Tamara's

What Are Free Radicals and Antioxidants?

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:03:00 +0000

Antioxidants are chemicals that break down or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals - chemicals produced as a byproduct of normal cellular metabolism. Under normal circumstances, there is a balance between the rate at which free radicals are produced and the rate at which they are eliminated by the action of antioxidants. Free radicals are destructive in that they cause oxidative damage to tissues - essentially causing tissues to rust like a piece of iron left outside in the weather. They damage proteins, fat and even our DNA. In fact, damage to our tissues by free radicals is thought to underlie the process of aging, a theory first described by Dr. Denham Harmon in his "free radical theory of aging" proposed in 1956. Indeed, Dr. Harmon laid the groundwork for the whole antioxidant industry when he demonstrated that free radicals are "quenched" by antioxidants.

*Note: excerpted from an article by David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, ABIHM Free Radicals: How They Speed the Aging Process originally published in The Huffington Post on January 25, 2011.

Leg or Foot Cramps? Here's Some Simple Do It Yourself Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:18:00 +0000

Here are a couple remedies for foot or leg cramps:

For some leg/foot cramps the muscle needs to flex such as with night leg cramps. Keep a long scarf or cord at bedside. When the cramp occurs, lie on your back and bend the opposite leg, loop the scarf or cord around the arch of the foot that is cramping and slowly pull up with both hands flexing the foot and the whole leg. Hold for about 1/2 a minute and release. Do this a couple of times and the cramp normally vanishes.

On the top of the foot between the ankle bones you will find a little hollow. Press there.
If the cramps are occurring often you may need to see a health professional.

Interested in more about Reflexology? Click here.

Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:55:00 +0000

Manual Lymph Drainage is a light touch massage therapy that assists the movement of fluids in the tissues. This light rhythmic massage stimulates the lymph vessels and nodes which are part of the endocrine system. This stimulation encourages the natural flow of the lymph fluid quickly decongesting the connective tissue.

Manual Lymph Drainage was developed in the 1930's by Dr. Emil Vodder in France. His technique is effective particularly for head congestion including allergies, nose and throat congestion as well as sinusitis. The Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage is a series of systematic and precise massage movements using a combination of practical experiences, anatomical knowledge and intuition.

I have been trained in the Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage for many years. My clients' all rave about the relaxing treatment and the relief that they receive.

Read more about this and other holistic services.

Tamara's: Eczema and Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:05:00 +0000

Tamara's: Eczema and Stress

Eczema and Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:57:00 +0000

In my skin care practice more and more clients are complaining of chronic itching skin. This condition is usually medically diagnosed as eczema (atopic dermatitis) or simply an unexplained rash.

As you've read in my previous blogs, the skin is slightly acidic providing the body protection from outside toxins. So if the skin is in distress your body may be in distress.

The skin, along with the kidneys, liver and colon, is one of the primary organs for releasing internal toxins. So if the body is in distress your skin may be in distress.

Eczema can flare up when you are under stress.

In other words, you may be out of balance somewhere. If you are having trouble ridding yourself of eczema you might want to ask your health care professional to look further.

If you need to relax and de-stress think about a soothing general facial, a reflexology or reiki session

About the blogger:
Tamara is a state licensed Esthetician and Massage Practitioner located in the Anaheim Hills/Yorba Linda area. You can learn more about her business here.

Is 1mhz or 3 mhz Ultrasound Better for Facials

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:51:00 +0000

You may have seen the Dr. Oz show where the benefits of an ultrasound devise for a facial treatment were demonstrated. After the ultrasound treatment, the receiver’s face appeared smoother, healthier and lifted.

Ultrasound is sound with a frequency of over 20,000 Hz or cycles per second. Humans hear in the range of 1 – 17,000 Hz so this is a very high frequency. The energy on the skin is silent and slightly thermal (warm).

