Debbie Davis Owner Archives • Page 32 of 33 • Sleekskin® Aesthetics of Scottsdale AZ offers facials, waxing, make-up applications, and skin care products.

7 Things That Happened When I Drank Mushroom Tonic For A Month

July 26, 2017 by debbiedavis

Mushroom lattes, potions, and tonics have made their debut in the wellness world as practitioners of a healthy lifestyle have begun singing the praises of fungi for their incomparable health benefits and healing and beauty-enhancing capabilities. When I decided to consume mushrooms for a whole month, I started out by setting my parameters. I would focus on the “tonic” or “potion” as the main vehicle of the four mushrooms I had been hearing most about—reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, and cordyceps.

These four medicinal mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries for effects as varied as strengthening the immune system (all of them, but especially chaga); increasing focus, concentration and memory (lion’s mane); supporting a spiritual practice (reishi); and improving athletic performance and sex drive (cordyceps). Read More

Healthy Hydration by Debbie Davis

July 25, 2017 by debbiedavis

You think this is a “dry subject”? Think again! Hydration turned out to be a larger subject than I thought it would be, you will be surprised at the interesting and healthy things that I found! When you are thirsty you’re already dehydrated! In Arizona, we need to drink before we feel thirsty, especially in our dry climate. You lose water when you sweat, exercise, are ill, and even when you breathe. If you feel foggy-headed or dizzy, you’re probably dehydrated. Some other symptoms of dehydration include: headache, irritability, constipation, dark urine, cravings for sugar and salt, dry mouth, joint and muscle pain, dry eyes, nausea/vomiting, and the obvious, dry mouth. Your body is 70% water and it’s needed for every function. Water delivers nutrients to your cells, and of course, your skin. You can use every fabulous skin cream imaginable to no avail, if you are dehydrated! Water is your skin’s best moisturizer because dehydrated skin has microscopic cracks in the surface that allow irritants and pollution to easily penetrate. Skin sensitivities often signal a high toxic load in the body and water is the best remedy. When you are dehydrated , toxins are reabsorbed by the body, stressing your liver and weakening your immune system.

As we age, our cells start to leak intracellular water. This cellular dehydration accelerates aging as well as decreasing fat burning and DNA repair. We can drink more water, but if the cell is “leaky” it can’t hold the water we drink. So what to do?? An interesting idea that I came across in my nutrition studies, is that in addition to drinking, we should consume our water in the form of juicy, nutrient-rich foods and vegetable. Nutrition is brought to the cells through the bloodstream, so they can repair and the leaks can close. The water will stay inside and the rejuvenated cell will be stronger. Fruits like watermelon and strawberries are over 90% water. Other hydrating fruits are grapefruit, cantaloupe, and peaches. Vegetables like cucumbers and lettuce have a water content of over 96%! Honorable mention goes to soups and bone broth as ” hydration foods”. Bone broth is fantastic for collagen building! You can make it yourself (recipes online) or find it ready-made in Sprouts. If you are hungry, drink water first, as thirst is often confused with hunger. Each time you hydrate you give your cells the necessary water for cellular growth and proper function, giving you more energy! As a side note for health, if you are drinking plenty of water and are still getting dehydration symptoms, you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue. The adrenal glands are two tiny organs sitting on top of your kidneys. They regulate hormone levels and are tied to our stress levels. Adrenal health is another subject, and you may consult your physician to know more.

Most experts agree that you should drink half your body weight in ounces each day. So if you weigh 140 lbs. this equates to ingesting 70 ounces. I fill up a 32 ounce container about twice a day, and that serves as a good visual for me to track what I’m drinking. It is best to drink 2-3 ounces at a time with meals, during and after exercise. Drink pure, high quality water preferably in glass containers. Plastic is particularly bad to drink from in our Arizona heat, as it leaches some unhealthy chemicals into the water. Reverse osmosis water is good, but can be acidic, so adding some liquid minerals helps. You can click on the article linked on this subject at the end. Some good choices for magnesium – rich waters include Evian, Vichy, and Volvic. A common complaint that I hear is that people find water “boring”, so I will give you plenty of healthy, tasty options.

