C’watre Blog

This may seem a little off from our typical information on skin care, but your cosmetics choices are an important part of protecting your skin.

I get a lot of questions about make-up from people who find out I’m in skin care. (Just to remind our readers, this is Emily, C’watre co-founder. Some of you may have some strange images in your head imagining Rob, our other co-founder, pondering make-up options.) Most people understand that first and foremost, any make-up will look better with a healthy, glowing foundation of great skin. But particularly in these summer months, it is important to think about our cosmetic choices to make sure that you are making the best choices for your long term skin health.

Personally, I use mineral make-up. Because of what we know about skin care, those of us here at C’watre really encourage the use of a mineral make-up line. It is still important to review the ingredients in your choices, because like all of your other skin care choices - no two are created equal.

WHAT IS MINERAL MAKE-UP

Mineral make-up came into being in the mid 1970s in San Francisco. As an alternative to traditional make-up, mineral make up was developed by finely ground minerals from the earth. These natural pigments achieved their desired color and coverage but without any of the chemicals, dyes, and preservatives found in traditional makeup. The primary ingredients are typically mica, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, you may recall, were the necessary ingredients in a sun block from our sunscreen discussion.

WHY CHOOSE MINERALS

Some mineral make-up lines actually call themselves “skin care make-up” and this is a key point - we like mineral make-up because we think it is a better choice for your skin.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have anti-inflammatory properties. Many mineral makeups have a calming effect on the skin, which is significant if you suffer from inflammatory skin issues like rosacea or acne.

Mineral make-up is non-comedogenic, meaning that its particles are too large to clog pores. This allows the skin to breathe operate efficiently. During the summer or for very active people, this is a true asset, as often traditional make-up will clog pores with chemicals and toxins resulting in reactive and acneic skin.

Due to the large quantities of minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are the key ingredients in sunblock, many mineral make-ups have a natural sun protection built in, typically ranging from SPF-15 to SPF-30. However, as we mentioned before, not all mineral formulations are created equally, so never assume SPF unless the product is marked.

Most significantly, mineral make-up is chemical free, hypoallergenic, and free of artificial dyes, fragrances, and is preservative free. This makes it a versatile option for women across a broad spectrum of skin issues and concerns, and also for those concerned with prevention of skin issues.

Insider tip: to set your make-up (mineral or otherwise) mist your face with Haeru or Kanreki Tonic to maintain your perfect results all day long.

WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE?

Because mineral make-up has increased rapidly in popularity, it is more important than ever to pay attention to labels and always read ingredients, because many marketing messages and slogans can be misleading. As with your skin care choices, you want to be sure to avoid products with parabens, chemical dyes and fragrances, and binders and fillers.

To help your quest, we are going to introduce you to two mineral make-up lines that we really like. The first is Colorescience, which was first brought to our attention by our friend Christina Dalforno at Reverse Effects in Southern California. Colorescience founder and CEO Diane Ranger created Bare Escentuals and mineral make-up in 1976 and later created Colorescience to advance the level of mineral make-up.

We are also big fans of Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. Established in 1994, Jane Iredale was the first company to supply aesthetics as well as physicans with a full line of mineral cosmetics. Jane Iredale has been a pioneer in the mineral make-up field.

ADDITIONAL READING

There is a great deal more to learn about mineral make-up and the pros and cons of this decision for your skin health. We found a great article on WebMD that may also provide additional insights. http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/the-lowdown-on-mineral-makeup

We’re talked before about the importance of skin care from the inside out. As our Education Director, Gregory Dean, reminds us: “what goes in, shows on the skin.”

FEED YOUR SKIN’S HEALTH

In addition to nourishing your skin with C’watre oceanic skin care products, your skin will thrive if you nourish your skin with a strong and healthy diet. Foods rich in anitoxidants, vitamins, healthy oils like Omega-3s, and lean proteins are great for your overall wellness as well as the vibrancy of your skin.

