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…

Wimbledon is coming up and that always makes me think of strawberries & cream. They go hand in hand – it’s an old English tradition. But strawberries don’t only taste good they also have some amazing health & beauty benefits. Strawberries are high in
vitamin C, fiber, folate and potassium.

Studies have shown that strawberries are good for high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, reduce the risk of cancer and enhance memory function. You’d have to eat A LOT of strawberries to significantly improve any of the above! But still, they’re delicious and nutritious as part of a well-balanced diet.

Importantly, from a skin care point of view, as they are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids and salicylic acid they are particularly good for mature skin.

Vitamin C is vital for two reasons. One, it is essential for the production of collagen in the dermis and two; it is a powerful antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. (I will talk about vitamin C more in one of my following blogs.)

Flavonoids are compounds widely found in the plant kingdom. Scientific research has shown that they can influence several levels of the skin. The stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of the epidermis, is very rich in lipids and other easily oxidisable compounds. In this layer flavonoids can play an efficient role as anti-oxidizing agents and free radical scavengers. Their powerful antioxidant properties enable them to even influence deeper, epidermal skin layers, preventing UV radiation damage amongst other things. In the dermis, flavonoids can strengthen capillaries. They’re also known to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid and loosens dead skin cells, especially in and around the pores. So it’s really good for oily and blemished skin. But it also speeds up cell turnover which is important for mature skin as the regeneration process tends
to slow down considerably as we get older. Salicylic Acid is great for treating sun-damaged or hyperpigmented skin, and has some anti-inflammatory properties as well!

At Bloom Organics, we offer several products that include the power of the strawberry. Éminence Organic’s Strawberry & Rhubarb Serum, Strawberry & Rhubarb Masque and my personal favorite, the Strawberry & Rhubarb Dermafoliant. It is the gentlest exfoliant ever. We’ve seen great results with the serum and it’s one of our best sellers! Come in & get a free sample!

Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals (as the name may imply) that act as filters. These sunscreens are colorless and tend to consist of chemicals which need to be absorbed by the skin so that they in turn can absorb the sun radiation. Chemical sunscreens usually contain benzophenones, such as oxybenzone, sulisobenzone and Parsol 1789, also called avobenzone which protect against UVA & salicylates, cinnamates and newer versions of PABA (or para-aminobenzoic acid) esters which protect against UVB.

The problem with these is that not only are they harsh chemicals themselves (and some are known to be endocrine disruptors) but they can also be skin irritants and tend to be embedded in a host of preservatives, penetration enhancers, petrochemicals and artificial fragrances (because the product needs to be absorbed by the skin in order to work).

However, chemical sunscreens are generally popular because they are absorbed easily, affordable and lightweight.

Physical Sunscreens, commonly referred to as sunblocks, are products containing minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which physically block ultraviolet radiation. The way that they do that is that the sun’s rays are reflected off the surface of the skin. Sunblocks provide broad protection against both UVB and UVA light. These are also called mineral sunblocks.

The problem with these is that they can appear whiteish on the skin and can be ‘inconvenient’ – for example, the Soleo Organics product I offer in the boutique needs to be kneeded prior to application. And, unfortunately, not many people are ready to do that. However, there are some newer micronized versions which blend well into the skin. For me, there is no question. I will only use a physical sunscreen or sunblock. Period.

Melanin pigment in the skin acts as a natural sunscreen, since it naturally absorbs some of the UV light and prevents it from getting deeper into the dermis. It is our body’s defense system against the sun. Gradual and slight exposure to the sun stimulates melanin so that more pigment is available to absorb more rays. This gradual tan is good advice and can prevent acute sun burns but at the same time the tan is an indicator that the skin has already been damaged. There are two ways that the skin can be damaged – premature ageing and skin cancer.

Fundamentals First

There are 3 types of Ultraviolet radiation – UVA, UVB & UVC. UVA is weaker than UVB but penetrates deeper into the skin and thus is the major culprit for premature ageing. These rays cause immediate tanning by acting on the melanin that is already on the skin.

UVB is the one that causes the sun burn after you’ve been in the sun too long. It’s intense, very damaging and carcinogenic. UVA enhances the burning effect of UVB and combined they are incredibly damaging.

UVC is screened out by the ozone layer and does not (theoretically) reach the earth’s surface so shouldn’t be a concern to us right now. With the destruction of the ozone layer it may become a real threat in the future, though.

It is also important to note that the SPF number on sunscreens only applies to a product’s ability to screen UVB rays. There is no FDA-approved rating system that currently measures UVA protection levels.

An added side effect of chronic sun exposure is an accelerated rate of ageing. Premature ageing is also called photo-ageing. Damage the connective tissue layers of the dermis can lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, lack of elasticity, drying of the skin, etc.

As I mentioned earlier, the sun is really important because of Vitamin D synthesis that takes place in our skin – but all you need is 20 minutes (well, most people do – the darker you are the longer it takes to get your Vitamin D because the increased melanin in the skin acts as sun protection) to get your daily amount of Vitamin D.

Tips for Practising Safe Sun!

And here are some tips on how to enjoy the sunshine, safely!

• Use a minimum of SPF15 daily even if you work in an office. The damage is caused by the radiation so you don’t actually have to be in direct sunlight to be hit. Cloudy days can be deceptive!
• Use a sun product that protects from UVA & UVB not just one or the other.
• When sunbathing or in direct sun light for longer periods of time don’t forget the ears and lips! Try to stay out of direct sunlight between 11am to 3pm.
• Sunscreen alone will not protect you 100%. It is only part of a ‘radiation strategy’ – like clothing, hats, sun glasses (with UVA & UVB protection lenses), parasols, etc. All of these will help to prevent premature ageing.
• The sand and water actually reflect the rays so you’re really exposed to double the amount of radiation. (That is why you always get such a nice tan when boating…)

Next post: Do you know the difference between sunscreen and sunblock? It’s more complicated than it looks!