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Dr. Trevor Cates

Sugar And Your Skin From The Inside Out

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Do you have a sweet tooth? Many of us do — and many of us experience an increase in sugar cravings after indulging in the traditional holiday season carb-laden foods and treats. It’s understandable after over a month of celebrating that you may be facing intense post-holiday sugar cravings. After all, all of those yummy carbohydrates and treats signaled our body to release serotonin, which makes us feel fabulous, even if only temporarily. It’s no wonder our brain continues to desire more.

Unfortunately, sugar can wreak havoc – from the inside – to affect our skin outside, not to mention the negative impact it can have on our overall health and wellbeing.

So, let’s take a look at the effects sugar has on our body from the inside out. So, we can see why it is crucial to get those cravings under control for the sake of our health and our skin.

Sugars Effect Inside

Inside the body, sugar triggers a cascade of negative responses – from spiking blood sugar, to inflammation, to a suppressed immune system. More severe consequences arise from regularly eating excessive amounts of sugar, like chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, microbiome disturbances, and leaky gut syndrome.

Weakened Immune System – You may already know that the average American eats about 22 teaspoons of sugar EVERY day — that is almost a ½ cup of sugar! But did you know that consuming this much sugar can suppress your white blood cells’ ability to kill germs by 40% for up to 5 hours — and suppressing our immune system’s response is not something any of us want right now!

Unstable Blood Sugar – Sugar causes your blood glucose levels to shift quickly, as your blood sugar rises and then falls sharply after you eat. These rapid shifts in blood sugar can cause symptoms that can be severe enough to interfere with daily life, including feeling sluggish, shaky, and even increasing hunger. Over time, your body may not be able to lower your blood sugar as effectively, leading to type 2 diabetes.

Inflammation – Sugar and refined carbohydrates cause inflammation in the body. Over time, this inflammation caused by poor eating habits can lead to several health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and cancer.

Sugars Effect Outside

It should come as no surprise that if sugar can wreak such havoc on the inside of our body that its effects will also wreak havoc externally on our skin. Many skin problems such as acne, rosacea, and eczema are exacerbated by the sugar you eat. But most importantly, consuming sugar in excess has a lasting effect by causing wrinkles and sagging skin.

Inflammation – Chronic inflammation also sets off enzymes called metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the skin. These enzymes are found in the spaces between skin cells and have a two-fold effect by breaking down collagen and elastin in the skin while also inhibiting their production, leading to the premature aging of your skin.

Glycation – The body uses glucose as a primary fuel source. Still, if glucose is consumed in excess or not used and metabolized properly, our baseline blood sugar levels increase, leading to glycation issues. Glycation occurs when glucose binds to collagen and elastin in the body, making it more rigid. This internal glycation has an external effect by leading to skin that is wrinkled and sagging.

Increased Insulin – Another problem with increased blood sugar is that it causes high insulin production, which triggers excess sebum production and androgen activity. This leads to acne breakouts.

Avoid The Effects

To avoid the negative effects of sugar, avoid refined sugar, and sweeteners that spike your blood sugar. You’ll also want to avoid (or limit) high-glycemic carbohydrates, including refined white bread, pasta, and desserts, which rapidly convert into glucose in the body.

It might be difficult for you to imagine a life without sugar. Many people have actual sugar addictions and find it hard to stop eating sugar. You do not have to stop eating sugar all the time, but instead, make healthier choices.

For example, swap white table sugar for an alternative, like plant-based stevia or monk fruit. You can also eat fresh fruits and berries to enjoy a more refreshing but still delicious sweet taste. Plus, fruits and berries are naturally hydrating, whereas sugar is dehydrating, which leads to an appearance of dull and parched skin.

Overall, blood sugar imbalances are one of the significant root causes of skin issues. To find out if this is one of your root causes, take our skin personality quiz.

The Sweet News

There is good news about sugar! It isn’t all bad when it is used on the outside of the body. Sugar causes many skin problems from the inside — but used on the outside, it is a natural and useful beauty tool! When used topically, sugar can contribute to radiant and luminous skin on the face and body.

Sugar is beneficial when used outside because it is one of the world’s oldest humectants. This means it pulls moisture from the environment and draws it into the skin. Using a sugar scrub on the skin, especially when combined with another moisturizing agent, helps naturally hydrate your skin. Another benefit of sugar, when used on the skin, is that it is a natural glycolic acid source. Glycolic acid promotes cell turnover to bring out your natural radiance and is typically used to minimize discoloration so you can reveal brighter younger-looking skin.

Sugar scrubs help soften your skin by removing dead skin cells, dirt, pollutants and helps unclog pores. Sugar scrubs are also better to use than salt scrubs. Most of the time, sugar granules are smaller and more gentle than salt granules, predominantly brown sugar. Brown sugar is softer than granulated sugar, so it is useful for sensitive skin, including on the face.

