Luscious natural lashes

Raise your hand if you’re like most of my clients and do not have an eyelash routine at all? Come on, be honest. (and please, please be honest with your skincare professional, chances are we already know.) If the only thing your eyelashes ever get to hang out with is your mascara, this blog entry is for those of us who simply take our eyelashes for granted.

Maybe you do not intend to take your lashes for granted, you’re just like me and find it an insufferable process to actually find a mascara that works for your tends-to-be-watery eyes? Maybe you’ve heard about lash lengthening Latisse (prescriptive strength) and you’ve seen others with great results, but you simply cant afford it, or you are not quite daring enough to use it if you have light colored eyes, and do not want to turn your blue eyes brown.

After many trials and a few tribulations, we have finally come up with a proprietary blend that has produced noticeable results without side effects nor chemicals. It is very important to note that many scientists have studied hair loss (eyelashes included), and nothing can replace missing and needed valuable nutrients, specifically fat soluble vitamins, b-vitamins, vitamin C and collagen when discussing lashes. It is always encouraged to see your Physician if you are experiencing sudden or drastic hair loss as this could be the way your body is telling you something is going on. Do not ignore these signs. Remember: we treat healthy bodies!

Back to the great news. If you would like to lengthen your lashes (or brows) we are offering a fabulous nighttime serum that is applied just like you would apply mascara – only this is applied at night. We have packed it full of Omega-6 fats, proteins and vitamins that encourage lash growth. We have also included anti-inflammatory oils that not only moisturize the area around the eye but are also anti-wrinkle. In addition, there are no seed (nut) oils included – so even those with peanut allergies can enjoy this fabulous nighttime serum.

To purchase, visit our Etsy shop, or if you are a client of About Face, ask that one be available at your next scheduled treatment.

Ingredients: pure forms of Emu oil, castor oil, Vitamin E and lavender essential oil. Directions for use: apply once a day at night to freshly cleaned skin.

Safety: do not reuse or share with anyone your mascara wand/applicator or bottle. If at any time, you are diagnosed with an infection of your eye, throw away all mascara and eye lash serums and start with new product once your infection has cleared.

Are you ready to be pain free and/or are you ready to get moving?

If you read the above headline and shouted (yes!) then this post is for YOU.

I am excited to be able to share this fantastic opportunity with our clients in and close to Murfreesboro, TN. I have recently partnered with Murfreesboro H3O (click on logo to go to their website).

H3O Aquatics is the most advanced and accessible warm water therapeutic exercise and recreation center in the world and it is right here in Murfreesboro. This facility has been on my radar for quite some time, and I, myself finally started to use the facility. Not only is this business locally owned, it is Veteran owned. They do amazing things for Veteran’s in our community. On my second visit there, I met a Vietnam Veteran who looked me in the eyes and said “you know, this is only my second time here. I just walked 2 miles. In the past several years, I have barely walked from my bed to my living room. This place, well this place gives me HOPE”. If you know me, you know my dedication to Veteran’s.

• Warm Water Therapy and Fitness  (NO Physician NOTE  Required)!
• Exercise on your own with Underwater Treadmills, bikes, and other aquatic equipment  cost is .25 per minute per person, or $15 per hour.
• Individual and small group Personal Training, Rehab, and Swim Lessons – personal
• Yoga, Pilates, Zumba®, Kickboxing, and Tai Chi in heated therapy pools
  • If you are a person with MS, Tai Chi is highly recommended
  • Want to have personal training, but can’t afford the price? No problem – find 3 of your friends to join you and pay just $10 each for the class. (this is $10 per person times 4 – to meet the training fee of $40). Read more by clicking here.
• HydroMassage bed provides a custom heated massage (and is one of Lori’s favorite things. ($7.50 for 30 minute massage or $15 for 1 hour massage). This is a private room with a hydromassage table that you control yourself using the touch screen pad.
• Designed for those who can not swim, private bathrooms, wear comfortable clothes
• Adults, special needs and abilities, and children age 4 and older (must be potty trained)
• Walk-in’s are accepted to work out or for hydromassage – but they also take reservations and if you have a tight schedule, I recommend you schedule a time just for you.

If you are one of our clients who has been struggling to lose weight, improve your physical fitness or just need a friendly, no judgment zone place to work out – this is the place.

You know I always come with good news, right? Right! So, here it is:

First, if you want to go into Murfreesboro H30 on your own – go on in and meet Captain Burrows and take a tour of the facility. Plan on staying and trying out the hydromassage table for 30 minutes (no change of clothes or towel needed) – or – exercise in one of their heated therapy pools for 30 minutes for FREE. All you have to do is say “About Face” to Capt. Burrows or one of his staff and it will be completely free. They’ll try not to pivot and march away from you (ha)! One per person only, please. (If you happen to be in the treatment room anytime soon, I do have printed gift certificates available for this free session as well).

Next, we are kicking off our About Face wellness program. This is a program for active About Face Clients only. How do you know if you are an active About Face client? You are if you have been in and treated at least one time in the last calendar year. If you haven’t been in during the last 12 months, you know how to take care of that! Click here to schedule an appointment! This is necessary because in order to create an affordable well-rounded wellness program that works for everyone, I have to know you. During your treatment, we’ll multi-task and get your skin in shape too. There will be a free informational hour long session at About Face on Wednesday, January 20th, 2016. Pre-registration is required. At this information only session we will go over the program outline. No one-on-one skincare or wellness counseling will be offered during this hour (other than in group conversation). Bring a notebook and something to write with. 

There is a registration fee of $20 to join this group. Contact us by emailing us at (thatwoodardgirl12@gmail.com) or by sending us a message via our Facebook page by clicking here. You may also leave a voicemail or send a text to (615) 796-1915. This phone is not typically answered during the day while we are treating patients, but we will call you either in between or after we are finished.

What kind of wellness program is this?

This will be a 6 days a week, daily opportunity program for you to improve your wellness. There is no on-going fees for this program, with the exception of our group sessions at local businesses.

For example: I have already reserved private sessions at Murfreesboro H30. Some of the first sessions are:

Wednesday, January 20th – 2pm

Friday, January 22 – 7pm

These one hour private sessions are open to the first 8 About Face Wellness (AFW) registered participants. You will be able to get an entire one hour training session personalized for you – for just $10. These dates and times are FCFS. Once you are registered for AFW, you will receive a calendar of daily activities.

In addition to Murfreesboro H30, we’ll be doing group walking hours where I’ve also invited local wellness professionals to join us on this walk and answer any questions! (no cost to you). In other words, some activities will be free and some will have small fees if you chose to join us when we use local facilities. Lori has been working hard to reserve times and dates at local wellness places at reduced costs for this groups participants.  These group activities will include something for everyone, and Lori will be attending all. To ensure the safety of group members, we will not be publicly posting our walk locations. All activities and locations will be sent to only AFW participants.  What’s better than group safety, physical fitness and affordable wellness? The only thing better than this is that AFW participants will be earning points for every AFW group activity they attend for Free skincare or laser treatments. I told you this was going to be good. So….

