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   Apparently ayurvedic teas have been consumed for centuries due to its broad health benefits. The tea originates from India more than 5000 years ago and has assisted people gain balance, health and energy. Ayurveda means “science of life”. Ayurvedic tea or ayurvedic wellness tea is a specially prepared tea blend which combines fruits, spices, organic herbs and certain plants to benefit the health.

   
   

   What is Ayurvedic tea? Here are the facts

   • Ayurvedic tea is traditional herbal tea made from ayurvedic medicines, following traditional approach to overall health and wellness.

   • The tea is available in three different forms, vata tea, kapha tea and pitta tea. Each kind of tea has different elements.

   • Ayurvedic tea has potential to cleanse and detoxify the body in certain specific way

   • Ayurvedic tea can boost health, increase longevity while delivering a number of health benefits

   • Vata tea has ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, stevia, licorice, etc.

   • Pitta-based herbal tea may have rose petals, licorice, ginger, cardamom an stevia

   • kapha has black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and licorice

   
   

   I was intrigued, so I kept researching. There are benefits associated with drinking ayurvedic tea. It can help with digestion, weight-loss and alleges that it prevents diabetes. How can a caffeine-free tea, help you loose weight? The tea boosts metabolism and contains fat burning properties. It removes toxins that are built up in the gastrointestinal system. The tea has anti-inflammatory properties that prevents oxidative stress, in addition it reverses the impact of free radicals.

   Also addressed as ‘diabetes mellitus’, diabetes is a harmful chronic disease which is pretty much common all across the globe. There are various reasons for elevated sugar levels and some of them are sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical

   The best herbal teas and their benefits

   For nearly thousands of years, ayurvedic teas are consumed for amazing medicinal properties and for delicious taste. Ayurvedic teas bear powerful antioxidants to benefit overall physical and mental health. Ayurvedic teas are prepared by using roots, flowers, seeds, leaves and bark. The following are the best ayurvedic teas:

   • Chamomile tea is regarded as the best ayurvedic tea which relaxes mind and body. The relaxing ayurvedic tea is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal to improve digestion, relieve irritable bowel syndrome.

   
   

   • If you want to improve your immunity system, start consuming ginger tea. Herbal ginger tea improves digestion and boosts immunity system. The herbal tea or ayurvedic blend uses the roots of ginger for tea preparation. Hence, the tea is strong and flavorful. Regular consumption of ginger tea can also reduce pain in the muscles, address joint disorders. The tea has powerful antioxidants to reduce stress, cleanse chemicals and reverse aging process. It can also fight cough and cold, relieve menstrual cramps.

   
   

   • Red Rooibos Tea and Green Rooibos Tea are popular for antioxidants like nothofagin and aspalathin. The caffeine free ayurvedic teas can fight off cancer cells and can also combat free radicals. It can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol in the blood.

   
   

   • If you cannot sleep properly and are stressed out all the while, start consuming Valerian tea. The great herb called Valerian can fight off the side effects of our modern lifestyle such as sleeplessness and stress. The herbal tea may also help in neurological disorders. Valerian tea before bedtime can resolve gastrointestinal problem, seizure, ADHD

   
   

   • To get rid of irritable bowel syndrome and to improve digestion, you may opt for Peppermint tea. The nutritious herb can soothe stomach problems and get rid of stomach disorders. If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, just go for peppermint tea.

   
   

   • To improve liver functioning, boost digestion and detoxify the body, go for Dandelion tea. It not only boosts digestion but also has potential to expel kidney stones. It detoxifies the body and also assists in weight loss. The herbal tea can flush off toxins from the body and also fight off free radicals that have damaging effect on the body.

   
   

   
   

   • For those who suffer from bronchitis and frequent cough, they may adopt Thyme tea. The ayurvedic tea is rich in antioxidants, minerals and flavonoids. It can combat body infection in the best manner.

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Microdermabrasion can be done as frequently as weekly or up to every eight weeks depending on your skin's tolerance and desired cosmetic effects. Many people choose to start with weekly treatments for three sessions, then change to a monthly maintenance regimen.

Typical microderm schedule:

Week 1: first session

Week 2: second session

Week 3: third session

Monthly: fourth through twelfth sessions

Much like brushing your teeth, microdermabrasion helps to gently remove plaque and skin debris. Since human skin typically regenerates at approximately 30-day intervals, skin improvement with microdermabrasion is temporary and needs to be repeated at average intervals of two to four weeks for continued improvement. Usually, multiple treatments (six to 12 sessions) are recommended to see a significant improvement.

What does the vacuum do in microdermabrasion?

