Category: Aesthetics

Treating Skin Changes During Perimenopause

What Is Perimenopause?

What could be more frustrating than having wrinkles AND pimples? It is not uncommon for an esthetician to see a client in her 50’s coming in for both anti-aging and acne treatments. And as with so many of life’s irritating moments, women can blame it on hormones. Hot flashes, moodiness and sleep disorders are some of the uncomfortable symptoms every woman going through Perimenopause has experienced to some degree. New Leaf Wellness specializes in hormone care and treating skin changes during Perimenopause and more.

While these symptoms are well-known, the hormonal changes ushering in menopause can cause a wide spectrum of skin disorders, ranging from acne to extreme skin dryness. Lower levels of vital female hormones such as estrogen can also accelerate skin aging. While some women go through perimenopause without problems, others experience great changes, especially with their skin.

Let’s look at how fluctuating hormones can affect the skin, as well as suggest effective treatments and ingredients to mitigate conditions brought on by these unavoidable hormonal changes. We also will offer suggestions to help soothe Perimenopause symptoms such as sleep disruption and hot flashes, which can affect skin health.

Hormones and the Skin

Perimenopause is the time period during which a woman’s body is transitioning to complete loss of fertility—menopause. A woman can enter Perimenopause at different ages. It usually starts in the mid-40s, but can begin as early as the mid-30s. During this time, the ovaries gradually shut down, which results in the fluctuation of hormones.

Although Perimenopause may not commence until the 40’s, a gradual decrease in ovarian activity already has begun, which leads to reduced estrogen and progesterone production. These lower levels of hormones lead to decreases in collagen and elastin fibers, in turn causing wrinkling and sagging known as elastosis.

The woman’s body is thrown off balance due to the declining production of the dominant female hormones such as the common estrogen β-estradiol and progesterone. Conversely, although women produce only a small amount of male sex hormones (androgens), the effects become more dominant due to the depletion of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to skin becoming excessively oily as well as excessively dry during different times of the month, a kind of skin crazy that can really add insult to injury.

How New Leaf Can Help

First, we offer a combination of services including natural hormone therapy as well as professional aesthetic services. Our hormone therapy is personally designed to restore and rebalance your hormones to the levels appropriate for your life and health. And we find hormones and skin care have such a correlation. At your complimentary consultation, we can provide solutions for you that addresses your concerns, irritants and help you live a better life!

 

To get started, contact us for a consultation!

For WOMEN

For MEN

Want to take our Aesthetics Quiz?

For WOMEN

For MEN

Testosterone and Heart Attacks

Testosterone replacement is safe and helps reduce the risk of heart attacks. Let’s take a look at the link of testosterone and heart attacks.

Due to media hype and the misrepresentation of studies done on Testosterone, let’s revisit this topic. Sadly, there are news reports that discourage the use of Testosterone despite overwhelming evidence. Properly administered Testosterone actually helps patients with many medical issues, including reducing the risk of heart attacks. It is actually low levels of Testosterone and higher levels of Estrogen in men that have been shown to be associated with an increased heart disease risk. The misrepresentation of Testosterone arose from studies that did not look at Estrogen levels. Testosterone replacement without looking at Estrogen levels can cause problems. Proper Testosterone replacement while addressing Estrogen elevation is a different story. When Testosterone is optimized while making sure Estrogen stays in an optimal range, the men studied had fewer heart attacks and also felt more vital.

In fact, A common cause of disability and death is actually related to low Testosterone. Low levels of Testosterone are associated with diabetes, increased belly fat, insulin resistance, and various arterial changes that increase the risk of heart attacks. Conversely, when Testosterone is replaced to optimal levels by a specially trained physician there is increased muscle mass, decreased belly fat, improved insulin sensitivity, improved memory, increased energy, better sleep, happier moods, and an improvement in cardiovascular health.

In conclusion, testosterone is simply not evil. In fact, it is critical for your optimal health and well being. The key is to have it replaced with proper oversight and the hormone experts at New Leaf Wellness can do this!

Get started today and get heart healthy by checking your hormone levels with a New Leaf Wellness medical staff! Yes, I want to be healthy!