NOW? 

Step 1: register for the program.

Step 2: register for the information only session, Wednesday, Jan 20th – 9am (not mandatory for group participation). Non attendees will receive information via email.

Step 3: Start moving!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product review: Instantly Ageless

The video above was posted to my Facebook timeline asking for a review of sorts, from a high school friend. I’m sure she did not expect this review. In the field of aesthetics, the one thing we all can 100% count on is a new “product of the day” with extreme promises, miracle status, insert glory music and all. Is it true, and does it work for all? First, let me give you a little disclaimer. I am clinically trained and holistically balanced. Yes, I have sat in far too many “pharma” presentations. Do some of their drugs deliver? YES. Do I, or any of the Physicians I have ever worked with blindly follow them along like Lemmings? NO. We do not take kick-backs (that’s actually illegal) and they do not get paid for writing prescriptions. I am a believer in eastern medicine. I am also a believer in western medicine and I long for the day they live in perfect harmony. I know the services I deliver are unique. I know that most “professional advisers” will tell me my business model will fail because I refuse to sell ridiculously expensive 6 step skincare lines. To this I say: “watch me”. In business school, I had a mentor who was MIT educated. I mentioned “well rounded” students in a conversation, to which he replied: “MIT didn’t much care if you were “well-rounded” (for the program I entered), as much as our ability to focus on Math”. That has stuck with me. I sell laser. A laser platform that cost more than many homes – and one that I have spent more years training on than I have mothered my son.  Delivering safe, efficacious anti-aging medical laser treatments is my focus. Do I recommend products? Sure. “As needed” and very specific to you. I will always believe that those who take to main stream media and recommend “skincare” lines – whether they be “natural” or “chemical” are delivering a bit of fraud. UNLESS, they have studied skin, have credentials, know how tissue responds (well, or poorly) to any product or service, as well as review any medications & supplements you take (and know what that means, or what the contraindications are) – you should regard them as, perhaps, the same you would a girlfriend. But not your skincare professional. What is the difference? Training. Education. The ability and knowledge to know when to tap out. To a Physician. (Personally, I have a supervising Physician who has been in this field for almost 30 years, and then a medical director to also meet the State of TN guidelines. In my past, I have opened, assisted with the opening, or act as the Practice Administrator for roughly 27 local medical practices. With few exceptions, I highly regard these Physicians and know the blessing that has been afforded to me with the ability to “curbside” text or call them. Of course, this is a two-way street. About Face, (all pun intended) is the best thing I have professionally done so far. If any of my strategist friends are worried, I just counted, I have 16 ninety-minute laser services to deliver by the close of business Monday. It’s going to be okay. (If you’re still worried, look how much fun & handsome my son is!)

Ready for the review? Let’s break it down!

Water. First and largest ingredient (92%). Water is relatively free and you should be drinking plenty of it! Use COLD water compresses or ICE and the puffiness under your eyes will go away, too. Eyes are very vascular organs and often the puffiness is simply vessels that are swollen. If you ice the skin under your eyes, your makeup will apply flawlessly. Want to take ice to the next level? Buy yourself a jade roller. It looks like the photo below and is very inexpensive. As in $10. If you need one, let me know. Mine is kept in my freezer. Used religiously every morning. Roll down the face (right over your closed eyes) and you have instant lymphatic drainage for your face. 

Sodium Silicate: Most commonly used in cements, passive fire protection, textile & lumber processing, refractories, and automobiles = and apparently now – for a volatile area of skin under your eyes. Help me, Lord! 

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate: has one of two meanings in skincare products. Either, the presence of a white chalk-like powder that occurs naturally in nature in soil clay, or manufactured industrially for use in products. This form of magnesium aluminum silicate is sometimes referred to as white clay, hectorite or kaolin. It is considered “generally safe”, but the FDA warns that it should be a very limited use. This products version is manufactured industrially.

Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (trade name Argireline and technically known as acetyl hexapeptide-3/Centerchem.  Argireline is a synthetic peptide that is manufactured in Spain. According to their Web site, “Argireline works through a unique mechanism which relaxes facial tension leading to a reduction in superficial facial lines and wrinkles with regular use. Argireline has been shown to moderate excessive catecholamines release.” Whether or not that is true when applied topically comes only from their information, read: there are no published research studies substantiating any use of Argireline topically on skin. So, what are Catecholamines? They are compounds in the body that serve as neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, adrenaline, and dopamine. Epinephrine is a substance that prepares the body to handle emergencies such as cold, fatigue, and shock. A deficiency of dopamine in the brain is responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. None of that sounds like something you want a cosmetic to inhibit or reduce, correct? If acetyl hexapeptide-8 really worked to relax your facial muscles, it would work all over the face, would it not? So why just pick on the eyes? If all the muscles in your face were relaxed you’d have a sagging mess! You will not have youthful skin, not to mention, following this logic – it would affect your hand if you apply it with your fingers, correct? If this is true and you’re not prepared to glove up each time you apply this product, then please do not apply mascara afterwards. Also, do not pick up a steaming cup of hot coffee near small children or animals – and DO NOT drive your children to school! Paralysis of muscles is no joke.

In regards to working “just like Botox”, regardless of your feelings about injectible Botox – there IS a clinical study that says, basically: NO. I’m surprised my friends at Allergan are not all over this statement.  The clinical study reveals that this ingredient is not even remotely as effective as Botox in reducing wrinkles. If you are a non-believer in clinical studies because of their funding source, simply remember that regardless of who one is paid by, clinical studies must be able to scientifically prove something, or not.  (Source:www.cremedevie.com/clinical_details.htm; International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2002

Phenoxyethanol. A chemical preservative (glycol ether) often used in dermatological products such as skin creams and sunscreen. It is a colorless oily liquid. It is abactericide (usually used in conjunction with quaternary ammonium compounds), often used in place of sodium azide in biological buffers because phenoxyethanol is lesstoxic and non-reactive with copper and lead. It is used in many applications such as cosmetics, vaccines and pharmaceuticals as a preservative.

Last ingredient besides artificial colors: Ethylhexylglycerin. This serves as a surfactant and preservant enhancer and acts as a safe preservative in minute amounts. It is a proven preservative-enhancer and is often used instead of controversial parabens, Synthetically derived from glycerin and works by reducing inter-facial tension on the cellular walls of micro-organisms, promoting their more rapid destruction and a wider spectrum activity. Known and published safety measures and side effects: “Although Ethylhexylglycerin is generally considered safe, it has been found to be an irritant to the skin in two studies, causing allergic contact dermatitis”. Beautiful, tight reactive skin around swollen eyes – just what your dermatologist or ophthalmologist wants to see! 

A quick glance at actual customer reviews shows and average of 3 stars. The most common complaint is that it works to smooth the skin around the eyes – until you apply make-up or any other liquid.

