Thursday, December 20, 2012

Intense Moisturizing for the Winter: Hyaluronic Acid


Just about everyone who has come in for treatments in the last few weeks has complained of dry skin. As we enter into the dry winter months, this becomes a problem, especially here in Colorado, and there is one ingredient you can add to your daily regimen to kick your hydration up a notch.

You might have heard of an ingredient called “hyaluronic acid” that is often included in skincare moisturizers, eye creams and lip gloss and is even used as an injectible filler. Here’s an excerpt from an LA Times article that sums it up nicely:

“Hyaluronic acid is a viscous, gooey substance that’s a key component in connective tissues. It lubricates joints and even sustains the shape of the eyeballs. Dr. Nowell Solish, a cosmetic dermatologist, says it’s important to understand that all hyaluronic acid is the same. ‘In fact, so much so that your hyaluronic acid is identical to mine and identical to any species even. Originally before they started making it synthetically, they used to get it from a rooster.’”

And from another article in SkinInc.com:

Hyaluronic acid is the key for maintaining water substances in human skin. Due to aging, natural hyaluron concentration in the skin decreases at any alarmingly increasing rate throughout time. Accordingly, the skin’s ability to maintain moisture is weakened and it gives the appearance of being dry and rough. When hyaluronic acid is applied back to the skin, it penetrates the dermis, combines with water, and promotes microcirculation and nutrient absorption. It forms an air-permeable layer to help keep the skin moist and smooth. The result is rapid skin rejuvenation, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet and other cosmetic signs of age around the eyes caused by sun exposure, smoking stress and other common factors.”

Hyaluronic acid is a large molecule so it has the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water. It is a natural key component of the dermis. It effectively binds water to cells and is responsible for the elasticity and resiliency of the skin. The most effective way to use it topically is as an injectible filler, because it naturally occurs in our skin and the body doesn't see it as foreign, but when applied manually and massaged into the skin, there is a percentage of concentration that absorbs into the skin. When added to your moisturizer daily, it helps moisturize, plump and soften as well as helps stimulate more collagen production at the cellular level.

Hyaluronic acid is also very effective to take internally to hydrate skin and lubricate joints.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

6 Reasons to Try Reiki Healing

New to Reiki? It’s a Souli Skinspa specialty, and if you’re curious about the benefits of this practice, the following information will give you a taste. If you have more questions, ask me. I’m a certified Reiki Master.

1. Treat ailments.

Studies have found that Reiki is effective in treating both minor ailments and major disease. The next time you have a cold, feel a migraine coming on, or have a nervous belly, consider Reiki. With little effort from you, you might be feeling better soon.

And if you have a more serious disease, Reiki can help there, too. Many people going through chemotherapy treatments rely on Reiki to feel better and so do people with arthritis, heart disease, and post-operative pain, among other things. Keep in mind that Reiki should be used in conjunction with medical treatments. It does not replace them.

2. Reiki is not invasive.

During the session, you keep all of your clothing on and lie or sit still for 60 minutes, which is the standard session length. (You can opt for a session of any length between 5 and 90 minutes.) Reiki involves a gentle lying on of hands to your body to promote balance among all the energy systems.

3. You get a chance to escape.

Your life is hectic. Your mind is always working. That’s the state of things these days. Reiki is an opportunity for you to truly relax and let go. I will guide you through a meditation exercise that will help you to rest your mind and your body. In fact, it’s likely you’ll feel very warm and “floaty” during a Reiki session.

4. Ease your mind.

Just as Reiki helps to treat physical ailments, Reiki also successfully treats depression, anxiety, and other emotional distress.

5. Promote overall wellness.

Even without a distinguishable ailment, Reiki is an excellent way to promote overall wellness. It heals the body mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Reiki improves your immune function, helps you to sleep sounder, and increases your energy levels.

6. If you fall in love with Reiki, you can take a class and become attuned.

I went through “attunement” or Reiki training from a Reiki Master. In training you learn how to use energies from our higher power (whatever higher power you believe in) and direct that energy to places within someone else’s body or your own body to promote healing and overall well being. This is a very basic explanation of Reiki healing. Trust me when I say it’s much more involved and really quite amazing.