Take our Hormone Quiz:

For MEN

For WOMEN

Why Laser Hair Removal Now?

Why laser hair removal now is a common question we answer daily. Here’s what we say: It’s currently winter, so most of us are swaddled in layers of sweaters and outerwear, covered up to the eyebrows. Over the winter, we don’t tend to be thinking ahead to the summer months although they will be here in just a couple months… So, as some of us may be just trying to get keep our walks shoveled. We’re waiting for the snow and gloom to go and summer to come! 

But summer comes around in a hurry, once the seasonal wheel turns. The transition from winter to spring can be a little abrupt in some parts of the USA, so it pays to start thinking about summer preparation now.

Below, we’re going to share with you why winter is a great time for laser hair removal. There are several advantages to having the treatment during the cold months of the year. Read on and find out why winter is a great time to get smooth!

Baby, it’s cold outside.

Following laser hair removal, you’ll need to cover up the areas you’ve had treated, to protect them from the sun. Your skin can be sensitive to UV rays and heat after treatment.

With sunlight during the winter greatly reduced and your skin covered up to keep warm, conditions are ideal for laser hair removal. Technicians can even treat your unwanted hair at a higher frequency to expedite the process.

The cold weather offers the perfect setting for laser hair removal, enhancing the process by offering a cool environment.

Transitioning to smooth.

Laser hair removal causes your hair to fall out on its own, but this can take time.  Exfoliating the skin adequately helps the process and encourages ingrown hairs to resolve themselves. Winter also offers you the opportunity aid the process with summer-ready skin care rituals.

Because you’re covered up, you’ll be more inclined to let the therapy do its work, without attempting to hasten it.  Those residual fuzzy bits won’t bother you a bit, because they’ll be your little secret until the big reveal, when warm weather hits.

Ready for summer, 2018!

Depending on how much hair you’re treating, laser hair removal may take several sessions to rid you of all the hair being targeted. Another reason why winter is a great time for laser hair removal is that it gives you time.

When you pursue a course of laser hair removal treatments, you’ll find that a down develops, which is not at all like hair that returns after shaving, which is coarse.  Eventually, you’ll see less and less of this down and more and more smooth.

Which means you’re ready to hit the beach, looking stunning and feeling incredible!

Get your smooth on.

At New Leaf Wellness, we know that beauty is a personal thing. It’s also a process that requires expert assistance. Sometimes, it pays to know the ropes before approaching a cosmetic therapy like laser hair removal, so we offer you a free consult… feeling beautiful for you is important to us!

Why Add a Hyaluronic Acid to Your Skincare

Is it good for acne and also normal to dry skin?

Hyaluronic acid is phenomenally helpful for all skin types. For those with oily skin, and sensitive or normal skin hyaluronic acid does remarkable things in the skin. Most acne patients are terrified of the word moisturizer, but Hyaluronic Acid is exceptionally lightweight texture that feels weightless on skin even though it has such concentrated moisturizing properties. It also replenishes moisture level so the helping the skin from overproducing oil. For those with sensitive skin it’s also incredibly gentle but drenches skin with long-lasting hydration. ​

10 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

The dermatologic and aesthetic benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Serum are too numerous to count. Here are just ten of the amazing ways hyaluronic acid enhances the health and appearance of your skin.

  1. Hydration – Able to hold up to 1000 times its molecular weight in water, the acid penetrates the skin and binds skin cells to water, infusing all layers of the skin with valuable, rejuvenating moisture.
  2. Humectant – After infusing the epidermis with valuable moisture, the acid continues to draw moisture in from the surrounding environment to provide lasting hydration benefits.
  3. Lipid barrier enhancement – Hyaluronic acid fortifies the skin’s natural barriers to lock moisture in for an even more dramatic hydrating effect.
  4. Increased resilience – By enhancing the skin’s natural barriers, the skin is better able to defend itself against environmental age-factors and pollutants.
  5. Tighter skin tone – As it fills the skin with moisture, the acid tightens the overall complexion and firms facial contours for a more youthful appearance.
  6. Smoother texture – Much in the same way it tightens the skin, it also smoothes the texture of the skin for a silky smooth finish you can see and feel.
  7. Less visible fine lines and wrinkles – the acid reduces the size and visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating skin cell production of collagen and elastin, two fibers that contribute to skin elasticity.
  8. Stimulates skin cell regeneration – In addition to stimulating skin cell production of collagen, hyaluronic acid promotes skin cell regeneration for healthier cells and a more vibrant complexion.
  9. Pigmentation – A description of hyaluronic acid wouldn’t be compete without mentioning ability to reduce and prevent age spots and pigmentation issues.
  10. Clarity – By promoting proper moisture balance in the skin, the acid prevents the over-production of oil that clogs pores to cause breakouts.

