Fact or Fiction - Facial Exercises Can Help Prevent Sagging Skin

How many of us have heard about facial exercises or face yoga, but are unsure if these methods really work for tightening sagging skin? There are a number of YouTube tutorials, as well as books on the subject, and miscellaneous information available online, which may confuse the general public. Articles in Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire boast facial exercise as an effective solution to a younger face – if muscle training works to strengthen the body, it must work the same way on the face, right?

Face yoga expert Danielle * says: “The exercises work the hypodermis or the lower layer of the skin, the dermis or the middle layer and the epidermis or the upper layer. By working all these layers correctly it will increase the blood circulation, allowing more oxygen and more nourishment to reach the cells of the skin. The result is a clear, healthy complexion with a beautiful glow which has less toxins and has a better ability to absorb moisture.”

The reality is, there has been absolutely no research confirming this to be true. On the contrary, plastic surgeons unanimously agree that facial exercises can indeed cause deeper expression lines, and more wrinkling, but why?

The hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue) is mostly made up of fat tissue and fibrous bands that anchor your skin to the deep fascia. This layer may vary in the body from very minimal, such as in areas of the eyelids, or as a thick layer as in the fat around the abdomen and waist. Hypodermis aging is observed by the loss of fat tissues which affects the shape of our face, neck and hands, i.e. sagging skin. Our cheeks and eye sockets may hallow out, and the skin on the neck, breasts and hands may lose its firmness.

Muscular stimulation by facial exercise doesn’t correct this issue, furthermore, more expression lines are created in the areas where the hypodermis is thinnest. Through repeated strenuous facial muscle engagement, more lines are formed in the same way crow’s feet, marionette lines and forehead wrinkles are created naturally.

What methods actually work to reduce sagging skin? Manual facial stimulation such as Dien Chan multireflexology, facial acupressure, facial acupuncture and European massage are all effective at toning the facial muscles and stimulating circulation, which gives a plump, revived appearance to sagging skin. There are also numerous devices to tone and lift sagging skin, including microcurrent machines, phototherapy LED, and Radio Frequency modalities. In a medical setting, machines such as ThermiTight, ThermiSmooth, IPL, Fractional laser are all beneficial in tightening the skin, without surgical involvement.

Topical products based on hyaluronic acid, peptides and growth factors hydrate and nourish the skin, giving it a supple and youthful glow. In addition to anti-aging products, regular use of sunblock protects the skin from sun damage and elastosis.

Hyaluronic acid supports the structure of connective tissue by acting as a water magnet to maintain extra-cellular fluidity. HA forms a viscous fluid with exceptional lubricating properties necessary for the vital functions of many parts of the human body including the skin. If sagging skin is a concern, 200mg of hyaluronic acid may be taken as a dietary supplement, as well as 6000 mg of bioactive collagen types 1 & 3.

Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally - 3 Weeks to a Healthier New You!

Seeing my grandmother's medication list is quite depressing - there are medications to lower cholesterol, to reduce tremors, to dilute blood, to lower blood pressure... and about 20 more pills to reduce the side effects of each of the major pills.  If left untreated, hypertension can dramatically increase your risk for heart attacks, strokes and peripheral arterial disease.  As we age, it is important to turn to the natural remedies first, before committing to medications that can throw off the body's hormones, alter the sleep cycle, weaken nerve endings, change neurotransmitter activity, induce muscle atrophy, and cause the thyroid to go "out of whack". Your body is a very finely-tuned instrument, and it will try to repair itself whenever something is wrong - you just have to know what to feed it.

Before giving any advice regarding supplements and diet, I have to remind you that all bodies are different, and that all systems work for some people. There is no need to frantically purchase all the items I list in the article, but incorporating some of these supplements, foods, and exercises into your daily routine will greatly benefit you!

Becoming more active can lower the systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) by an average of 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) - that's as good as some blood pressure medications. Healthy blood pressure can be maintained by engaging your body in regular exercise- walking, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and deep breathing can all be extremely beneficial.