Raw sugar is usually more coarse than other sugar types, so avoid using it on the face.
If you want to try out a sugar exfoliant at home, try my easy 2-ingredient recipe that uses brown sugar and aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and easily penetrates the skin to soothe and deliver nourishment quickly. Combine this exfoliant to make a mild and nourishing scrub that is gentle enough to use on your face.

Brown Sugar Exfoliant:

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon organic brown sugar
½ teaspoon aloe vera gel

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and aloe vera gel. Apply to your body or face and gently massage for two to five minutes. Rinse with warm water and a washcloth. Use only once per week. For the face, I also recommend natural exfoliants specifically made for the face.

Join The Cleanse

Want to learn HOW to kick sugar cravings for good and achieve clean, naturally glowing skin and vibrant health? There’s an actual process — and I’d love to share it with you! Join me on January 25th for my FREE 2-week Clean Skin From Within Reboot! All you need to be successful during this Reboot is a copy of my book, which you can get FREE here, and join our Facebook group here!

Are you looking for some great tips to stop the cravings NOW? – read my article on how to stop sugar cravings.

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.® – our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe the information we provide will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, I invite you to join us on social media.
I hope you enjoyed these natural beauty tips. Feel free to share them with your friends, and spread the word to promote natural beauty.

I would love to hear about your story. Which strategies have you found to curb the sugar cravings? Do you have a DIY sugar exfoliant recipe you’d love to share?

How To Enhance Your Skin Microbiome

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Skin Microbiome

Our skin is home to a vast array of microbes, and together they make up our skin microbiome. 

Many people typically only think of their skin as it relates to beauty — but our skin’s health is essential to our overall health. After all, it serves as the interface with the outside world. Our skin is our frontline of defense against injury or potential pathogens, and our skin microbiome is the cavalry protecting the frontline.

What’s A Microbiome?

The skin microbiome, or skin flora, is the term used for the trillions of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses – that live on our skin. There are 1,000 different bacteria species and almost 80 different types of fungi species. Some of these species even reside in your gut flora. 

The microbiome changes depending on the location on your body or “eco-niche.” Each species has a preference for the amount of light they can be exposed to and whether the skin is dry, oily, moist, or hairy – so every “eco-niche” has distinct communities of microbes. Also, depending on if you are older or younger, and depending on your gender, certain microbiome species may prefer to live on your skin. For example, a sweaty adolescent male verse an older postmenopausal female will have very different microbiomes. 

How does skin microbiome play a role in our health?

“The human digestive tract contains a delicate balance of microorganisms called the gut microbiome. The balance of gut microbiomes includes friendly bacteria that help regulate harmful bacteria, parasites, or an overgrowth of candida.” -Dr. Trevor Cates, The Spa Dr.

Besides the obvious health implications, body microbiome health matters. This is because a healthy and balanced microbiome will directly impact how your skin looks. Simply put, “as we age, toxins, stress, infections, poor dietary choices, and certain medications can negatively affect the gut microbiome.” 

1. Influence Immune System

Skin microbiome was once thought to only exist on the skin’s surface and not deep into the dermal layers. Later, it was discovered that these microbes could move into the dermis and into subcutaneous fat. Meaning, the skin microbiome can influence and impact our immune systems through contact in these dermal layers. Depending on good microbes’ health, it will affect (negatively or positively) your immune system’s response to pathogens. 

2. Protect Against Infection

Healthy good skin microbiomes and gut microbiomes can protect you against infection. This is because when good microbes flourish, they can crowd out the pathogenic (bad) species. 

Prebiotics are one way to promote the growth and activity of beneficial microbes. Prebiotics are ‘good’ bacteria promoters – like foods, fiber, and herbs. Examples of prebiotics include chicory root, Konjac root, dandelion greens, garlic, leeks, onions, oats, barley, and apples. In case of skin or digestive infections, a prebiotic and probiotic combination is a beneficial addition to your physician’s prescribed treatment plan. 

Another way to protect against infection is by balancing the skin’s pH. Our skin prefers a relatively acidic environment – a pH around 5.0. This slightly acidic environment provides the perfect environment to inhibit pathogenic (harmful) species. Using skin care products that offer an ideal pH balance can help fortify a healthy microbiome to protect against infections and skin breakouts.  

3. Reduce Inflammation

When the body’s microbiome is not balanced, the immune system will respond by releasing agents to balance the system. Unfortunately, the antimicrobial peptide agents the immune system releases cause inflammation and may weaken the skin microbiome and the barrier protection it provides the skin. Also, many other health issues are associated with inflammation. 

On the other hand, good gut and skin microbiome have the opposite effect. A good microbiome inhibits the release of inflammatory compounds from the immune system. Increasing your intake of both prebiotic and probiotic foods can support a healthy immune system to decrease the inflammatory response. 