If you feel your skin could benefit you from a Hyaluronic Acid treatment, give us a call at 888-728-7555 or contact one of our professionals to get your additional questions asked about our skincare services.

CooLifting: New Aesthetic Service

CooLifting is a non-invasive facial rejuvenation technique that creates a strong CO2 gas flow and a hyaluronate facial solution comprised of a high concentration of atomized actives to reduce wrinkles and instantly hydrate the skin. The proprietary blend is applied to the face at a low temperature with very high pressure.

NEW CRYO TECHNOLOGY, FREEZE TIME AND LOOK YOUNGER IN 5 MINUTES!

Introducing CooLifting services at New Leaf Wellness Centers – Unlock your skin’s potential for radiance and luminosity in just 5 minutes with the newest facial technology from Europe. CooLifting is a new facial that combines a controlled spray of carbon dioxide and a blend of hyaluronic acid and botanicals to generate beautiful results with no downtime, no injections, and no pain. CooLifting treatments leave skin looking and feeling tighter and firmer. The proprietary HA gel infused with CO2 increases skin hydration and improves the appearance of fine lines. Results can bee seen immediately!

Check to see if CooLifting is available at a location near you >> 

Benefits of CooLifting:

  • A comfortable, 5 minute treatment with NO DOWNTIME
  • Luminous and radiant skin
  • Increase hydration for a more youthful and healthier looking skin
  • Tissue stimulation for even skin and fine line lifting
  • Calming of skin after micro needling, microdermabrasion, laser surgery and other procedures

Take Our Skin Care Quiz! >>

5 Awesome Ways to Prepare Your Skin for Fall

Summer is drawing to a close. Is your skin ready? It’s in store for a fairly dramatic transition. After becoming accustomed to the warm, sunny, moist weather of summer, your skin must adapt to the drier, cooler air of fall. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to do it alone. By taking the right steps and using the right products, you can lay the foundation for a seamless transition from summer to fall–and for glowing, beautiful skin throughout the year.

Five Tips for Preparing Your Skin for the Fall

1. Keep Using Sunscreen

One of the worst mistakes that people make when fall rolls around is to stop using sunscreen. Just because the weather gets cooler and less sunny doesn’t mean that your skin isn’t still pummeled continuously by damaging UV-A and UV-B rays. You don’t have to use a separate sunscreen if you don’t want. Instead, choose a primer that contains SPF 30 or higher.

2. Use a Serum Under Your Moisturizer

During the summer, a lightweight moisturizer is all that’s typically needed to keep skin from drying out. Cooler weather brings drier air, however, so you’ll need to switch to something heavier and creamier. It’s a bit soon for that, though, so try using a serum beneath a medium-weight moisturizer instead. This gives you the added benefit of using thicker moisturizer while shielding your skin from pore-clogging cream.

3. Keep Exfoliating

Skin gets drier during the fall, and this makes it more susceptible to damage. Still, don’t stop exfoliating. Just take it a bit easier when you do. After all, the dryness of the season will cause dead skin cells to accumulate quickly. Keep your skin looking fresh and new by using a gentle exfoliant twice a week. After exfoliating, apply a serum and moisturizer.

4. Protect the Area Around Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is especially fine and fragile. Not surprisingly, it doesn’t cope well with constant exposure to dry, cool air. Ward off fine lines and wrinkles in this area by using a moisturizing eye cream. They have special formulas that can be worn at night for exceptional moisture, and there are lighter weight formulas that are perfect for use by day.

