What you choose to put on your skin every day is an important step on your journey to great looking skin. It’s crucial that we feed our skin the same way we feed our bodies if we want to look healthy and vibrant. This can be a very confusing task as we are constantly bombarded with the latest and greatest in skin care products.

There are a few key things you should look for in your skin care products to ensure they have what it takes to make your skin look great. Concentrated natural actives, vitamins in a specific form and minerals that have the ability to change the look and function of your skin are a few key components any high grade skin care product should have. Also, it is extremely important that the product has a good delivery system which helps to actually penetrate deep into the skin.

Products that have these key characteristics (and therefore have the ability to truly transform your skin) are called Cosmeceuticals. So what differentiates a Cosmeceutical from an ordinary beauty product? Simple. Cosmeceutical products contain highly active ingredients. The vitamins also come in a specific form that helps keep them stable and the advanced delivery system allows these important nutrients to penetrate. It is important to note, though, that not all Cosmeceutical lines are created equal. As such, it is important to speak with a skilled practitioner who can recommend products that are capable of living up to their own hype.

BE CURIOUS

Here are three questions you should ask before purchasing a Cosmeceutical skin care product:

What is the delivery system of the product?
There is significant research showing that most skin care has a penetration rate of 2%. Many people think that acidic creams and serums penetrate better but that is not true according to many independent studies which means 98% of all of the ingredients out there are wasted if a line does not have an effective absorption strategy.

What form is the vitamin A?
If there is no vitamin A in your treatment serum than the ability of the product to remodel the skin is extremely limited. You want the vitamin A to be in the form of retinaldehyde. This is the strongest form of vitamin A but does not cause irritation and peeling like other retnoids.

When the sales person is making claims of what a product can do, ask how it achieves that goal.
For example if the sales person tells you the product can lighten sun spots you should ask how and why this happens. It is our right as consumers to be educated on the purchases we make, especially when we are putting these products onto our skin.

LET’S TALK OSMOSIS

At SKN we do thorough research on all Cosmeceutical lines before we consider providing them to our clients. For this reason, the skin care lines we carry are found at very few clinics in Canada. We do not carry products based on their popularity but rather we choose products because of the results they are able to achieve. Products need scientific proof – not just a great marketing campaign.

SKN has recently added the Osmosis Pur Medical Skin Care line. Osmosis is cruelty free, paraben free, and artificial fragrance, color and additive free. The products are water soluble, plant based and use more active ingredients per serum than any other line in the world. Osmosis is heavily researched with many products having numerous published research articles supporting their efficacy. Osmosis has the most advanced delivery system available, phosphatidylcholine liposomes, which are proven in research to increase penetration 1000%. Aging and many skin conditions are worsened by the decline in blood flow that tends to start in our mid-twenties. Blood flow is the skin’s only source of food and immune support (antioxidants, enzymes, proteins, lipids, immune cells). Osmosis uses 8 different dermal stimulators and other ingredients which work with the skin to increase circulation and nutrient supply. The other shortage that occurs with loss of blood flow is in our protective antioxidant base. Osmosis utilizes the skin’s strongest and most active antioxidants (17 of them) to keep the focus on repair and remodeling of existing conditions by reducing free radical damage seen daily through environmental, food and sun related trauma.

Tip #2 – Discover Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

There are many different treatments offered at Spas and Clinics and it is hard to know which one will provide you with the best results. At SKN, we offer clinical treatments in a spa environment so you get both results and relaxation. We offer customized clinical treatments that are designed specifically to address your skin needs.

FEEL GOOD INSIDE AND OUT

We believe in focusing on both the internal and the external so you look and feel your best. If you’re looking for a true balance of relaxation and results, SKN offers medical grade facials that are extremely relaxing but most importantly are results driven using an array of highly active ingredients from the Osmosis line. Additionally, we offer customized peels that have the ability to create profound changes in the skin such as reduced appearance of lines, wrinkles, acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Peels will also enhance the effectiveness of your products as the skin is better able to absorb and utilize the ingredients since the skin turnover has been accelerated.