4. Protection From The Environmental

The microbiome can protect our body from the outside environment. Both these organ systems are responsible for creating a protective barrier against the external environment. Each has its unique mechanisms for interacting with the immune system and working to protect against outside pathogens. In their way, both the skin and gut microbiome can minimize oxidative damage and exposure to allergens and aid in wound healing to repair damaged barrier functions. If we lose beneficial microbes, then we lose their protection.

HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR MICROBIOME

  • Eat prebiotic foods such as flaxseed, chicory root, Konjac root, dandelion greens, garlic, apples, leeks, onions, oats, and barley.  
  • Eat probiotic foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickled produce, yogurt, and kefir.
  • Take a high-quality probiotic supplement daily
  • Cut back on excess carbohydrates and sugars
  • Balance your skin’s pH with natural skincare products formulated with an ideal pH. 
  • Use pure, natural Argan oil to regulate the skin’s acid mantle and impart luminosity, softness, and moisture to your skin.

“There is no magic bullet when it comes to restoring and maintaining a healthy gut and skin microbiome. The good news is that with a few simple changes to your lifestyle you can change you can achieve better health and gorgeous, glowing skin.” 

Would you like to learn more about the importance of gut and skin microbiomes? Then take a moment to watch three of my favorite, very insightful microbiome interviews on The Spa Dr. podcast:

  1. The Microbiome Solution with Naveen Jain
  2. Healthy Skin and The Skin Microbiome with Dr. Trevor Cates
  3. Addressing the Gut Biome with Christa Orecchio

8 Thanksgiving Recipes with a Healthy Twist

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The spirit of Thanksgiving is family, friends, love, inclusion, gratitude, and, last but not least, fabulous food!

Thanksgiving is my favorite, and I’m sure it is a favorite for many of you as well – because regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs, Thanksgiving is about coming together for a delicious meal, surrounded by the people we love, to celebrate family and friendship.

The only downside to this holiday is the danger of experiencing a Thanksgiving “Food Coma” caused by overindulgence. I’m here to tell you that your feast doesn’t have to leave you feeling stuffed like a turkey!

It’s no secret, but many people forget that if you stick with fresh whole foods, you’ll find many nutrient-rich food ingredients in traditional Thanksgiving recipes. These wholesome foods won’t trigger your body to divert massive energy and blood flow to aid digestion after your feast – which will help you avoid that dreaded Thanksgiving Food Coma.

Over the years, along with my friends and family, we’ve taken traditional recipes and omitted ingredients that tax the digestive system and then replaced them with nutritious ingredients that taste amazing and help you stay healthy!

Here are 8 traditional Thanksgiving recipes with a healthy twist — to keep you energized so you can stay engaged in the festivities and enjoy the company of your family and friends all-day long:

POMEGRANATE & WALNUT ANTIOXIDANT-RICH SALAD

This salad is a great way to start your Thanksgiving meal. It is delicious, light, and full of flavorful nutrients!

Ingredients:
6 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup fresh or dried (no sugar added) organic blueberries
½ cup pomegranate seeds
1 cup walnut pieces
½ cup pomegranate juice
2 Tbsp balsamic or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
ground pepper and pinch of salt (to taste)
fresh oregano, basil, or other herbs of choice

Directions:
Place greens, blueberries, pomegranate seeds and walnuts in large bowl. Mix vinegar, pomegranate juice, mustard, salt and pepper with wire whisk until well blended. Add oil, whisking until well blended. Pour over salad, add fresh herbs, and toss to coat with dressing. Serve immediately.

MOM’S RAD SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

Recipe Provided By Gwen Cates

I’m thankful my mom got rid of the marshmallow-topped sweet potato recipe and created a Thanksgiving family favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 6 large sweet potatoes or yams
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tangerine divided into segments
  • ½ cup of coconut milk

Topping:

  • 1 cup dried shredded coconut
  • 2 Tbsp grass-fed butter or coconut oil
  • 3 Tbsp maple syrup

Directions:
Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of water. Drain and slide skins off of potatoes. Mash in a large bowl, add the rest of the ingredients, and mix well. Place in coconut oil greased casserole dish. Spread topping over sweet potato mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes or until warm and topping is lightly toasted.

NATURALLY SWEETENED CRANBERRY SAUCE

Cranberries are antioxidant-rich, but they’re so sour! This naturally sweetened version will reduce the blood sugar spike, and the spices add a unique, delicious take on an old holiday favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh cranberries
  • ¼ cup of water
  • ¼ cup of applesauce
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, all-spice, and/or cinnamon
  • 2 Tablespoons of honey (can reduce if add stevia)

Directions:
In a medium pot, combine the cranberries, pineapple juice, honey, applesauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and add the cinnamon stick and nutmeg. Stir to blend and simmer until some of the cranberries start to burst and some remain whole. Add the orange juice and zest, stir and allow to cool before serving.