5. Eat Right

Fall is often a busy time of year. It’s easy to fall off the healthy eating wagon. Healthy skin starts within, though, so get back on track by eating right. Stick with whole foods that are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Fish like salmon and seafood like oysters are good for this. As for antioxidants, you’ll get your fill from carrots, blueberries, cucumbers, cauliflower and many other fruits and veggies.

After being so careful to protect your skin throughout the summer, don’t let that hard work go to waste. By keeping the above advice in mind, you can transition your skin from moist, humid, hot summer weather to cool, dry fall weather with ease. Get on track now to ensure that your skin stays in tip-top shape into the New Year and beyond.

Take our skin care quiz to know what condition your skin is in!

For WOMEN

For MEN

Sermorelin, HGH And Anti Aging

Sermorelin has generated a lot of buzz recently within the scientific community as a safe and effective way to increase growth hormone production naturally.  Sermorelin is an FDA approved prescription drug, first developed in the 1970’s, which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release human growth hormone (HGH).  Unlike HGH therapy, which directly replaces declining levels of HGH from genetically engineered growth hormone, Sermorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and secrete HGH naturally.  As such, Sermorelin is known as a ‘secretagogue’ which means it causes the pituitary gland to produce and secrete HGH.

The amount of HGH produced in the body declines with age. The body’s HGH output tends to be highest in our mid 20’s, however, declines anywhere from 30% to 50% by the time we reach our 40’s; this steep drop off leads to many of the signs and symptoms associated with aging, such as: loss of vitality, increased body fat, reduced muscle mass, reduced bone mineral content, insomnia, and a weakened immune, to name a few.  These changes can eventually lead to an increased risk for heart disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Health benefits that have been reported with Sermorelin use include: increased energy and vitality, increased skin elasticity, improved bone density (strengthening of the bones), increased development of lean muscle mass, decrease in fat tissue, improved memory, improved sexual function, improved cardiovascular strength, lower blood pressure, higher HDL and improved immunity.

Sermorelin is usually taken as a subcutaneous injection for best results.  The cost of Sermorelin therapy is significantly less expensive than the cost of HGH therapy, making it a widely sought after treatment. To learn more about Semorelin and if could be right for you, call New Leaf Centers at 888-728-7555 for a FREE consult today!

Raspberry Could Ride Anti-pollution

Looking for a natural therapy for great skin you can implement today? Check out these recent findings that explain why raspberries can truly benefit your skin!

New work published online in advance of the January 2017 International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences suggests raspberries are good for more than just pie. Here, a raspberry fruit extract formulated in an emulsion-gel was shown to improve erythema and melanin levels in skin.

This corroborates work presented a few years ago in Cosmetics & Toiletries by a different group of researchers. In that study, a hydrosoluble stem cell culture extract from Rubus idaeus (American red raspberry) was found to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, mainly due to the presence of high levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins.

In addition, it provided antioxidant power due to the presence of natural phenolic components, and induced genes responsible for DNA protection and repair—more so than resveratrol.

While it’s not a new ingredient, interest in raspberry is. Could become the next super fruit for natural skin care? It’s in the perfect position to ride the anti-pollution trend to the top.

 

Sources: International Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cosmetics & Toiletries

 

5 Easy Tips for a Healthy Skincare Lifestyle

It is easy to overlook the importance of healthy skin when you are younger and your skin is glowing and vibrantly youthful. However, as soon as the first telltale signs of aging appear, you may begin to grow concerned. Unfortunately, for most people, those first few wrinkles, spots or other age-related skin-blemishes are often followed by many others.

The best way to care for your skin is to start taking of its health earlier in life. This can ideally delay the onset of wrinkles, spots and other issues.

However, even if you have already noticed a few signs of aging on your skin, rest assured that any steps you take now may delay future wrinkles and spots from developing so quickly. AND – We have services that will reverse aging, wrinkles, sagging, and many other items you’d like to address!

