So, how do you eat for pimple-free skin? Well, by following the guide below that will help prevent future breakouts and leave you with healthier, clearer skin.

Eliminate Dairy

Even though it is better to use organic dairy products as opposed to conventional ones, the organic ones can also sometimes contain hormones that can cause or exacerbate breakouts. Why not try almond milk or my personal favorite, coconut milk, in your herbal coffee instead?

Eat more orange

Orange colored fruits and vegetables (such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peaches and, er, oranges!) are full of vitamin A (this is what makes them orange). Vitamin A helps encourage cell-turnover and prevents the buildup of dead cells which clog pores. Retinol and Retin A are all derivatives of vitamin A and although they’re in much higher concentrations in the form of retinoic acid in Retinol or Retin A products, the principle is similar.

Indulge with Wild Salmon

Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, selenium and iron, wild salmon not only helps hydrate your skin from the inside out, but also helps prevent clogged pores too. And there are so many different ways to make it, from baking or poaching to, our favorite, broiling, mmmmhh!

To Sweeten or not to Sweeten?

Studies have shown that sugar can activate the bacteria in your skin that causes breakouts. One of the biggest culprits: soda and other sugary beverages. So, for clearer skin, replace some of your sugary drinks with water instead. Water will also flush out existing breakouts. Double whammy!

Going Gaga for Garlic

Visit www.earthday.org to find out more.

How is Bloom Organics a Green Spa?

Bloom Organics, day spa & boutique, is a proud member of the Green Spa Network. It’s also a Dr.Hauschka Certified Treatment Center and is excited and honored to announce that it is now Sarasota’s first certified Éminence Green Spa!

The Green Spa Network & the Éminence Green Spa program share the same goal: to promote eco-friendly products, services and business practices throughout the spa industry.

According to Yasmin Farrell, owner of Bloom Organics, joining the Green Spa Network was an easy decision to make.  ‘We already see ourselves as a ‘green’ business, but I think it’s important to formalize that and to communicate exactly what it means.  For example, many of our guests may not realize that the walls in the spa are painted with VOC free paint or that we use biodegradable sheets, organic cotton towels and bamboo spa wraps.  Our laundry appliances are energy and water efficient and, of course, we recycle all products bottles, containers and packaging.’

‘Similarly, the products that we offer in our boutique are all organic and/or biodynamic and we take great care in selecting new products.  They must be chemical free, pure and ethically sourced.  The aims and philosophies of organizations such as the Green Spa Network, Dr.Hauschka & Éminence Organic Skin Care are so clearly aligned with ours, it makes perfect sense.’  Yasmin adds, ’I think people realize that ‘green’ business is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good business and we want to do our part.’

As an Éminence Green Spa, Bloom Organics is committed to green and sustainable business practices such as:

• the conservation of water and energy resources
• responsible waste management and recycling practices
• supporting socially and environmentally responsible suppliers
• promoting the use of natural & organic personal care products

Support your local green businesses!

Inspired by the philosophy of anthroposophy, Dr. Hauschka products gently guide the skin to a radiant, balanced state while always allowing the skin’s biological processes to function naturally. Contrast Dr.Hauschka’s & Bloom Organics’ approach with many conventional skin care products with ingredients that suppress the skin’s natural processes, even fighting against them to give the appearance of a “healthy” complexion.

The pure, biodynamic, organic and wild-harvested ingredients in Dr.Hauschka’s natural skin care products are welcomed by the skin as a relief from products with harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients that disrupt its natural processes and rhythms.

However, the real potency of Dr.Hauschka products can be unlocked by a certain application process, sequence and rhythm. Let the professionals show you how to achieve radiant skin every day!

The first workshop will take place on Thursday, March 22nd from 6:30-7:30pm. Numbers are limited and attendance is the cost of a Dr.Hauschka face care kit at $24.95.

Organic refreshments will be served.

Call 941-362-4194 to reserve your place!

Often used in Hollywood, to give the skin that ‘instant glow’ before a big awards show, LED Photopulsation Light Therapy is a safe, but effective use of advanced light technology. There is Red Light and Blue Light Therapy. Red Light Therapy is designed to help diminish the visible appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots on the face and neck by promoting collagen firmness. Blue Light Therapy is excellent for the treatment of acne as it kills the P.acnes bacteria.