There you have it. My review. If you still think it’s worth a go, I noticed it ranges from $8 – $130 on Amazon.

What would I rather you do? Drink water, use ice or a jade roller, ingest a lot of Phytonutrients (carrots, even!) via juicing – and yes, another product I DO love, Juice Plus. But, that review is for another day.

Now, back to attempting to process the Laser Bikini line hair removal special ($250 for up to 12 treatments!) and 3 Cellulite shrinking body wraps with free laser genesis for the face ($300) – ends today, and I may crash this server. Happy Friday the 13th!

Now, take your vitamins – OR wear them!

All of this talk about body butter! I’ve always used it, especially in the winter. I am always surprised that more people are not making their own versus spending *and I gasp…upwards of $38 for a very small spa quality butter. Spa quality, meaning luxurious feel and sometimes even an amazing smell, but still full of industrial chemicals. At About Face, we believe that quality doesn’t mean expensive and our proof is in our butters. We make a batch,  it sells out in minutes. Container sizes got all personal and competitive in the last few weeks with clients asking for larger jars to take home. As those jars waited “in-spa” ready to be picked up, clients would ask – how does she get a larger jar than me? Oh, how I love you all.  

 

You should have my basic recipe by now. If you do not, use the search bar to find the recipe posted to this blog in the past. Let’s be clear, I want my own family to have skin that is soft, not-dry, scar free and beautiful – but, I also want it to be healthy and have no chemicals added to their bodies. So, here’s the “why” of making (or purchasing inexpensively at About Face) body butter.

1. First and foremost – very important! Everything you put on your skin is absorbed into your body. In most cases, ingredients pass through your liver within 20 minutes.  Using natural body butter recipes means you’re feeding your body vitamins and healthy oils every time you slide some on.
Body butters are rich in essential Omega 3 fats. Omega’s  moisturize your skin and do an over the top awesome job of helping to calm inflammation. (pay attention lymphatic folks, autoimmune disorder folks – ie – MS, Fibromyalgia, Psoriasis sufferers, etc).  Body butters also have high levels of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E and A, which help reduce age-related skin damage.  Ready for this? Feed your skin good nutrients, keep the skin from unnecessary stretching due to inflammation and aging – plus have fabulous skin? Yes, please.

So, I knew I needed to make these, but how did I select and perfect the recipes? Trial, error and research – that’s how.  A disclaimer here, I grew up watching in the kitchen of my grandmother, Jennie Shaw Roberts. Gram Roberts was not only one of the most influential people in my life, she raised her siblings, her children – and even 4 grandchildren, as her own. Many of these years, she didn’t actually have enough (The Great Depression was real, folks).  Oh, baking or canning day when I was little! Gram always wore an apron – that we would “sneak” to untie. Every time we snuck, she’d exclaim – “oh dear me suds, how did my apron come untied” as we rolled away in fits of laughter.  Jennie rarely measured anything. Her written recipes (in her own handwriting) are some of my most favored treasures. The problem is – what is a tiche? A pinch? Is my pinch or tiche bigger than hers? Why can’t I get soft molasses cookies to look and taste like hers? Which version was my favorite? (her recipes have subscripts – such as, “these are the ones Uncle Bob likes”).  What in the world did she do to white frosting to make it so fluffy and not taste sweet like frosting? All of this to say, naturally, I rarely measure with exactness – anything. Fair warning! But here’s how I start:

Pick a base. Here are my top 3.

There are several bases that you can use in your body butter recipes – and they all have their own special properties.

1. Shea Butter (aka Karite Butter) is rich in essential fatty acids as well as antioxidant vitamins A and E – crucial for improving skin elasticity and fighting free radical damage. This base alone provides an estimated spf of 8, because it is rich in cinnamic acid – therefore, protecting the skin from UV rays. Remember, UV rays come from all sorts of things -not just sun exposure. Here are some other properties of Shea Butter.

• Helps reduce wrinkles by moisturizing the skin and boosting cell regeneration and circulation. Read that one more time before you ask for body contouring services (that in my opinion, the technology just isn’t quite “there” yet – but it’s coming!)
• Heals burns, sores, scars, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and stretch marks.

Unrefined Shea butter keeps all its natural vitamins, but has a strong smell that some do not like. It disappears within minutes of applying to your skin. You can also buy refined shea butter (which doesn’t smell,) although the refining process reduces the vitamins. Go for the unrefined – and get your vitamins! Shea butter is not the best choice for clients with true nut or latex allergies. 

My favorite of all that I have tested in the past, comes from www.bettersheabutter.com (visit the site, learn more and order yours if you’re trying this at home).  “Like” their facebook page, by clicking here. Why do I like their product better? Well, for starters – it’s consistently good quality. Before finding better shea butter, I had routine experiences of receiving badly discolored (and once – even moldy!) shea butter.  Even better, they have offered a discount code for all About Face clients/blog readers! When you are checking out, place  “BSB15OFF” in the discount code section. We all love a good discount! You may order Better Shea Butter directly by clicking the Amazon.com Widget link below.

// Amazon.com Widgets

source: better shea butter, facebook cover image.

Mango butter. Mango butter is obtained from the kernels of the mango tree. It possesses a high content of stearic acid, making it similar to cocoa butter. Mango butter is a great emollient and also provides protection against the sun. It will also prevent drying of the skin and formation of wrinkles. Mango butter reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores elasticity. Mango butter’s hardness makes it a great butter for stick formulations such as lip balm and lotion bars. It can be used “as is” to provide relief from the dryness of eczema and psoriasis.

• A relatively hard butter that is very hard to use on it’s own (have to combine with oils). It does apply and disperse evenly onto the skin once it’s warmed up in your hands.
• Recommended for wrinkle reduction.  You will notice the disappearance of fine line wrinkles after 4 to 6 weeks of daily use.
• Protects against UV radiation.

Soothing and moisturizing. Great for healing eczema, rashes, bug bites, sunburn, frostbite, cracked skin, stretch marks, prickly heat (and probably more that I haven’t tried it on yet)

Cocoa Butter. This oil is a hard solid at room temperature, making the term “butter” a bit confusing. It is an edible vegetable fat that is obtained from cocoa beans, and it has a very mild chocolatey aroma. Cocoa Butter is one of the most stable fats and also contains natural antioxidants. It is reputed to provide a barrier that helps retain and restore the moisture in your skin – therefore, if you don’t already have dry skin – this is the one to prevent getting it.  This butter is different than our other butters like Mango, which are soft to the touch. If you hold a piece of solid Cocoa Butter against your skin, it will start to melt in the way a chocolate bar does, but stays solid at room temperature. Because of these properties, I prefer working with pellets.

