Almost as cunningly simple in its title as ‘green drink’ – lemon water is quite blindingly straightforward in its makeup: it is water with lemon squeezed in. Could it be any easier?

The beauty of lemon water is that it is tasty, refreshing and best of all, alkalising. The lemon juice raises the alkalising effect of the water so even with standard tap water you can make your drink nice and alkalising.

The practice of drinking lemon water has its origin in Traditional Chinese Medicine that relies on nature’s produce to prevent and treat health problems. Lemon is a wonder citrus fruit. Its juice contains large amounts of nutrients such as Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and calcium.

BENEFITS OF LEMON WATER

Boosts immune system: Because of its rich Vitamin-C content, lemon water strengthens your immune system and helps prevents illness. Vitamin-C also has healing properties - when taken frequently during the day, lemon water has been known to hasten the healing of wounds and infections.

Supports the digestive system: Your digestive system relies on a number of enzymes and digestive juices to break down food particles into basic nutrients to nourish your body. Oftentimes, this system is hampered by an unhealthy consumption of fat, sugar, salt and food additives, making your colon sluggish. Lemon water helps your liver to produce bile which digests fat for easier absorption and elimination.

Promotes clear skin: Your inner health is reflected on the surface of your skin. Depending on what you feed your body, what you eat or drink may nourish or be harmful to your skin. Toxins trapped in your colon eventually find their way to other body parts as well as your skin. This triggers acne flare-ups or skin rashes due to allergies. Drinking lemon water effectively cleans your bowel of harmful waste and toxins so that with regular consumption, your skin will be healthy and blemish-free.

Helps you lose weight safely. A regular intake of lemon water promotes elimination, a process that any weight loss diet needs before you can observe visible results. Due to the gradual weight-loss benefits obtained from drinking lemon water regularly, you may only begin to feel the effects after some time and if coupled with a healthy diet and enough exercise.

excerpted from 11 no-fail ways to get glowing, flawless skin by Jessica Ashley

Microdermabrasion is a truly effective exfoliator—most other scrubs should be trashed.
“When we’re young, our skin cells turn over about every 28 days,” Sobota explains. “But as we age, cells turn over 35, 40, or even every 50 days. What you need are products and treatments [like microdermabrasion] that prompt skin to turnover and essentially trick it into thinking it is younger.”

Microdermabrasion is a skin-buffing treatment that can cost $75 to $200 per session in a reputable medical spa. Even if you’re on a budget, one session could give your skin a big boost. However, regular treatments, whether every three weeks or every eight, are best for most people’s skin concerns, she says.

“One time will make you feel better,” Sobota notes. “But like working out, once is better than nothing, but doing it regularly will make a much bigger impact.”

She also suggests steering clear of drugstore facial and body scrubs.

“Apricot seed scrubs can cause microscopic tears and synthetic ball scrubs actually don’t do much for your skin. Using these products actually may cause more problems than you already have with your skin. You really can’t get comparable exfoliation to microdermabrasion over the counter.”

Put simply, your skin has no receptors for glycolic acid, so it’s method of action is to destroy whatever it can. We believe the effects you see are because the skin, in response to the trauma, replaces itself with new layers. The epidermis swells a little in response to the inflammation, and the new skin is less pigmented. Sounds good, BUT, the net effect is the skin’s resources were used to repair the recent damage (to the epidermis) rather than repairing the substantial damage (to the dermis), which was the initial treatment goal. Chronic exfoliation of the epidermis, starves the dermis of vital nutrients, water and lipids leaving an often red, painful and irritated skin. We believe there is a time and place for a glycolic treatment, but it is the exception rather than the rule.

Irritation no longer required. Why apply harsh, damaging chemicals to your skin if a soothing natural solution is available and proven to enhance your skin’s appearance. Look for treatments and products that work with your skin to target the most troublesome skin conditions without the irritation or downtime of conventional treatments. Look for the most purified, chirally correct ingredients you can find.