FDA approved, The Evolution delivers pure, non-laser, light which is much safer than daylight because there is no harmful UV and will not burn or cause damage to the skin or tissue. Due to the fact that skin cells are photoreceptive, the treatment works by passing light through the skin in order to help promote collagen production. Basically, it converts light energy into cell energy without thermal injury. This stimulates fibroblast activity which is responsible for collagen and elastin production and thus regenerates ageing and sun damaged skin.

The wavelengths vary throughout the treatment so that the cells do not get used to any one frequency.

There’s research going back to the 1960’s but most notably LED photopulsation light therapy is being used by NASA to promote cell regeneration (wound healing) in space, as human cells need gravity to function.

Red Light Therapy is designed for the treatment of rosacea, anti-aging and sun damage as it:

• Improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and broken capillaries
• Helps your skin appear more radiant, plump and smooth
• Helps tighten pores
• Accelerates healing
• Increases fibroblast production (increase in collagen and elastin in the dermis)
• Increases blood and lymphatic flow

It also works perfectly in combination with light to medium depth peels.

Blue Light Therapy is designed for the treatment of acne as it kills the P.acnes bacteria which is responsible for breakouts in many people.

And best of all, for clients who are experiencing breakouts and have some scarring Evolution by Revitalight can combine red and blue light therapies for maximum results: and it’s still only a 10 minute treatment!

The thing one needs to be aware of though, and I can’t say it often enough to my new clients at Bloom Organics, is that, as with any skin care therapy we offer, there are no ‘quick fixes’. This is a holistic approach to skin care and results are cumulative. Treatments should be taken in a series depending on age and lifestyle and desired results. The long term effectiveness of this therapy also depends on the client’s commitment to a consistent home care program.

LED Photopulsation Light Therapy is part of a holistic objective to work with the skin and with the body. We want physiological improvements to happen naturally and not force them with chemicals.

Our clients and staff who have tried it are very impressed with the results!

Lots of people will do the various 5/7/10-day liquid detoxes which include a vigorous regimen of supplements, exercise etc. and I admire those
people. But, unfortunately, I have never been able to stick to that because there’s just too much other stuff that gets in the way…like life! So here are some simple detox practices you can ease into your busy schedule.

1. Stop & breathe deeply -allow the oxygen to be absorbed! A few minutes a day will make a difference.
2. Remove toxins from your body & skin care and environment. Replace your household cleaners with chemical -free alternatives. Look at your skin and body care. How many health damaging, toxic chemicals do you really want circulating in your body?
3. Diet – eat lots of fiber, which you can find in fresh organic fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, beets or brown rice. Drink green tea and add vitamin C to your diet – it helps the body produce a compound that repels toxins. Eat seaweed, spirulina and chlorella – they’re actually detoxifying!
4. Drink water!!!! I can’t say it often enough! It helps to flush toxins out.
5. Dry skin brushing – before the shower take a body brush and brush your dry skin upwards towards the
   heart. You don’t have to do it with a lot of pressure to increase circulation and lymphatic flow. Do this every morning.
6. Reduce stress – stress causes the body to release stress hormones which create toxins and slow down enzymes in the liver. Try yoga or meditation, take up a hobby, go for a walk with your loved one on the beach or have a massage. Because massage increases your circulation and lymphatic flow it is a great detoxification medium.
7. Exercise – not only is sweating a great way to expel toxins, exercise also releases endorphins which make you feel good.

Organic & Holistic Skin Care

Recently I was asked why I regarded our treatments as holistic. To me, holistic skin care means looking at the human being as a whole. This process includes looking at lifestyle and health and utilizing the body’s own natural systems to help achieve the desired result.

I always think that people look for different things from their spa experience. Some are looking for relaxation; some are looking for specific results; some are looking for preventative wellness in a climate where medical treatment can be very expensive. Others are looking for healing.

Bloom Organics is about all of these things. At Bloom there is an atmosphere of calm and re-energising. It is possible to have a 60 minute massage, a customized facial or a full day of renewal. There is also the Bloom Club which promotes preventative wellness, through regular, monthly treatments.

