and apply it liberally when the skin is dry. When skin is normal, a water-based moisturizer that has a light, non-greasy feel is best.

Dry Skin?

Dry skin often feels tight, especially when you smile. It may look leathery despite a person’s age. The best way to check if your skin is dehydrated/dry is to lift your cheeks or lightly pinch the skin on the forehead. If fine lines appear, then the skin is lacking in water. Severely dry skin can be itchy, red and irritated. If left unchecked, can cause pre matured aging.

Skincare Routine for Dry Skin

1. Cleanse. People with dry skin should look for a creamy, soothing cleanser. They should avoid foam cleansers as they tend to be over drying. To stimulate oil producing gland cleanser should be massage into skin.  Best cleanser should contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid as these ingredients draw water to the surface of the skin
2. Tone. Use toner because it helps moisturizer be absorbed into the skin. Try something rosewater. Apply a thin layer of toner on the skin before applying moisturizer.
3. Moisturize. Moisturizing is a must when your skin is dry. Buy the one that is thick and creamy.

Sometimes what can help you is to use a hydrating mask once a week followed good exfoliation.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

Have you been hearing all about the different ways that you can add juicing to your daily activities? There are a few things that you should take into consideration before you add fresh juices to your diet. Not only is it going to be a good idea to learn why the trend of juicing has taken off and the benefits involved, but you can also gather some good information on what you can expect from the process.

Juicing is a great way to detox the body, prevent disease and lose weight.

There’s something appealing about being able to blend up broccoli, kale and cucumbers and mask them with the sweet taste of strawberries. You get your vitamins without having to chow down on salad every day at lunch. Lot of people like this idea! However, there are few things you need to know about it.

To start with, it is always important that you are eating at least two whole fruits along with up to three or four veggies each day to take in your daily allowance. The process of juicing makes this a whole lot easier as you can add both fruits and veggies into the same recipes. Just be sure that you pick a few different colors so that you are able to get a great mixture of beneficial minerals and vitamins along with a unique flavor. Depending on the juicer that you have, you may not be getting the majority of the fiber in each glass. Seeing how fiber is important, you can either look into a juicer that will give you the amount of fiber from each fruit or vegetable or you can add some of the pulp back into the juice before consuming. There are also some people that will use the pulp while they are cooking to add some flavor and texture to sauces and stews.

One of the wonderful things about juicing is that you can have some ready to grab and take with you in your favorite drink containers. Just be sure that you try to drink your juices within about 24 hours so that you are able to enjoy them when they are as fresh as possible.

If you have celiac disease you have been told by a doctor hat you must follow a gluten-free diet for the rest of your life. The gluten-free diet is a lifetime requirement. Eating any gluten, no matter how small an amount, can damage your intestine.

Gluten can be found in foods that typically containing flour or grain, such as most regular brands of bread, pasta, breakfast cereal, cracker, and cookie products as well as products containing malt, such as malt vinegar and malted milk. These ingredients also are commonly found in many other processed foods, including seasoned nuts, seasoned tortilla and potato chips, soups, gravies, sauces, stock, bouillon, seasoned rice mixes and vegetables in sauce. You must always read the ingredients list and Contains statement of all processed foods NOT labeled gluten-free before buying them.

However, there are many foods that are naturally gluten-free and at low risk of cross-contact with wheat, barley, and rye. These foods include: fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, shell eggs, fresh meat, fresh poultry, plain milk, plain yogurt, hard cheeses, etc. Other foods, such as naturally gluten-free grains and flours have a medium to high risk of cross-contact so it is important to always choose products labeled gluten-free.

For many people, following gluten free diet will stop symptoms, heal intestinal damage, and prevent further damage. Improvements can be seen within weeks of starting the diet, and the small intestine is often completely healed in 6 to 18 months. Sometimes healing may take up to 2 years for older adults; for some, the gut never completely heals but heals enough to restore quality of life and prevent complications due to active celiac disease.

For more info about wellness treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772

Waxing is definitely an option when it comes to hair removal, but it can be painful. In fact, most people think that waxing is going to be painful no matter what you do. However, there are ways to help minimize the pain or eliminate it entirely. Check out these solutions that you can incorporate into your waxing routine.

Some of the tips might be more up your alley than others, but you’ll find what you are looking for. First you could start small, which is always going to be at least a little helpful.

You could also use a numbing cream. This numbing cream is easy to find and can help take away the pain from waxing for hair removal. If you’re going to do your bikini line, then what you need to do is let the wax cool down a bit. Did you know that?

While you’re going to be doing small areas a little at a time and using numbing cream, you can also take an over-the-counter pain medication 30-45min before appointment. This is going to be helpful as well with reducing the amount of pain you feel.

Distractions also can be helpful, and you might also want to exfoliate prior to waxing, which is going to minimize pain as well. You’re also going to realize that shorter hair isn’t as painful being removed as longer hair, so don’t wait too long. It’s time to wax at 1/4 of an inch!

A big one is, not coming for waxing around menstrual cycle because it can be more painful.

Another one is limit caffeine intake the day of your appointment- it stimulate the nervous system and make waxing more painful.

You can also use an ice pack or soothing lotion if you want afterwards. There are even more tips and tricks you can add to your arsenal for when it’s time to wax, but the ones here should get you going.

For more info about skin care treatments visit our website at www.laestetica.co or call us at 415 787 2772