A healthy diet need not be difficult or expensive, and the summer poses great opportunities for healthy meals with seasonal, local foods. Fruits and vegetables are at their peak throughout the summer, providing abundant options in the grocery store as well as the local farmers market. When out of season, look to frozen fruits and vegetables, which have been harvested at their peak and quick frozen, preserving all the great nutrients.

Some helpful tips to choosing the best options for your skin and your wellness, consider the following:

The more color the better: Fruits and vegetables with vibrant colors such as: spinach, kale, broccoli, and also blueberries, strawberries, peaches, and cranberries hold the highest levels of vitamins and antioxidants. Try to get several servings per day of nutrient power-players like these.

Eat more fish: As far as we’re concerned oceanic skin care should also include at least 2 servings of fish a week. Choose low mercury fish, rich in Omega-3s like salmon, tuna, trout sardines, shrimp and mackerel.

Great grains: Despite earlier diet trends, dietary fiber is an essential component to overall wellness. Choose whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal. You can see more on choosing great whole grains on the MayoClinic.com.

You can learn more through a great article on iVillage about eating for wellness [http://tinyurl.com/ma99pn] as well as an article by Real Age.

To help you jump start your Great Skin Diet try our fresh and vibrant Spinach Salad with Salmon and Blueberry Vinaigrette!

Spinach Salad with Salmon and Blueberry Vinaigrette

4 servings

salad:

2 c. arugula

2 c. spinach

2 c. mixed greens/Mache mix

1 c. blueberries

1/2 c. walnuts

1/2 c.  thin sliced red onions

8 oz. cherve/goat cheese

4 - 4oz. fillets of grilled salmon

vinaigrette:

1/2 c. fresh blueberries, washed

1/4 c. good olive oil

3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

salt & pepper to taste

directions:

To make salad, combine in a large salad bowl arugula, spinach, mixed greens, 1 cup blueberries, walnuts, red onions, and cherve.

For vinaigrette, in a blender or small food processor, combine 1/4 c. blueberries and balsamic vinegar. Blend until pureed. Slowly add olive oil while blending on low. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Toss salad with dressing and arrange on 4 plates. Place grilled salmon over salad and serve.

LOCAL RESOURCES:

Find a local Farmers Market through Local Harvest: http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/

Local Farmers Markets are also listed through the USDA’s site: http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/

Learn more about the nutrients of your foods at the American Dietetic Association: http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/nutrition.html

DROP AND GIVE YOUR SKIN 20

Most of us think exercise and we think ’shed some pounds,’ or ‘get trim,’ or lately ‘get that body ready for the beach.’ But its important to remember that the health benefits of exercise are felt by the WHOLE body. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so whether you are working out for your heart or for your thighs, your skin is getting incredible benefits too!

Exercise holds important benefits for the entire body, but its benefits to the skin are largely unheralded. According to Audrey Kunin, MD of Kansas City, MO, the benefits of exercise to the skin can be enormous. Exercise increases circulation and delivery of nutrients to skin cells, flushing away potentially damaging toxins. Exercise also gives skin the optimum conditions for making collagen, the support fibers that help keep wrinkles and lines at bay.

THE ANTI-AGING WORKOUT?

Most of us don’t immediately think of exercise when we think of an anti-aging treatment, but several experts think we should. Exercise influences the natural production of collagen, which is the connective tissue that plumps your skin, giving skin that youthful tone and texture. According to Kunin, the collagen producing fibroblasts become fewer in number and “lazy” as we ger older. This results in skin becoming less firm, drier, and appear wrinkled.

Kunin goes on to say that adding an exercise routine to your skin care regimen will infuse oxygen into skin cells as well as stimulate the circulatory system and deliver additional nutrients to skin cells, kick starting the “lazy” fibroblasts and stimulating collagen production.