LEMON & DILL GREEN BEANS

Throw out the canned green beans w/cream of mushroom soup casserole recipe! This bright dish is a refreshing alternative to any green bean casserole. The lemon and dill vinaigrette is a natural complement to green beans – and it’s delicious at any temperature … hot, room temp, or even cold!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound green beans, prepped
  • 3-4 tsp chopped fresh dill
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp minced shallot
  • 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon-style mustard
  • 1/4 tsp Celtic or Himalayan salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Directions:
Bring about an inch of water to boil in a large saucepan (preferably fitted with a steamer basket). Add green beans, cover and cook 5 to 7 minutes (until tender/crisp). In the meantime, whisk dill, shallot, oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the green beans and toss to coat. Let stand about 5 – 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.

CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

This soup is an excellent complement to green beans and mashed potatoes — It’s also great for leftovers since it stores well and it’s easy to reheat and enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 large butternut squash
  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil
  • ¾ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup thinly sliced carrot
  • ¼ – ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Celtic or Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups free range chicken stock
  • ¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk

Directions:
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Peel the squash and cut into 1-inch pieces. In a large pot, heat coconut oil, and onion over medium heat. Add and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the carrot, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for a minute, and then add squash and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and puree the soup with a hand blender or food processor. Return to heat, add the coconut milk, and season to taste.

ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS

The secret is the apple — apple reduces the bitterness that many people associate with Brussels sprouts, and the pomegranate seeds add an extra festive touch that is delicious!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint Brussels sprouts, cleaned and left whole
  • 1 small apple, peeled, cored and sliced
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts , apple and oil together. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper; spread apple-Brussels sprouts mixture evenly. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes and then sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

GARLIC MASHED “POTATOES”

Mashed potatoes are a delicious addition to the traditional holiday menu. Still, they cause a spike in blood sugar, followed by a crash, and contribute to the dreaded Thanksgiving Food Coma. This creamy mashed garlic cauliflower recipe is utterly delicious (and if you can believe it) and better than mashed potatoes!

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head cauliflower
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk or grass-fed milk
  • Celtic or Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ tsp minced garlic
  • 3 Tbsp grass-fed butter
  • ½ tsp fresh chives

Directions:
Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Steam or boil until cooked but not overdone. Drain well. Add oil, milk, and seasonings, then puree with a hand blender or food processor. Blend until it reaches the consistency of mashed potatoes. Garnish with butter and chives. Serve immediately.

PUMPKIN PIE (DAIRY-FREE, GLUTEN-FREE, ORGANIC)

It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the pumpkin pie. So, drop the guilt, and enjoy a yummy slice of this healthier lower-sugar option. Add a dollop of Coconut Whipped Cream to top it off!

Ingredients:

  • ¼ – ½ cup of raw sugar
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Celtic or Himalayan salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 large organic free-range eggs
  • 1 can (15 oz.) organic unsweetened pumpkin
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 1 unbaked organic, gluten-free 9-inch deep-dish pie shell

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425, combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Beat eggs, stir in pumpkin and then sweetener mixture. Gradually stir in coconut milk and pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake for 15 minutes at 425, reduce temperature to 350, and bake for an additional 40 to 5 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

At The Spa Dr. – our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and to offer guidance that will nurture your skin care journey. We believe the information and resources we provide will help support your self-care, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, we invite you to join us on social media.

Do you have a favorite healthy holiday recipe you’d like to share? Please feel free to add the recipe (or a link to it) in the comments below.

In great gratitude to you all, I wish you a very Happy Healthy Thanksgiving!

The Spa Dr’s Self Facial How-To

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You are not alone if you are missing your facials. As this pandemic continues, and social distancing forces us to forgo some of our favorite beauty appointments, we are all in need of some serious pampering!!

Learning to take care of some of our beauty needs at home is a great way to improve our self-care. Facials and massages are a relaxing form of self-care, but facials, in particular, are an essential part of a healthy skin care routine. That’s why today I’m sharing this step-by-step guide on how to give yourself a luxurious facial from home for a fresh, rejuvenated complexion.

So, get ready to get glowing with The Spa Dr.® Self-Facial!

Intro

To get started, set up a bowl of hot water infused with lavender for added relaxation. To experience the full benefit of this at-home facial, make sure to take slow deep breaths throughout. Then:

  1. Dip a soft washcloth into the bowl of hot water and wring out excess water.
  2. Gently dab the wet washcloth against your face, neck, and décolleté (chest).
  3. Take a few extra moments to linger over each area while using the washcloths and apply even gentle pressure.
  4. Once your skin is damp and you are relaxed and ready to start the facial, set the washcloth aside.

