Mr Golden Sun

I hope you have been enjoying the magnificent Victoria weather over the last few days but also protecting yourself from the sun. Why is it that we have to protect our skin from the sun, isn't it a 'natural' source of vitamin D? It is, but because of changes in the ozone layer, we are exposed to more UVA and UVB radiation than ever before and we have not evolved to be able to handle it... yet!

Did you know that there is a difference between sunscreen and sunblock? Most of us use the terms interchangeably but they are different.

Firstly, sun has Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and lead to oxidative damage, skin cancer, and the visible signs of aging. UVB rays don't penetrate as deeply but are primarily what causes sunburn and mutation of DNA leading to skin cancer.

Depending on the ingredients, sunscreen deflects and absorbs UVB radiation with a chemical reaction. Some of the chemicals may include oxybenzone, octisalate, and avobenzone. The downside of sunscreen is that it does not protect against UVA radiation and the chemicals used may be potentially harmful if used on a regular basis.



Sunblock creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun and is much more effective in protecting you from both UVA and UVB. The ingredients found in sunblock are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.


When advertising SPF protection, manufacturers are only referring to protection from UVB sunburns as it does not include protection from skin cancer and oxidative damage.

The best option is mineral sunblock because it offers the most protection with the least chemicals and it is easier to find nowadays. Another great option is high tech sun protection clothing that offers SPF protection.

~Think Vitality!~

references:
Environmental Working Group
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Wedding Season is Approaching

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

~a natural approach to looking radiant!

Glancing at the calender this morning I noticed that summertime wedding season is quickly approaching. Those involved in the wedding party often want to look and feel their best for this special day. If you want to brighten and tone your complexion, reduce wrinkles, or just add some life and color...now is the time to start!

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is effective and natural. It uses the body's own healing ability to look and also feel fantastic. By placing needles in areas that are wrinkled or tired looking, blood rushes to the area. While the blood is there it heals and rejuvenates the skin. The stimulation from the needle causes an increase in collagen production. It's very simple and effective. The best part is it provides a healthy natural-looking lift without using botox, chemicals or invasive surgical procedures. Most people find it very relaxing and even fall asleep during treatment.

It's best to start facial rejuvenation treatment at least a few weeks prior to the big day.

Also don't forget about facial exercises to tone and strengthen the muscles. People often ask, "Which ones are the best?" My response is the same as with physical exercises, "The most effective exercise is the one that you do!"



Until next time...

~Think Vitality!~

Wrinkle, wrinkle little star!

It’s a fact of nature; with time wine tastes better, fruit ripens, old grudges fade, and we get wrinkles! Well, what is a wrinkle?

Ever poke your finger in to a ball of dough? That elastic, springy feeling you feel is the gluten keeping the dough flexible and supple. Our skin also has the equivalent proteins that maintains the plumpness of our skin called collagen until one day, around peri-menopausal age those proteins start to diminish and the skin starts sagging and wrinkling.

What can be done? There is no shortage of creams, lotions, and anti-aging products on the market. But rebuilding collagen starts from the inside, not the outside. I encourage a facial exercise routine to maintain muscle tone and blood circulation to the face.

But if you really want to revitalize and rejuvenate your skin naturally cosmetic acupuncture is one of your best options. With the insertion of the tiny needles your body produces collagen from the inside that fills fine lines and wrinkles.

I spoke with a researcher who was working with a dermatologist in California to determine how exactly acupuncture produces collagen in the skin. While I’ll leave the details of ‘how and why’ to the laboratory experts I will continue to observe the amazing results cosmetic acupuncture produces first hand.

Remember that when you feel great, you look great!

~Think Vitality!~