​Hello my friend,
I want to see how you are navigating today so I am checking-in. During this time, there’s a lot of uncertainty, but try to remember that social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolating. It’s an opportunity to be present with our loved ones, organize, do a little spring cleaning and get outside for a walk or a hike. It’s also an excellent time for self-care.

Expensive vs Effective. Buying skincare products at drugstores IS expensive but not for the reasons you think. Drugstore products are generally benign (causing no harm if improperly used), low concentration of active ingredients and big on packaging and marketing. The higher end drugstore products (is that a category??) are expensive in comparison to the bottles left and right on the shelf that make no miraculous claims. But why they are really expensive is because you will invest more money, over and over, purchasing more products that likely will Not be effective in your skincare goals.
If you want to see a change in your skin invest wisely. See a professional,commit to facials and purchase their recommendations. This strategy will be Less expensive in the long run, more effective and you will have an invested partner in your skin improvement journey.

Ah, the pursuit of eternal youth. Nutrition, fitness and facials are all avenues we explore in our society to pursue eternal youth. We have all heard that ‘eating clean’, working out (cardio and strength training) and consistent skincare, to maintain volume and firmness, are ways in which we can maintain our youthful look. As we age we lose volume (fat) in the face causing the skin to sag. To counteract this downward droop we strive to “lift” the skin by increasing Collagen production. One way to increase collagen production is to intentionally cause a micro-injury so the skin heals back tighter. In professional skincare there are several trending therapies to inspire collagen production. Today we are going to explore the pros and cons of 3: Microneedling/CIT, Dermarollers and Nano Needling.
Microneedling /Collagen Induction Therapy: This technique has been made famous under the name, Vampire Facial. It utilizes a stylus-type device with needles that “stamps” channels into the skin to stimulate collagen production. This technique is known to lift & tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles and help shrink acne scars. This expensive and invasive therapy often requires a numbing agent, down-time and sun avoidance.

​In a perfect world, our skin would be all of the following at all times: clear, glowing, and healthy. However, until that world actually exists, we must figure out how to make our skin happy on our own - and when to call in the big guns if necessary, like a dermatologist or an esthetician. If you've ever gotten a facial or an eyebrow wax, you've probably seen an esthetician. And if you've ever gotten a skin check, you've probably seen a dermatologist. But what exactly does each one do? And when should you see one over the other?

​Over the years of dealing with my skin woes, I’ve learned a very important thing: Inflammation is behind a ton of conditions, from rogue breakouts to things like rosacea. Usually, said inflammation starts in the gut, which means that while skin is a giveaway that something could be up with the microbiome, so too, are conditions like constipation and diarrhea. In other words: If you suspect something is up with your microbiome, look to your skin and your stools for validation.
 
When you think about it, though, your entire body sends signals to you about what’s going on beneath the surface. “Digestion is the root of all health—something that Ayurveda has known for thousands of years,” says Jessa Blades, herbalist and natural beauty and wellness expert. “A healthy body means having ways to get rid of waste and toxins through different pathways: kidneys and urine, skin and sweat, and through bile and the intestines.”

First things first: Let's start with what hyperpigmentation actually is. According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, it's simply, "when you have extra pigment in the skin." The causes, however, are a bit more complicated.
The most common culprit? Dr. Zeichner says it's excessive exposure to UV light, which "causes your pigment producing cells to go into overdrive and leads to sunspots aka solar lentigines or liver spots." These spots tend to show up later in life (usually in the mid-30s and beyond) and are more prevalent on the face and hands.
"In some cases, hyperpigmentation may be due to hormonal fluctuations and is characterized by dark patches on the cheeks and temples or around the mouth," explains Dr. Zeichner. "It tends to get worse during pregnancy, which is how it was given the nickname 'the mask of pregnancy.' It can also by triggered by external hormones like oral contraceptive pills (which is something you may have noticed after switching to a new birth control) or exposure to excessive heat."
Whatever the cause, there are myriad options for treating and preventing hyperpigmentation altogether. The first place to start? Daily and diligent sunscreen application.   
​https://www.purewow.com/beauty/what-causes-hyperpigmentation?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ny&utm_campaign=34125&utm_content=30_Days_editorial

​Did you know that your skin could be dehydrated even if you'd classify your skin type as oily? Yep. Basically, dehydration is a skin condition that doesn't discriminate based on skin type. And the only way to quench it is with the appropriate products. But how do you know if your skin is dehydrated? Easy. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, from Vibrant Dermatology in Wellesley, MA, gives us the scoop.

There are plenty of reasons to love avocado. Avocado is among the best foods you can eat today. It is packed with important fats and basically takes care of the entire organism. What is more, avocado can easily become a great addition to your breakfast, lunch, snack,and dinner. Given its benefits, food and nutrition experts urge everyone to have an avocado a day.
Read how an avocado a day boosts your health, and how to make the most of its benefits, starting today.

Top 10 Benefits of Eating an Avocado a Day​

I get asked about drinkable collagen often!

​There’s a reason why more eateries are serving up bone broth and why Dirty Lemon has caught Coca-Cola’s eye (and pocketbook): We just can’t get enough collagen. It’s in beauty products, protein powders, and even in matcha. Between helping relieve sore joints, improve digestive health, and keeping skin looking plump and young, the wellness minded are hooked. While most people know the best sources to get collagen, what’s less talked about are the habits we do every day that are unknowingly depleting the stuff we’re working so hard to build up. While the biggest reason for the breakdown of collagen is aging—alas, not to be helped—there are easy lifestyle tweaks that can work in our favor.