Cleanse

An essential first step of a facial is to cleanse the skin. If you have makeup on, you might want to do a double cleanse to be sure to remove any makeup and dirt remnants to create a fresh, clean canvas for the skin care products to do their job. To cleanse:

  1. Apply a couple of extra pumps of the CLEAR – Gentle Cleanser to damp face and chest in a thick layer. Be sure to treat this like a mask.
  2. Once evenly distributed, slowly work the product into the skin with your fingertips using circular motions. Spend some extra time massaging the cleanser into fine lines, wrinkles, clogged pores, or problem areas.
  3. Splash your face with a little warm water to activate the Aloe, and then continue the circular motions.
  4. To remove the cleanser, use a Konjac sponge, and work in circular motions.
  5. Rinse sponge and repeat as needed until your skin is clean.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation will slough off the top layer of skin cells and help bring fresh young skin cells to the surface to create a healthy, glowing complexion. Also, by removing dead skin cells, you will ensure you get the most out of your products’ excellent ingredients because they can penetrate and do their job. Start by mixing a small amount of Pearl and Rose Petal Exfoliant with 2 pumps of CLEAR – Gentle Cleanser in the palm of your hand. Then:

  1. Apply the mix to your face, neck, and décolleté – moving in small circles to gently work the exfoliant into the skin. Be sure to focus on trouble spots such as hyperpigmentation, impactions, dry patches, fine lines/wrinkles etc.
  2. To remove, use the Konjac sponge to work in circular motions.
  3. Rinse the sponge and repeat until your skin is clean. If exfoliant particles remain, use a warm wet washcloth to remove the rest.

Mask

Purge your pores of impurities and fight the visible effects of pollution for a revitalized look. Masks are excellent for restoring and hydrating the skin while building a healthy skin barrier to protect the skin from the environment and maintain moisture. Some of the most common conditions a mask will treat include breakouts, dehydration, dullness, sensitivity, and sun damage. Start with a:

Sensitivity Test: Place a dab of product on the inside of your elbow area to test for any allergic reaction before use.
If all is well, apply a thin layer of Purifying Mud Mask to your face, neck, and décolleté.
Use a Gua Sha Stone (or knuckles) to massage your face along the jawline, cheekbones, forehead, and décolleté.
After 3-5 minutes, remove the mask with a cold, wet washcloth.

Eye and Lip Treatment

Applying a nutrient-rich serum to these delicate areas of the face is an excellent remedy to help hydrate, rejuvenate, and nourish sensitive skin. Apply:

  1. 1 pump of NOURISH – Antioxidant Serum to the back of your hand.
  2. Eyes – Use a small brush (or your fingertips) to apply the serum under your eyes and around your brow line’s orbital bone. Remember the temple area!
  3. Lips – Apply the serum around your lips in small circular motions.
  4. Use your ring fingers and thumbs to apply soft little pinches around the eyes and lips.
  5. Finish with small little tapping motions over the eyes and lips, using the tips of your fingers.

Serum

Using a serum allover is the best way to hydrate and nourish your skin in order to combat early aging, stress, environmental toxins, and inflammation. Delicately:

  1. Apply a couple of pumps of NOURISH – Antioxidant Serum to your face, neck, and décolleté.
  2. Use your fingers to pat and tap the serum into your skin gently.
  3. Stroke your skin in upward motions to fight gravity!

Moisturize

The overall goal of a moisturizer is hydration and protection. Mix a few pumps of RENEW –  Enriched Moisturizer with a couple of drops of ENHANCE – Glow Boost in the palm of your hand and:

  1. Work into your face, neck, and décolleté using slow upward sweeping movements with added pressure for as long as you’d like.

Massage

The massage is the most relaxing part of your facial and is full of benefits for your skin. The massage encourages blood flow and cellular activity, which stimulates collagen production and aids lymphatic drainage. To optimize the massage, you’ll want to move in up-and-out motions. Think “up for collagen production” and “out for lymph node drainage.” To Start the massage:

  1. Add more serum or moisturizer if needed
  2. Use up-and-out sweeping motions
  3. Take your time
  4. Indulge in the moment
  5. Breath deeply
  6. Thank Yourself!

To see a video of this step-by-step self-facial, check out our Self-Facial Demo on Instagram.

Ready to do your own Self-Facial? Get the Collection HERE:

self facial collection

At The Spa Dr. – our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe the information we provide will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, I invite you to join us at TheSpaDr.com and on social media.

I hope you enjoyed indulging in a Home Self-Facial! Feel free to share this article with your friends, and spread the word to promote natural beauty.

Have any natural beauty tips of your own? Please share them in the comments below!

Herbs For Eczema

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Our skin is a magic mirror. It gives us great clues about our overall health. If you suffer from eczema, a message your skin may be trying to tell you is there is something you are coming into contact with environmentally (including what you put into your body) that is causing an increased inflammatory response in your body.

Our skin has a big job — it is our protection against the external world. When eczema emerges, it is a message we need to pay attention to and then respond by seeking solutions to decrease the sensitivity to environmental agents and calm our overactive inflammatory response.

Eczema comes in many different forms, but it typically emerges in the form of a red, itchy rash or raised skin, which is typically found on the cheeks, arms, and legs. The word ‘eczema’ comes from Greek and means ‘to boil over’, which describes how inflamed eczema or psoriasis skin can look.

