In today’s article will go beyond sunscreen and look and how our skincare and lifestyle choices influence the effects of the sun on our skin.

As we look at the effects of the sun and our skin we see a key aspect involved in skin aging known as Reactive oxygen species or ROS, these unstable molecules can cause oxidative stress that can damage our cells and affects our DNA, RNA along with proteins within the skin. This can contribute to the premature aging of our skin. ROS include UVA and UVB, pollution, stress, alcohol and smoking just to name a few.

When we think of the effects of simple day-to-day life we can see the benefits and advantages of antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E that shield and protect our skin cells from ROS. Along with good skincare habits, the best way to ensure healthy skin is with a diet that is rich in naturally occurring antioxidants. Foods such as berries, cabbage, legumes, kale, pecans and dark chocolate are packed with the nutrients we need to limit and reduce oxidative stress.

You can prepare your skin for the summer months by limiting the use of harsh exfoliants that can thin, irritate and sensitize the skin, opting for enzymatic exfoliants will remove only the superficial dead skin cells while maintaining the skin’s integrity, the stratum conium plays a protective role and when compromised it can lead to increased sun sensitivity and inflammation. You can boost the effectiveness and the benefits of your SPF 30 mineral and better protect your skin from premature aging simply by layering antioxidant-rich serum under your SPF daily. It incorporates an additional veil of protection to your skin that is ultra lightweight and perfect for the summer months ahead.

The VitaLift-C HA Serum when we are in our 20 and 30 or the Lifting Peptides Serum in our 40, 50, and 60+ are brimming with stable and bioavailable antioxidants that will keep your skin healthy, radiant and youthful so you can fully take advantage of the beautiful weather ahead.

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Today we will take a look at the best way to ensure healthy skin and how to prevent the signs of aging before they start.

First things first, if you have been experiencing challenges or have recently noticed changes with your skin, the first step is to know your skin type.

As professionals we see many clients who are using a relatively good product, they may not be right for their skin condition. Not to mention the questionable ingredients that we find in popular skin care today that can cause acne, sensitivity or that alter the overall health of our skin. So evaluating your skin regularly will help to align with the ideal formulas for your skin type and to avoid wasting time and money on a product that you don’t need.

Today we will focus on the four pillars to optimal skin health. With just four steps we can rebalance, correct and protect. Your morning and evening routine should be simple, enjoyable and effective. In our 20s and 30s, we lay the foundation for healthy skin and we want to focus on the basic skin care steps that will ensure great skin no matter your age.

Step 1

Adapted cleansing for your skin type. A quality cleanser and pH rebalancing toner used every morning and especially at night are the first steps to ensure great skin. It is essential to remove makeup, SPF and pollutants before bed. Skipping your night-time routine will lead to an increase in congestion that can cause acne breakouts and inflammation. This dynamic duo is a must for optimal skin health.

Step 2

A weekly exfoliation will keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Opt for gentle enzymatic peels to buff away impurities and dead skin. This step provides an instant glow and rejuvenates your skin.

Step 3

A moisturizer adapted to your skin type and condition. If you are experiencing an imbalance in your skin look for treatment moisturizers that contain skin-loving ingredients that have multiple benefits such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and natural lipid complexes.

Step 4

Apply a good quality mineral SPF every day and protect your skin when outside for 30 minutes or more.

The last thing to consider is lifestyle factors that can lead to premature aging and to remember to treat your skin from the inside out. Avoid junk food and refined sugar. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep. Exercise and most importantly, feed your skin with nutrient-dense foods that are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and essential fatty acids and drink enough water.

With these simple steps, you can ensure healthy and radiant skin at any age.

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For some of us, this can lead to common fungal and bacterial disorders such as Candida, Bacteria vaginosis and UTI. Today’s article features our top 10 tips to maintain optimal vaginal health throughout the month and how to restore balance with BioFemme.

1. Avoid using bar soap and sulfate-based cleansers. They often have a Basic-Alkaline pH that can easily disrupt our natural pH. level of 3.7 to 4.1. The BioFemme Cleansing Wash is an ideal pH-balanced formula for daily cleansing.
2. Avoid synthetic fragrance and coloring commonly found in feminine hygiene products and cleansing products. Look for natural alternatives that are much gentler for your skin.
3. Avoid tight-fitting clothing and synthetic fabrics that trap humidity. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo whenever possible.
4. Eat foods that are rich in pre and probiotics throughout the month and after a course of antibiotics, they are effective in destroying not only the bad bacteria that cause disease, but also the good bacteria that is necessary for vaginal health.
5. Douching. Although it is not recommended, about 20 % of women still use them. Douching not only disrupts vaginal pH levels but also encourages the growth of harmful bacterial overall.
6. Limit your intake of sugars if you are prone to candida infection. Even naturally-occurring sugars found in fruit juices can contribute to candida growth
7. Stress can alter our hormones and lead to imbalances. Limit your stress levels and prioritize time to recharge. Incorporate wellness moments throughout the day to maintain mental and emotional balance.
8. Avoid latex and other known allergen and sensitizers
9. Choose adapted products that are formulated to restore balance such as the BioFemme Cleansing Foam, pH Balancing Gel daily and Zone Control as a fast, natural, and effective treatment for candida infections.
10. Schedule your yearly check-up with your doctor and discuss any changes you may be experiencing.

