Nearly 85% of people will experience some form of acne during their lifetimes.  In general, we consider an acne patient to be a teen, however, the age range includes newborns all the way up to the elderly.  Not only does it range in age, but also in the kinds of lesions present, and the severity of these lesions.  We can be plagued by very mild breakouts, or extreme lesions that produce severe scarring.

Acne is described as a disease of the “pilosebaceous units” of the skin. These “units” house the oil producing glands and tiny hairs that make up your pores.  There is a canal under the pore known as the follicle, this follicle holds the oil gland and hair.  Medically known as the “sebaceous gland”, its job is to secrete an oily substance called sebum.  The sebum is dumped on the hairs inside the follicles, and travels up to the surface of the skin along the hair shaft.  If everything is running smoothly, the oil gland helps remove old skin cells, and keeps the skin well lubricated…

Here are  four major problems we encounter with acne:

1. Excess sebum production

2. An obstruction or impaction in the follicle; also known as retention hyperkeratosis (sticky cells that are not sloughing off )

3. Overgrowth of normal bacteria in the follicle; also known as P. acnes

4. The follicle ruptures or leaks into the surrounding skin and creates significant inflammation

Now, lets look at some of the most commonly used ingredients for controlling and eliminating acne…

Retinoids – Otherwise known as Vitamin A. They stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.  They are also effective in treating hyperpigmentation, roughness, fine lines and wrinkles.  This ingredient also has exfoliating properties.

Salicylic Acid – This is a beta-hydroxy acid.  This acid exfoliates the outermost layer of the skin to provide improved texture and tone.  It also decreases acne bacteria, eliminates excess oil, and helps to reduce the buildup of cells.

Benzoyl Peroxide – This ingredient penetrates the pore to help neutralize the P. acnes in the skin.  BP oxygenates the follicle so that the P. acnes cannot proliferate and cause more trauma and inflammation.

Glycolic Acid – This is an Alpha-hydroxy acid.  This ingredient helps to refine and retexturize the skin.  It also stimulates collagen.

As far as simple and effective procedures for mild acne, microdermabrasion, light peels, or exfoliants are  favorite treatments of mine.  Microdermabrasion is a mechanical form of exfoliation to polish the skin, and help remove those “sticky cells” from the surface.  The skin is softer and smoother, and all products can penetrate better without having to move through a barrier of dead cells.  Light peels and exfoliants are a chemical form of exfoliation.  Working the same way as microdermabrasion to resurface the skin.  Both are very effective!

As far as anti-aging ingredients, two must haves are Retinoids (Vit A) and UV protection (SS).  Also, don’t forget your antioxidants like Vitamin C & E, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Peptides, and DNA Repair products.

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact me through email for any questions!

Have a Beautiful Radiant week!

Namaste,

Lavonne

Are you one of those women who are experiencing the onset of fine lines and the agony of adult acne?  This has become such a common complaint these days for the average aging woman.  You thought you were long past the teenage years, and all of the angst of breakouts and blemishes.  And maybe you never had it as a teen, but now for some reason, acne has decided to make itself at home inside your skin.

Breakouts can happen with all ages and all skin types, and the effect it has on the quality of our life is the same no matter what age you are.  It  has a strong negative effect on our emotional well-being, because the quality of our skin has a lot to do with how we perceive ourselves. 

Hormonal shifts in a woman’s body can have an adverse effect on how the skin looks and feels.  Premenstrual and perimenopausal fluctuations as well as pregnancy hormones can all cause or increase breakouts. 

Are you stressed?   Stress releases inflammatory chemicals in the body,  increases hormonal fluctuations, and creates a  response of over stimulation and exhaustion in the adrenal glands.  Our breakouts become more severe, appearing as deep red cysts under the skin that never really come to a head or can be drained.  These are very painful to deal with.

Some other things you might want to look at are your hairstyling products and makeup.  Are the things you’re using on your hair winding up on your face?  Is your makeup comedogenic (pore clogging)?  Do you frequently change your skincare products ~ challenging  your skin with new preservatives and active ingredients?  Are you constantly pressing your skin against a phone, or habitually resting a cheek on your hand?  Or like so many do, touching your face all the time…all of these things create inflammation in the skin.

Have you changed your eating habits lately?  Do you thrive on a high carbohydrate (ie: sugar, starches, fried foods) diet?  This will increase the development and severity of breakouts.