• Reduces symptoms of dermatitis and asthma by slowing the production of immuno globulin IgE (which aggravates skin problems and asthma)
• Places a protective barrier between your skin and it’s environment. This is quite helpful since most of my clients live in Middle Tennessee and their ancestors lived in Europe! This butter is especially good for sun and wind damage (skiers, skydivers!)
• Research shows that massage preparations using cocoa butter help relieve stress, boost immunity and prevent certain cancers

Helps reduce wrinkles and stretch marks by moisturizing the skin and boosting cell regeneration and circulation to the area.

After choosing the base from the three above, choose your oils at a 1:1 ratio. This means, if you use 8 oz of Shea, mango or cocoa butter, use a TOTAL of 8 oz of the other oils to match. I use vitamin e, Coconut and Grape seed oil from Epicurean Olive Oil a shoppe with current location of Murfreesboro, TN – and more locations to come in the future! (click here to learn more and/or to purchase)

After that – it’s all about what essential oils you’d like to add to your base body butter. I always use Melaleuca in every body butter, then add the oils for conditions I’d like to treat, or based on seasonal skin care needs. Mix the 1:1 ratio of base plus oils together, chill them out (place in fridge if you are not very patient, like me) and then add your essential oil choices. (do not add essential oils when base mixture is hot/warm. Cooking essential oils, reduces their efficacy – and that’s the whole point). Next, whip it. As in – until it’s white and fluffy and looks like whipped frosting. Store in air tight glass jars.

You may order essential oils by clicking here. Please register as a wellness advocate – even if for your own personal use. You will receive a great discount AND get a free product of the month just by ordering products for your own personal use (called the LRP). Even if you do nothing with it as a business, I highly recommend this as Essential Oils can be “top heavy” – meaning you have to pay for 250 drops of essential oils – and may only need 20 for a recipe. They’ll last a long time, but you will find as you navigate your way to cleaner, healthier living – you just have to have them all!

If the link above does not work for you or your web browser type, click here to order Better Shea Butter!

100% Unrefined Organic Shea Butter – FREE Body Butter Recipes eBook – Best Organic African Grade A Ivory – Safe for any age and skin type, non-comedogenic – Rich in Vitamins A, E and F – Use on Acne, Eczema, Stretch Marks, Rashes – Use As Belly Butter To Keep Mommy’s Skin Soft And Supple – Essential Ingredient for DIY Body Butters, Lotions, Lotion Bars, Soaps and Other Natural Skincare Recipes – Color: IVORY – 1LB (16oz)

Free skin care educational events

 

 After much planning, About Face is excited to announce that Free skin care educational events are now available. Isn’t that great? Yes, but, what exactly are they?

 

These events are intended for groups of friends, family, co-workers, church groups or other nonprofit organizations that have a group of people who would like to learn more about skin care do’s and most especially, the don’ts!

During this estimated 90 minute round table discussion, attendees will receive the real story about skincare, including (but never limited to):

Sensitive or reactive skin (Rosacea)

Aging (or signs of aging prevention)

 

Dehydrated skin

Hyperpigmented skin

Acne

 As well as Essential oils and other non-chemical products for skincare and DIY skincare.

 In addition to the topics listed above, there will also be some time for Questions and Answers (with a recommendation to always send the more complex questions ahead of time, so they are sure to be covered) as well as some basic skin care recommendations.  This is not a sales event. The coordinator of the event would only benefit as an individual by 

 A note about MLM (multi-level marketing) OR commercially sold skin care. I do not endorse nor sell any of these skincare lines, nor will I. Personally, I have never been able to wrap my brain around spending a lot of time selling someone else’s brand. In no way does this mean do I think you should not sell MLM products. If the business model fits you, your family and all other points then it’s right for you. I chose to sell my work and my (over 14) years of training by delivering above average services and making product recommendations that contain the most natural ingredients without costing a small mortgage. In general, I do not believe in “kits” of products where a one size fits all with this problem sort of mentality. It simply does not work, ever. Even if it causes no harm, it is generally very expensive and can not address the real signs of aging on it’s own.  If you’d like to ask me more specifically about a MLM, please schedule a consultation with me. 

 Very often, I get asked about specific products. I have seen some good products out there, and some not so good, and some that are down-right scary.  Inspired by my vision of a culture of care, I’ve created a company powered by principle and integrity of service. Everything I do is in the interest of fostering well-being. I believe skin care is individualized and affordable by all. I believe in seasonal skin care and am trained to identify which product ingredients work for each problem within each individual’s own unique self. 

So what do you have to do to attend an event? Find someone to coordinate a skin care educational event, pick the time, date and location and schedule your class by clicking here. Click “schedule now” and scroll to the bottom of the list where “Educational Event” is listed. If you do not see a time slot available on the scheduler that works, please email or call to get these worked in.  These events are great for girls night out, Mom’s groups – anyone really. Schedule your work space conference room as a thank-you to co-workers or employees – just remember, this is not a sales event and no participant will be asked to purchase anything. If you are a non-profit organization and would like to host a fundraiser, all attendees at your event will be tracked and your organization will receive a quarterly check for $10 for every aesthetic and $20 for every regularly priced laser service they purchase for one year. (I am not allowed to tell each organization who came and what they treatment they received, they will simply receive $10 or $20 for each service bought and tallied to that organization as the referrer. My services are priced simply. All aesthetic services are $50 and all laser services are $100. There are no packages.  

 

See you soon!

~ Lori

Naturally lighten and brighten

 One thing’s for sure – we always want what we don’t have. Those with lighter complexions go to great lengths to add color and those with darker pigment have a fear that dark spots will form. Although the “answer” to all of this is never the same for different skin types, the truth is that there just isn’t a need to spend a fortune to improve your skin tone.

The reasons behind dark and/or dull skin can be any one or a combination of:

• Heredity
• Exposure to pollution (more environmental)
• Chronic dry skin
• A number of medical conditions
• Stress (raise your hand if you have come to despise that answer?)
• Poor lifestyle choices. Smokers, this means you. Yes, I can tell. 
• Overuse or prolonged use of chemical-laden skincare

 

There is no shortage of products in the market that promises lighter skin. Reduced brown-spots, tighter skin, etc. Although some of them work quite well, it has always been my  opinion that if I myself had a precancerous lesion or something that put me at a higher risk for melanoma, I would definitely use it. Much like I would use an antibiotic. Short term and only as needed. 

The number of clients chronically using harsh chemicals on their skin is alarming. The truth is – long-term use of any product full of chemicals has proven to not only stop being effective, but actually quite harmful. These products thin the skin, cause it to be quite reactive to almost anything and to add insult to injury – they are expensive. 

Is there anything wrong with an occasional chemical exfoliation? Not at all. Are there other options? Absolutely!  For clients who are pregnant, reactive to chemicals or who simply enjoy a more natural approach to skin-care and anti-aging, here are some tried and true DIY strategies:

Honey. Honey helps bleach skin and also adds moisturize. Dry skin is one of the most common factors that contributes to an uneven skin tone. Honey has antibacterial properties that will help fade age spots and acne scars over time.