The vacuum part of microdermabrasion has four basic roles:

It gently pulls and lifts a small section of skin for micro abrasion.

It focally stimulates blood circulation and creates mild swelling in the skin.

What should people expect before, during, and after microdermabrasion?

Mild pinkness of the skin is the desired outcome and usually resolves within minutes to hours after microdermabrasion. In addition, mild exfoliation of skin may occur as well. Continuously apply moisturizer or ointment if exfoliation occurs. Patients may also experience mild sunburn-like sensation for a few days. Moreover, liberal application of sunscreen is recommended as photosensitivity may be increased after treatment.

Microdermabrasion may help stimulate the production of collagen, thereby helping skin rejuvenation. As age spots from photoaging and fine lines are diminished, the skin may become softer and smoother.

 

Currently, there are a variety of options for sunscreens. You may want to use physical blockers of UV rays, an array of chemical ingredients that absorb UVA and UVB rays, or a combination of both types. There are some differences to these, and recently the chemical ingredient oxybenzone has been in the news as a no-go for sunscreens. Before we delve into the topic of oxybenzone, let’s review the main differences between chemical and physical sunscreens.

Chemical vs. Physical

To make matters more confusing, there are several ways to describe the different types of sunscreens available today. In the scientific community, these sunscreens are referred to as organic or inorganic filters. No, this does not refer to whether or not you’ll find them at your local natural grocery store. Instead, it refers to whether or not it contains a carbon atom. So if any chemical compound includes carbon atoms, it is referred to as ‘organic.’ Organic filters include the chemical sunscreens found in many formulations. Inorganic filters are more commonly referred to as physical or mineral sunscreens. These include the physical compounds zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These physical sunscreens sit on the skin and scatter or reflect UV rays. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens typically absorb the UV rays. These include ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone and homosalate, among others.

OK but which is better?

There are lots of options for sunscreens, and most formulations will use a combination of physical and chemical sunscreens. All of the previously mentioned chemical and physical ingredients have been approved by the FDA. There isn’t a better option because they are all so different. However, there are cases where some chemical compounds may cause skin reactions such as dermatitis, whereas the physical blockers typically do not. Keep in mind that the reaction is often due to the high level of fragrance or alcohol used in sunscreen products. For a sensitive skin, it may be more suitable to use a physical sunscreen. So is physical better than chemical? Not exactly. It depends on the formulation and the preference of the client. Chemical sunscreens were developed to provide versatility in formulations, allowing for invisible coverage while providing UV protection. Physical sunscreens are excellent for sensitive skin, provide superior coverage but can leave a white cast to the skin.

What’s the issue with Oxybenzone?

Good question. The recent report published online by the Environmental Working Group has blacklisted oxybenzone as a hormone disruptor that penetrates deeply into the skin. What exactly is a hormone disruptor?

Also known as an endocrine disruptor, it refers to an external compound that disrupts the physiological actions of our body’s natural hormones. It was coined in the 90s and has typically referred to environmental chemicals, such as pollutants. However this term encompasses an extensive list of chemicals all living beings breathe, eat, walk over, swim in, or simply are exposed to. The EWG report states that oxybenzone is a potential hormone disruptor, although they once again extrapolate data from scientific studies to assess daily human use and risk. One study they cited (Schlumpf et al 2001) did show estrogenic effects on rats after ingestion of oxybenzone.

 However, it is important to note that these animals were exposed to large amounts (more than the recommended for human use) of oxybenzone via routes not used by humans, namely the mouth. So these results only apply to rodents eating large amounts of oxybenzone, not humans spreading an oxybenzone-containing cream over their skin.

Another study on humans with more natural conditions could not confirm this data (Janjua et al 2004). In 2001,the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products and Non-food Products (SCCNFP) concluded that sunscreens do not have an estrogenic effect that influences human health. Let’s imagine that there is a risk of oxybenzone to be a hormone disruptor. To do this it would have to penetrate deep into the living dermis.

The EWG claims that this is the case, citing a study on oxybenzone and penetration (Hayden 1997). However, they do not mention that this study was done in vitro, meaning they looked at the absorption in skin samples in the lab, and not on a human being. Another study by the same group saw deleterious effects on humans; however the fine print is that the participants were asked to use about 6 times the recommended amount of sunscreen needed to prevent sunburn.

 Again, these studies do not prove that oxybenzone penetrates at the recommended levels. There is scientific research that supports the safety of this compound for human use.

These confirm that sunscreen products formulated with 1-6% oxybenzone do not possess significant sensitization potential and toxicity to the underlying human keratinocytes after topical application to the skin. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) of the European Commission concluded in 2008 that it does not pose a significant risk to consumers, apart from contact allergenic potential.

