Savoir

    There are different ways to get an instant glow, one of them is breaking a sweat. Working out not only helps your figure & self-confidence but it also improves your complexion. When you exercise, the tiny capillaries in your skin open, allowing more blood flow to reach the skin’s surface and deliver nutrients that repair damage from the sun and environmental pollutants. These nutrients also rev up the skin’s collagen production, think wrinkle repellent. It also reduces bodywide inflammation, helps regulate skin-significant hormones and prevents free-radical damage. As we age, fibroblasts (the collagen-producing cells in the skin) get lazier and fewer in number. But the nutrients delivered to the skin during exercise help fibroblasts work more efficiently, so your skin looks younger, supple and elastic. Working out also helps maintain healthy levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels are linked to increased sebum production, which means more acne breakouts. Too much cortisol can also cause the collagen in the skin to break down, which can increase wrinkles and sagging. As for the best type of exercise its all good, they will all help improve circulation and reduce stress. Try 30 minutes three times a week and get that instant GLOW! Psst and a more restful sleep…. (my number 1 skincare tip). KEEP GLOWING! 

  For me the best part about spring (other then sunlight & spring flowers) is of course skincare related! Its time to shed some skin. Skin that looks and feels healthy needs fresh air and lots of moisture – especially after long months of cold air, over heating! Exfoliation is nothing new. It is however considered one of the most important techniques that you can perform on your skin to resolve certain skin problems and invigorate the skin to maintain a natural, healthy glow. Exfoliation is defined as the removal of surface dry skin cells. The skin's natural exfoliation process slows as we age, resulting in an accumulation of skin cells. With exfoliation, you are tricking the skin into acting young again. There is one type of exfoliation appropriate for every skin type: mechanical, chemical or enzymatic. Mechanical exfoliations activate the microcirculation in the skin. Chemical peels also activate microcirculation; however, in this case it is induced by a chemical solution. The intensity varies according to the specific treatment and follows different mechanisms. If you have sensitive skin, or are prone to getting broken capillaries, chemical exfoliation might be best, because it avoids friction. Enzyme peelings are a popular option. Enzymatic peelings are very gentle and smooth; their effect is limited to the skin surface. They will not activate microcirculation as there is no mechanical or deeply penetrating chemical solvent. Microdermabrasion is applied against wrinkles, scars, photo damage and cornifications. The advantages to this procedure is the immediate results. Anyone of these procedures can be easily integrated into a facial with an experienced aesthetician. Some may also be bought over the counter. The costs can vary from a basic 14$ physical exfoliation over the counter, to a 200$ professional chemical peel. However to effectively exfoliate your skin, you need to choose a product based on your skin type. DRY SKIN: For dry skin especially in the winter, exfoliation is very important. So often when the skin is dry, we tend to load up on heavier creams to compensate for the dryness. Exfoliation to remove the dry skin cells, and then moisturize the new skin cells, resulting in a moister skin. Use products with the chemical exfoliant AHA, because you only need surface exfoliation and don't want to cause further dryness, OILY SKIN: Look for exfoliants with BHA, because it exfoliates the skin’s surface and inside the pores. Also, you can incorporate a gentle physical exfoliant in your regimen. ACNE-PRONE SKIN: Exfoliation is particularly important for this skin type. It’s best not to use physical exfoliants, which can aggravate acne, and opt for a BHA product gentle enough for daily use. NORMAL AND COMBINATION SKIN: Try a BHA and a mild physical exfoliant. Normal types also benefit from at-home microdermabrasion treatments HYPERPIGMENTATION: These are the brown spots that come from age, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and genetics. These spots tend to become more apparent and darker as the skin ages. Exfoliation is beneficial for breaking up the pigmented cells to allow them to fade. Combined with a skin lightening agent, such as Vitamin C, exfoliation will help accelerate the fading process. After exfoliation, skin is more permeable, so it's always good to follow up with a vitamin and mineral-enriched serum, mask or cream.

>    Often times when I lecture I talk a lot about not only taking risks but the importance of following my instincts, (my gut) – how I listen to myself. While I truly believe the universe sends us signals to help us flourish, so many people struggle with this idea. I was not always very good at this, trust me. It took years of confusion and fumbles. However, now I take time to be still and I truly listen. I actually use this in all aspects of my life, even when creating skin strategies for clients. I will say “don't mind me I am just chatting with your skin”. I am what some call the skin whisperer, I listen and I work. (The only issue is that its sometimes difficult to translate that when educating). I had the honour of meeting Mark Nepo, several years ago. I was very privileged to dine with him, and then listen to him recite poetry. Something he discussed resonated in me, I can say I left that evening a changed person. He came to the realization that if there are seven thousand ways to speak, then there must be seven thousand ways to listen. The truth is, listening goes beyond simply hearing words. Listening involves delving deeper to truly understand ourselves and others. Its involves slowing down. This is the moment the magic happens! In his book Seven Thousand Ways to Listen; Staying Close To What Is Sacred, Nepo describes listening as “the doorway to everything that matters. It enlivens the heart the way breathing enlivens the lungs. We listen to awaken our heart. We do this to stay vital and alive”. In his book he also shares different ways we can listen and live life more fully! Here are some inquiries to help you better listen to yourself: Describe your first experience of listening. “Who or what were you listening to? What did you hear and how did it impact you?” What is one thing you know to be true? How have you kept this truth in your awareness? Describe a time when you weren’t seen or heard. What did this take away from you? Describe a time when you were seen and heard for precisely who you are. What did this give you? Describe the face you show no one and the face you show the world. Without judging either, begin a conversation between the two. You will never know what your intuition is telling you unless you take a moment, stop and truly listen.