Bloom Organics is different from most spas on several levels. First of all, the most important message we try to convey is that what you put on your skin can easily enter your bloodstream. Most conventional spas use skin care lines that include potentially harmful or toxic chemical ingredients, like parabens, petroleum derived ingredients, propylene glycol and many more. All of our products, for face, body & hair are natural, organic and/or biodynamic. There are no questionable inactive ingredients. These are the products we sell in the boutique and the ones we use in our treatments. (And, incidentally, the ones I use at home!) We use Dr.Hauschka & Éminence Organic Skin Care, which are both pure, effective and results oriented.

Most mainstream skin care companies only treat skin topically. We approach a specific concern from a holistic viewpoint which means that, for example, if a client has acne, we do not treat the skin in isolation but as an integral part of the body. Acne has many causes, it can be bacterial, hormonal or it can be caused by diet or lifestyle factors. Of course, we also treat the concern topically, and a good skin care routine is the foundation on which we build everything else; but we always try to identify the root cause and then help our clients address that. In other cases, we can also utilize a variety of techniques, such as lymphatic drainage or acupuncture.

In essence, we try to educate our clients about natural alternatives to mainstream skin care and cosmetic products and help them to see that problems with the skin are often a reflection of other issues that also need to be addressed in their lives, such as stress. It’s not about using the latest trendiest skin care products but about taking the responsibility to research what goes into your body and leading a healthier lifestyle.

In fact, skin care products containing vitamin C can support the health of collagen and elastin; encourage cellular renewal and proper skin function; and reduce, or even prevent, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!

This is how it works. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and therefore helps protect our skin against free radicals. Exposure to the sun, environmental pollution and smoking causes us to develop additional free radicals. (Free radicals are, incidentally, unstable atoms looking for electrons. That process, over time, is largely responsible for aging.)  Free radicals cause damage by wreaking havoc on the skin’s cellular matrix. In other words, antioxidants are your defenses against the invading armies of free radicals; but their numbers are continually depleted and need replenished—and you need to replenish them!

Vitamin C is also essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein of the body responsible for skin firmness and texture. When collagen is not produced in sufficient amounts, there very often is a vitamin C deficiency in the body. It makes the skin dull and lifeless. An example of this is the skin of long-term smokers. It’s usually dry, scaly and looks almost grey.

Our bodies are not able to make or store vitamin C, so that means that we need a continuous supply.  The best way is, of course, through diet. Foods high in vitamin C are citrus fruits, rosehips, kiwis, mangoes, most berries, kale, broccoli, cabbage, green and red peppers, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sweet & white potatoes, the list is endless. This will help your skin from within.

Finally, using skin care products that have vitamin C in them is a great way to introduce it topically. There are different forms of vitamin C used in skin care products. I would recommend either L-Ascorbic Acid or Ester C. L-Ascorbic Acid is water soluble but not always great for more sensitive skins and Ester C is water and oil soluble and, as some studies suggest, can penetrate the cells better.

The foundation of good skin is a good skin care routine. The old adage of cleanse, tone and moisturize can never be repeated often enough. I believe in it 100%.

Cleansing is important for obvious reasons. Dead loose skin cells and other debris from external sources in our environment, such as car fumes and dust particles, attach themselves to the skin. In the summer we can also sweat a little more so there’s some added toxins on the surface. Cleansing is crucial to remove these particles.

On the surface of our skin (and all over our bodies too) we have something called the acid mantle which consists of sebum and sweat. It is a protective shield which helps to control bacteria levels and prevents infections and disease. The acid mantle also acts as a natural moisturizer. The pH balance of the skin is between 4.5 – 5.6 (depending on who you talk to) and this acid environment helps to prevent bacterial growth. So when we cleanse our skin we disrupt that pH level. Therefore, we need to restore it: toning does that. A toner will also work as a vehicle to take the moisturizer deeper into the layers of the skin.

So that is why I would recommend to apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp from the toner. The moisturizer’s job is to keep your skin hydrated and protected throughout the day. But nowadays, moisturizers do so much more. They can be anti-ageing, clearing, lightening, calming and a number of other things.

