Sun Damaged Skin

June 15th, 2011 • Posted by Michael Pierce • Permalink

This is one thing in esthetic industry that will never change and that is the fact that everyone’s skin ages. Although there are many reasons for visible aging skin, ultraviolet (UV) rays are the number 1 cause. This is referred to as “sun damage.” Research shows that up to 85% of visible aging is due to external factors.

The most common forms of sun damage are: Deep wrinkling, Coarsening, Dehydration, and Hyper pigmentation. Deep wrinkles are not a sign of normal aging, fine lines are normal. Coarsening refers to the keratinization (abnormal buildup of keratinocytes) of the skin. Dehydration is common in most cases of sun damage and involves the last of moisture in the skin. Hyper pigmentation often appears as random, sporadic freckling that is more prevalent in higher exposed areas (the face).

Solutions

For spa treatment, chemical peels and microdermabrasion are highly recommended. Both treatments will significantly accelerate results due the exfoliating of the skin and stimulating the collagen. When choosing products to help with sun damage you need to choose effective ingredients for prevention and correction.

Wrinkling: Sunscreen agents, Retinoids, L-asorbic acid, Polyphenols, Peptides

Coarsening: Sunscreen agents, Retinoids, Polyphenols

Dehydration: Sunscreen agents, Retinoids, L-asorbic acid, Polyphenols, Humectants, Occlusives

Hyper pigmentation: Sunscreen agents, Retinoids, L-asorbic acid, Polyphenols, Melanogenesis inhibitors

Prevention

We are all going to continue aging but we can limit the severity of visible skin aging. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen each morning as well as antioxidants. Many sunscreen products are formulated with antioxidants. Remember, once the damage is done, it is too late. So, prevention is your best weapon.

Something So Good....

June 3rd, 2011 • Posted by Michael Pierce • Permalink

Who says that something that feels so good is bad for you? Have you ever had a dessert that you knew you shouldn’t have because it was going to add at least 2 pounds? Or had a few extra glasses of wine because you had a tough day? Although they provide you some instant gratification, they are not good in the long run. Massage is something that is good for you long term and provides immediate relief. Many people treat massage as a luxury or a treat for doing something good. In fact, massage should be something we think about on a regular basis and as part of your health care routine. Just because it feels like a pampering treatment it does not diminish the therapeutic effects.

Getting a message frequently can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you remain each year. Research shows the enormous benefits of touch. Among the benefits are the treating of chronic diseases, neurological disorders and alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. The medical community is actively embracing massage and is becoming an integral part of hospice and neonatal intensive care. Other benefits include:

 • Less stiffness and aches in arthritis suffers

• Lower diastolic blood pressure and anxiety in high blood pressure patients

• Less water retention and cramping in premenstrual syndrome suffers

It is estimated the ninety percent of disease is stress related. Although we will never live in a “stress-free” environment, managing your stress leads to:

• More energy

• Better sleep

• Less fatigue

• Decreased anxiety

• Improved concentration

Here are a few other areas where massage can help:

• Alleviate low-back pain

• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays

• Ease medication dependence

• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles • Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin

• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks

• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation

• Reduce spasms and cramping

• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller

• Relieve migraine pain

 Explore more benefits of massage.

Increase the Benefits of Massage with Frequent Visits

May 6th, 2010 • Posted by Michael Pierce • Permalink

Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Benefits of Massage…
Massage is especially effective in treating tension headaches, back pain, arthritis, improving circulation and skin tone, reduce muscle tension, reducing anxiety and depression, and helping with chronic pain.

History of Massage Therapy

April 20th, 2010 • Posted by Michael Pierce • Permalink

Massage Therapy, a combination of science and art, provides a relaxing experience by artistic hand strokes on the body to rejuvenate the mind and body and eliminate stress scientifically. The concept of massage is evident throughout history. The origin of the term ‘massage’ can be traced to four sources:

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A Good Nights Sleep

February 18th, 2010 • Posted by Michael Pierce • Permalink

Only one-third of adults say they are getting enough sleep every night. Some 50 million to 70 million American adults suffer from sleep and wakefulness disorders, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not getting enough sleep has been tied to mental distress, depression, anxiety, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and certain high-risk behaviors, including cigarette smoking, physical inactivity and heavy drinking.