A LITTLE POKING

Cosmetic Acupuncture is the ultimate in holistic anti-aging and will tighten and brighten the skin while simultaneously balancing your internal system. You can expect positive side effects such as better sleep, less stress, and increased energy. We also have an advanced dermal therapist that performs Photo Rejuvenation and Skin Tightening for aging skin. Our specialty is healthy, beautiful skin. Whether you have aging skin, sun damage, acne, rosacea, melasma or just want to boost the skin and maintain its health, we can help. At SKN we understand that skin conditions and aging are a result of something happening internally so we offer a holistic approach that focuses both on the external signs and the internal causes.

Tip #3 – Nutrition is Key!

The food we feed our bodies affects the look and health of our skin. We hear it all the time – eat a diet high in antioxidants! The reason for this is that antioxidants scavenge those free radicals that cause damage to our skin, body and brain. Some foods high in antioxidants are berries, oranges, pink grapefruit, grapes, apricots, peaches, raisins, tomatoes, dark green leafy veggies (spinach, kale, etc.), Brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, red peppers and carrots.

KEEP THAT GLYCEMIC INDEX LOW

Following a low glycemic index diet will keep our blood sugar balanced which is very important for those with acne because a spike in blood sugar increases the production of sebum. So eating small, protein and veggie based meals throughout the day will keep the blood sugar in check.

EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT

Traditional Chinese medicine offers great insight on how one should eat according to their constitution and pattern. For example if you suffer from the skin condition rosacea it is important for you to avoid heat producing foods like mangoes, spicy foods, and lamb. Rosacea is a heat condition so you want to heal the skin and body by adding cooling foods such as blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and other fresh fruits (except citrus) and veggies. If you suffer from acne it is also important to avoid heat producing foods but also damp inducing foods like dairy products, and bananas as they will contribute to acne outbreaks. This is just a brief picture of how Chinese food cures can work to reduce or eliminate skin conditions when combined with other therapies.

Since I started working here at SKN, (I am the in house makeup artist, as well as working reception) I now see the light. I have always been into taking care of my skin, I wash my face every night and have tried every night cream under the sun. But until working here and being surrounded by the positive influence of the amazing and talented staff, I realize now…that I need a skin care plan too. If I want beautiful, healthy skin, I need to work at it. I need to honor a consistent plan and take action, much like I need to do with fitness. I need to protect and maintain this wonderful (yet challenging) organ.  As we age, our cell turn over slows down, thus producing wrinkles. However, along with regular treatments, (that are ever changing, depending on what the skin needs) I can keep my skin looking great throughout the years.

Now think of cosmecuticals as food for your skin. You need to feed your skin the proper nutrients it needs in order for it to fully produce the desired results. Just like fitness, you can’t expect to have an amazing body, while you eat KFC every night.  So with a little commitment and a plan, we can have strong healthy bodies, and beautiful skin, that ages with grace and dignity!

I have had the opportunity to try the cosmeceuticals lines we have here, such as Jadience, Seaflora and the newest addition Osmosis. These lines are amazing and will nicely fit into any skin care plan.

If you are looking to start a personalized skin care plan, SKN can help. Feel free to call us and make an appointment with our newest addition to the SKN team, Amy Chalmers.  Amy is a Cosmetic Dermal Specialist and Trainer as well. She just moved back to Canada after living and working in Austrailia, where she gained numerous industry qualifications, recognized at both a national and international level. Amy is beyond qualified and we are thrilled to have her here. Amy can sit down with you and address any skin concerns, head to toe…and get you on YOUR PLAN!

SUCCULENT SALMON SALAD
Serves 4-6.
Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 11 minutes.

Ingredients
(Stir-fry)
4 oz. Atlantic Salmon (fresh) cut into cubes
2 Tbsp. finely grated or chopped ginger
3 cloves finely chopped garlic
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 red pepper (cut into squares)
1 cup fresh green beans (cut in half)
1/3 cup of honey garlic sauce (Oriental brand)
(Salad)
1 iceberg lettuce head (chopped into bite size squares)
1 English cucumber (cut into quarter pieces)
2 large Roma tomatoes (cut into squares) or 20 cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions
Salad: Cut all ingredients into a bowl, toss and set aside.
Stir-fry: Heat large skillet/pan over medium heat, add oil, garlic and ginger. Once ginger and garlic are brown, add cubed salmon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Salmon is cooked once it is firm, flaky and a light pink color. Add red pepper squares to stir-fry. Cook for 3 minutes. Add sauce, satay for 2-3 minutes. Add green beans, cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Immediately remove from heat. You want the red pepper and green beans to be somewhat crunchy when it is plated. Plating: Plate fresh salad from bowl into bowl or plate. Add salmon stir-fry onto salad, drizzle salad with sauce and serve immediately.