Reducing sodium and alcohol, as well as adding supplements to the diet are great ways to keep your readings low. Here are my supplement suggestions for regulating blood pressure naturally:

Vitamin D-3
Consider taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily. Getting enough sunshine throughout the day, and monitoring your blood D-3 levels is always a great idea. Research shows that vitamin D-3 plays a very important role in preventing disease and maintaining optimal health. We have about 30,000 genes in our bodies, and vitamin D-3 affects nearly 3,000 of them. Your skin creates same D-3 in response to sunlight as the D-3 you get from an oral supplement, and it’s much safer than tanning!

Vitamin K-2
More than 90% of the Nation is deficient in vitamin K. This vitamin is abundant in Japanese fermented natto, but can be purchased as a supplement over the counter. 100 mcg per day of vitamin K-2 is enough to help make your bones stronger, increase vascular health, and support the immune system!

Omega 3

Make sure you’re taking Omega 3 oils daily – I recommend 2 soft gels a day, each with 180 EPA / 120 DHA. While doing my cancer research for mom, I came across Johanna Budwig - based on her work on fatty acids she developed a diet that she believed was useful in the treatment of cancer. She was a German biochemist, pharmacist and held doctorate degrees in physics and chemistry. Budwig was nominated for the Nobel Prize 6 times, and her genius recipe is still reviving patients, and helping them live longer. You can look up the “Budwig Diet” for additional info and recipe.

Potassium

This mineral is essential for our body's functions - it supports electrolyte mineral balance, strengthens the heart muscle, and supports nerve conduction. Many population studies have found links between low potassium intakes and an increased risk of high blood pressure and death from stroke. If you're active, you should know that a lot of potassium is lost in heavy sweating. The loss of potassium from the cell will result in intra-cellular water loss - dehydration that will become chronic unless more water and some high potassium-containing foods are added to the daily diet. Continued pattern of potassium loss from the body will result in excess sodium retention by the kidneys and the first stages of high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, heart disease and irregular pulse will ensue.

By eating more fruit (bananas, raisins, dried apricots) and vegetables (potatoes, yams, kale, beets), you will increase your potassium levels and help to restore the balance. This will help your kidneys to work more efficiently - and help to lower your blood pressure to a healthy level. Supplements are available in 99mg, and can be taken 1-5 times daily with food.

CoQ10 
Coenzyme Q-10 is a natural substance found in every cell of the human body. In our mid twenties its activity decreases, so we need to maintain healthy levels of it with supplements. Naturally occurring in the tissue of plants, CoQ10 (also known as “ubiquinone”) is a vitamin-like anti-oxidant that boosts cellular activity. CoQ10 is an critical antioxidant that not only neutralizes free radicals, but is also important in energy production (ATP). CoQ10 helps the body in many other ways like reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol, reverse neuro-degenerative disease, prevent heart diseases. CoQ10 is known to be taken as high as 1000mg/day without side effects!

No GMOs in Our Skincare Products

No GMOs in our skincare products - not today, not in 2006 at the first day we opened! We have ALWAYS used the best, highest quality ingredients, no parabens, no artificial fragrance or color, and we NEVER test on animals! Our botanical ingredients are organic, including the Organic Strawberry Oil (Fragaria Ananassa) we use in our Strawberry Cleanser.

http://saian.net/product/strawberry-cleanser/

This product removes all make-up easily, is absolutely gentle on all skin types and tones, and is so natural and silky, you can even wash your face with your eyes open! Gluten-free, vegan, free of perfumes, dyes, sulfates, parabens, and pretty much....edible!

When to Start Using Anti-Aging Products?

The aging process starts after he age of 21, so if you’re not doing any anti-aging treatments at that time, at least start protecting the skin with sunscreen. Did you know that anti-aging products have been taboo for young clients in the past? The reason for this is that many crèmes geared for older clientele were based on heavy oils (including mineral oils) that sit on the surface and clog the pores, instead of letting young skin breathe. In this day and age, anti-aging products (such as SAIAN skincare) are absolutely light and weightless, containing no oils, and no toxins. Anyone can use these products from an early age, and the skin will just get better and better with time.