Lower frequencies of ultrasound (1 mhz) penetrate deeper and give off less heat than high frequencies. For example, chiropractic use to address tissue inflammation. Low frequencies penetrate too deep for facials and could cause damage.

Higher frequencies of ultrasound (3 mhz) are more shallow in penetration and are used for facials. The ultrasound waves stimulate micro-vibrations in the skin allowing corrective serums to penetrate deeper. Facials by a trained technician utilizing professional ultrasound technology are anti-aging, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, accelerate healing, increase circulation stimulating collagen and elastin production. Ultrasound can give you a lift.

Ever Wonder Why You’re Stiff In The Morning?

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:09:00 +0000

Gil Hedley, Ph.D. talks about why it is important to keep moving. Click here to see clip The Fuzz

Laser vs Peels

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:54:00 +0000

Your face is clearly a journal of your life past – all those suntans and burns, all the smiles, frowns grimaces, the not so great diet mixed with the too strenuous diet, poor sleeping habits and even lack of exercise will show up on the skin in time.

Many of these tattletale marks on the face can be addressed with laser or peels. I’m not an expert in laser since I don’t do it (you need to be a licensed physician). However, I do know that it is expensive, painful and the downtime is significant.

Similar results can be achieved with peels over a longer period of time at a fraction of the cost of laser. Peels use a variety of naturally occurring acids. While the acid is being applied there is some discomfort which is monitored by the licensed esthetician and does quickly subside. The discomfort indicates that the peel is doing its job. You will leave the office slightly red and glowing and should be able to return to your everyday activities (although strenuous activities may be limited for the first couple of days). You will begin peeling on the third and fourth day and should be able to pursue your regular activities.

Either way pigmentation will lessen and wrinkles will soften. You will still need to stay out of the sun and have healthy habits. The issues are cost, downtime, and pain.

What has been your experience?

Your Skin and Sleep

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:23:00 +0000

Good sleep = good skin

While you are in a deep sleep, your body is repairing itself - this includes your skin. Not getting enough quality sleep puts the body, including the skin, into stress.

Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.

A little cortisol goes a long way. Under prolonged stress cortisol:

Counteracts insulin contributing to hyperglycemia.
Decreases the collagen in the skin by ten times.
Inhibits sodium loss.
Disrupts the body's natural pH.
Causes water retention.
Weakens the immune system.
Lowers bone formation.
Impairs memory and learning.

Getting a good night's deep sleep can reverse the impact of those stressful days. And, before bedtime be sure to wash your face and use a good nighttime moisturizer so that you will wake up fresh and hydrated.

Pleasant dreams.

Reiki and Animals

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:22:00 +0000

If you read my blogs about Reiki and/or you have received a Reiki session, you know what a wonderfully healing holistic modality this is.

As my animal clients will confirm, Reiki is also a wonderful treatment for them. Reiki can help our animal friends in their lives. It can be used to calm, heal an injury, maintain good health and even help animals to pass more peacefully. Kathleen Prasad is co-founder of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA) and has made it her mission to help shelter and sanctuary animals through the use of Reiki. See her video on Healing Quest TV.

What Is Reiki Energy

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 02:38:00 +0000

A Reiki practitioner does not manipulate or direct energy. Simply, a connection through which healing energy called Reiki activates spontaneously according to the need of the receiver. The practitioners is passive during the entire treatment. Although Reiki is healing, it is not medicine. Reiki is not directed toward a specific goal. There are no diagnoses, and the treatment plan is the same for every condition. Reiki is more subtle than other energy techniques; nearer to meditation than to energy medicine. The Reiki experience of the receiver is usually quite meditative. Although it doesn't look like much is happening, people who receive a Reiki session experience positive and sometimes amazing results.

Gee, You Look Good . . . . For Your Age

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:52:00 +0000

Gee, you look good . . . . for your age! Is that a compliment, a qualifier or an insult?

Perhaps only the giver and receiver of such a remark are the only ones to decide.