*So after you try this delicious salad, incorporate these food into your diet and your skin will thank you:

Strawberries, citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli,Fortified cereal, lean meat, pork, poultry, oysters,
Sunflower seed, almonds, Dark orange, leafy green and red vegetables, Wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, walnuts.

Thanks to my dear friend Sanna for the inspiration:) If you want to follow her blog, check out
http://freshandfabulousfood.blogspot.com/

 HAPPY EASTER from The SKN Team!

“Your skin is like a mirror – it reflects everything that is going on within your body and mind. Pay attention to keeping your mind, body and emotions balanced, and the results will show up as a clear, glowing complexion.” -This is a quote I recently heard and I really liked the message. It’s so true, we get so caught up in the hussle and bustle of our daily lives, we don’t even realize that our stress levels are affecting our immune system, AND the body’s biggest organ-SKIN!  Stress  puts a damper on the body’s digestive system and interferes with the ability to absorb proper nutrients. So we need to reduce our stress levels and work on staying positive,  But if you don’t have time to meditate the stress away for 3 hours at a budist temple (which I’ve done and is amazing btw). There are small, day to day steps you can do to help achieve and maintain that glowing skin…oh and stress levels too:)

1. DIET: A balanced diet and proper eating habits help keep the body and mind performing at optimal levels. I try to eat unprocessed foods. I am also aware of the eat for your skin diet, which includes foods like Salmom, blue berries, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, sprouts, wheat grasses,etc.

2. SLEEP: We hear it all the time, but it is so important. Do whatever you need to do to get relaxed so you can sleep better. I try to do a quick half hour yoga session before bed. Check out www.eoinfinnyoga.com He has a “quickie” lesson you can download for free.

3. EXCERCISE: Here too, it’s whatever works for you. I love running, yoga, hiking. I do some at home workout videos if i’m really inspired. I find morning  to be the best time to excersise, you wake up, get it done and feel great all day.  Being outside, in nature at least a few times a week will definitely help with stress. We live in such a beautiful city, we have endless outdoor adventure possibilities.

4. DE-STRESS. Deep breaths, all is well in your world. Life really is a gift. Take some time for yourself and de-stress. It could mean a yoga class, a walk by the beach, a glass of wine with a girlfriend, popcorn and movie, or buying a new pair of shoes.

Here at SKN, we want to aid in your quest for a zen state of mind, we want you to radiate the light that you are. Book a facial this Good Friday (april 2) and receive a  complimentary Seaflora product of choice. Give us a call at 604-568-6333

HAPPY DE-STRESSING!!

The first line is what I like to call our luxury line and once you apply it to your skin you will know what I am talking about. It is called Jadience and it is composed of organic east asian herbs which are packed with vitamins and minerals and then there are antioxidants, oils and jade powder to top it off.  It feels as though you are rubbing silk on your skin. Jadience has products for anti-aging, acne, rosacea and is a great preventitve skincare line to keep the skin healthy.  My two favorite products are Jade and Ginseng Regenerating Serum, which I believe is a must have product for everyone and it is self adjusting so your skin will gradually take what it needs. It is a serum so the ingredients are microsized particles that your skin will immediately absord and it will protect, hydrate, heals and tighten your skin. After I apply my serum I use Radiance because I have dry skin and this product keeps my skin soft and hydrated all day long. People often comment on my skin saying it looks so tight and glowy and they are shocked when I say I have dry skin because it looks the complete opposite.  My job gives me the pleasure of working with skin clients everyday and I have not had one client dissapointed with the Jadience line.  Plus, I am the only person outside of America currently offering this product to clients so it is somewhat of a natural skin world secret.

