Love Yourself, Dang It!

I feel like the buzz word for the last ten years has been antioxidant. We all use the word or are slightly seduced by it (who has bought a skin product because the label said “antioxidant”?) but do we understand what an antioxidant does? Most of us know that antioxidants fight free radicals but who can explain what those are??Honestly, I sometimes have to remind myself to scorn the free radical since one of my favorite words (free) is part of the term.

Free radicals are the “single most detrimental aging agent” (Ciminelli 23).

Let’s give credit where credit is due, in the 1950’s Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D., proposed the free radical theory. We need oxygen to live and our cells use this oxygen to produce energy. Out of this process we get free radicals. Remember 10th grade chemistry when we learned that molecules are made of atoms and atoms have protons, electrons and neutrons? Well, a free radical is a molecule lacking the electron and basically, attacking and taking electrons from nearby molecules and in the process, weakening the cell structure and ultimately killing the cell and the genetic materials inside this molecule. Wrinkling, sagging, drooping jowls, loss of tone, uneven texture…basically, all those unsightly effects of getting a bit older are results of cellular and molecular damage by our friend Free Rad.

Although , some free radicals are a part of life : breathing air, sun, environmental pollution. Other free radical damage is completely due to our own lifestyle: the food we eat --- sugars, processed food – stress, and smoking.

“…what you eat plays a more important role than what you put on your skin” (Organic Spa Magazine, July 2010).

And then there are antioxidants…anti (against), oxidants (oxidation) – basically antioxidants are your friends in the fight against free radicals and aging. Antioxidants provide the free radicals missing electron and help to stop the free radicals destructive behavior which leaves you with supple, young-looking skin.

So what can you do to ensure you are getting more antioxidants into your body?
Love yourself, dang it!
Seriously, DON'T SMOKE (come on, give it up…even if you are a “social smoker,” I used to be one of those too and really, it is still just as disgusting as if you were buying your own pack – plus, this world already forces you to take in so many toxins why do it voluntarily?)
WEAR SUNSCREEN --- ingredients zinc and Mexoryl offer the greatest UVA protection.
EAT RIGHT! How simple can this be – don’t eat the stuff that is making you fat and feel nasty (chips, soda, processed foods). Instead stick to those luscious fruits, vegetables, grains, and goodness that always make you feel a bit better about yourself. Foods with vitamin C (such as but not limited to citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, and tomatoes) reduce free radical damage and strengthen capillaries to keep them from breaking.
THINK POSITIVELY – take this moment and send out a good vibe to someone you don’t like. I know, it is hard but do it…or at least tell yourself something awesome about you.

THE SUM UP TO KEEP YOU LOOKING SMOKING HOT!
Think good thoughts, wear a smile, eat right, don’t mess up your body by willingly ingesting pollutants, and of course get some deep breathing into your day. Whether you are running, doing yoga, having sex, or prank calling your ex (think positive when you do that last one), take long deep, even breaths to help calm your mind, reduce stress and overall, leave you looking good and feeling refreshed.

SOURCES:
Ciminelli, Susan. The Ciminelli Solution: A 7-Day Plan For Radiant Skin. HarperCollins Publishers, New York: 2006.
Perricone, Nicholas, M.D. 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation. Ballantine Books, New York: 2006.
Perricone, Nicholas, M.D. The Wrinkle Cure: Unlock the Power of Cosmeceuticals for Supple, Youthful Skin. Rodale Books, 2000.

Strengthen Your Mind and Unleash Your Creative Potential!

This week I have found myself touting the lavender plant and the many wonderful properties of this common shrub. Lavender (Lavendula officinalis), an evergreen shrub, is native to the Mediterranean region. There are several different lavender plants in the family but Lavendula officinalis is the most widely planted and the classic choice for use in perfume, oils and sachets. The leaves are gray and smooth and the flowers are a lavender blue color. The fragrant purple flowers can be used fresh or dried.

The lavender plant has amazing physical and emotional healing abilities; it is said to possess magical influences on health, love, and the conscious mind. Lavender essential oil has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties which balance the skin and helps heal skin wounds, irritations and blemishes. The scent is relaxing and helps to balance out emotional centers. There have been studies that have shown that odors can change brainwaves. The smell of lavender strengthens the conscious mind by relaxing us and allowing us to control unbridled or stormy emotions. If you are feeling tense, emotionally unstable, or inhibited in anyway, visualize your goals while taking in the scent of this aromatic, lovely purple evergreen and feel your body relax, your conscious mind strengthen, and goals begin to manifest.

FOLKLORE: The classical Greeks and Romans burned lavender as an incense to the gods and the scent is suppose to calm untamed lions and tigers. In North Africa, women have used this plant to prevent marital abuse. (Cunningham) The taming of tigers and abusive husbands make sense when you think about the sedative effect lavender has on the body.

To top it off, lavender is not hard to grow. All the plant needs is full sun and loose, fast-draining soil. You don’t need to use much water or fertilizer. A low maintenance plant with high-maintenance benefits -- a lavender plant is the lover we have all been searching for! In your garden, use lavender as a hedge or border plant and if you want to keep the plant compact and neat, prune immediately after bloom.

Cut the plant and put in a vase for a lovely house decoration. Or dry in a cool, shady place and cut or strip flower clusters and put in sachet to use to add a light fragrant touch to your linens, undergarments, restroom or car.
Inhale lavender deeply once a day, smile big, and let yourself glow from your divine core.

Sources:
Cunningham, Scott. Magical Aromatherapy. Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, Minnesota: 1996.
Green, Mindy. Natural Perfumes: Simple Aromatherapy Recipes. Interweave Press, Loveland, CO: 1999.
Hogan, Elizabeth L. Et al. Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, California: 1994.

Being Joyous

I, and Marin Natural Beauty, moved from the beautiful and progressive Fort Collins, Colorado to Bike City USA -- Portland, Oregon. We often hear about ways our own actions can make a difference in the lives of others, sustaining the environment, aiding social reforms, etc. And many of us do what we can to help make this world a better place. I am thrilled to say Marin Natural Beauty's carbon footprint just got a bit smaller. Marin Natural Beauty is now based out of Portland, Oregon which means all my supplies (organic oils, butters and waxes) are within a short distance away and my essential oils are made in the very same city -- I can ride a bus or my bike to pick them up. Not only is Marin Natural Beauty not having to engage in excessive shipping of supplies but I am also supporting local businesses -- how cool is that???

What are you doing to make a difference in your communty or in your own life? Same thing or different things - it really does not matter.

Today -- August 13, 2010 -- make yourself joyous.