Why Chiral? Chirality refers to the right-handedness and left-handedness of the molecules in our bodies and the ingredients we apply to them. Ingredients that have been chirally corrected have been filtered to contain only molecules that positively interact with the skin. Because of the time and money required for chiral correction, many skin care brands use achiral ingredients. These ingredients are often diluted by ineffectual , and sometimes harmful molecules that can irritate the skin and weaken the formula. Throw in some chemical fragrances and a few preservatives and you have an even more adverse reaction.

A few suggestions. There are a few cutting-edge, advanced cosmeceutical lines to check out. We like Cosmedix, Pure Skin Solutions, and some of the PCA formulations. There are others if you want to research. We believe that gorgeously glowing skin shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort or excessive recovery time. Now that’s beautiful!

Clear Skin Foods. Eat Up!

By Lucy Danziger. Editor in Chief at Self Magazine.

Click the link below and be on your way to beautiful skin. Thank you Lucy for a fantastic article. We love it!

15 Foods That Fight Breakouts.

Microdermabrasion

Precision Skin Resurfacing

How does it work?

Microdermabrasion works with a fine stream of crystals which are gently propelled onto the skin’s surface. At the same time, exfoliated skin and used crystals are hygienically vacuumed away, revealing rejuvenated and renewed skin.

Safety

Microdermabrasion treatments are completely safe and hygienic. Gradual and controlled, your aesthetician regulates the duration and intensity of each treatment. These treatments are non-invasive, and are fully FDA approved. Because the process is quick, safe and gentle, you may enjoy a series of treatments with no disruption to your daily lifestyle. Microdermabrasion treatments are an excellent alternative to chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and plastic surgery.

Essential

Microdermabrasion treatments provide essential exfoliation of the skin and greatly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Through a series of treatments, the body is encouraged to promote renewed tissue growth, and the production of smoother, softer skin.

While Microdermabrasion is an excellent choice for many people, it is not advised for patients with Rosacea or people who are currently (or recently) taking Accutane.

If planning a special event or evening out, it is best to schedule your treatment 2 -4 days in advance.

excerpted from 6 Best Foods for Healthy Skin by David Zinczenko

1. SALMON

Salmon is an ideal food for many reasons, but as far as your skin’s concerned, there’s only one that matters: It’s among the world’s greatest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Those are the essential fats that, along with bolstering the cognitive powers of your brain, concentrate in the walls of your epidermal cells to help lock in moisture. Plus, in one study, researchers supplemented two groups of mice with either omega-3 or omega-6 fats. After two weeks, the skin of the omega-3-fed group exhibited a 20 percent faster recovery rate from exposure to ultraviolet light. That gives salmon two crucial skin boons: keeping your skin from looking dry and helping it battle the dangers of excessive sunlight.

Other omega-3 foods: sardines, walnuts, flaxseed

Bonus Tip: Sushi is one of my favorite ways to eat salmon. Use our Ultimate Sushi Selector to make sure your sushi roll doesn’t turn into a belly roll.

2. CARROTS

Carrots are teeming with tiny orange pigments called beta-carotene, and when you ingest those pigments, you’re inviting them to nestle into your skin, fill in blotches, and give you a healthy glow. And what’s more, research shows that this can actually help prevent premature aging from sun damage. But is the accumulation of orange in your skin going to make you look like an extra from Jersey Shore? Well, hopefully not. But eating excessive loads of carotene-rich foods can lead to a condition called carotenosis, wherein your skin stops looking healthy and starts looking, well, orange. But the conditions is rare, so unless you notice yourself turning into a prison jumpsuit, feel free to chow down.

Other beta-carotene foods: sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, red grapefruit

3. AVOCADO

One study published by The Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that people with higher intakes of olive oil had fewer wrinkles than people with higher intakes of butter. The reason: Butter is loaded with saturated fat, while olive oil is rich in monounsaturates, the same essential fats that make up more than 50% of the calories in an avocado. So why eat avocado over olive oil? Both are good, but avocados have the added bonus of B vitamins, which also help to keep your skin looking vibrant and smooth.