Berry Water – You can use raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries and fresh mint (organic please!) and add any of these to a bottle of cool water and let it sit for a few hours. The water will take on a nice color and the mint will cool the body down as well. You will get the wonderful antioxidants as you bathe your cells in a deep drink!

Lemon Water – You can juice fresh lemons or limes to your water and add some stevia or raw Manuka honey to make lemonade with fresh mint leaves added, and you’ve got a cool summer drink. I have written on this subject as a great” first thing in the morning” drink to clean your liver, boost your immunity, collagen synthesis, and start your digestive tract moving! You can also add in some raw apple cider vinegar to taste for a potassium-rich alkalizing drink that lowers blood sugar and helps you digest animal protein. Much has been written on the benefits of adding apple cider vinegar to your diet! Important to note is that controlling your blood sugar will help you preserve your hydration levels. Elevated blood sugar exits through

the kidneys and carries needed water with it!

Unsweetened Cranberry Juice – don’t pucker your lips-you can add stevia or raw honey to sweeten! Cranberry juice reduces cellulite and fluid build-up in tissues while it hydrates and flushes a sluggish lymphatic system. Your “Cran-Water” should be filtered and non-carbonated to help rid the body of waste and to keep tissues moist and lubricated (great for skin!). These potent red berries are loaded with organic acids and antioxidants for liver detoxification. You make your own by boiling a 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries in 4 cups of water until they “pop”. Strain the juice, add your stevia and it will make 32 ounces. You then mix 4 ounces of the cran-water into 28 ounces of water. This will make 4 days worth of cran-water!

Rooibus Tea – (Ruy-bos). Tea has powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals with great flavors. I suggest herbal non-caffeinated varieties to preserve hydration, and Rooibus is amazing! This delicious, calming tea from South Africa is known to protect against cancer, lowers blood sugar, reduces inflammation, and prevents heart disease. It does not contain caffeine like green and black tea, so you can drink as much as you want anytime. One of the best benefits is the mineral content of magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Rooibus is so gentle and soothing that many mothers in South Africa use it to soothe colic babies! Red Rooibus has a delicious nutty and sweet flavor. I get a great organic blend with vanilla by the Organics brand at Safeway.

Green Juice – There are many versions of this and much has been written on the benefits of juicing. I like this blend for good hydration; coconut water, green apple, cucumber, celery, lemon, some lettuce greens, and stevia to taste if you need more sweetness.

Coconut Water – A perfect hydrator with natural electrolytes. Electrolytes are important to include for their role in fluid regulation, muscle contraction, and nerve function. They are found in good balance in coconut water and sea vegetables and also have a healthy mineral content. If you are watching your blood sugar levels, restrict the coconut water as it does contain sugar, as do the following selections.

Cactus Water – Prickly Pear Juice is another good source of antioxidants to revitalize your skin and body. Try drinkcaliwater.com to order.

Maple Water – Tasty, delicious, and a new rival to the coconut water industry. Find it at Whole Foods, Trader Joes, or drinkmaple.com.

Watermelon Water – Along with lycopene, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, this also contains another powerful superstar amino acid called Citrulline. This gets converted in our bodies to create nitric oxide, which lowers blood pressure and causes blood vessels to relax, prevents fat accumulation, and can also improve erectile dysfunction in men! You thought this was going to be boring? You can go to wtrmlnwtr.com to order this juice or put watermelon in your blender!

One last question that people ask about hydration – Is carbonated or sparkling water as good as drinking “still” or regular water? Experts agree that carbonated water hydrates just as well as regular water, but that you may feel fuller as your body processes the carbonic acids, which may cause you to ingest less. No doubt, water is “life” to our cells and the gateway to health! Are you still here?? Wow! Thanks for “drinking all this in!”