Stretching and toning is also critical when it comes to overall skin health. The added benefits can be immeasureable as far as some of us are concerned. Certain exercises can break up pockets of cellulite on the butt, thighs and arms. Cellulite is formed when the fibrous connections in the skin are pulled tighter. The tension leads to puckering in the skin in pockets of fat that we all recognize as cellulite. Stretching workouts such as yoga, pilates and also weight training can reverse that tension and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

WORKOUT TO BEAT THE BREAKOUTS

Exercise can also reduce your level of stress. This can reduce the level of male-type hormones like DHEA and DHT that are associated with acne flare-ups. According to David Berman, MD of Palo Alto, CA, reducing stress tends to quiet the adrenals, thus there is less hormone output which in turn helps to control acne.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Your skin care regimen is about giving your skin cells what they need to be healthy and look its best. An exercise regimen will only help. Your Kanreki products are designed to deliver the full spectrum of nutrients necessary for healthy skin. And what better way to ensure you are getting the maximum benefit of those nutrients than to stimulate your skin’s built in delivery service - your circulatory system.

Its important to note that the critical elements of success for your skin can be achieved from a wide range of exercise regimens, so if you can’t stand jogging, try a yoga class, or dive in for a swim, or just take off for a walk. Our bodies are dynamic and exciting systems, so head out and exercise knowing that your whole body health is contributing to your whole body’s beauty.

Don’t you just hate it… summer arrives and you’re feeling more excited and more active than you have in months, but you look in the mirror and you’ve received a shock that reminds you of days in Jr. High.

CAUSES OF SUMMER ACNE AND BREAKOUTS

Breakouts are more common during the hot summer months as a result of increased perspiration, which can spread the oils in the skin and literally “sow the seeds” of your breakouts. More people find themselves engaging in activities outdoors, which leaves skin more exposed to environmental debris and pollutants. Environmental factors not only lead to seasonal acne, but can also affect the firmness and tonality of your skin.

RECOMMENDED SKIN REGIMEN

Be sure to cleanse daily with Kanreki Wash twice a day. An evening regimen is understandably very important, but try not to cut corners on your morning regimen. Especially when addressing summer breakouts, a simple rinsing of your face in the shower is not enough.

PREVENTION: To prevent breakouts, use Kanreki Wash twice a day. Particularly during hotter weather days, we recommend you spend extra time massaging Wash around your face. During the summer pores can become enlarged, the extra time and care you spend massaging in the Wash can help ensure they do not become clogged and lead to blemishes. A good scrub once a week will help to remove dead cells and smooth the skin’s surface, also preventing clogged pores. For facials skin we recommend adding a tablespoon of baking soda to your Kanreki Wash to create a good scrub. Baking soda is soft and less abrasive than sea salt or sugar, and because it is much finer, it won’t tear or dig at your pores.

Toning your skin after cleansing will help to keep your face clear and firm. Kanreki Tonic and Haeru both have toning properties while also nourishing and detoxifying skin. If you are spending a great deal of time outside, we recommend using Kanreki Tonic for its added antioxidants and amino acids which will help your skin combat free radical damage and photoaging. If skin is dealing with excess oil and debris due to excessive sweating and athletic activities, Haeru would be best for its more aggressive detoxifying properties.

Finish with a small amount of Kanreki Cream. This will moisturize and nourish skin while still light in weight to prevent clogging pores.

TREATMENT: In the case of existing blemishes, after you have first cleansed fully with Wash, we recommend a second application of Kanreki Wash as a detoxifying mask. Rinse skin and pat off excess water. Dispense a nickle sized dollop of Wash onto fingertips and massage over entire face, but avoiding eyes. Allow Wash to detox and clarify skin for 10 minutes and then rinse completely with tepid water. We do not recommend that you scrub your face during a breakout. This can help to spread bacteria and actually result in far more and worse breakouts.

Mist skin with Haeru to detoxify and tone skin. In the case of summer blemishes Haeru is far more active in regulating moisture - oil balance in the skin and allowing cells to detoxify and expel toxins and waste.  Following Haeru, apply Kanreki Serum to your entire face. Serum will give you additional protection and treatment for your existing blemishes, while also providing antioxidants and peptides to support your skin from free radical damage and photoaging.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Summer weather and activities can present new issues for skin, however, your existing products are developed to normalize your skin. Only simple adjustments need to be made to your skin care routine to ensure your healthy summer glow is untarnished by seasonal breakouts.