The new addition to the SKN Shop is Seaflora, now this product line comes from the beautiful oceans of  British Columbia. It is a marine based line and the seaweeds are harvested ethically with love and care so they continue to grow each year offering us fantastic products. The products use four main seaweeds which are filled with every imaginable vitamin and mineral your skin needs to look its absolute best. This line is great for anti-aging, acne, rosacea and skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and any other skin condition which may be due to a lack of minerals.  Seaflora is really great for people with very oily skin, specifically the Laminara moisturizer as it will be absorbed and healing to the skin while supplying your skin with much needed minerals and vitamins. You will not look greasy. Another great product for people with oily skin is the Jadience Jade and Ginseng regenerating serum because it is quickly abosrbed and will protect your skin and not leave any oiliness lingering on your skin throughout the day.   Now back to seaflora, this skincare line makes some great exfoliants and masks, they are stinky but very effective so plug your nose and reap the rewards.  There are masks for every skin type out there, my personal favorite is the potent sea kelp.   Myacne clients love the Iridea Purifying mask to de-congest the skin.

Now for those of you who deal with eczema anywhere on the body you should opt for the laminara body lotion and soothing sea kelp soak. There is also what we like to call the Super Power product and this is the Seaweed firming gel. It is anti-bacterial, anti-septic, soothing, and healing. It is used for sore joints and muscles, bug bites, stretch marks, and eczema and psoriasis.

We have more info on each and every product at www.SKNShop.ca and we would love to help you pick the perfect product for your skin type. For our help just send an email to amanda@SKNClinic.ca with any questions you have and a detailed description of your skin.   We will help you choose the products best suited to your skin.

Unlike Western medical treatments where non-prescription antihistamines only provide temporary quick fixes to relieve those miserable symptoms, Chinese Medicine can cure hay fever naturally. It works by correcting underlying imbalances and strengthening the immune system so it can repel external pathogens such as pollen, bacteria and viruses.

Hay fever sufferers are hypersensitive to things due to constitutional weaknesses. Firstly, they are unable to resist repeated attacks from offending substances in their surroundings. Secondly, they are also unable to dispel unresolved pathogens that have invaded their immune systems, and it is these that cause the recurring episodes of discomfort. Unfortunately, allergies happen very quickly so you cannot predict when you need to be on guard and when you’re susceptible to an attack. Sometimes all it takes is a single allergen exposure and you’re doomed with full blown misery for weeks and even months!

The beauty of Chinese Medicine is that there are natural herbal remedies that work to support the immune system to fight offending substances and at the same time dispel previous irritants from the body. Furthermore, a customized herbal formula not only solves the root of the problem but can also relieve acute allergic symptoms that are specific for the individual. Allergy sufferers may share similar symptoms but the effects do vary slightly from person to person. Some victims may experience more nasal congestion, others more intense episodes of sneezing and runny nose. Some people may experience severe itchy sore eyes, and others may not. That is why conventional drugs do not work because they assume everybody’s body constitution is the same and everyone’s symptoms are identical. We all have specific imbalances so it is important that herbal formulas are tailored to the individual.

Don’t forget that each time you pop in conventional drugs, these all contain side effects. Some may even produce life-threatening ones when taken with other medications. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine effectively and safely manages hay fever without any adverse effects.

So stop sporting off-season trends, appearing as Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer during springtime or hibernating indoors during gorgeous spring weather. Beat the pollen! Find out what Chinese Medicine can do for you. Herbal consults come free with Acupuncture. For more information you can email Adrienne at Adrienne@sknclinic.ca

Top 3 Treatments:

Cosmetic Acupuncture

This treatment is unsurpassed by any because of its power to brighten and tighten the skin while simultaneously bringing the internal body into balance.   Some of the cosmetic results one can expect from this treatment are a leveling of deep lines, a reduction of fine lines, smoother, more vibrant skin,  overall skin tone becomes more consistent,  improvements in acne and rosacea and much more.

Some of the positive side effects you can expect from this treatment are improved sleep and digestion, decrease in stress and anxiety levels, reduction or elimination of hot flashes and night sweats.

I provide all my clients with a health plan consisting of recommended foods, supplements, and Chinese herbs.  The cosmetic acupuncture treatment plan is a holistic plan that should encompass body, mind and spirit.

