Radiant Skin, the Healthy Way
 

Diet and Lifestyle

You’ve heard it before:  A balanced diet does the body good.  But did you know that a nutrient poor diet can actually deplete the body, including the skin? The skin requires abundant vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients to look its best.  Diets low in nutrient dense foods and high in processed foods like sugar and fried fats can actually make your completion worse, and of course, they’re not going to make you feel very well, either.  On the other hand, eating nutrient rich foods that contain vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats and proteins will help to keep your skin radiant and supple, and have the additional bonus of making you feel great!

Nutrients that Promote the Summer Glow Include:

• Antioxidants!  Foods high in antioxidants help to protect your skin from free radical damage caused by the sun, and by damaged and/or processed foods.  Excellent sources of antioxidants include:
  • Deep purple and red colored foods like berries and other brightly colored fruits
  • Dark green foods like kale, chard, and broccoli
  • Red kidney beans
  • Green tea, Red Bush (Roobis) tea
     
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids Diets rich in omega 3 fats like those found in fish or fish oil help to keep cell membranes healthy, and also helps reduce inflammation, both internally and on the skin.  Foods high in omega 3 fats include:
  • Fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, and sardines
  • Walnuts, flax, and hemp seeds
     
• Vitamin A is an excellent antioxidant, and also promotes tissue repair and moist, supple skin.
   
• Vitamin E is also a great antioxidant source, and can be consumed internally by taking in foods and supplements.  Vitamin E may also be applied topically in the form of Vitamin E oil or an antioxidant serum.  Food sources of  vitamin E include:
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Almonds
  • Olives
  • Leafy greens
     
• Vitamin C helps promote the body’s own production of collagen, the substance responsible for giving our skin elasticity.  When collagen levels decline, skin begins to wrinkle and sag.  Further, vitamin C can help regenerate vitamin E production and improve iron absorption.  Vitamin C may also be applied topically in the form of an antioxidant serum.  Food sources for vitamin C include:
  • Papaya
  • Red Bell Peppers, Raw
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel sprouts,
  • Strawberries
  • Oranges
     
• Protein  Good quality protein promotes cell repair, and in doing so also helps fight aging.  Sources of protein include:
  • Wild caught fish
  • Hormone and antibiotic free poultry
  • Legumes
  • Nuts and seeds
     
• Vitamin D is critical to support strong immunity.  It is important to be aware of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels, especially in the summer months, when you will be wearing a strong sunscreen, which can prevent the absorption of vitamin D from the sun.  You can have your vitamin D levels tested at most clinics or doctors’ offices, and the cost is usually relatively low (often under $40).  Check with your health care provider to see what your options are.
   
• Be sure to limit or avoid refined foods like sugar, white flour, and damaged/fried fats, as these foods deplete the body and the skin of essential nutrients needed for good health and a glowing complexion.

Exercise

It’s true.  Even skin health requires regular exercise.  Getting your heart pumping 4-5x/week will promote the circulation necessary to bring vibrancy to the skin, and will also assist with detoxification and cell renewal.  Exercise also helps to reduce stress, which means you will likely be frowning less (good-bye, frown lines!) and smiling more (hello, happy face!).  

Exfoliate

Exfoliating a few times per week will help remove dead skin cells and leave your dermis smooth and supple.  You can make a great all around chemical free skin exfoliator at home by mixing sea salt with extra virgin olive oil, enough to make a gritty paste. The sea salt will remove impurities and slough away dead skin cells while the olive oil deeply moisturizes the skin.  You might also try Cosmetic Skin Solution’s Resurfacing Serum, to give your skin a fresh, new look.

Enjoy Summer Fun in the Sun, Safely
 

Spending time in the sun is not only enjoyable, it is necessary.  As human beings, we depend on the sun for many things including warmth, energy, and light.  In essence, the sun sustains us.  Of course we know now that the sun, like most things in life, needs to be enjoyed in moderation.  In fact, exposure to ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) accounts for 90% of the symptoms associated with photoaging, which refers to the damage that is done to the skin from prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Most of the skin changes that occur as we get older are accelerated by sun exposure.

The sun's heat dehydrates areas of unprotected skin and depletes the skin's supply of natural lubricating oils. Therefore, overexposure to ultraviolet light can cause skin to become dry, thin, and wrinkled. Prolonged sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer and a host of other cellular skin changes caused by free radical damage.

UVA and UVB radiation can cause:
 

• Skin damage including wrinkles
• Lowered immunity against infection
• Aging skin disorders and cancer
• Collagen breakdown
• Formation of free radicals
• Interference with DNA repair

Not All Sunscreens Are Created Equal

While it’s true that long term sun exposure warrants the use of sunscreen, it is important to know that not all sunscreens are created equal.  In fact, many of the conventional sunscreens available today actually contain parabens (a xenoestrogen) that can be detrimental to your health.  Research has shown that some parabens can bind to estrogen receptors, mimicking estrogen in the body.  This can lead to a wide variety of health problems, including estrogen dominance. When choosing a sunscreen, look for an all-natural sunscreen that is paraben free, like the Broad Spectrum UV Shield we offer from Cosmetic Skin Solutions.  It is also important during the summer months when sunscreen is being applied regularly to ensure you are getting adequate vitamin D, as sunscreen can prevent adequate absorption of vitamin D.