  The correct choice of products is the key to healthy authentic, wholesome skin. There are so many excellent products on the market and some that are not so good. When it comes to making the correct choice most people are pretty much in the dark. It can be a bewildering experience with all the overzealous marketing tactics that can often be misleading. And aren’t we all just a little overwhelmed and intimidated by the amount of skin care information out there.  Skin-care products can be grouped by type. The categories are cleansers, toners, moisturizers, masks and treatment products. Within each category, the products must be further differentiated by the type of skin for which they are formulated. Thus, there are cleansers, toners etc, developed for dry skin, others for oily or acne prone skin, others for normal combination skin, and so on. For example: if you have dry skin avoid gel or mousse based cleansers. Then follow with vitamin based serums, face oils and creams. If exfoliating with a professional don’t over exfoliate at home. It is vital that you use the correct formulation for your skin type, and condition. Using the wrong formulation is ineffective at best and, under some conditions worsens the problem. Even the simplest cosmetic skin-care products have an appreciable influence on the physiological skin processes. In most cases less is more. Now before we go any further its important that I say that I do not believe in “anti-aging”. As we will all age, it is a privilege denied by so many. However, there is a way we can have exceptional, ageless, natural, wholesome authentic skin. That said, consistency is key, which means most results will be visible with the cumulative effect. There is a skin strategy, or as we call it the Skinguru regimen that is so vital; think of it as brushing and flossing in-between dentist visits. With the regimen and these seven steps for, you will be glowing in no time. LACK OF SLEEP. Since the skin's repair processes are hard at work while you slumber (you need seven to nine hours a night), being sleep-deprived can actually worsen the look of your skin by intensifying dark circles and/or puffiness under the eyes. Sleep deprivation also can lead to increased breakouts (or slow the healing of ones you already have). While it's easier said than done, there are things you can do before bed to maximize the overnight skin-renewal process and help your skin look its best come morning. MAKE-UP. First and foremost, always remove makeup before bed since it's that very makeup, plus the dirt and grime that collect on skin during the day, that increases a pore's likelihood of getting clogged. REGULAR EXERCISE. The revitalizing and energizing benefits of exercise (and the circulation boost it provides the entire body) are certainly good for your overall well-being--not to mention the healthy glow it gives your skin. STRESS RELIEF. When we're under pressure, we tend to let our good habits lapse. For instance, we crave foods higher in fat and sugar; we sleep less or poorly; we react to situations more emotionally and get angry more easily--all thanks to the hormone, cortisol, that's released during times of tension. Since cortisol itself can trigger acne by causing inflammation, neglecting good habits creates a double whammy for our complexion. A BALANCED DIET. There are many myths about what we eat. One thing is certain, however: Eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables-- is the best way to stay healthy and have clear skin. GET YOUR NUTRIENTS. A healthy diet is rich in minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamins A, C and E, which are critical for smooth, clear skin. Vitamin A Topically and internally, this vitamin family (often labeled as retinols in over-the-counter products) is used in various forms to treat acne and clear up skin. It helps to speed up skin-cell turnover, giving cells less time to clog pores and trigger acne. Nutritionally, vitamin A is found in foods like broccoli, cantaloupe, cod, red peppers, spinach and watercress. STAY HYDRATED. Consume the equivalent of at least 11 8-ounce glasses daily. Water is essential for life, and drinking it is important for every organ system, including the skin (it makes it more supple & resilient). Besides thirst, signs of dehydration include fatigue and loss of skin tone (the skin sags more and loses its glow). Now that you have begun your skin strategy, next week we will explore what a great communicator your skin is! (Trust me it has a lot to say). Its all about the FACE, keep GLOWING!

  When Peoni was created, it was important for us to design a universal line.  Having seen and treated many different skin issues over the years, we wanted our ingredients to be pure and versatile; meaning suitable for all skin types and conditions. Peoni is a multi-faceted line. Composed of natural and organic super foods for the skin, it replenishes our epidermis to give it that glow we are all looking for. White peony root extract as our star ingredient, is proven to act as an anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and a powerful anti aging. With green tea as an antioxidant, organic aloe juice for hydration and sunflower oil rich in omega 6 fatty acids, Peoni is suitable and beneficial to the most sensitive, reactive, to the most dry, dehydrated, mature and demanding skin Concerned with blemishes and uneven skin tone? Our willow bark, licorice root and kakadu plum will act as a natural exfoliator and non-invasive brightener. Peoni is years of research and hands-on experience to offer the best possible holistic results to all without compromising, damaging or irritating the epidermis. Get to know and get ready to glow!

    I often get asked what inspires me to do what I do. It’s very simple. We at JB Skin Guru have a clear purpose. We’re passionate about creating happy outcomes for our customers and our communities. Our customers are the reason we exist. Each of them is so unique and is part of the fabrics of this brand. We cherish their diversity and heritages in all their shapes and spirits. We have learned so much from their insights and their experiences. They are unique - yet they all have something in common.  I can easily describe her.   She’s a very smart woman, extremely talented – who is ready or getting ready to take on the world. She works very hard and enjoys the little exquisite things in life. She’s a loyal consumer with her go to brands. She is in touch with herself and knows exactly what she likes. Her time is very precious, therefore she is a result orientated woman! Her beauty strategy is a good night's sleep even if it’s only for a few hours, lots of water, the best mascara on the market, and … the JB Skin Guru regimen. We are very privileged to work with her. As I said that's what inspires us to do what we do.