Other monounsaturated-fat foods: olive oil, almonds, peanut butter

Bonus Tip: These foods are only the tip of the super-food iceberg. Click here for 15 more Foods that Cure.

4. BEANS

Legumes, to be more precise. This is the class of plants that includes black beans, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, and peanuts. And how do these puny pods protect your face? By smoothing out wrinkles. Australian researchers analyzed the diets of more than 400 elderly men and women and found that high intakes of legumes—alongside vegetables and healthy fats—resulted in 20% fewer wrinkles over time. The effect is likely a result of isoflavones—potent antioxidants—concentrated in the beans.

Other isoflavone-rich foods: alfalfa, tempeh, tofu

5. GRAPES

Besides providing protection from heart attack and stroke, antioxidants called polyphenols found in grapes can also help keep middle-aged skin from sagging. That’s because polyphenols improve skin’s elasticity by strengthening collagen, the primary protein in skin’s innermost layer.

Other polyphenol-rich foods: grape juice, blueberries

Bonus Tip: Here’s another easy way to tighten your skin and improve your looks: Lose 5 pounds. Start here: 10 simple weight-loss strategies that work.

6. WATER

Okay, it’s not as fun to drink as wine, but water is the strongest weapon you have against lifeless skin. That’s why they call it “moisturizing”—because you’re trying to lock moisture, aka water, into your skin. To put it broadly, all the body’s processes rely on hydration, so if you’re not sipping throughout the day, you’re likely to have a slower metabolism, groggier head, and, yes, drier skin. One study suggested that it takes a mere half-liter of water to create a measurable increase in the capillary blood flow to your body’s outer layer. That’s just over 16 ounces. Try doing that a few times a day and you’ll have a face like a baby’s bottom in no time.

Other water-rich foods: watermelon, peaches, celery

ACNE

Acne occurs when dead skin cells clog the skin’s sebaceous glands, often contributing to increased breakouts, redness and oiliness. We recommend treatments and products that address this problem through detoxification and by targeting inflammation and oil production.

Usually the result of hormonal activity, stress and/or poor dietary habits, acne occurs when dead skin cells aren’t properly shed and clog the skin’s sebaceous glands (natural oil-producing glands). Characterized by excessive blemishing, redness and/or oiliness, acne often first appears during adolescence, yet can continue and reappear later in life. In addition to traditional treatments and antibiotics—which can be toxic to the system—harsh chemical ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and benzoyl peroxide can worsen this condition and spark rebound breakouts. Carol Robinson, lead Aesthetician, addresses this concern with soothing, natural ingredients designed to eliminate toxins and target inflammation and excess oil production.

10 Reasons To Love It!

If a fountain of youth exists, it might flow argan instead of water.  This vitamin-E-rich balancing oil pressed from the nuts of the Moroccan argan tree is used to treat conditions ranging from acne to wrinkles.  When choosing this product for skin application, make sure to find 100% organic, virgin, cosmetic grade oil.  This miraculous  oil is also great for hair and nails.

♥ Ultra Hydrating

♥ Exceptionally high in vitamin E

♥ Superior Anti-Oxidant

♥ Soothes irritation

♥ Anti=Inflammatory

♥ Great for acne and scars

♥ Promotes excellent skin recovery

♥ Anti-septic

♥ Anti-bacterial

♥ Controls sebum production in oily skin

Argan Oil also benefits women and the environment.

The extraction of this oil has been perfected by women native to southwest Moracco, providing them with a steady income - a fair wage - and good working conditions.  These co-ops are dedicated to responsible harvesting practices and reforestation projects.  Liguid Gold!  Preserving the Argan Forest, womens jobs and your skin.

GoodSkin LA is thrilled to carry juene d’age organics 100% organic virgin Argan Oil! Not only the best available on the market today-but  a fantastic price point too!