Adding Pumpkin to Your Skin Care Routine

We may often take the humble pumpkin for granted, but did you know that autumn's generous gift is a real miracle for our skin? It is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins and essential elements the skin needs. Pumpkin is not just for carving and eating - it makes for a wonderful facial or body mask! All parts of the pumpkin, including seeds, can be used in creating amazing skin care products. Pumpkin Masks and Peels are always a popular choice for many estheticians, because of their amazing exfoliating properties and creamy pleasant texture. It’s no wonder that November’s holiday treatments always include this deliciously fragrant gourd. Enzymes and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids in pumpkin exfoliate dead skin cells while promoting skin repair and cell-turnover. A pumpkin mask or peel cleanses, conditions and moisturizes while helping to firm the skin.

From a nutritional standpoint, just an ounce of pumpkin seeds contain 4.2 mg of iron, which helps fight lead-poisoning, and only a half a cup of canned pumpkin is rich in potassium, vitamins С, В1, В2, В5, Е, and has 953mg of Vitamin A! That vitamin A comes in the form of immune-boosting beta carotene. The name beta-carotene is derived from the Latin name for carrot, and it gives yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin their rich hues. Like all other carotenoids, beta-carotene in pumpkin is an antioxidant which protects the body from damaging molecules called free radicals.

Dermatologists use beta-carotene for its ability to increase cell turn-over and regeneration in the outer layers of the skin, making it effective for diseases and skin conditions related to epithelium damage. Research suggests that taking high doses of beta-carotene internally may decrease sun-sensitivity. People with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare genetic condition that causes painful sun sensitivity as well as liver problems, are often treated with beta-carotene to reduce sun sensitivity. A combination of antioxidants may help protect the skin against the sun's ultra-violet radiation. Long-term supplementation with beta-carotene
may reduce UV-induced skin redness, and appears to slightly reduce the risk of sunburn in individuals who are sensitive to sun exposure.

As you see, pumpkin is an excellent choice for all skin types! It nourishes the skin, provides a non-abrasive exfoliation, and makes skin baby-smooth! So why not add a pumpkin mask to your treatment menu today? Your clients will love you for it!

Are we friends on YouTube yet? Join the fun, and let's learn together!

My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/dasha1121

Exfoliation - Chemical vs. Physical

Exfoliation is essential for healthy cell turnover and a clear complexion! There are 2 types of exfoliators on the market - physical and chemical. I have put together a little bit of information which will help you decide what method will suit you best! 

The best modern methods for physical exfoliation are scrubs, but they are often too harsh for most women’s faces. Since scrubs contain beads (at times microbeads, that have been banned in some states) they can be irritating, and aggravate rosacea, and couperose.  This type of exfoliation is not recommended for someone with broken capillaries, rosacea, acne (especially cystic acne), eczema, and sunburned skin.

An enzymatic exfoliation is a safe and natural way to clean out the pores,  get rid of oils, slough off the dry and dead skin for a healthy cell turnover.  Fruit enzymes, such as Bromelain  (from pineapple) and Papain (from papaya) eat away at the oils and dry skin, to expose a refreshed, clear complexion. Enzyme masks are generally more gentle and safe than acids, and don’t thin the skin like Retin-A. SAIAN offers an amazing paraben-free Enzyme Mask which lightens the skin, activates cellular function, increases circulation, fades discoloration and leaves the skin feeling and looking fresh, smooth and healthy.

10 Facts About Acne

1. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States - it affects nearly 50 million Americans. 
2. Some of the most common causes of acne are: genetics, stress, hormones, medication, oil-based cosmetics, environmental pollution, acidity and candida, intestinal infection, and allergies. 
3. 85% of all Americans have had acne at one point in their lives.
4. The most common age group that is affected by acne is 15-25 year-olds.
5. Active teenagers who play sports are likely to get blemishes from not washing their face after exercising, and from wearing the same helmet/baseball cap daily.
6. Acne treatment products containing Salicylic Acid, and Glycolic Acid are not recommended for use during the daytime, and should only be applied before bed, as to avoid skin hyperpigmentation.
7. At-home extractions are highly discouraged, because they produce permanent scarring. Acne scars are commonly categorized in three groups: Atrophic: shallow for the most part; Boxcar-shaped: scars are those which tend to be larger; Ice pick-shaped: scars are those which are both deep and narrow in appearance.
8. Every study conducted on the psychological impact of acne has shown that it causes a statistically significant increase in anxiety, depression and related mental health problems.
9. Acne may be caused by a deficiency in Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin A, Selenium, Vitamin E, and Omega 3.
10. Acne thrives on sugar and yeast, so the best way to keep those blemishes at bay is by avoiding sweets, dairy and bread.