Cosmetic acupuncture consists of 10 -12 treatments, two treatments a week.  Once the series of 10-12 is completed you will have a maintenance treatment every six weeks and complete the entire program once a year.  learn more at www.vancouvercosmeticacupuncture.com and if you live in the Vancouver area feel free to come in for a free consultation by requesting an appointment at www.SKNClinic.ca

Photo-Facials

Photo-facials are great treatment option for those looking to eliminate sun damage, redness, broken capillaries, treat acne outbreaks and pigmentation scarring from acne.  Photo-facials also stimulate the production of collagen so you skin will look and feel tighter and brighter as a result.

Photo-facials are a diverse treatment that allows your practitioner to customize the treatment to your specific needs.  There are a variety of filters that are chosen depending on your skin needs.

This treatment is safe when performed by a skilled practitioner and involves no downtime.  If you are getting rid of sun damage you will need a series of 2-6 treatments spaced three weeks apart.  The hyper pigmentation from the sun damage will begin flaking off and the end result is beautiful, even-toned skin.

If you suffer from acne these treatments allow your practitioner to use multiple filters, to target bacteria, inflammation and to heal the skin and improve skin texture.  These treatments can be performed once a week and after six treatments your skin will be looking great.

This is currently one of the only treatments successful in the treatment of rosacea.  The rosacea filter targets the hemoglobin in the blood to eliminate redness and broken capillaries.  These treatments will require a series of 2-6 and you will need follow up treatments every six months.

I highly recommend combining the cosmetic acupuncture with the photo-facials so that you get even better results because you are working both internally and externally.  It is important to remember that what is present on our skin is an external manifestation of what is happening in our bodies.

Skin Tyte

This is new technology that works on tightening the skin by delivering deep heat into the dermis stimulating collagen remodeling and contraction. Since there is no downtime, patients may resume their regular activities immediately following treatment.   Following the  treatment a new foundation of collagen is created leading to increased skin firmness.   So overtime the results increase.  Extra bonus this is safe for all skin types.

Clients need a series of 2-5 depending on the amount of skin tightening needed.  The treatment is most effective for face, neck and chest.

This wraps up my top 3 treatments for 2010.  They have been chosen based on effectiveness, safety and proven results.   If you want to look beautiful, natural and healthy then these are the treatments for you.

For more information please email info@SKNClinic.ca or  visit our website at www.SKNClinic.ca

We also incorporate the blue light for all acne facials to help dry up the excess oil in the skin and prevent potential breakouts.

To give you a little information about LED, what it is, how it works and why it is beneficial for your skin I thought I would write a little blurb.

LED is a cold low level laser originally developed by Nasa’s Marshalls space flight center and Quantum Devices Inc. It was initially created as a way to help plants grow in space. During the development of this light it was discovered that the LED had a similar effect on human tissue as it did on plant tissue.

The biochemical reaction of the LED on the skin stimulates the human cells to convert the light energy into cell energy. Which in turn stimulates the healing and rejuvenation response in the skin. It does this by stimulating the ATP chemical in our cells. Otherwise known as the battery or fuel of the cell, which is a very important factor in cell metabolism.

When we stimulate the cells ATP we stimulate the cell to do what it does naturally, only at a faster rate. This will prompt the skins fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin proteins, along with the skins healing response. This means it works also to heal wounds.

Studies show that cells exposed to LED have been found to grow 150% to 200% faster due to the enhanced metabolism and the repair and replenishment of damaged cells.

The RED light

660nm – 720nm is beneficial in treating problems close to the surface of the skin, such as wounds, cuts and scars. It activates the skins cells and promotes blood circulation.

Some of the benefits of the RED light are

- Stimulation of Collagen and Elastin

- Increases the energy of the cell

- Stimulates cell turnover

- Reduces mild scarring, hyper-pigmentation, pore size, wound healing time and inflammation

- Smoother and improved skin

- Reduces pigmentation caused by acne lesions

- Increases circulation and moisture retention

Penetrates into the sebaceous (oil) glands, is antibacterial and produces singlet oxygen. A bactericide that is deadly to acne.

This is just a short blurb about the benefits of LED and what it can do for your skin and general health. We hope that you take advantage of our unique facials and healing treatments that benefit you from the inside out.