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Protect & Restore Your DNA

A New Study Finds

Ever wonder if you really need a serum in your regimen? A new study has proven that DNA mutation from sun exposure doesn’t cease in the absence of sun or  once in darkness. While UV light is the culprit in DNA damage in all skin cells, it doesn’t stop when you leave the sun. In a recent study scientists found that “UV light activates enzymes in the cell that combine to “excite” an electron in melanin. The energy from this excited electron gets transferred into the DNA. That in turn creates the same damage caused by direct absorption of a photon by the DNA.” While this has been seen in jelly fish and bugs-mainly fireflies(think glowing creatures), never in mammals until now. This is scary and dangerous.

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What Can We do?

One idea on how to possibly protect the skin would be to apply SPF before sun exposure and then perhaps apply an additional one once returning home and out of the sun. Our SPF dry mist, Sun Visor, has a cooling effect which is soothing after a day in the sun. Staying out of the sun is still the safest way to protect skin and DNA. Taking extra precautionary measures can help as well.  Always wear a hat and SPF protective clothing when outdoors whether in direct sunlight or not.  Starting smart sun protection habits with children early in life, can keep their skin healthy and free of damage. Another way to battle the sun damaged and environmentally damaged skin is to use a serum everyday. Choose ingredients that target epidermal tissue renewal (Vitamin F/Kalahari oil) , cell turnover (Vitamin C and Alpha Lipoic Acid) as found in our newest product Fleuressence Native Botanical Oil. Anti inflammatory ingredients(organic red tea) and lightening(Retinol) are imperative as well. When using a serum or oil always remember to apply it to clean dry skin and seal with a moisturizer and SPF.

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Top 5 Anti-Aging Rules Every Dermatologist Swears By

Maintaining a glowing and youthful complexion is certainly something that many need to work at through diet, exercise and topical treatments, but here are five must-do rules that every Dermatologist agrees is necessary in obtaining gorgeous skin.

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Diet Counts: Clear and glowing skin starts from the inside. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, the most beneficial is Salmon, can greatly reduce inflammation, reduce dryness and increase circulation – a key attribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Daily consumption of vitamins specifically my favorite vitamin – Vitamin D and an overall multi-vitamin greatly impacts your overall health.

Exfoliation is key: The beginning of every successful skincare regime starts with exfoliation. Exfoliation is key – you would be surprised how much smoother and brighter just one exfoliating treatment can do for your skin. Regular exfoliation, the removal of dead surface skin cells, dirt and oils greatly reduces the appearance of discoloration, fine lines and dull, lack-luster skin and prevents from future breakouts. It also allows topical products, particularly super potent treatment serums, applied onto the skin afterwards to penetrate deeper, increasing the overall treatment.

Super Potent Anti-Aging Ingredient to Use: Retinoids have been proven to be one of the most powerful anti-aging properties and ever women over the age of 30 should be incorporating them into their skincare regimen. With regular use, Vitamin A or Retinoids work to stimulate your skin to make collagen, help to repair sun damage, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase overall skin tone/discoloration and promotes cell turnover. Vitamin A stimulates skin cell renewal by increasing the rate of cell division resulting in a plumper complexion. Additionally, retinol-based products can help to unclog pores thus inhibit dead skin cells that can cause future breakouts and also inhibit acne scars from forming.

Most Powerful Anti-Aging Step – Stay Protected: One of the most IMPORTANT things that you can do for your skin is stay protected from the harmful UVA/UVB rays. Rain or shine, sun rays work to breakdown collagen fibers, increase skin cancer cells, create unwanted pigmentation, and promote premature aging.

We love Sun Visor because it’s an easy-to-apply oil-free and fragrance-free translucent mist which makes this the ideal sun screen to reapply throughout the day. 

Partying Really Does Count: “Smoking causes the narrowing of blood vessels throughout your body, including those that supply the outermost layers of the skin with oxygen and nutrients. Regular smoking slowly starves your skin of vital oxygen and other substances, such as immunity-boosting Vitamin A that is essential for that youthful-looking glow and radiant complexion. Alcohol has a similar effect by destroying the body supply of Vitamin A.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

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Unexpected Daily Habits That May be Ruining Your Skin

The best skincare routines and being diligent about proper daily cleansing is key to glowing skin, but if you’re not aware of some of the most common daily habits that could be running your skin, it does not matter what you put on. We’ve dug deep to highlight these common daily skin busters that could be the culprits that lead to those unwanted breakouts.

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Gym workouts are beneficial for your overall health, but the machine surfaces and ground are filled with acne causing bacteria. Try not to touch your face during your workout and wash your hands immediately afterwards.

Tip: We love these Yes to Carrots new all-natural fragrance-free antibacterial wipes – they should be part of every gym bag!
You may not be lactose intolerant, but dairy contains hormones that trigger the oil glands to go into overdrive, causing breakouts. Try going dairy free for a few weeks and watch your skin become luminescent.
Tip: Supplement your dairy with Almond Milk-based products; they’re delicious and lower in calories.
Cell phones can carry a lot of bacteria because they get put on many dirty surfaces. Every time you hold your phone to your face that bacteria is transferred onto your skin.
Tip: Invest in headphones and these Bose headphones are one of our favorites.
Think your foundation is causing you to break out? Think again, dirty makeup brushes carry bacteria that leads to breakouts. Make sure to clean your brushes regularly and wipe off the top layer of your foundation to ensure that you are keeping it bacteria-free.
Tip: The Beauty Department featured this recent post that we now follow – featuring an all-natural DIY brush cleaner that is super easy and extremely effective.
Think again when you want to grab those tweezers inside your drawer. They carry loads of acne-causing bacteria that spreads like wild fire when using them to pluck those unwanted hairs.
Tip: Disinfect your tweezers with rubbing alcohol right before you pluck your eyebrows, and do it every single time.
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