Both stress and anxiety at work, school, or home can cause eczema to flare-up. In part, this is due to higher levels of cortisol that trigger the inflammatory response and aggravate skin inflammation issues, including eczema, psoriasis, and other itchy, irritated skin conditions.

In my book Clean Skin From Within, I discuss how what we put INSIDE our bodies can dramatically impact our skin’s health, including our skin’s inflammatory response. In this blog I share some of the same tips and tricks found in my book to help you calm your eczema using herbs. If traditional treatments have been unsuccessful and you want to try something more natural, herbal remedies may provide relief.

Herbal remedies were used for eczema and other skin conditions well before modern treatments existed. Despite the lack of research on many herbal solutions, anecdotal evidence has shown that herbal remedies tend to have fewer side effects than other treatments. 

For Emmett skin types, like myself, addressing the gut/skin microbiome imbalance can help reduce inflammation, focusing on supporting the immune system. Don’t know what skin type you are? Find out your Skin Personality Type and receive personalized skin care recommendations by taking our Skin Quiz. 

Some herbs have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. These properties may help soothe the skin and reduce an overactive inflammatory response, which may improve your skin’s overall health.

Favorite Herbs for Internal Use

Herbs added to meals and smoothies have tremendous benefits, including anti-inflammatory support for healthy skin. I recommend using the freshest, high-quality herbs you can find for the most benefit. Gut health is a critical component of healthy skin. Healthy digestion requires that the gut’s lining have proper permeability to absorb nutrients and properly process toxins. The following herbs can help address some of the root causes of eczema – inflammation and leaky gut.

Marshmallow – is a beneficial medicinal herb, as its soothing properties make it very effective in treating inflammations and irritations of the skin when it comes to eczema. The whole plant, but especially the root, is high in mucilage and highly emollient. Mucilage will create a gel-like substance that can soothe, particularly for inflamed areas of the skin.

Slippery elm – comes from a small tree, and the portion that is used in herbal medicine is the inner bark. Slippery elm can be found in powder form and is well known for its beneficial effect on improving digestive issues such as IBS and inflammation by reducing inflammation to relieve gut irritation and provide a protective layer to the gut lining. In addition to its ability to soothe and protect the digestive system, slippery elm also contains antioxidants, making it an excellent remedy for wounds, burns, boils, psoriasis, and other external skin conditions such as eczema.

Turmeric – is a South Indian herb with long-standing uses as a spice for medicinal and beautifying effects. Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it an appealing treatment option for various skin conditions. Its soothing properties can help relieve the inflammation, redness, and itchiness of eczema. Adding Tumeric to your food can work wonders to improve an inflamed digestive tract.

Licorice root – produces both glycyrrhetinic acid and licochalcone, which are rich sources of antioxidants and have shown to be useful in treating atopic dermatitis. Licorice root is famous for its tummy soothing qualities. Glycyrrhetinic acid and Licochalcone have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Just add a couple of slices to your tea. As a topical gel, licorice root is considered an effective agent for atopic dermatitis treatment.

Favorite Herbs For Topical Use

Herbs and natural substances, such as aloe vera gel, coconut oil and the following listed herbs can moisturize dry, inflamed, and broken skin. Using herbs to soothe inflammation and combat harmful bacteria can aid in reducing the itchiness, swelling, as well as help prevent infection.

Calendula – The marigold flower is an herb useful for healing, soothing, and relieving. Calendula is one of my favorite herbs to use in skin care, as it has so many benefits to the skin. The bright orange color of the marigold flower is attributed to its vitamin A carotenoids. Carotenoids can decrease inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and stimulate epithelial cell growth to promote cell turnover. It contains high levels of flavonoids, such as triterpene saponins and carotenoids, which provide anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects to help skin heal. Calendula’s properties make it useful in soothing eczema and relieving psoriasis.

St. John’s Wort – used in topical creams, this herb appears to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. St. John’s Wort was shown in one study to improve the severity of eczema. Although the mechanism by which St. John’s wort relieves eczema is not yet known, it may be the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of hyperforin, one of its constituents. Are you looking for a cream to soothe your eczema? Try the DIY Healing Balm recipe included below.

Roman Chamomile – is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb that can help calm the inflammation that causes eczema. The overall antioxidative effect of using chamomile has shown to be beneficial as a therapeutic use for many ailments, including eczema. A study found Chamomile to be about 60% as effective as 0.25% hydrocortisone cream in treating eczema. Because it is part of the ragweed family, anyone with a ragweed allergy should do a patch test.

Camelina sativa – (camelina) seed oil is packed with omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E and has similar properties to flaxseed (linseed) oil, but it is much more stable. Camelina nourishes and supports the skin’s natural ability to repair damaged tissues, build a protective coating for hair follicles, and buildup collagen infrastructure for improved elasticity. Camelina also has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a beneficial choice for psoriasis, eczema, etc.