Regardless, as we age, the only thing we can hope for is to keep looking our best. As time trots on the looking our best target takes a little more time, care and money.

How much time, care and money? That's up to you.

If you are a person who has moved away from thinking that looking your best is looking as young as possible in favor of wanting to look as good as possible for your age. Away from the rarely natural looking facelift for youth to a maintained subtle natural beauty. There are many safe, no or low downtime, cost effective, healthy options.

In reality, "Gee, you look good for your age" says that you look as if they have a healthy lifestyle and are happy.

Its easier to maintain your looks rather than getting on the "turn back the clock" treadmill. Here are some options:

~ Diet. That's easy. Eat healthy.
~ Exercise. Heard that one before. You know what to do.
~ Beauty treatments. They are restorative. Read on.
~ Maintenance. Of your health and your beauty. Value yourself.

All on the list are about looking better, not younger. In the beauty treatment and maintenance department here are some possibilities:

` Professional skin care options such as microdermabrasion, microcurrent, oxygen, LED, peels or just a good facial.

Some things these treatments can help with:

. As we age our mouths tend to turn down giving us an unhappy look. Microcurrent can help retrain those muscles giving a more pleasant look.

. Light peels will help keep the skin glowing. A glowing complexion is far more important to a "Gee" look than a line here or there.

. Microdermabrasion, LED and peels can create a look of luminosity and get rid of the sun damage (brown spots and superficial wrinkles).

And last but not least - use the recommended products from your skin care professional to keep up to "Gee" look in between treatments.

Raising Brows

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:23:00 +0000

As we age the brows can droop. There are a couple of safe, non-drug, inexpensive, non-invasive options to raise the brow. Proper shaping, microcurrent, a little brightening powder at the peak of the arch.

Proper shaping includes waxing, tweezing, trimming, or threading by a trained professional. Waxing and threading shape the brow by removing obvious hairs but also that fuzz which shows up under eye makeup. Tweezing allows for the "fine work" of shaping. Fine trimming can get the brow to lay the way they should.
Microcurrent can tighten the skin, build collagen and lift those brows. Eyes only microcurrent, in the hands of a trained expert, can work wonders inexpensively with results being progressive and cumulative.
Line just beneath the brow with brightening powder.
Use brow powder instead of pencil which tends to look a little harsh.

Increased Hydration & Suppleness With Microcurrent

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:07:00 +0000

We all know that through exercise metabolism is increased, muscles are strengthened, circulation is improved, inflammation is decreased and our stamina and energy is increased.

What if you could accomplish all these things for the skin? Truth is you can. By maintaining a proper daily skin care regimen the skin is stimulated and protected. A daily regimen is how the skin's beauty, function and longevity are continued.

Added to that proper skin care regimen microcurrent services can gently stimulate sagging facial muscles, increase circulation, significantly increase collagen and elastin production as well as hydration and suppleness regardless of past history of photo-damage or negligence. For these reasons microcurrent sessions have been given the nickname of "non-surgical face lift".

Facials with Ultrasound

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:07:00 +0000

Ultrasound, when used by a trained skin care technician, is a non-invasive and painless topical facial rejuvenation treatment. Research using ultrasound has demonstrated its ability to stimulate fibroblast activity (collagen formation), increase local circulation and increase the rate of wound repair.

Ultrasound is a method by which sound waves are created by a rapidly oscillating hand piece. By altering the frequency of the oscillations the depth of penetration is controlled. For the skin, these oscillations are superficial to impact only the epidermal tissue and not muscle, bone or other tissue.

In facial treatments ultrasound waves cause epidermal tissue to warm increasing blood flow, stimulating fibroblast activity resulting in collagen production. It stimulates wound repair to environmentally damaged skin. It also drives the nutrients from serums, gels and creams into the skin.

Research has shown that clients receiving ultrasound with their professional skin care have improved skin texture, reduction in skin laxity and a youthful plumping of the skin. Unlike many treatments there is no downtime and all skin types can receive benefits.