Supplements and Body Care Products

	Cosmetic Skin Solutions Topical Anti-Oxidant Skin Serums This skin care rejuvenation line provides the highest quality scientifically-advanced and effective anti-aging ingredients. Their unique formulas can revitalize, protect, and help preserve the tone, texture, and appearance of your skin. Paraben free.
	Vitamin C + E with Ferulic Acid This highly advanced super antioxidant treatment utilizes synergistic interactions of vitamin C and E with ferulic acid to provide unmatched protection on the skin's surface, helping to prevent damage caused by free radicals, environmental pollutants, and UV radiation. Paraben free.
	Broad Spectrum UV Shield – SPF 30 (Paraben Free) Sunscreen This unique broad-spectrum physical sunscreen is an advanced formula which contains natural ingredients to protect by reflecting and scattering harmful UV rays and radiation known to cause skin damage.  Contains no harmful chemicals or parabens!
	Resurfacing Serum This superior resurfacing serum promotes an efficient desquamation cycle eliminating worn out surface cells at the epidermis, promoting a perpetual renewal process of cell-to-cell turnover which produces both intensive exfoliation and hydration. Paraben free.
	RegenaCell Daily Anti-Aging Cream contains a high concentration of vital nutrients, antioxidants, cell rejuvenators and natural moisturizers – without the use of synthetic chemicals, alcohols, or other harmful ingredients and fillers. These ingredients are of the highest quality, purity and stability, and in potencies that are rarely found in today’s skin care products.  Paraben free.
	Artic Pure Omega 3 Fish Oil provides your body with the essential omega 3 fatty acids your skin needs to stay young and healthy looking.  According to the Journal for Lipid Research, Omega 3 fatty acids help in preventing wrinkles and delay the skin aging process. Studies also show that omega 3 fats especially EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) can protect the skin from the harmful UV rays and skin cancer. EPA helps regulate oil production in your skin. Having plenty of this essential fatty acid in your body keeps your skin stay hydrated and prevents it from drying and flaking.
	Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue.  When we are deficient in vitamin A, skin can become dry and flaky. Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, and mucus membranes. It is also known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina of the eye.  Vitamin A promotes good vision, especially in low light. It may also be needed for reproduction and breast-feeding.
	Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties.  It provides antioxidants essential to reduce and prevent damage caused by free radicals, which cause oxidation and skin damage.  Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals — harmful compounds in the body that damage DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging.
	Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and further promotes collagen production and skin elasticity.  Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike most mammals and other animals, humans do not have the ability to make their own vitamin C. Therefore, we must obtain vitamin C through our diet.  Along with collagen production, vitamin C is an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone.
	Our bodies manufacture Vitamin D-3 when the skin is exposed to UV radiation from sunlight, but the ability to do so decreases as we age. It is important to be aware of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels, especially in the summer months, when you will be wearing a strong sunscreen, which can prevent the absorption of vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D-3 also plays an important role in regulating cell growth, insulin levels, and bone formation.

Obtaining that summer skin doesn’t have to be a detriment to your health.  On the contrary!  When you are good to your body, it shows (and glows!), so jump on in.  Remember: Healthy skin starts from within!  Make that your mantra this summer, and you’ll skin will glow all season long.  

Reasons to Avoid Toxic Ingredients in Skin Care Products

• They can be absorbed into the body and cause toxicity
• Chemicals only create the illusion of healthy skin
• Toxic chemicals and colors can cause skin irritations
• Synthetic oils can prevent the skin from absorbing healthy nutrients
• Many chemicals are petroleum based and carcinogenic
• Xenoestrogens, such as parabens, can disrupt hormonal balance
• Not all chemicals have been tested for safe use on humans

The skin is a porous membrane that has the ability to absorb chemicals that it comes in contact with. Transdermal toxicity is beginning to gain recognition to the point that the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has signed a bill SB 1379 that would create a state bio-monitoring program. The Governor stated: “There are literally thousands of chemicals being used in our everyday products in the United States in cleaning supplies, pesticides, cosmetics, and more. It’s important to know more about how those chemicals are building up in our bodies or how they may be affecting our health.” http://www.calepa.ca.gov/Legislation/2006/SB1379.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/

Chemicals and Xenoestrogens

Many of the chemicals used in body care products are not only toxic, they are also known as xenoestrogens.  Xeno literally means foreign; therefore, xenoestrogens means foreign estrogens. There are approximately 100,000 registered chemicals for use in the United States and many of them have negative hormonal effects in addition to being toxic.  These substances can increase the estrogen load in the liver, which over time, can compound symptoms of estrogen dominance.