Incredible news from DERMASCOPE Magazine

CONGRATULATIONS to us! Incredible news from DERMASCOPE Magazine - SAIAN Natural Clinical Skin Care was just nominated for BEST skincare products of the year! 3 of our professional items made the nomination - THREE! Can you imagine that? Quite amazing, and a tremendous honor for our brand. Please help us by voting here: http://www.dermascope.com/aia/ae-awards You have 3 products to choose from - Sunscreen Spray, Makeup Remover, and Neck Creme!

Thank you from the bottom of our heart! - Dasha Saian

My Favorite Green Juice Recipe

I am a true believer in our food being our medicine - there is nothing healthier than fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to bring our body to it's best, most healthy state! This amazing juice rapidly delivers nutrients to the blood stream, invigorating your cells, and increasing your circulation! You will absolutely LOVE it! I use basic ingredients, with an addition of dandelion greens and ginger to spice it up, and get your body vibrating with positive aura! Make this juice if you struggle with acne, and want to clear up your complexion - it is all-alkaline, and will suppress inflammation that causes candida and yeast. If you don't use dandelion greens and dandelion root tea, I highly recommend them! This is nature's amazing liver and kidney cleanser, that has been know to alleviate even cirrhosis and hepatitis c. Here's a powerful green juice combination that will start your morning right:

4 pieces of organic celery
1 organic cucumber
1 cup organic spinach
1/2 organic Granny Smith apple
1/4 inch of organic ginger
1/2 bunch of dandelion greens
1/4 bunch of Cilantro

Simple Advice That Will Help You Re-Charge Your Body and Mind!

Want to boost your metabolism, oxygenate your body, aid your digestion, and re-energize? My simplest advice to you is:

1. Drink more water! We often can't think logically, get fatigued, dehydrated, and lazy just because we are lacking water in our system. A lot of times we end up over-eating, because we can't tell when we are genuinely hungry for a snack - often just water would be sufficient. (and no, coffee, juice, and soda don't count)

2. Become more aware of your breathing. Are you taking in enough oxygen? Can you feel your ribcage expanding when you take a breath? Take time and sit upright. Really pay attention to your breath, and breathe until you feel your fingertips and toes tingling with energy!

20-Minute Activities that Will Nourish Your Body and Soul

As a business woman, writer, and an EXTREMELY simple person, I have developed (purely by accident) some easy-as-pie strategies for showing yourself love and support! These 20-minute activities will give your body, mind and heart, the emotional boost to release tension, think more clearly, make rational decisions, and balance your life. Here is a short list of activities that will be beneficial to you. Whenever you have trouble throughout your day, do one of these, or a few!

1. Read a book. A good book!
2. Stretch your body. Don't neglect your neck. Massage your tense shoulders.
3. Write, be creative, start a blog, a book, and commit to it!
4. Draw something! Anything! Use your imagination!
5. Take a walk outside.
6. Learn a phrase in a foreign language you can use daily. Next time learn a new one! Keep going!
7. Dance it OUT! Put on some music and jump!
8. Prepare a beautiful and healthy meal. Focus on the small details, plate it like you're on Iron Chef, and it's judgement time!
9. Clean the closet and let go of the things that no longer serve you, and would be more useful to someone else. Donate directly to those in need, or take to the midnight mission. Remember, good will sells the donated clothes, and ships them to Africa for resale. You want your things in the hands of the ones who need them, free.
10. Ask who needs your help. Helping others is our birthright and responsibility.

Selecting the Best Serum

As skin care professionals, we all know what a dramatic difference using an amazing serum can make. It can take years off our client’s appearance, reduce fatigue, tighten the pores, minimize rosacea, soothe dryness, reduce hyperpigmentation and diminish wrinkles!