Need Proof of Medical Evidence To Reflexology? Here You Have It

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:38:00 +0000

This video was filmed in the Maternity and Gynaecology ward at Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 29th, 2009 by Moshe Kruchik, an Israeli Reflexologist who was invited to the UK to lecture on Reflexology and Maternity. During his lecture he was challenged by nurses on whether Reflexology actually worked - so he asked if he could demonstrate how effective Reflexology was and if the patient agreed he would film the experience.

The result is this video showing how Reflexology got rid of the patient's edema in one session!! Through this clip, you will watch the edema in a 34 weeks pregnant woman disappear in a single Reflexology session.

Were You a "Picker"

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:21:00 +0000

When you were younger did you pick at those annoying zits? Now you have the depressed scars to prove it? There are solutions!

Use a good primer under your makeup. I recommend and sell Youngblood Mineral Primer which is rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins. The primer smoothes out the skin filling in the indentations. Apply that mineral powder over and for slight imperfections - you're good to go.

Want something more permanent?

A retin-A serum will trigger collagen production and smooth the skin over time.
microdermabrasion will help to smooth and polish the skin over time.
a good natural acid peel (see peel section of this blog for some good information) can help slough off skin and encourage elastin and collagen growth to plump the skin.

Smoking and the Puckered Pout

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:36:00 +0000

So you smoked or are smoking and are noticing those little tiny lines above your lip. Some of the lines are the natural result of all those years of pursing those lips. However, the added pursing of the inhale, the heat and chemicals from the smoke take an additional, and in some cases dramatic, toll. The skin of the upper lip is 1/3rd as thin as the rest of the facial skin (excluding that around the eyes).

There are at least 12 "expression" muscles that are attached to the dermis are around the lips. Besides frying that upper lip drying it out and poisoning it; you've trained the muscles to contract further wrinkling and creasing the skin.

What to do? Things that can help from your esthetician:

light microdermabrasion
microcurrent
hydrating treatments that include hyaluronic acid
An SPF30 sunscreen with a physical block (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide)
a clear waxy lip liner can help to keep lipstick from bleeding up the creases

To just have the lip treated would run around $25 - $50 each treatment plus take home products to continue the treatment.

Things that can help for more severe cases:

hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, etc.)

Dermal fillers run about $400 per treatment.

An Earth Village of 100

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:25:00 +0000

If the Earth's 6 billion population shrunk to a village of precisely 100 people where all the existing human ratios remained the same, there would be:

57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 from the western hemisphere (both north and south)
8 Africans
52 females and 48 males
70 non-Christians
30 Christians
89 heterosexuals
11 homosexuals
6 people posses 59% of the entire wealth and all 6 would be from the US
80 live in substandard housing
70 are unable to read
50 suffer from malnutrition
1 is near death and 1 is near birth
only 1 would have a college education
1 would own a computer

When you consider the world from a compressed perspective its easier to see the need for both acceptance, understanding and education.

Philip M. Harter, MD, FACEP, Stanford University, School of Medicine (1999)

Is That Youthful Fun Showing Up In Undesired Ways?

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:01:00 +0000

Age spots develop in many places on the body particularly the tops of the shoulders, upper back, chest and back of hands. They are generally caused by the sun exposure of our youth.

Remember that burn you had on your shoulders, back or chest? Well, there it is again!

The backs of our hands are constantly exposed to the sun as well as the magnified sun in the car while we drive.

Other signs of sun damage in these areas including the backs of the hands are:

Deep wrinkles
Dry, rough skin
Fine red veins
Thinner, more translucent-looking skin

Although not something we want, age spots are generally harmless. Have a doctor check evaluate any that become dark or have changed appearance.

To get rid of or at least minimize the spots there are pigment lightening gels, microdermabrasion, peels and for extreme cases lasers. All of these remedies will target the melanin in the brown spots to fade or remove them.