These two informative articles discuss parabens found in breast tumors:

• Chemicals used as preservatives detected in human breast tumours
• Chemical Fact Sheet: Parabens – The Breast Cancer Fund

RegenaCell™ – A Formula for Younger Looking Skin

We feel it is important to offer health and beauty products that are as free from phytoestrogens and toxic ingredients as possible, and have created RegenaCell for just this reason. Most creams available on the market today contain toxic ingredients which you will NOT find in our RegenaCell™ Anti-Aging Cream.

RegenaCell is made without the use of synthetic chemicals, alcohols, or other harmful ingredients and fillers, and is free of parabens and other synthetic preservatives. RegenaCell Anti-Aging Cream contains a high concentration of vital nutrients, antioxidants, cell rejuvenators, and natural moisturizers. The ingredients used are of the highest quality, purity, and stability, with potencies that are rarely found in today’s skin care products. The skin care treatment in this formula sets the stage for healthy, youthful new cell growth. Benefits of RegenaCell™

• Promotes firm skin
• Restores elasticity
• Stimulates collagen
• Botox alternative
• Acts as an antioxidant
• Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps correct sun damage and skin discoloration
• Smoothes, moisturizes, and softens
• Protects and hydrates your skin
• Reduces puffiness and dark circles under the eyes
• Reduces capillary fragility
• Reduces oxidation alternation in healthy cells which minimizes the signs of premature aging
• Paraben free, no synthetic chemicals

You won’t need another moisturizer, wrinkle cream, or anti-aging skin care product.  RegenaCell's formula provides you with all the daily moisturizing, protection, anti-oxidation, and cell rejuvenation you need.   RegenaCell™ is a natural skin care beauty product for both women and men. Excellent for dry skin care. Read more about the Science of RegenaCell and see our article on Combating Damage to Sun Exposed Skin.

Cosmetic Skin Solutions – The Science of Optimum Sun Defense

Standing by our promise to bring you high quality, effective products, we are excited to bring you a new line of skin care products by Cosmetic Skin Solutions.  The mission at Cosmetic Skin Solutions is to improve the overall health and beauty of skin.  Cosmetic Skin Solutions formulas are paraben free, not tested on animals, and are formulated to provide you with the highest quality, scientifically advanced and effective anti-aging ingredients. 

Cosmetic Skin Solutions products:
 

• Protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays
• Prevent photo damage
• Hydrate the skin
• Erase signs of premature aging of the skin
• Boost collagen production
• Reduce free radical damage to the skin

The scientific research team at Cosmetic Skin Solutions
is committed to providing only the highest purity and quality
United States Pharmaceutical (USP) grade and clinically tested ingredients in their antioxidant serum and gel formulations.  By using anti-aging technology, their unique topical Vitamin C and gel formulas can revitalize, protect, and help preserve the tone, texture, and appearance of your skin in a way never before possible.  

The Cosmetic Skin Solutions line includes:

For Antioxidant Support and UV Protection:

• Vitamin C + E Serum With Ferulic Acid
• Phloretin Serum with Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid
• Vitamin C 20% Serum
• Firming Eye Gel
• Broad-Spectrum UV Shield – SPF 30 

For Hydration, Skin Lightening, and Resurfacing:

• Resurfacing Serum
• Hydra B5 Gel
• Phyto Botanical Gel
   

These products are suitable for those with aging, dry, oily, normal, mature, and sensitive skin types.

Cosmetic Skin Solutions skin care products are Paraben-Free with NO animal testing!

RegenaCell anti-aging daily moisturizing cream is like magic for your tired skin.  This anti-wrinkle skin care product contains a high concentration of vital nutrients, antioxidants, cell rejuvenators and natural moisturizers.  This product receives rave reviews from our customers. Try a bottle today, or order a Free Sample.

RegenaCell is all natural –  made without the use of synthetic chemicals, alcohols, or other harmful ingredients and fillers. RegenaCell is paraben free. The skin care treatment in this formula sets the stage for healthy, youthful new cell growth.

Read our article “What Not to Wear… On Your Skin” to learn more about toxic ingredients to avoid.

• Acts as an anti-oxidant
• Promotes firm skin
• Restores elasticity
• Stimulates collagen
• Botox alternative
• Helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps corrects sun damage and skin discoloration
• Smoothes, moisturizes, and softens
• Protects and hydrates your skin
• Reduces capillary fragility
• Reduces oxidation alternation in healthy cells which minimizes the signs of premature aging
• Paraben free, no synthetic chemicals

Many of our customers are concerned about the harmful ingredients included in most skin care creams, particularly chemicals that are xeno-estrogens. RegenaCell is made without the use of synthetic chemicals or other harmful ingredients and is free of xeno-estrogens and parabens.

Read more about RegenaCell on our webpage: www.energeticnutrition.com/regenacell.html