Sometimes even a change in your environment will trigger acne.  More or less humidity, weather, even the water you wash your face with.

How about going to bed at night without washing your face?  I’m guilty of this one…try keeping the moist facial wipes on your nightstand just in case you’re too tired to get up!  And speaking of sleeping, are you using fabric softener or heavily perfumed soaps on your sheets and pillow cases?  Your skin could be irritated by this also.

Do you have to deal with hair removal?  Are you tweezing, waxing, or shaving?  All of these methods can cause ingrown hairs, resulting in breakouts and even worse…scarring.  Laser hair removal is a great option for this, provided the hair has enough pigment, and is at least semi-coarse or better yet, very coarse.

It is not uncommon for a woman to develop acne for the first time in her thirties and forties.  Postmenopausal acne is common as well.  As you can see, for some, it can be a life long battle, especially if you struggled with it as a teen.

The bad news is:  acne products made for oily teenage skin may not work well for the hormonally challenged over thirty-five age group…

The good news is:  ingredients and technology have come a long way…

We’ll discuss products and procedures for the treatment of acne and wrinkles in part II of this blog.

Stay with me!

Have a great weekend,

Lavonne

Well we’re about two weeks into 2011, and already I feel the relief of closing out 2010.  What a year!  I know for many it posed a myriad of challenges… myself included.  Bitter~sweet. 

As I weaved and bobbed throughout each day, I found myself becoming very aware of some of life’s lessons ~ whether I wanted to learn them or not. It was time. 

I began to attach them to little phrases, quotes, and sayings…and before I knew it, I had a list.  Some we’ve all heard before, and some may be new to you.  Either way, these were the meaningful things I’ve learned to be true throughout 2010… take them in stride or meditate on the meaning that each one holds for you.  But these things I know…

Sometimes you have to lose to win ~ God has a great sense of humor ~ When in doubt, don’t ~ Our feet were put on forward, not backward, for a reason ~ Every day is a gift ~ What other people think of you is none of your business ~ God is always good ~ We are our worst critics ~ Never stop dreaming ~ What you resist, persists ~ Once you know, you know ~ No one is coming to save you! ~ God has a plan for me (& you) ~ You can only avoid yourself for so long ~ Not everyone is good ~ Pray without ceasing ~ It really is about the journey, not the destination ~ Our God is a God of restoration and new beginnings ~ If you think something is missing in your life, it’s probably you ~ We attract what we are, not what we want ~ Let go and let God ~ Don’t let anyone who doesn’t love you, tell you the so-called truth about yourself ~ Stay soft and gentle and you will endure ~ I am so blessed ~ You teach people how to treat you ~ The quality of your life is going to be determined in large measure by the relationships you choose to establish ~ When you acknowledge what has been given you, you open the door to receiving more. And last but not least…When you don’t know what to do, just put your underwear on first! (thanks, Maureen )

Happy 2011 Everyone! 

Namaste,

Lavonne  

• Keep exfoliation to a minimum, 1-2 times per week
• Minimize the use of washcloths and loofahs
• Use a moisturizing soap or cleanser/body wash to cleanse the face & body
• Make time for masks 2-3 times per week; perfect to infuse nutrients into the skin
• Wash with lukewarm water
• Use a moisturizer with antioxidants for the face & body after bathing and when you feel dry
• Use UVA protection on a daily basis for the face, neck & hands
• Keep room temperature around 66 degrees @ night while sleeping to keep moisture in the air
• Carry a lip balm in your pocket for soothing dry chapped lips…with an SPF please
• Protect the hands as well as the face & neck from the elements of harsh weather; their skin is a true indication of our age

Happy Holidays!!

Lavonne

Fresh cut sunflowers

Books

My favorite wine in the perfect glass

A great hair day

A pedicure with a best friend

Warm chai tea latte

Butterflies

Simplicity

Toe rings

Yin yoga class on Sunday evening

Sushi

Picking out a card and reading all of them ~ just to get a laugh…

Summer breezes

Great conversation

Music

Lunch at Panera Bread

A loving family to depend on

Camp fires

Hugs & kisses

Vacations

Girlfriends

God’s love and provision…everyday 

Hope everyone had a beautiful summer!!  xoxo

Namaste,

Lavonne

In our 20′s we need to establish a skincare regimen if we haven’t already done so.  This will ensure our skin looking fresh and youthful for years to come.  Proper cleansing and moisturizing routines are important.  Antioxidants and vitamins are your friends.