Taking control of our health and wellness is easy with the Nelly De Vuyst BioFemme Collection. A true innovation in the world of women’s wellness with 10 targeted certified COSMOS Organic formulas to maintain and restore vaginal health.

The post Hormonal Fluctuations & Their Effect On Vaginal pH appeared first on Prana Wellness Spa.

Here is a nice opportunity to talk about the differences between dry-dehydrated skin that is lacking water due to trans epidermal water loss and dry-alipidic skin types that are lacking oil-lipids.

When looking at skin types, it is important to remember that there are intrinsic genetic factors and extrinsic lifestyle factors that play a role in the condition of our skin. Today’s focus will be on the extrinsic aspects that we can control but first let’s take a look at what defines a healthy and balanced skin.

The hydro-lipid barrier or the acid mantle of the skin is our first line of defense against external irritants. It is comprised of water and oil that creates a hydrating protective barrier that is also home to your microbiome. When our barrier is health, it prevents dehydration by preventing transepidermal water loss. It also helps to mediate the inflammatory response by our Langerhans and keratinocyte cells.

In winter our lipidic barrier is affected by both internal and external factors. In winter our skin does not produce as much sebum/oil, our skin feels tight and we can also notice more dehydration. This can be compounded by less humidity in the air and within our environments. The lack of lipids contributes to dehydrated skin through water evaporation.

What we put on our skin and what we eat is essential when dealing with dehydrated or alipidic dry skin. Macronutrients in the form of lipids and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals work together to maintain the barrier functions of the skin. In winter try to increase your intake of water, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals such as zinc and silica.

Winter tip

If spending time out doors on a cold day opt to layer your favorite oil or extract under your moisturizer to better protect your skin. Looking for an ultra-nourishing mask upgrade? And add ten drops of oil under your weekly mask for an instant winter glow!

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Essential tips to keep your skin healthy and happy while wearing a mask

Tip #1: Cleanse your face twice a day, morning and evening, with a gentle, bacteriostatic, prebiotic-rich cleanser, we love the Foaming Cleanser for sensitive skin. It will help remove impurities and help maintain a healthy skin microbiota to help keep acne-causing bacteria or mite associated to acne rosacea at bay. Finish with a toner according to your skin type.

Tip #2: To soothe sensitive and irritated skin, apply a pH balancing toner immediate after cleansing. This anti-inflammatory step can also be used as a 10-minute compress to reduce redness and irritations on affected areas using The Soothing Lotion.

Tip #3: If comedones such as blackheads appear, increase the frequency of exfoliations 2 to 3 times a week with the Exfoliating Gel for sensitive skin. If blackheads and acne breakouts are present the BioAcne collection will provide your skin with the antibacterial and comedolytic ingredients specifically formulated to unclog pores, prevent blackheads and facilitate the healing of acne lesions.

Tip #4: In the evening, before applying your moisturizer, target any breakouts with the BioAcne serum its therapeutic formula will reduce redness, inflammation and inhibit the proliferation of bacteria.

Tip #5: Use a light moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, morning and night. The BioTense Cream imparts moisturizing, soothing and mattifying properties. It prevents dehydration and irritation without leaving a greasy finish. It will help soothe discomfort and regenerate the skin’s protective barrier.

Tip #6: Try to stay away from make-up under your mask to avoid any occlusive effect. In addition, your mask is considered contaminated when make-up is on it.

Tip #7: Prioritize cotton masks over surgical masks made with synthetic materials which may irritate sensitive skin.

Tip #8: Be sure to handle your mask with clean hands to limit the spread of bacteria. Cleanse your hands regularly with an antibacterial hand soap and/or use a hand sanitizer containing a minimum of 70% alcohol. We love the Alaska Purifying Gel and Fresh Spray as they are much gentler for the skin and are suitable for the whole family.

Tip #9: Wash your mask regularly using a fragrance free and dye free detergent to avoid the risk of allergic reactions.

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