Colloidal Avena Sativa – is well known as oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is a gluten-free oat that has been finely ground. Colloidal oats contain a type of polyphenolic compounds called avenanthramides. Avenanthramides are responsible for the ultra anti-inflammatory, antipruritic (inhibits itching), and UV-protecting properties of oats that are effective in treating eczema. Beta-glucans, which are soothing and collagen-promoting polysaccharides, are also found in oats at very high concentrations, making oats a promising candidate to alleviate the redness and itching of eczema and other skin disorders.

Incorporating Herbs For Skin Care

With herbal skin care, it’s best to start with just a couple of herbs at a time. There are many fabulous DIY herbal skin care recipes available like the Healing Balm recipe included below.

If you are looking for a safe and pure botanical skin care product line, look no further! At The Spa Dr., we only source pure high quality ingredients to use in our formulations. If you are an Emmett Skin Type or suffer from eczema, the following products are specifically formulated to help address your skin issues’ root causes.

The Spa Dr.® Skin & Gut Restore promotes optimal gastrointestinal function to support a healthy gut and skin. It contains valuable herbs, amino acids, and compounds to support optimal gut health, including L-Glutamine, MSM, and N-Acetyl Glucosamine, DGL, Chamomile, Okra Extract, Cat’s Claw, and Aloe Vera. All know to soothe, repair, and support a healthy intestinal lining.**

The Spa Dr.® Skinflam-Ease contains highly bioavailable curcuminoids that support vibrant health. Curcuminoids have antioxidant properties. A proprietary manufacturing process optimizes the absorption rate with natural, skin-friendly ingredients, including herbal ingredients like sunflower lecithin and turmeric oil.**

The Spa Dr.® Microbiome Builder supports healthy gut microorganisms to balance the GI microflora and support healthy GI, skin, and immune function.**


DIY ECZEMA HEALING BALM 

Ingredients:

½ Cup Coconut Oil
1-2 tsp dried Calendula
1-2 tsp dried Chamomile
1/2 tsp dried Comfrey
1/2 tsp dried Plantain Leaf
1/2 tsp St. John’s Wort
1 tsp Melted Beeswax
1 Tbsp Shea Butter
2 Tbsp Rosehip Oil
1 tsp Vitamin E Oil

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Infuse coconut oil by adding herbs to oil in a double boiler over low heat for 3-4 hours.
  • Allow coconut oil to cool, but not solidify.
  • Strain herbs using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
  • Melt and add the beeswax and shea butter into the coconut oil in the double boiler.
  • Add Rosehip and Vitamin E oil
  • Once combined, pour into a glass container and seal tightly.
  • Place balm in the refrigerator to set overnight.
  • Store in a dark, cool, and dry place for up to a year
  • To apply, warm a small amount of balm between fingers and spread onto irritated skin to help soothe and heal.

At The Spa Dr. – our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe the information we provide will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, I invite you to join us at TheSpaDr.com and here on social media.

I hope you enjoyed these natural beauty tips!

Feel free to share them with your friends, and spread the word to promote natural beauty.

Have any natural beauty tips of your own? Please share them in the comments below!

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Herbs For Acne

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Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans, including many adults. Working to address the root causes of acne takes patience. Over-the-counter and prescription treatments may help, though some can cause serious side effects.

In my book Clean Skin From Within, I discuss how what we put INSIDE our bodies can dramatically impact our skin’s health. However, there are still tips and tricks you can use to help with certain skin issues. If traditional treatments have been unsuccessful and you want to try something more natural, herbal remedies may help.

Herbal remedies were used to clear up acne and other skin conditions well before modern treatments existed. Despite the lack of research on many herbal solutions, anecdotal evidence has shown that herbal remedies tend to have fewer side effects than other treatments.

Some herbs have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. These properties may help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, which can help to heal blemishes.

Herbs for Internal Use

Herbs added to meals and smoothies have tremendous benefits for your skin, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidants to support healthy, clean skin. Use fresh, high-quality herbs for the most benefit.

Basil – is one of the best herbs to eat to promote overall health. For the skin specifically, it combats bacteria from the inside out, and keeps free radicals at bay, which reduces inflammation and redness, and acne. Use it in any of your savory dishes, or feel free to throw a few fresh basil leaves in a salad, and even a smoothie.

Oregano – is terrific in relieving an upset stomach, low appetite, depression, and yes, even reducing acne. Oregano contains antibacterial properties and chlorophyll to help fight inflammation that leads to breakouts and acne. Add it to salads, homemade dressings — or any savory dish, and sprinkle a few fresh leaves into your next cup of herbal tea for a beautiful, uplifting drink.

Cilantro – is a detoxifying herb to support your liver, which is vital to preventing illness, acne, and even weight gain. Cilantro is one of the largest sources of chlorophyll of any plant. Chlorophyll is great for the skin because it helps to fight acidity in the body — inducing cleansing, promoting healing, and even combating low blood sugar. Add it to your salads, and even your smoothies. Juice with it, cook savory dishes with it, or try it in new and different ways.