How to? Apply pure honey to your face, leaving it on for a 10-15 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. This simple, effective and inexpensive product will help remove dead skin cells and will leave your skin appearing brighter and lighter than before. Just once a day for a week or so, then once a week will do. Want to boost your efforts? Add 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil to the honey before applying. Avoid the eyes and be sure there are no cuts or abrasions on your skin.

Lemons.  Lemons work as a natural bleaching agent for the skin and the high concentration of vitamin C encourages new skin cells to grow. Lemons are packed with antioxidants. 

How to? Dip a cotton ball in freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply it directly on your face. Once you have conducted your own spot tests and know that your skin can handle it –  go for it by rubbing a cut lemon directly over your skin. Leave the lemon juice on for at least an hour and then wash your face with water. This simple step can lighten your complexion or dark spots and can also prevent the development of scars from break-outs.

Aloe Vera. Aloe vera can reduce hyperpigmentation and restore your skin’s original color. Hyperpigmentation is one of the main causes of uneven skin tone no matter how it occurred. It seems everyone reaches for aloe when the skin is burnt, but keep in mind the cooling effect of aloe helps regenerate new healthy skin cells. This is especially helpful in warmer climates.

How to? Cut the outer layer of an aloe vera leaf. Squeeze out the thick, jelly-like substance and apply it to your skin. gel thoroughly on your skin. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then wash it off with water. For the best results, do this twice a day for two weeks to start. Then once every 3 days to maintain.

Papaya. Papaya is a fruit that is enzymatic and regularly used in various beauty treatments. Papaya contains natural bleaching properties and the nutrient-rich fruit will make your skin simply glow.

How to? This seems simple enough – but eat it! The general cleansing properties of papaya will cleanse the skin of impurities that could be causing it to form dark spots. If you do not enjoy the taste or need some more urgent results, rub the inner part of the skin of a papaya on your face. Allow it to dry. Then wash your face with cold water and pat it dry. This will give your skin a nice glow. Like to mask? Mash up a papaya and mix it with one cup of fresh lemon juice. Massage it over the face, neck and chest and leave it on for 30 minutes.

Yogurt. No, I’m not talking about the sugar rich artificially flavored kind. Simply plain yogurt. Yogurt is a by-product of milk and has a host of nutrients that are good for your skin.

How to? Rub plain yogurt onto your skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily for several weeks and you will notice a significant change in your complexion.Again, there really are no wrong answers with the DIY mixing of the above mentioned items. You can mix one tablespoon of fresh yogurt with one-half tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture on your face and neck. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off with water, etc. 

 

The truth is – if it’s easy, we enjoy it and we start to see and feel the benefits, we’ll remain compliant. If we hate the texture, smell or process, we’ll most likely quit. Lemon Essential oil is mentioned above, but there are other essential oils that also can lighten and brighten the skin. These are: sandalwood, lavender, jasmine and rose. As with all essential oils, due to their high concentrations, it is best to mix them with a carrier oil (I like grapeseed oil for the face, and coconut oil for the body).

Although it is more unlikely to experience a horrible side effect from a more natural substance, it is still possible. Some medications can cause the skin to be more reactive and anyone can be allergic or sensitive to anything. Before slathering on any new item on the skin, test a spot.

SPECIAL 

For those who would like a service to enhance results without the use of any chemicals – I highly recommend dermaplaning and IPL for the reduction of browns on the spot!  Dermaplaning will leave your skin super smooth and hair free in addition to removing superficial discoloration. IPL will go to work on reducing brown spots, and scarring. Mention this blog post to purchase a package of 3 of both services (3 dermaplane plus 3 IPL in the same scheduled appointment) for $250. Regular retail value of $450. Services have no expiration date. 

 

p.s. Recently, clients have asked or commented on the use of grapeseed oil as a cleanser. (See previous posts for all the benefits of grapeseed oil). It seems it has been ingrained in our heads that to be cleaning, a cleanser must be foamy. In addition to previously posted benefits, clients who travel often have reported “break-outs” when away from home. There can be many reasons for this such as, change in climate, air travel, etc  – but one of the enemies of skin both at home and away is tap water. Although tap water can initially make the skin feel “tight” and to shrink pores, the reality is that this is result of the chlorination of most tap water. Although this “purification” is better than none at all it does not remove all bacteria. In fact, Other less-than-ideal findings in tap water: nitrates and other chemicals that seep into the water supply from fertilizers and pesticide runoff,  arsenic (via erosion, orchard runoff, and industrial waste) and even rocket fuel! Prior to the years before I began cleansing my skin with grape seed oil, I used bottled water to avoid the over-drying of my skin (especially with overseas travel). 

Back to school and some new fitness in town!

It’s hard to believe that it is back to school time already. Around my house that means JROTC has already started up (today my cadet got to stuff bags for teachers as they return tomorrow). Of course it means shopping for school supplies and re-working schedules.

  At About Face Time, it means the end of an extremely successful (& popular!) Summer Skin Camp. As many of you know, we believe in seasonal skin care and as the summer fades away, we hope any signs of too much fun in the sun does as well. All of the Summer Skin Camp participants have asked for the next round of “camps” as they really don’t want this one to end.

 Since we normally have exciting things and great specials around the holidays, we decided we could sneak another 12 weeks in before that time – so here they are:

Put your best face forward: This package is designed for the student. This 6 week package will include a weekly visit to About Face Time for deep cleansing, extractions, chemical peels, laser if necessary for scarring, skincare 101 tips and more. This package is great for students who would benefit from clearer skin during their first few weeks of school and beyond.  $200 (Savings of $100). 

Fade away 1: This package consists of 3 chemical peels and 3 IPL treatments (for the removal of brown spots). Can be used for any area of the body. $300 (Savings of $150).

Fade away 2: This package combines 3 IPL for any brown spot removal and 3 spider vein removal treatments. $400 (Savings of $200).

Maintain: This package consists of 3 laser genesis treatments and 3 aesthetic services for the face (chemical peel or facial). $300 (Savings of $150).

Uplifted: This package consists of 3 laser genesis treatments for the face, 2 body skin-tightening services for abs, thighs, love handles or knees, 2 dermaplane treatments and 2 spider vein removal treatments. $500  (Savings of $250) – This package also includes 1 bottle of choice Essential Oil & one travel sized grape seed oil (4 ounces). 

* The above special packages must be purchased no later than Friday, August 1st at 4pm to be used between 8/2/31-11/30/14. If you can not stop in to purchase, send us a note and we’ll be glad to email you an invoice that you can pay online. 

  Have you heard? There’s a new fitness studio opening in Murfreesboro! Pure Barre, Murfreesboro’s newest fitness center will help clients focus on the areas that we all struggle with the most – Pure Barre lifts the seat, tones the thighs and upper body, and creates long and lean muscles without bulk through small isometric movements centered around a ballet barre. Clients are attracted to Pure Barre because of the results it produces and how it makes them feel- strong, healthy and confident. Pure Barre has exploded in popularity due to its extremely effective technique, which transforms the shape of clients’ bodies in record-breaking time. 