So what should I do?

The studies and scientific committees have provided evidence that it is safe to use for consumers. However, it must be noted that babies do not rid themselves from toxins as readily as adults, and their skin may be more penetrable. That is why the FDA requires a warning on all sunscreens “not to be used on children under 6 months of age.” If you happen to be one of those individuals that experience breakouts or irritation with chemical sunscreens, then we recommend that you choose a physical blocker to protect the health of the skin.

Sunscreen isn’t fail-safe

Sunscreens are only one option to protect you against harmful UV rays. Using more certainly does not warrant more time out in the sun; nor should you avoid it due to misinformation. In fact, there is no evidence that sunscreens protect you from malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, sunburns have been linked with the development of melanoma – and sunscreens have been shown to prevent sunburns. So be sun smart! Don’t be a vampire but protect yourself from UV rays by seeking shade, wearing UV protective clothing, and choosing from the variety of approved sunscreens

It’s summer: a chance to show off those pretty toenails. Here’s what you need to know before you go to the salon

It’s a simple act of bliss: sinking into a fat massage chair and surrendering to an adept technician who rubs away tension, kneading lotion into thirsty skin. In fact, the process of getting a pedicure often has less to do with perfectly polished nails and more to do with taking time out of your day to relax (preferably in the company of a tasty gossip magazine). If you have diabetes, the need to pamper yourself—and forget for a few moments about the hard work of managing your condition—is all the more crucial.

But before you kick off your shoes, consider the potential downsides of pedicures. “People with diabetes are at risk for a number of complications. Foot infections are common. If they develop a break in the skin, it can be a life-threatening complication,” says Lee J. Sanders, DPM, chief of podiatry service at VA Medical Center in Lebanon, Pa. “I would caution individuals with diabetes not to receive a pedicure because of the sanitary conditions of the salon, the skills of the individual performing the pedicure, and the cleanliness of the instruments used.”

Still, women (and, yes, even men) with diabetes are heading to salons and spas. The reason? Aside from being an indulgent way to spend an afternoon, pedicures can ensure that feet are clean and hydrated, which is important when you are managing diabetes. That’s why doctors, such as Jodi S. Politz, DPM, a podiatrist with her own practice in Las Vegas, say pedicures are possible—if you’re picky about your salon. “[Anyone with diabetes] can get a pedicure anywhere,” she says, “as long as the nail technician is using very clean instruments and they know what they’re doing.” At her own practice, Politz has created a spa that provides sanitary, medically supervised pedicures. “Women are going to get [pedicures] whether they’re diabetic or not,” she points out, adding that people with diabetes do “have to be more conscious about it.”

So read on to learn how experts advise you can keep your feet safe.

Know When to Skip It

If you are healthy and complication-free, getting a pedicure doesn’t pose a threat the way it does for people with the foot complications of diabetes. But if you have an infection, ulcer, cut, or neuropathy, don’t book an appointment. An open wound is an open door for any bacteria that may be in the foot basin’s water, and nerve damage will make it hard for you to tell if you’ve been cut or if the bath’s water is too hot.

Stake Out the Salon

Scheduling a pedicure at just any old nail salon is a bad idea. “The most important thing is that wherever people go, they need to make sure they’re using clean practices,” says Donna Perillo, owner of Sweet Lily Spa in New York City. As podiatrist Sanders puts it: “We don’t know how clean the basin is. We don’t know how clean the water is.” He urges women to look into the place’s sanitation practices, the technician’s training—make sure she’s licensed—and how the tools are cleaned. “If a woman is going to seek out this service, it is important [she] address these issues,” he says.

If the salon looks clean but you’re still unsure about the sanitization process, don’t be afraid to ask. “Ask them how they clean their things,” says Perillo. “We get asked all the time, and I’m happy to answer.” According to Lisa Tep, owner of Sesen Spa in Vienna, Va., after each service, foot baths should be cleaned with a hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfectant made specifically for pedicure chairs. If a spa doesn’t clean as often or with the proper chemicals, walk away. “I wouldn’t take a chance,” says Perillo. “There are so many things you can catch. Fungus is the number one thing you see.”

Carroll Klingbile of Damascus, Ore., who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes three years ago, inspects new nail places by getting a manicure first before leaping into the pedicure chair. “I’ve walked in and sat around and waited” in order to check a salon out, she says. “There are a couple places I’ve walked out of.”