What is so special about serums? The wonderful thing is that they pack a powerful punch of concentrated active ingredients! A serum's molecule is usually very small, and delivers the ingredients to all skin layers without clogging the pores with any oil, glycerin, or other comedogenic fillers. A product like this is usually gel-like, and water-based, so it absorbs instantly, and doesn’t sit on the surface of the skin. The benefit of this gel-like oil-free consistency, is that (unlike some cremes) a serum can be used very closely around the eyes without causing the development of milia and irritation. While younger clients like the tight feeling of an oil-free product, such as a serum, older clients may feel like their skin is too dry, and choose to apply creme over the serum, to replenish. This is a great way to provide a barrier that keeps the serum from evaporating, as well as provide a double layer of active ingredients (such as peptides and hyaluronic acid).

In recent years, there has been a plethora of advances in product formulation, the best being the elimination of parabens and chemicals from many product lines. Natural preservatives such as citric acid, ethylhexylglycerin and phenoxyethanol efficiently provide a two year shelf life for most serums, and don’t have any toxic side effects that are associated with parabens and similar chemical preservatives. The best base for serums is water, and to get that silky smooth gel feeling, the best, and most potent moisturizing ingredient on the market is Hyaluronic Acid. Did you know that the loss of skin elasticity that comes with aging, is often the result of decreasing Hyaluronic Acid (HA) levels? HA is the best topical hydrating agent and a potent anti-inflammatory that stops itching and burning, is very soothing, and results in smoother skin. The best type of Hyaluronic Acid is a vegan low molecular weight HA. This is not harvested from a rooster comb, or chicken cartilage, but is plant-based, and manipulated in a lab for a perfect, hypoallergenic product! This ingredient is the same type of gel that is used in dermal fillers such as Restylane® and JUVÉDERM®, and is completely safe.

Now that we know the best base for a serum, let’s talk a little about the best active ingredients that we can add to the blend! Since we want to reduce wrinkles, and give the face a more youthful appearance, peptides are a great choice. Peptides are small fragments of proteins, and proteins are the key building blocks of most living tissues. Certain kinds of peptides have an avid affinity for copper, to which they bind very tightly. The resulting compound consisting of a peptide and a copper atom has become known as a copper peptide. A distinctive feature of GHK copper peptides is that they reduce scar tissue formation while stimulating normal skin remodeling. In other words, they help better restore the damaged area to its original look.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline®) improves wrinkle depth, wrinkle volume and roughness. This peptide can significantly modulate muscle contraction, thereby destabilizing the cell so it cannot release the neurotransmitters that make the muscle contract thus preventing formation of lines and wrinkles. Argireline® reduces pre-existing wrinkle depth and relaxes facial tension. Matrixyl-3000® minimizes crow’s feet and laugh lines, and prevents from further damage and wrinkle formation. Trylogen® boosts synthesis of Collagen I, III, and IV, uniforms fibril diameter and spacing, and inhibits enzymatic breakdown, avoiding excessive collagen damage.

 

I also see many serums made with powerful brighteners and antioxidants, such as Vitamin C. Three of the most potent forms of Vitamin C available on the market today are Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. This powerful antioxidant combination in a serum fights free radicals, stimulates collagen production, nourishes the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens skin tone while keeping stable.

Some wonderful brightening ingredients have emerged recently, as alternatives to the toxic Hydroquinone, which is steadily losing popularity on the market during the past 5 years. Three of the most potent non-toxic whitening agents available on the market today are Tyrostat™ (derived from Rumex Occidentalis Extract), Nonapeptide-1 (Melanostatine®5) , and α Arbutin, which address the affects of discoloration and hyperpigmentation on the skin. These amazing new natural ingredients prevent hyperproduction of melanin and further activation of tyrosinase, thus blocking melanin synthesis for better control over skin tone and brown spots. When used daily, a serum with α Arbutin promotes brightening on all skin types, minimizes the appearance of liver spots and age spots, can reduce the degree of skin tanning after UV exposure.

It’s always best to apply serums after cleansing the skin, and before the application of moisturizers. This is typically the last step in a facial, and I recommend to use your galvanic machine to increase the serum’s penetration, since most are ionizable. A treatment like this, with the right product, is guaranteed to wow your client, and provide her with a healthy lift and glow!