To prevent age spots, prevent them from getting worse, and particularly after we've faded them - use a good SPF 30 with a physical block like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. And, you might want to consider wearing gloves while driving.

More on Botox

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:05:00 +0000

As reported in the OC Register today - Dr. John DiSaia of San Clemente and Anaheim says, there is no proof that using Botox over any period of time is a guarantee that you won't wrinkle in those areas. He says, "This would be very difficult to prove. Whether or not aged tissue would form some sort of wrinkle even with less activity may be more a matter of genetics than of use of a paralytic."

Plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Cruise of Newport Beach says, "Certainly, permanent wrinkles can be avoided if there is no motion within the skin. The real cause of wrinkles, however, is not from our facial muscles getting stronger with age. Facial muscles are just like every other muscle in the body - they get weaker with age. Wrinkles occur with age because the facial fat that separates the skin from the muscles 'melts' away."

Doctor's agree that focusing on Botox as a wrinkle-fighter misses the most important causes of wrinkles. "Stopping cigarette smoking and limiting sun exposure may be more effective and would certainly be cheaper," says Dr. DiSaia.

I will add that adding monthly facials can do wonders for keeping the skin clean, increasing circulation and moisture. Try a microcurrent facial at a fraction of the cost of Botox for healthy skin, encouraged collagen and elastin replacement and amazing facial rejuvenation.

A Happy Attitude Could Change Your Longevity

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:58:00 +0000

Dr. Hilary Tindle and a team from the Women's Health Initiative were interested in finding out if optimism (positive future expectations) and cynical, hostile attitudes toward others are related to coronary heart disease and mortality (death) in postmenopausal women. Guess what!! Women who scored at the top of the optimism scale had lower rates of heart disease and total mortality that pessimists, The most cynical, hostile women also had higher rates of heart disease and death.

Also, in terms of cancer, the most cynical, hostile women had a higher risk of cancer-related mortality and total mortality,

So the conclusions were that optimism and cynical hostility are both associated with important health outcomes.

So ladies, let's get those sunny dispositions rolling.

Microcurrent Facial Rejuvenation is in the News

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:58:00 +0000

Microcurrent, those tiny little impulses that can rejuvenate your face (and hands) has been shown on Channel 2 News in NYC says about this fabulous technique. Then, call me for an appointment.

Kreamy Soaps Pine Tar

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:27:00 +0000

Pine Tar Soap, is also known as the Medicinal Bar. Pine Tar Soap contains Lavender Jojoba Bean Oil. Using it on the face (yes, I said face) and body with problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, rashes and even on tattoo irritations can soothe and resolve these issues. In face, there are reports that Kreamy Soaps Pine Tar has helped folks out with poison oak. Pine Tar could just give you the healthy skin you were born to enjoy! You don't have to have sensitive skin to enjoy our Pine Tar, anyone can use it. Pine Tar also makes for a great hair wash. After washing your hair with any of our Kreamy Soaps bars we recommend rinsing with Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar, giving your hair and scalp a real lift. Contact me, try it out.

Botox Can Add Wrinkles

noreply@blogger.com (Tamara's) — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:49:00 +0000

In a recent article in The Orange County Register columnist Colin Stewart interviewed several cosmetic doctors about the new wrinkles appearing on famous and Botoxed faces. Seems that the rules kick in "for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction". That is to say that if you paralize one set of muscles other muscles kick in to help out their paralyzed buddies thus creating what is called adjunct wrinkling. Now we're seeing "bunny lines" that start at the sides of the bridge of the nose and end at the outer edge of the eyes. So now the "bunny lines" muscles need Botox.

I'm nether here nor there about Botox. However, I have seen some miraculous softening and rejuvenating effects on my clients who receive regular Microcurrent rejuvenating facials for far less cost and no injected botulism. An added benefit to the Microcurrent rejuvenating facial is that your entire face is lifted and the skin is revitalized.