Pure Barre Murfreesboro Class schedule – beginning 8/18/14!

  I had a brief introduction to this fitness technique when I was out of town visiting a friend. As a physician, she felt this would be a great choice for me as I have had difficulty with heavy impact, high cardio type fitness since my lengthy hospitalization in 1996. It appears my “compromised” pancreas doesn’t play well with others and reacts to high/heavy impact rather violently. It has been advised for years that yoga and pilates is a better choice for my compromised self. The problem for me was that I thought I’d be bored. I had taken yoga before. My head was all over the place as I was creating lists, wondering about all things possible instead of embracing yoga.  I admit, I was hesitant about Barre too. I spent years in dance class, but never ballet. Tap and Baton for me- because, you guessed it – they were fast! I was only able to take a couple of classes during my visit, but did leave wishing we had one locally. Being clinically trained, I liked their technique. You may not think you’re working hard, but you’ll be lifting and toning parts of you that you forgot existed! I loved that the class was made up of all shapes, sizes and capabilities. Sure, there were others who were far more graceful looking, but it was great fun! I love the fact that in Murfreesboro, everyone will be new to it, so we’ll all be starting together! Keep me accountable, ladies! 

 Essentially, barre classes mix elements of Pilates, dance, yoga and functional training, and the moves are choreographed to motivating music! 

  Pure Barre opens in Murfreesboro on August 18th! They have a great special going on if you purchase before the opening – 6 weeks of unlimited classes for just $100.

  Since we believe in fitness and in personal goal-setting, of course we’ll sweeten the deal! If you purchase their grand opening package (and bring a copy of your receipt), we’ll pay it forward and give you a complimentary laser treatment! Now, there’s just NO excuse – 6 weeks of unlimited fun fitness & improve your skin? Nothing to lose – including money!

For those of you who’d like to try out individual classes, we’re offering the following discounts: 

Show a receipt for one individual Pure Barre Murfreesboro class – receive 20% off any service

Show a receipt for 5 classes and receive a free facial or chemical peel.

I think you’ll like it, and I think you’ll see changes to your body quickly! 

Check them out on facebook by clicking here. 

Read their blog posts filled with great workout tips, nutrition advice and other news and details by clicking here.

  We’ll see you there.

Cheers!

~ Lori

Skin essentials with DIY face scrub and masks

Over the last 30 years, we have seen a huge implosion of skin care products that everyone simply “must have”. In fact, you would be hard pressed to walk through any drug store and find a product that does not have “dermatologist recommended” (etc) printed on each label. The truth is – in almost every situation, if you give your skin everything it needs, it will play nicely. Overuse of  too many products is the biggest mistake people make in their skincare regimens. Too many steps will most likely just cost you more money than you need to spend. All of this plus the simpler your skincare regimen, the more likely you are to stick with it.

Here are the things that your skin needs:

1. Daily cleansing. Because skin cells accumulate things such as pollutants, dirt, and residue, daily cleansing is absolutely a must. The top two layers of your skin – the outer layer of thin cells (Epidermis) and the deeper layer (Dermis) made up of blood vessels, nerves and oil glands both need cleansing. If the dermis isn’t cleansed and allowed to breath, it will create sebum (excess oil) that will clog pores. In almost every skin type, Grape Seed Oil is the only cleanser you will need. In addition to cleansing, here is what grape seed oil can do for your skin:

 

• Treat Acne. Grapeseed oil contains antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties, both of which are great for preventing and/stopping acne. The oil also contains linoleic acid, which is great for promoting skin health.
• Tighten Skin – Grapeseed oil has astringent qualities that help tighten skin and close up oversized pores, thus helping to avoid clogging that leads to pimples. Oily skin can especially benefit from this.
• Relieve & Reduce Dark Circles under Eyes. Dark circles are a problem for many, and sometimes children have the issue as well. Most retail products that claim to help this problem actually have harsh chemicals that many report adverse reactions too. Grapeseed oil, applied daily for a few weeks, can relieve the dark circles naturally. Just dab a few drops under each eye at bedtime.
• Moisturizer. Grape seed is a very light oil that can be used by people with even the most sensitive skin. It goes to work as an excellent moisturizer that won’t clog pores. The oil can also help hasten healing of problems, such as minor abrasions or pimples and rosacea.
• Fight the visible signs of Aging. Fine lines and wrinkles can be greatly diminished with a daily dose of grapeseed oil on the skin. The elasticity of the skin can be improved, which will make the lines of an aging face much less pronounced. The entire presentation of the face is much smoother, with less fine lines and wrinkles.

Must you wash your face even if you do not wear make-up each day? Yes – cleansing twice per day is recommended, but if you can only fit it in once – chose to cleanse at night.

2.  Hydration. Easily put, this means WATER. I can assure you that if you have a wrinkly face and your water intake is non-existent, your skin is doing exactly what it should do -protecting vital organs from dehydration. If you have a deficit of water intake, you can be sure that your skin will come last. Before you invest any money in good skincare, be sure to drink plenty of water each day. Otherwise, simply open your product and squeeze right down the drain!

3. Moisturizer – if you need it. If you are cleansing with Grape Seed Oil, chances are you will not need extra moisturizer, but if your skin is extra dry and you need to add a moisturizer and have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free and oil-free options. For oilier skin, keep your eyes peeled for non comedogenic (non-clogging) formulas. In warmer weather, you’ll need less moisturizer. In colder, drier seasons – you may need a thicker moisturizer with an emollient.

4. Sunscreen – 365 days per year. Yes, this means every single day. SPF isn’t just needed when you are outside during the summer.  Skiing can be just as high risk for over absorption of UVB rays as a day at the beach. Lights inside the home or sun through car windows can also be over-absorbed.

 5. Sleep – is equally important for beautiful, healthy, flawless skin. “Beauty” sleep is not just an old wives’ tale after-all. Sufficient sleep allows the skin to restore its natural balance and increases the effectiveness of certain skin care ingredients.  When you don’t get enough sleep, your skin will show it: your eyes look dark and puffy after just one single night of poor sleep, but chronic sleep deprivation will take it’s toll. Sleep deprivation leads to dull dehydrated complexion and will wreak havoc on skin prone to acne.  What does sleep deprivation do to the skin exactly? 

• Lack of sleep leads to increased levels of stress hormones in the body. Chronic high levels of stress hormones in the body cause increased inflammation of the skin and leads to the acceleration of aging (wrinkles!).
• Sleep deprivation reduces the skin’s ability to stay hydrated, leading to a dull, dehydrated appearance.
• People with poor sleep habits can have trouble with skin sensitivity and irritation due to a reduction in the skin’s ability to protect itself from chemicals and pollutants in the environment.