Parsley – is another top detoxifying herb because (like cilantro) it is one of the highest sources of chlorophyll. Parsley is especially rich in Vitamin C. Healthy skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C. So parsley can help support essential functions, like stimulating collagen synthesis or assisting in antioxidant protection to produce healthy barrier protection and combat acne. Eat parsley shredded in salads, juice with it, cook with it, and even use it in smoothies.

Herbs For Topical Use

Tea Tree – Is an herb that can be used to treat skin issues, including acne. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory abilities that may reduce the number of acne lesions. A study on the topical use of 5% tea tree oil compared with 5% benzoyl peroxide, tea tree, was just as effective at reducing acne lesions.

Calendula – The marigold flower is an herb useful for wound healing, soothing eczema, relieving diaper rash, and addressing acne. It has antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. A study found calendula may be useful in treating and preventing acne vulgaris, giving it the potential to help in some acne cases.

Licorice – produces both glycyrrhetinic acid and licochalcone, which are rich sources of antioxidants and have shown to be useful in treating atopic dermatitis. Glycyrrhetinic acid and Licochalcone have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and also offer skin lightening and anti-aging benefits.

Moor Mud – is a therapeutic Austrian peat produced through the natural decomposition of approximately 300 different medicinal species of herbs, flowers, and reeds and is a rich source of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Moor mud is known to have several beneficial properties for oilier skin – including detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, purifying, nourishing, and sebum-balancing.

Grapeseed – contains Linoleic acid and vitamin E, which can help even skin tone and heal blemishes, and repair the skin’s natural barrier. Grapeseed or vitis vinifera extract is rich in polyphenols, such as oligomeric proanthocyanidin and carotenoids. Polyphenols are a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent agents — which means grapeseed can help clean pores and prevent dead skin build-up.

Herbs For Both Internal and External Use

Roman Chamomile – is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb that can help calm the inflammation caused by acne. For internal use, the chamomile in The Spa Dr.® Skin & Gut Restore contains azulene, an ingredient known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and refreshing benefits. For external use, the overall antioxidative effect of using chamomile has shown to be beneficial as a therapeutic use for many ailments, including acne — and it will leave the skin looking soothed and toned!

Green Tea Extract – contains EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) is a polyphenol compound that gets a lot of attention for its potential positive impact on health. EGCg modulates hormonal activity, helping to support hormonal-related acne by attacking free radicals and can improve acne and oily skin by clearing excess sebum that clogs pores. For internal use, the green tea extract in The Spa Dr.® Skin, Hair & Nails Support provides building blocks necessary to support healthy skin. For external use, the green tea extract in The Spa Dr.® RENEW: Enriched Moisturizer blend will naturally restore your skin and protects against oxidative damage.

Dandelion Extract – For internal use, dandelion tea has antiseptic, packed with antioxidants and diuretic properties that can be a powerful weapon in maintaining healthy skin. For topical use, dandelion is high in Vitamin C, making it a powerful antioxidant to fight free radicals. It also contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which a study found to help treat acne in adult women.

Turmeric – For internal use, turmeric is a South Indian herb with long-standing uses as a spice for medicinal and beautifying effects. It contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help relieve inflammation, redness, and itchiness. For topical use, turmeric helps manage microorganism growth on the skin, which helps ward off acne-causing bacteria and prevents other infections from spreading.

Milk Thistle Extract – contains flavonoids that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for acne-prone skin, by helping to balance sebum produced in the skin. For internal use, Milk Thistle can support the liver’s detoxification pathways. For external use, The Spa Dr.®Purifying Mud Mask is suitable for all skin types because it is not drying. This mask is infused with milk thistle extract making it ideal for revealing radiant, healthy-looking skin.

Incorporating Herbs For Skin Care

With herbal skin care, it’s best to start with just a few herbs at a time. Add a few herbs in your recipes for a delicious way to incorporate them internally. For external use, start with a DIY mask or toner, or better yet — look for pure botanical skin care products like these:

The Spa Dr.® Skinflam-Ease contains highly bioavailable curcuminoids that support vibrant health. Curcuminoids have antioxidant properties. A proprietary manufacturing process optimizes the absorption rate with natural, skin-friendly ingredients, including herbal ingredients like sunflower lecithin and turmeric oil.**

The Spa Dr.® Microbiome Builder 60 Capsules supports healthy gut microorganisms to balance the GI microflora and support healthy GI, skin, and immune function.**

At The Spa Dr. – our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information to offer guidance and nurture your skin care journey. We believe the information we provide will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, I invite you to join us on social media.

I hope you enjoyed these natural beauty tips. Feel free to share them with your friends, and spread the word about natural beauty.

Have any natural beauty tips of your own? Please share them in the comments below.

 

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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