1. Wear Sunscreen

Damage from the sun can be difficult to reverse, and exposure to both UVA and UVB rays can lead to everything from sun spots to cancer. The sun can be harmful to skin on cloudy days and in the middle of winter when you rarely would think about wearing sunscreen. With this in mind, it is important to apply sunscreen daily throughout the year.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Hydrating your skin is equally as important as wearing sunscreen. This is because your skin is actually an organ, and both superficial and deep tissue layers need water to rid the body of toxins and to promote healthy skin. Drinking extra water can also help your products that contain hyaluronic acid to work more effectively.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet

Because your skin is an organ, the nutrients that you take into your body are also important. If your diet is not currently rich in fruits and vegetables, making a change now is a smart idea for optimal skin health. Taking a multi-vitamin is also a smart idea.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

Getting plenty of sleep each night can do wonders for preventing wrinkles, but stress should also be considered as a cause of wrinkles. Taking steps to de-stress regularly, such as through yoga or meditation, can be beneficial.

5. Pamper Your Skin

You may not think about skin facials improving your skin, but these are incredibly beneficial to the superficial layers of your skin as well as the deep tissues. This is because a facial gives you a deep tissue massage on the face and neck, and this can work to tighten skin naturally.

As you can see, there are many steps you can take to improve the health of your skin. Even if you have already noticed a few signs of aging, it is never too late to start caring for your skin and to prevent more wrinkles and spots from appearing. Contact us today for more customized tips to help you improve the health of your skin.

Receive a FREE Skin Analysis!

Could Glutathione be the Key Against Aging?

Glutathione Series Part 2 of 3:

If there were such a thing as a supplement that “does it all”, glutathione would have to be a top contender for the number one spot. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that can repair and protect the body from harmful toxins and other dangers we encounter in our polluted environment.

Briefly, Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide comprised of three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid (ionic salt from glutamate), and glycine. All three of these amino acids are considered to be non-essential, meaning our body synthesizes them.

So if the body produces its own glutathione, then why is it necessary to consume foods or take supplements that support glutathione production? The simple answer: Oxidation.

Oxidation is caused by nutrient-deficit diets, a polluted environment, pharmaceuticals (prescribed and over-the-counter), physical and emotional stress, electromagnetic stress, and radiation.

Oxidative stress is a primary cause of aging, sickness and disease. The oxidation of cholesterol is the root cause of heart disease and arteriosclerosis, not necessarily cholesterol levels as so many believe.

Glutathione is found in every cell of the body. It is thought that the younger you are the more glutathione your body produces.  However don’t be misled by statements such as this because there are two very different explanations for decreased Glutathione levels:

  1. As we get older glutathione decreases due to the “normal aging process”, and
  2. The oxidative stress of our environment, the chemicals in our food, and both normal and unnecessary emotional stressors in life, cause glutathione levels in the body to decrease, thus compromising our immune systems and the body’s ability to detoxify.

And although the first explanation may be grounded in some truth, the second is far more logical. In fact, it is because of decreased immune function that we have an increase in all major diseases today!

Glutathione is vital for protecting against:

  • Aging
  • Autoimmune
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Dementia

Undisputedly, glutathione is needed in the body not just for normal functioning of the immune system, but also for optimal functioning. Remember the term oxidation? Glutathione is ‘the’ master anti-oxidant that aids all other anti-oxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, in free radical scavenging.

For years, vitamins have been touted as free-radical killers and not only has this been proven by research, we now know that Glutathione is the most valuable player of them all! Imagine if you would, a football team. Each and every player has a vital role in moving the team toward its major goal—to win. If we were to think of each player as a different supplement, both offensive and defensive, a very interesting analogy would come about.  When a team’s offense is on the field, they need to block or counter every move the defense makes in order to stay alive in the game.  And which player is the one that is most often considered the MVP (most valuable player) on the winning team?   The quarterback. A great quarterback can actually help the other players to excel in their roles on the field. In other words, he helps his teammates shine.

And the quarterback in the body’s fight against oxidation, and thus disease, is glutathione. The goal of glutathione and all of the free-radical scavengers in the body is simple—life!

The correlation between glutathione and the fight against free radicals has been known for quite some time, so it is unfortunate that a majority of the general public likely hasn’t heard of it. To learn more, contact a New Leaf specialist today.