Examine the Foot Bath

Sure, sinking your feet into a pool of warm, bubbly water is relaxing. But did you know that bacteria may be introduced into your bath thanks to the pipes that carry the water? Avoid soaking in someone else’s bacteria by being picky about your foot bath. Some spas, such as Sesen, use “pipeless” pedicure chairs, which reduce the area in which bacteria can hide. Others, like Sweet Lily, opt for easy-to-clean individual buckets or bowls. Before you book your service, ask the spa which type of basin it uses. And remember, regardless of basin type, the technicians should still clean between each client.

Take the Right Steps

You should wash and inspect your feet daily. Turn the chore into a treat.

1.Wash. Clean feet are healthy, so perform this task daily—not just for a pedicure.

2.Exfoliate. Get rid of the dry skin that prevents full moisture absorption with a pumice stone.

3.Moisturize. Rub a thick moisturizer into feet, avoiding the area between toes.

4.Clip. Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

5.Soften. Stop cuticles from cracking by rubbing them with a soothing oil. 6 Polish. Go ahead, have fun.

Inspect the Tools

Before you let a pedicurist touch your feet, find out how her tools are sanitized. Like foot baths, imple­ments should be cleaned between each use. But, be warned: Just because tools were pulled from a sterilization pouch or drawn from a jar of blue liquid doesn’t mean they’re safe, says Tep. Dirty instruments used on past customers may soak in unchanged fluid or open containers. Ask if the salon operates an autoclave (a hot, pressurized chamber used to sterilize medical instruments),.

Another tip: Pick a salon that uses stainless steel instruments, which are easier to clean than porous nail files and those wooden sticks used to push back cuticles. If emery boards and nail buffers are used, they should be thrown out after each client to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Some people even tote their own tools as an extra precaution. But then cleanliness becomes your responsibility: “You have to, as an individual, make sure you wash your tools,” says Perillo. “You can infect yourself. As long as you go home and wash them really good … that’s a great solution.”

Give Instructions

“I always tell people: If they have diabetes they should let us know,” says Perillo. “The massage should be gentler.” Though you may feel nervous saying something, nail technicians actually want you to speak up. “I tell my pedicurist, ‘You know, I can’t have [the water] too hot,’” says Klingbile. “I have never found anyone to be nonresponsive to that. They’ve always been very, very nice.”

Request that the technician not clip your cuticles or file your heels or calluses. Make sure the basin’s water is warm, not hot, and that your toenails are cut straight across. Ensure that moisturizing lotions are thoroughly massaged into your feet to prevent excess lotion collecting between the toes. And insist that the pedicurist avoid a credo blade—that’s the one that looks like a razor—on your feet. The tool is illegal in many states.

Plan Ahead

As lovely as freshly shaven legs are, in this case they can do more harm than good. Stop shaving your legs two days before your scheduled pedicure to prevent skin from getting irritated or bacteria from entering any tiny nicks or cuts.

Use Your Judgment

These measures may seem extreme, but consider the alternative: Unsterilized instruments can pass bacteria and infections between clients. So, what do you do if you suspect a salon isn’t practicing safe sanitization? “I would say get up and leave,” says Tep. “You’re risking a lot for a pedicure. If you’re not sure, and you’re not comfortable, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Sure, you will notice the difference the moment you walk in the front door….the relaxing atmosphere, the plush pedicure thrones, the great selection of Dermalogica skincare, jewellery and even women's clothing.

What really sets Reinvent & Restore (R&R) Day spa apart from the “competition” is not so eye-catching. We are dedicated to providing the most sanitary nail care services available. New clients receive a complementary personalized pouch of non-metal tool kit – nail files, buffers, toe separators, birchwood sticks, pumice stones, etc. are never shared! The kit is yours to keep – just bring your mani-pedi pouch with you on your next visit to Sugarcoat. All metal clippers, nippers, and pushers are soaked in barbicide at least 20 minutes after each service and are then baked in a hospital grade heat sterilizer an additional 45 minutes. This extra step goes above and beyond requirements of Sanitation.

We have all seen the news reports about the dangerous bacteria that can be carried in the pipes and filters of whirlpool and massage pedicure chairs if they are not cleaned properly in between clients. That is precisely the reason R&R Day Spa has individual [edicure baths with disposable inserts that are discarded after each pedicure.NO filters and pipes to recirculate bacteria.  

We hope this bit of info will help you relax and enjoy our mani – pedi so you can reinvent yourself without concern.

Extrinsic refers to external factors that impact skin health, such as our environment and lifestyle. Below are some of the major extrinsic causes of dry skin.

Weather / Environmental elements

Cold winds and low temperatures can dry out skin, depriving it of balanced levels of oils, and contributing to premature aging.

Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from skin. Forced air heating also dries out skin: warm, dry air acts like a sponge, soaking up moisture from everything it touches.

