Ayurveda. Daily Self-Massage: A New Lustrous You.

In Ayurveda, abhyanga or daily self-massage with warm oil is considered as essential as brushing your teeth.  It brings luster to your skin, maintains your beauty and prevents aging.  Start with warm oil  (warm an 8 oz. bottle under warm tap water or immerse it in a pot of warm water) and massage your scalp using vigorous circular motions; move to your face massaging around your hairline, forehead, light circles around the eyes and temples, more pressure under the cheek bones and the jaw line.  Before moving to the front and back of your neck, massage your ears.  Massage your upper spine and then move to your arms and shoulders, abdomen, hips and buttocks.  Massage your legs and thighs and finally your feet.  Always massage toward the heart using long strokes in broad areas and circular strokes in rounded areas such as the head and around the joints.  Pay particular attention to your head, ears, large joints and feet.  From start to finish, your daily massage should take about 15 minutes.  Ayurveda favors cured sesame oil (organic, light, cold pressed), but almond, jojoba, olive and coconut oils are also beneficial.  You can add essential oils to the base oil for greater therapeutic effect.  Complete your daily massage in the morning before your shower; if possible, let the oil absorb for 15-20 minutes before showering. 

 While abhyanga is a way to nourish yourself, it also provides direct therapeutic effects:  releasing toxins in your joints, skin, and tissues; leaving your skin feeling nourished, moisturized, supple and lustrous; strengthening and toning your muscles; calming your mind and nervous system; lubricating your joints; increasing circulation, stamina and mental alertness; enhancing sleep; promoting hair growth; assisting in balancing the endocrine system; and stimulating internal organs. 

Don’t hesitate to incorporate abhyanga into your daily routine.  In just 15 minutes a day, you are on your way to “A New Lustrous You.”

Essential Oils: The Power of Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy teaches us that essential oils have therapeutic properties.  Essential oils are extracted from plants.  Depending on the oil, different parts of the plant are used.   Essential oils are most commonly inhaled or applied topically to the skin diluted in a carrier or base oil.  When inhaled, they enter the circulatory system via the lungs and the limbic system via the nose.  Due to their molecular weight (essential oils are very volatile and evaporate easily), they can penetrate the skin and enter the circulatory system.  Essential oils are very powerful and if not used properly, can have a toxic effect.  Each essential oil has certain properties that can be used for a variety of conditions.  For example, the essential oil of peppermint has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat various skin conditions including acne.  Most essential oils require dilution in carrier or base oil before applying to the skin.  The most commonly used carrier oil is sweet almond oil, a light oil that is used for its nourishing properties; it is ideal for dehydrated, chapped skin.  Apricot kernel oil is also very light and is easily absorbed into the skin.  It is excellent for treating inflammation, mature, dry, and sensitive skins.  More than one essential oil can be blended with a carrier oil.  This blending of essential oils is both a science and an art, a science because knowledge of the chemical composition is required before combining oils and an art because the effect of the blend must not only be therapeutic but pleasant.   Aromatherapy is not for the unitiated or the untrained.  To locate a qualified aromatherapist, check out the following website: www.aromatherapycouncil.org

Parabens in Cosmetics: The Real Deal.

Parabens have been a controversial subject since a 2004 study reported that cancerous breast tissue contained parabens.  What are parabens?  They are synthetic preservatives used commonly in cosmetics, skin care, hair care, and shaving products, deodorants and antiperspirants, foods and drugs.  In 2007, the FDA issued a notice stating that there is no reason for consumers to be concerned about parabens in cosmetics; however, it would continue to evaluate data in this area.  www.fda.gov.  Although further research is required, experts agree that simply knowing that parabens can be absorbed in the skin and retained in breast tissue is a step in the right direction.  Proponents of parabens tout their effectiveness as a preservative that protects against microbial growth.  They state that the paraben levels in cosmetics are minimal and thus, not dangerous.  Parabens are more effective and less expensive than natural preservatives.  Further, they argue that the link between paraben use and breast cancer is tenuous at best.  Opponents of parabens say that despite inconclusive evidence that parabens are dangerous, they would rather be conservative in their approach and avoid them altogether.  They argue that natural preservatives, while more expensive offer a safer alternative.  They are also skeptical of FDA proclamations as the FDA does not regulate cosmetics.  In fact, cosmetic manufacturers may include any ingredient they choose except for a few prohibited ingredients.  Cosmetic ingredients are reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) which is comprised of cosmetic manufacturers; essentially a self-policing organization.  If after reviewing the data, you want to eliminate products containing parabens you should start by reading the product label or checking ingredients online.  Products with the following ingredients should be avoided: methylparaben, proylparaben, butylparaben, benzylparaben, ethylparaben, and isobutylparaben.  If the ingredient “fragrance” is listed, it could contain parabens.  Cosmetic manufacturers are required to list all ingredients except for fragrance as it is considered a “trade secret."  While parabens remain controversial, it is best to be diligent when choosing skin care and cosmetic products.  For a blog dedicated entirely to a paraben-free world, see:  Paraben Free Princess.

The Starting Point for Gorgeous Skin: Your Skin Type.

Before investing in expensive skin care products, it pays to have a professional skin care therapist assess your skin type. This is completed during a comprehensive skin analysis:  examining the skin under a magnifying lamp as well as touching and pinching the skin to determine its texture and elasticity.  Don’t worry eye pads are permitted.  There are five different skin types:  oily, normal, combination, dry and sensitive.  Oily skin produces excess sebum (oil).  Larger pores in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), as well as other areas of the face characterize this skin type.  Breakouts are common.  Many individuals make the mistake of over-cleansing, which can send oily skin into overdrive.  Balancing oily skin requires a water-based hydrator and proper exfoliation.  Normal skin has a good oil-water balance.  The pores may change from small to medium just outside the T-zone and it is usually blemish-free.  Maintenance and prevention are the keys to treating this skin type.  Combination skin can be both oily and dry or oily and normal.  At the T-zone, pore size changes from medium to large.  Combination skin requires balancing; deep cleansing and regular exfoliation keep it clear.  Water-based products work best.  Smaller pores characterize dry skin.  Due to insufficient oil production, dry skin is more susceptible to environmental factors.  It can feel rough or tight.  Oil-based products can help hold in moisture and protect dry skin.  Sensitive skin is characterized by redness and can be fragile or thin.  It is easily irritated by products and by the environment.  Nonirritating, calming products work best for this skin type.  Make sure your beauty dollars produce results:  invest in a comprehensive skin analysis.