We get a lot of questions about SPF and who to believe on sun protection, and with summer now upon us, we think there is no better way to kick off Summer Skin Boot Camp than with a primer on what it all means.

WHAT’S THE DEAL? WHY DO I NEED IT?

• According to EPA research, the sun causes 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 65% of melanomas.
• Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) from the sun produces DNA damage that may lead to mutations in genes which result in skin cancer.
• Photoaging is also a result of sun exposure, though not life-threatening, it does diminish quality of life. Photoaging has been found to cause premature wrinkling, sagging, hyperpigmentation, and a leathery texture in the skin.
• UVR weakens immune surveillance mechanisms, allowing tumor cells to proliferate more freely.

Sunburn is the most obvious example of UVR damage. This DNA damage can be the beginning step towards skin cancer. According to research published in the British Journal of Dermatology intermittent, intense UVR exposure, often producing sunburn, is believed to be more closely associated with melanoma than is chronic sun exposure. One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence doubles the risk of melanoma later in life; five sunburns by any age doubles the risk as well.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Sunscreens are a critical tool to prevent UVR damage on all levels. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, this should be just a part of your overall photoprotection program along with sun avoidance or use of shade during peak sunlight hours (10 AM to 4 PM), and protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UVR-blocking sunglasses.

There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Physical is also often called “sunblock.” Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UVR. These products are colorless and create a thin film on the skin. Physical sunscreens contain ingredients such a titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which physically block UVR. Physical sunscreens provide broad protection against both UVB and UVA light, however they can be cosmetically unacceptable to many people, because they are often messy, visible and do not easily wash off.

Our Twitter friend BeautyWithBrains also does a great job of discussing the difference between Chemical and Physical Sunscreens.

PROPER USE OF SUNSCREENS

There are a lot of sunscreen options on the shelves today and its important to think about your lifestyle and activities when choosing the sunscreen that’s right for you.

SPF: The Skin Cancer Foundation considers SPFs of 15 and higher to be acceptable protection. It is important to be aware that protection does not increase proportionally with an increase in SPF. SPF 2 will absorb 50% of UVR, an SPF 15 absorbs 93%, while SPF 30 protects against 97% and SPF 50 98%. (American Melanoma Foundation)

APPLICATION: Always apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Dermatologists also recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours because sunscreens tend to be rubbed or washed off with sweating and water exposure. You should also immediately reapply sunscreen after swimming or heavy sweating. At least one ounce, approximately two tablespoons, is needed to cover the entire body surface.

WATER-RESISTANT/WATER-PROOF: Following the FDA guidelines, a “water resistant” product must maintain its SPF after 40 minutes of water immersion, and a “water proof” or “very water resistant” product after 80 minutes.

C’WATRE AND SUNSCREENS

C’watre products do not include SPF ingredients. After reading this post, you may be wondering why. At C’watre we excel at remineralization and skin nutrition technologies and products, and our philosophy on products is to only include the highest quality ingredients and only at effective levels. SPF and sun protection is an incredibly dynamic field, offering hundreds of options to address the variety of sun protection needs and lifestyles. After much deliberation, we knew that our customers would be best served by using their favorite C’watre products in conjunction with the sun protection products that best fit each individuals needs.

Kanreki products are a very important component of your sun protection program. Research published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine, found that ingredients in chemical sunscreens can generate free radicals which can lead to skin aging. Scientists with the Skin Cancer Foundation have recommended including anti-oxidants (free radical scavengers) to combat the potential for free radicals. Kanreki Tonic, Kanreki Cream, and Kanreki Serum all contain anti-oxidants and your sun protection regimen should begin with one or more of these products, followed by the application of a sunscreen, and then for your face if you choose, apply make-up.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Summer is upon us, and we hope you head out and enjoy the sun and the all the outdoor activities you desire! But we want to help you keep your skin healthy so choose a sunscreen that fits your lifestyle and apply regularly!