In our 30′s exfoliation is essential.  This is the time when skin discolorations and fine lines begin to show.  Exfoliation can help to minimize the effects of sun damage and some hormonal fluctuations either natural or related to pregnancy.  Our focus in this decade needs to be skin texture, tone, and color.  Anti-aging products with more than just one active ingredient are recommended.

In our 40′s our goal is nourishing and strengthening our skin’s natural defenses.  We need to use products that will promote firmness, elasticity and collagen production.  Forty is the new twenty, you know, so no worries at this age.  

As were moving into the 50+ years, many believe what’s done is done.  Not so!  The science of skincare has advanced a great deal, and minimal downtime procedures are all the rage.  Turning our focus on minimizing irritation and maximizing hydration, green tea and hyaluronic acid are the must haves for this age.

Whatever your age – its no matter.  It’s only a number.  What counts is our attitude and beliefs about ourselves.  Beauty begins on the inside.  It’s an attitude – a state of mind.  It’s in the way you walk, talk, and relate to the world around you.  It’s an inner peace that radiates an outer confidence – an intriguing presence about someone.  You can’t find it in a lotion, potion or bottle.  It can’t be manufactured in a lab or purchased at Neiman Marcus.  It is true, genuine and pure.  It is a matter of the heart.

Have a fabulous week and holiday weekend!! 

Namaste,

Lavonne

So –

Just how sun savvy are you…?

Take this True or False quiz to test your knowledge!  

1.  Eighty percent of sun damage has occurred by age 18?

2.  UVA rays are only present at certain times throughout the year?

3.  Sunscreen is the number one anti-aging product that’s a must have?

4.  Tanning beds are safer than the sun?

5.  Sunscreen is not necessary if you have dark skin?

6.  UVB rays cause visible reactions in the skin?

7.  UVA rays are also emitted by fluorescent lights and computer screens?

8.  A tan is an immune function?

9.  If a product contains UVA/UVB protection it is considered “broad spectrum”?

10.  UV rays cause free radicals and damage the skin’s DNA?

11.  UVA rays cannot penetrate through glass and water?

12.  Protecting our skin from the sun should be an everyday habit? 

How did you do…?  See below for the answers! 

Have a great day! 

Answers: 1.T 2.F 3.T 4.F 5.F 6.T 7.T 8.T 9.T 10.T 11.F 12.T

 -  It’s Contagious

-  Free entertainment

-  Can fight stress & depression

-  You can never get too much

-  Strengthens internal muscles by tightening & releasing them

-  Can make you cry…or even maybe pee your pants 

-  Increases blood oxygen

-  You can do it alone or in the company of good friends

-  Stimulates endorphins in the body

-  Good soul food

Six year olds laugh an average of 300 times a day…adults only laugh

15-100 times  ~ go get your silly on today!

In laughter, love, & light

Lavonne 

I was tired today when I went to my mat.  Looking out the windows in the yoga studio brought refreshment and energy to my weariness.  Seeing the “regulars” in class brought comfort and connection.  We all come to our mats for an experience~to carve out a sacred space.

The music was like poetry~perfectly in tune with the postures.  The flow was graceful but strong, and I felt grounded as I moved through the vinyasas.

Sometimes we bring a lot of “stuff” to the mat.  Taking it to the edge, where pushing a little harder would be just enough, but any further would be too much.  We work through it, wring it out, and then leave the rest behind.  Walking away with new perspective, lighter hearts, and clearer minds…we are left feeling like the weight of the world has simply melted away.   

I can’t wait to go to the mat tomorrow.  This is my sacred space.  In the midst of a room full of beautiful people, I carve out a place where I can just be.

Namaste,

Lavonne

Do you ever use the phrase “Im so stressed out”?  I think we all have, and do quite frequently.  Even my thirteen year old talks about how stressed out she is!  We all experience the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of stress. 

Whether its acute or chronic, finding ways to eleviate our frustration can soothe our weary minds.  Here are some of my favorites…   

Take a deep breath…better yet…take many

Think before you speak; act

Take a walk…get some fresh air

Pray…Meditate…Dream

Call or meet with a friend or loved one

Put on some great music…dance and sing your heart out!

Take a power nap

Find the perfect journal and write in it

Yoga, yoga & more yoga

Namaste,

Lavonne