Lifestyle

The trend of low-fat or fat-free diets can deprive our bodies of skin-friendly Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) critical to all parts of a healthy functioning body. They help protect against water loss within cells and throughout skin, helping to prevent dryness, keeping skin supple and hydrated. An EFA deficiency can result in chronic itching, dryness, scaling, and thinning.

Smoking can have a drying effect on skin: it drains skin and body of vitamins A and C and constricts blood vessels (which equates to less blood flow) – meaning smoking is somewhat like suffocating skin from the inside.

Excess intake of alcoholic beverages and certain medications (such as nasal decongestants) can also contribute to dry skin.

Exfoliation delivers a tighter, firmer, smoother look and feel of skin. Because of this result, many fall into the trap of over-exfoliation: an over-zealous approach that can actually reduce skin’s vitality and make it more susceptible to damage from UV light.

Over-exfoliation triggers the inflammatory response, leading to a compromised lipid barrier that won’t function properly, a sensitized skin condition, and accelerated premature aging.

Tell-tale signs of over-exfoliated skin include:

• noticeable dehydration

• patchy areas of dryness

• skin tautness

• redness and itchiness

• increased sensitivity

• inflammatory acne and irritation

If you’re showing the signs of over-exfoliation, speak with a professional skin therapist, who will most likely prescribe a calming cleanser and toner, and a protective moisturizer to start the recovery process. Sun protection is a must: wear a sunscreen with physical UV blockers Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide that won’t irritate skin.

After skin recovery, begin exfoliating with a gentle exfoliant designed for daily use. If you desire a more intense level of exfoliation, look to non-abrasive exfoliants containing chemicals like Salicylic or Lactic Acid. Pair a more gentle regimen with professional exfoliation treatments from your professional skin therapist to enjoy smoother skin without the undesirable side effects.

What do we all have in common in the summer? Yes it's the return of the thirsty, moisture-starved skin, compliments of crash diets, air conditioning, travel and too many mojitos! If you’ve always heard summer skin isn’t as dry as it is in the winter, you’re correct. So why does skin feel so tight? The answer: your skin may actually be dehydrated.

First things first: dry skin, or allipoid skin, generally refers to skin that is lacking in oil.

Dehydrated skin is characterized by lack of moisture (water).

Even oily skin can experience dehydration, as dehydration is a lack of water in skin – not oil. This means sebaceous activity can still be normal or even overactive in dehydrated skin. Now you know the difference – so it’s time to cure thirsty skin:

While your first instinct screams for the heavier cream, you could be left with breakouts during warmer months when perspiration levels are higher. Instead, layer a feather-light, fast-absorbing hydrating fluid beneath your current moisturizer or sunscreen – Skin Hydrating Booster is our top pick.

Spritz all day, every day with Multi-Active Toner –in the morning before moisturizing, as an afternoon refresher at your desk, in the car on your way to the gym… it’s hydrating, absorbs quickly, and won’t leave behind a greasy residue.

Three times a week, calm, soothe and help reduce dehydration with Skin Hydrating Masque. On hot days, intensify cooling benefits by chilling in the fridge for 5 minutes before you apply.

While you always wear your sunscreen, it is possible to get caught by the day’s rays. The damage is done, but the recovery can be quickened. Trust After Sun Repair to take down redness and inflammation while cooling skin. After Sun Repair is also a summer must-have for post-waxing sessions!

Give skin a boost by treating it right from the inside out. Drink at least eight 8-ounces of plain, filtered water every day.

If you’re a fan of coffee, tea or sodas, balance out the consumption with 3 extra glasses of water.

Don’t forget about wonderful, water-rich fruits and vegetables including watermelon, apples, grapes, broccoli and blueberries to boost hydration

Skin is an excellent record keeper. Every moment of exposure to daylight adds up like money in the bank – the problem is the payoff known as sun damage (also known as photodamage). As the top cause of premature signs of skin aging, sun damage shows on skin in the form of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and can lead to a repressed immune system and the potential for skin cancer.

Even if exposure is limited to brief outdoor lunches or a 20-minute walk, cumulative exposure is enough to cause the signs of skin aging. The first line of daily defense against sun damage is daily use of SPF. Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV light can strike skin and cause damage, so simply wearing sunscreen on sunny days isn’t enough.

Fortunately, more sophisticated sunscreen formulations with skin health benefits (think less chalky, less greasy) have made SPF a convenient addition to our morning routine. Speak with your professional skin therapist about SPF moisturizers that can be worn comfortably under make-up, or alone to deliver defense against skin aging UV light.

Feel Free to Browse around, we will be posting a lot of information in this blog, so keep checking back for more info.