 6. Nutrition. Everyone knows that to perform to it’s optimal level, every body needs well balanced nutrition. But did you also know that too much sugar breaks down collagen and elastin? Collagen is the main protein that allows the skin to remain firm with less wrinkles.   Reducing sugar is not just to watch your figure! Add Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) to your diet whenever using oils. EVOO contain oleic acid which keeps the skin supple and super healthy. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins A, C, and E can curb the damage caused by free radicals. These molecules can harm skin cells and cause premature signs of aging. If your diet is rich in all of these things and you absorb nutrients properly, you should not need to take supplements. However, if you feel that your diet is insufficient, taking an over-the-counter daily multivitamin with minerals to boost your nutrient could be a great idea. It’s also a good idea if you spend a lot of time outdoors or are exposed to high levels of air pollution or secondhand smoke. Scientists have concluded that people who eat more vegetables, fish, and olive oil have fewer wrinkles than those who have a high intake of red meat, butter, and dairy.

 

Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) 

Tea Tree oil is one of the most powerful immune stimulant essential oils, and can be used to fight infections of all kinds.   It is also helpful in clearing the skin of acne. Tea Tree Oil has long been revered for its phenomenal antiseptic properties.  The leaves of the melaleuca tree have been used by the aborigines for centuries, to heal cuts, wounds and skin infections.

Before we get to some great DIY recipes for the skin, here are some uses for this amazing essential oil from doTERRA:

1. Melaleuca oil is very important in the health of the immune system, as it acts as a immuno-stimulant and increases the body’s ability to fight off any infections.  It can be applied topically or ingested, but is also very effective when diffused.
2. Melaleuca oil is used all around the world, for its great effectiveness at warding off infections of any kind.  It is active in all three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses.
3. Melaleuca can help with influenza, cold sores and gingivitis.
4. Besides its superb anti-infectious properties, tea tree oil is also very effective at clearing bronchial congestion, asthma, coughs, sinusitis, whooping cough and tuberculosis.
5. For the genito-urinary system, tea tree oil can be used to help clear vaginal thrush, cystitis and genital infections, in general. (Lori’s note: when I worked in gynecology, a few drops of Tea Tree oil did the trick quite nicely for women who were also prescribed antibiotics when they experienced an excess yeast growth. Applying 3-5 drops to a panti-liner or tampon can resolve this problem with no additional medication).
6. On the skin, tea tree oil clears abscesses, acne, burns, herpes, oily skin, athlete’s foot, cold sores, blemishes, diaper rash, warts, sunburn and infected wounds.  It is also effective at fighting dandruff.
7. Diffusing Melaleuca alternifolia oil may assist with colds, sinusitis and bronchitis, or any other respiratory ailment.
8. When added to water, for washing or bathing, melaleuca has great value in treating abscesses, bed sores, acne, boils, lice, dandruff and wounds, and can also be applied neat on problem areas, with a cotton swab.  These same remedies can be used safely on pets.
9. For lice, apply tea tree oil neat onto the scalp, let sit for 40 minutes and wash the hair.  Repeat every second day, for twelve days.
10. Melaleuca oil can be used as a mouthwash, for gum infections, mouth ulcers, throat infections and tonsillitis.  Dilute to 5% before using.

DIY FACE SCRUBS & MASK RECIPES

DIY FACE SCRUB #1: Use once every week. Mix 5 drops of Tea Tree oil with a 1 tsp of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.  This makes a great scrub since tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial agent and coconut is an awesome natural remedy to keep skin soft and free of wrinkles.

DIY FACE SCRUB #2:  For an effective, acne-fighting face scrub, try mixing tea tree oil with some other natural ingredients from your kitchen. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of sesame or olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and approximately 10 drops of tea tree oil. Gently massage onto damp face, using circular motions, for 2-5 minutes. Wash off with warm water and pat your face dry. This scrub may be a little rough for people suffering from cystic acne, or who may have open sores on their face – but is perfect for mild to medium breakouts.

DIY MASK: Blend three drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of jojoba oil, then stir in half of a mashed up tomato. Mix together to make a purée. Apply this refreshing face mask directly to clean skin and leave on for ten minutes, before rinsing off with warm water and patting your skin dry. Do this once or twice a month.

To purchase Tea Tree Oil, click here. Then click on “shop” towards the top right of the site.

Remain beautiful,

~ Lori

 

DIY alert! Several everyday uses for Lavender Essential Oil

Many clients have expressed their eagerness to start their journey of replacing chemical laden items with more natural or organic products, but simply do not know where to start.

The best place to start is where you are – right at the beginning.  Make a list of things or symptoms that bother you. Start with your top 5. My first list looked something like this:

• Nausea when eating solid foods
• Pain between shoulder blades when eating solid foods
• Chronic Fatigue aka Metabolic X Syndrome aka Adrenal fatigue
• Vertigo
• Alopecia (hair loss) – seemingly Endocrine symptom

To be thorough, I also listed some other things that I wanted to improve: 

• Skin – take redness out and refuse to allow any fine lined wrinkles to form!
• Skin – (recent weight loss) led to a lot of loose skin. Tighten it.
• Home – reduce the number of chemicals used for cleaning and laundry
• Food – Directly address my malabsorption and inflammatory issues by juicing and supplementing as well as preventing inflammation in the first place.

Once I had this list, I simply enlisted the help of others to help me understand my bodies response to foods and chemicals ingested as well as how to give my body what it needed to heal itself, and to supplement the deficiencies.

One of the very first essential oils suggested to me was lavender. If you are easily overwhelmed with new things or are on a tight budget and can only use one essential oil for now – this is it!

 

Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is the most versatile of all essential oils. It is commonly known for its relaxing effects on the body. Therapeutic-grade lavender has been highly regarded for topical skin use. Have a cut, scrape, bruise or skin irritation? Apply lavender. Not only is the fragrance calming, relaxing and balancing – it can clear up things like eczema! Carrying a bottle of lavender around with you is like having your own personal first aid kit, lightly scented body spritzer (for those times you just have to run in to Kroger on your way home from the gym!). Lavender is an adaptogen, this means it can help your body adapt to stress or imbalances. 

I will have to admit, when it was first suggested – I turned my nose up. I have never been fond of “flowery” smells like Rose or Lilac. But, I was a mess. I was having skin reactions (twice my eyes swelled shut and I looked like the twin sister of the elephant man.) Something had to be done! For those of you with allergies – you’ll know the frustration of having multiple allergy tests often with with negative results, and you carry around epi-pens and benadryl like it’s your bff. From my biology studies I knew that all things have toxicity levels – even things found in nature or things that are good for you! Every plant, every medicine, even water -can be toxic if overused. I tend to not absorb things that are good for me – but you can bet I would react straight away to something that my body deemed toxic at that moment.  WIth thousands of dollars worth of traditional medical tests and no real answers, I started categorizing foods, chemicals and other things that come into contact with my skin into lists such as : DON’T EVER EAT THIS, okay to use some of the time and okay to eat or apply on rare occasion. I detoxed over a 7 day period and during that time made changes to my environment. During this process the light bulb went off. My toxic load was over the top. If I could balance my gut the same as I could the skin on my face, I thought I would be much less reactive. I don’t have many true “allergies” by clinical definition – but if you feed me pork products (did you know jello/gelatin has it?!) or prescribe any drug made with porcine, stand by and watch the show. My pancreas never fails to deliver quite a spectacle. 