So cleansing and toning should be done in the morning and at night. The moisturizer should definitely be applied during the day as it is protection for the skin. At night, it depends on your skin type, location (where you live), lifestyle and other factors whether you should use a moisturizer.

That is the foundation of a regimen. Once you have selected the right products for your specific needs, you are well on your way to achieve your goal of healthier skin.

Of course, there are additional products that address specific areas. Personally, I’m a big fan of eye creams. Their formulation is different to that of moisturizers to prevent the product running into the eyes. Also with most people, the eye area is the first to show signs of ageing as the skin is much thinner there. A lightweight eye cream from about 25 years onwards would be my recommendation. Definitely in the mornings and for some people in the evening too, depending on when they started using an eye cream.

Exfoliation is great! It removes dead skin cells, prevents clogged pores, helps with enlarged pores and boosts the regeneration process of skin cells. The frequency of exfoliation, again, depends on your skin type, products used and lifestyle.

Then if you have any other, specific skin concerns, such as aging, pigmentation or rosacea, you can address those with a mask and a serum. When using a mask, ideally it would be applied after the exfoliator. At that point the mask can penetrate the skin up to 30% deeper as the old skin cells have been removed. So it’s more effective. The serum is a concentrated product to support what it is you’re trying to achieve in your skin care routine. Ideally, it can be used mornings and night.

At Bloom Organics we offer complimentary 20 minute skin analyses, where one of our experienced therapists will assess your skin, existing skin care routine and any skin concerns or goals and will then determine your ideal skin care program.

Give Bloom Organics a call on 941-362-4194 to reserve your appointment.

In the summer we do a lot of waxing at Bloom Organics. The sun, sea and beach are luring us to bare it all: well, almost all. Therfore, I have a lot of conversations with clients about waxing vs shaving. Which is better? Will it hurt? Can I go swimming right after? So, FYI, here’s the low down on the big wax off.

In our opinion waxing is better than shaving:

1. When you wax regularly you’ll be able to go longer between appointments because the hair will start to grow back at the same time. Hair growth cycle goes through 3 stages, anagen, catagen and telogen. Ideally, we want to remove the hair in the anagen stage which is the active growth stage thus it’ll take the hair longer to grow back – approx. 6 weeks. Hair is in the anagen between 2-3 weeks. So what I recommend is to wax every 2-3 weeks for a couple of months and then the hair will be ‘trained’ to be in the same growth cycle. After that all you’ll need is a waxing appointment every 6 weeks.
2. The hair that grows after waxing is finer so you won’t get that sharp tip to the hair and razor stubble you get after shaving. In some areas the hair will even stop growing completely.

Many people ask if waxing hurts. The sad truth is, unfortunately yes, it can do; depending on your pain threshold. I always recommend not to make a waxing appointment either just before or during one’s ‘time of the month’, as we have increased sensitivity during that time. With time, it also hurts less. Generally, speaking the first time is probably the most painful. The other thing, you can do is take an Ibuprofen 30 minutes to an hour prior to the waxing appointment, which can help a little.

The best results are achieved when the hair is at least ¼ of an inch – any shorter than that and the wax won’t be able to adhere to the hair properly.

The important thing to remember with waxing is the aftercare advice, as we want to make sure that there are no ingrown hairs or reactions. At the end of every waxing treatment, I always remind my clients to do the following even if they’re seasoned waxers!

General

• Avoid hot showers or baths for 24hrs – use lukewarm water instead. After waxing the pores are open and are more prone to infection.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, swimming pools, etc. for 48 hours. The heat will increase the sweating activity and again the open pores could easily be infected.
• Avoid the sun or sunbeds (not that our clients would use sunbeds, they’re way too clever!) immediately after waxing. Recently waxed areas are prone to hyperpigmentation if exposed to UV radiation and again the increased sweat can lead to infection.
• Avoid wearing really tight clothing (this can lead to ingrown hairs) for 24-48 hours.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
• Do not use exfoliating products on the waxed area for 24 hours. This could irritate the area further. However, after a couple of days we recommend you exfoliate regularly as this will prevent ingrown hairs.
• Avoid applying any products, also make-up if facial areas have been waxed.