Debbie Davis writes an article each month for her blog on sleekskinaz.com to offer helpful information to create, her signature phrase, “radiant skin from within”. She is a licensed aesthetician and holds a certification in holistic nutrition. Since much of this information includes dietary suggestions, she advises that you always check with your healthcare professional.

5 Foods That Boost Your Skin’s Natural Sun Protection

July 5, 2017 by debbiedavis

As we edge toward summer, I get a lot of confused clients when it comes to dealing with sun exposure. I don’t blame them; there is a lot of contradicting information. My bottom line is this: Food is our first line of defense. What we eat can have a big impact on how our skin manages the sun. Eating certain fruits and veggies give us the raw materials to build our own sun protection, from the inside out. READ MORE HERE

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT: Overnight Facial Exfoliant

June 20, 2017 by debbiedavis

Use for all skin types except very sensitive skin.
Glycolic is a naturally-occurring non-toxic Alpha Hydroxy Acid found in Sugar Cane. In comparison to other Alpha Hydroxy Acids it is known to have superior penetration due to its small molecular size. The acid aid in the removal of dead skin cells, brightens dull skin, increases collagen production, reduces the appearance of fine lines, sun damage and hyper pigmention.The Overnight Facial Exfoliant diminishes the appearance of large pores and acne scaring while clearing skin of blackheads and oil. This exceptional 15% concentration serum also contains Apple Source Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Organic Botanical Extracts.

Benefits:

Effective treatment for oily/acneic/combination skins, aids in keeping pores clear.
Aids in diminishing appearance of excessive pigmentation.
Conditions and refines dry, damaged mature skin.
Ideal for anyone looking to minimize fine lines and signs of aging.
When starting a client on a glycolic regimen, stress that they should follow product instructions carefully to allow their skin to adjust gradually and prevent excessive irritation

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Glycolic Acid (derived from Sugar Cane), Apple (Malic) Acid, Coconut Triglycerides, Cetyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Caprylate and Glyceryl Undecylenate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerine, Organic Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Extract, Organic Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Extract, Organic Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) Extract, Iron Oxides.

Purchase yours here: goo.gl/VGnVDb

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT: Bearberry Brightening Cream

June 5, 2017 by debbiedavis

Use for Acne-prone skin.
Bearberry Brightening Cream is formulated to visibly improve the appearance of aging, blemish prone or pigmented skin. A synergistic blend of natural source Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Azelaic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) and Alpha Arbutin improves skin texture and the appearance of hyperpigmented spots, reducing red blotchiness and the severity of fine lines. Niacinamide stimulates collagen synthesis and the production of ceramide, a lipid compound that contributes to the functional and structural integrity of the skin barrier.

Recommendations:

Azelaic Acid – 10% – Is a pharmaceutical anti-acne agent that provides antibacterial and comedolytic effects. It is effective against a number of skin conditions, from mild to moderate acne. It helps to stop the growth of skin bacteria that causes acne and keep the skin pores clean. Azelaic acid is also a reversible inhibitor of tyrosinase, delivering whitening effects to the skin.
Niacinamide – 5% – Is an active form of Vitamin B3 that offers a number of benefits for aged and photodamaged skin and improved skin moisturization. Niacinamide is effective in improving skin texture and improving the appearance of hyperpigmented spots and red blotchiness, in addition to reducing the severity of fine lines. It stimulates collagen synthesis and production of ceramides, a lipid compound that contributes to the functional and structural integrity of the skin barrier.
Alpha Arbutin – Ten times more powerful than standardized arbutin. Derived from bearberry, it is an alternative to hydroquinone and Kojic acid for brightening and lightening skin color or to remove brown age spots. It inhibits the body’s production of tyrosinase and suppresses unwanted pigmentation rather than killing pigment-producing cells.

Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Sorbitol, Vegetable Glycerine, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Aqueous Extract of Cyanidium Algae (Tego Stemlastin), Cistus Incanus Extract (and) Maltodextrin (Tego Cistus), Stearic Acid, Olus Oil, Polyacrylamide/C13-14 Isoparaffin/Laureth-7, Alpha Arbutin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.

Purchase your very own here: goo.gl/Yk3FaY