In no way am I suggesting that you go off all medications and use essential oils in their place. That’s actually quite dangerous! What I do suggest is finding a good primary care Physician (or for females, your OB/GYN is perfect for discussing these issues) who will work with you to reach the goals you create together. For example: at my annual well-woman check, my labs were drawn and Dr. Brent Boles (click here to visit his website) called me to review the results. My T4 was slightly outside of the normal range and after discussing this he agreed to work with me and monitor my T4 closely so I would not have to go on medication. He did his part and I did mine. He let me know if the T4 continued to drop that medication would be in my future. I am almost one year out from that visit and all is well .T4 is now within the normal range (although still at the low end of normal) and I have not had to fill the prescription!

Now for the good stuff – awesome every-day uses for Lavender Essential Oil:

Pet odor – love your pooch, but don’t like the carpet smelling like the dog? Pour some baking soda in a shaker bottle and drop essential oil in (to your satisfaction of scent). I use a small glass spice shaker from the dollar store and add about 15 drops of Lavender Essential oil.

Pillow spritzer – want to sleep like a baby? Or allow your little cherubs to do the same? Purchase a glass spritzer bottle (3-4 ounce size) and mix 2 oz of distilled water with 15 drops of lavender essential oil. Spritz on pillow before bed.

Mattress freshener – Each time I change the sheets on my bed, I drop a few drops of lavender essential oil directly on the mattress. 

Spot treatment for blemishes – drop one drop of lavender oil on a q-tip, apply directly to the blemish and hold for 30 seconds or so.

Sunburn – I rarely have a sunburn, but my kids had one last year. I infuse 15 drops of lavender in 2 ounces of (liquid) coconut oil from Epicurean Olive Oils. Apply directly to sunburnt skin, reapply every couple of hours. (Clients who have eczema or psoriasis swear by this same DIY recipe!).

DIY Body Butter – say good-bye to expensive body butters with this DIY recipe. Use it after every shower! Visit Rachel Holder’s blogsite for my recipe and an incredible amount of other valuable information on clean eating and juicing! 

Chapped lips – Oh how I wish I knew this when I was a little girl in New England winters! I can remember chapped lips that extended around the lips in a far wider circle than anyone wanted to see. Apply a drop or two directly to the lips at bed time. By morning there will be no sign of those chapped lips. 

Fabric softener/scented laundry/DIY Dryer sheets– This is absolutely one of my favorite ways to use Lavender oil. I’m not going to sugar coat this. Static clean in the laundry is no joke! I had a coworker years ago whose mother’s bedding caught on fire from static electricity! Static electricity is what causes static cling in clothing (or anything laundered). When two different objects are rubbed together, one loses electrons and the other gains electrons. The one that loses electrons becomes negatively charged. The one that gains electrons becomes positively charged. Transferring these electrons is what causes static electricity. This was your science lesson for today! Especially during colder/drier months, static cling is everywhere! I know we’ve become accustomed to laser and the lovely relaxation of laser genesis – but static plus a laser beam – is just not good! I use extra precaution when it comes to laundering spa bedding. Here’s what I do with each and every load of laundry:

• Attach safety pins to each corner of a washcloth. The metal in the safety pins act like little lightning rods for static electricity!  Drop 5-7 drops of Lavender Essential Oil on the washcloth about once every 5 loads of laundry. The result: Viola’ – DIY dryer sheets! No more chemicals in your clothes that are against your skin almost 24 hours a day. (To further reduce static, I also add one cup of vinegar to my rinse cycle of every load of laundry. If you have a HE High Efficiency washer, simply add it to the fabric softener dispenser. Your clothes will NOT smell like vinegar when they are dry). Not only is this much better for your skin (and that of small children), it’s far cheaper than chemical laden dryer sheets.

As you can see, Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils and a great place to start for beginner’s. I chose dōTERRA for all of my essential oil needs. Why? Well, because I found that many stores that carried essential oils had some issues rotating their stock (aheam, dust on the tops of the bottles) or failed to store them properly (light and heat are enemies of essential oils). dōTERRA’s Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade* essential oils are 100% pure natural aromatic compounds carefully extracted from plants. They do not contain fillers or artificial ingredients that would dilute their active qualities. Proper extraction and quality control methods also ensure that dōTERRA’s Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils are free of any contaminants such as pesticides or other chemical residues. This is not federally mandated (yet) and I have a lot of respect for a company that isn’t regulated, yet sets the standards high. Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils are subjected to further quality testing that ensures the correct composition of the active natural compounds found in each oil. 

Special alert: Want to order your essential oils directly from dōTERRA? You may do so by clicking here. Click on shop for products in the top right hand corner. For any order placed between 7/15/14 and 7/21/14, About Face will issue a gift certificate good for a brow wax for your own personal use or to give as a gift! (retail value $15).

OR 

If you would like us to order your oils for you – email thatwoodardgirl12@gmail.com with your order no later than 7/18/14 at noon. We’ll take 15% off your total purchase and cover the shipping. Mention this blog when you send the email to get the special. 

ALSO

If you are looking for a way to get your oils at wholesale pricing and earn additional free product each month, you can sign up for the personal use Loyalty Rewards Program (you do not have to sell the product). Read more about this program here. Contact via email for help getting that set up. All new enrollee’s in the Loyalty Rewards program no later than 7/18/14 will receive one free Aesthetic Service from About Face – facial, chemical peel or dermaplaning (and can earn up to 30% off your product from dōTERRA). 

 

We’d love to hear how YOU use Essential oils already, please leave us a comment! 

 

 

 

 

Well, it’s about time…

Welcome to the blog dedicated to all things face. As in About Face Medical Aesthetics. On the side bar, you’ll find some great FYI stuff and my favorite products as well as laser services offered and a little bit about all of that.

Moving forward, I’ll post product and service reviews, blogs of others that provide great information and so forth. Many of my past blog posts that were shared elsewhere or on my personal blog have been developed over the last 14 years, so it may take some time to get them all here. Be patient – it’s coming, I promise! Let me know if you’d like something reviewed!

Product vendors: I do, from time to time offer to review product. If you would like one of your products reviewed and shared with an audience of just over 2 million, please use the contact me page to receive further instructions. I do not accept payment for these reviews, and I do not promise that I will love or recommend your product. I will give it a fair review, and also have an advisory board of clients who also volunteer to test product, if your product is not a good match for my own skin.