At Bloom Organics, we take the greatest care and adhere to the strictest codes of hygiene when waxing. All of our therapists wear gloves and our tweezers are sterilized in a medical autoclave after each use. In addition, we do not ‘double-dip’ which is the practice of not re-dipping the spatula back into the wax pot. Each spatula is only used once and then discarded.

I hope to see you soon at Bloom Organics for your next waxing appointment! And remember, when you have three areas or more waxed a discount applies.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are a powerful tool to keep the signs of aging at bay. Even better, if you ensure adequate levels in your diet, you’ll inevitably reap some of their many health benefits too!

What are they?

The hint is in the name. Essential fatty acids really are ‘essential’. As humans we cannot synthesize them ourselves. So we need to get them from elsewhere. The best way to have them introduced to the body is to ingest them.

EFAs are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids. There are two families of EFAs: Omega-3 and Omega-6. There is also Omega-9 but, as it can be produced (in small amounts) in the body, it is not regarded as an ‘Essential’ fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are derived from Linolenic Acid, Omega-6 from Linoleic Acid, and Omega-9 from Oleic Acid.

What are they good for?

Omega-3s are used in the formation of cell walls, making them supple and flexible as well as improving circulation and oxygen uptake with proper red blood cell function. Generally speaking, Omega-3 has been found to increase HDL cholesterol (which is the ‘good’ cholesterol), help with hypertension and can act as an anticoagulant. It also stimulates hair and skin growth.

Omega-6 can ease the symptoms of PMS & menopause, reduce the symptoms of eczema & psoriasis and reduce the aches and pains of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also said to fight cancer cells.

Omega 6 fatty acids are really interesting because on the one side, they are good for you, but on the other, they can be bad if you take too much. Unlike omega 3 fatty acids, you could ingest too much. So it’s important to remember that you always want to maintain the right balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. In addition, very often people do get enough in their diet, but they negate any benefits by eating foods that are high in sugar and trans fats. These factors lower the Omega-6 levels in the human body and actually do harm to you even if you are getting the right amount of Omega-6 essential fatty acids in your diet.

Where can I get them from?

Good sources of Omega-3 are flaxseed, walnuts, sesame seeds, spinach and wheat germ. They’re also found in abundance in fish (such as salmon and tuna, particularly albacore tuna) or fish oils.

Canola oil is often mentioned in conjunction with Omega-3 fatty acids, but it is important to mention that, although it has some linolenic content, the versions of canola oil that are available to purchase in supermarkets are often refined and processed with chemicals and heat, which destroy much of its linolenic acid. So cold-pressed, unrefined canola oil is a healthier form of canola, and found primarily in health food stores.

Ideally as an adult per day, 1.5 grams of each is recommended. One tablespoon of flaxseed oil can provide this amount.

Omega-6 fatty acids can be found in flaxseed oil, seeds or meal, pistachios, chicken, olives, olive oil hempseed oil, hempseeds, grapeseed oil, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds (raw), borage oil, evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, chestnut oil – to name a few.
The one thing I would say, though, is to avoid refined and hydrogenated versions of these foods.

Fatty acids and skin care

As these fatty acids are responsible for regulating cell function, they not only maintain the reliability of cellular walls but also allow transference of waste and water. These processes play a big part in the appearance of skin. Young skin is full of plump, water-filled cells. A skin cell’s ability to hold water decreases with age, as our own fats and fatty acids in the skin cells die off. The job of a fatty acid is to keep that cell healthy and its membrane functioning properly. Not getting enough essential fatty acids results in membranes that cannot keep their buoyant shape, which in turn leads to saggy, aged skin.

It’s been said that Omega-6 also helps with acne. A healthy skin cell that functions the way it’s supposed to helps with healing existing blemishes and break outs.

And the best side effect, is an improvement in cellulite. You heard right! Cellulite is caused by many things, such as genetics, smoking, bad diet, etc. What happens is that the cell walls are hardened and won’t let any fluid in or out. However, once the integrity of the cell walls is re-established the appearance of orange peel will diminish.

See you in the health food store in front of the flaxseed oil…