Tag: Aging

Men + Skin Care: What You Need To Know

Today, we are talking about men + skin care and what you need to know. Men are a fast-growing segment of consumers in the esthetic market, yet they can be underrep­resented in an often female-dominated industry. But it seems the tide is changing.

A survey by Allergan found that 48% of men would be open to discussing treatment for facial wrinkles with a doctor in the next two years. Additionally, 71% say they want to look good and almost half are willing to spend money on their facial appearance—40% of which would spend more than $250 for a single treatment.

71%

[of men] say they want to look good and almost half are willing to spend money on their facial appearance—40% of which would spend more than $250 for a single treatment.

Men + Skin Care

A polished appearance in men helps them feel more confident, have stronger interpersonal relationships and stay more competitive in the job market,” she explained. “Another big trend is the prevalence of social media where your appearance is everything, especially when it comes to online dating. … It’s also become more accepted in today’s world so they don’t feel ashamed to get Botox, waxing, hair restoration or even manicures.

When men get Botox injections, they differ from women in that they are more prone to have their whole face done if instructed by an esthetic professional, according to Allergan.

Key injection areas for men include:

  • Glabellar lines
  • Eye area
  • Forehead
  • Frown lines
  • Double chin

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying:

Feel better overall. Friendly staff, easy to schedule, easy access, and very warm and comfortable environment.  – George M.  

View More Testimonials>>

 

Call New Leaf Wellness for any of your Professional Aesthetic Needs at 888-728-7555.

NLW Patient Testimonial: Meet J.M.

Meet J.M.

New Leaf Wellness is proud of our patient’s success, and it makes it why we’re so passionate about educating and learning to live your life better. J.M. came into our office with a very common issue, and so we are proud to share his patient testimonial so that it may help others.

J.M. is a 55 year old fireman and over the past few years he had noticed that he could not run in and out of buildings like he used to. He found himself getting irritated more easily and felt like he had passed his peak. Even though he was working out, he had a difficult time building muscle. He even noticed a little muscle loss and a hard time losing fat.

We see a lot of patients initially accepting the feeling of ‘degenerating’ is just a part of aging….. this is why we’re so thankful for J.M. sharing his patient testimonial.

J.M. was examined by his primary doctor and was told that his lab work was normal and that he was just getting older. Luckily, he did not accept that as fact and sought out help. His hormone lab work was definitely not optimal.

Did you know that in a typical routine blood exam, hormone counts are not even reviewed? Do you know where your hormone levels? And if they are optimal?

What You Need To Know

Normal ranges at the labs are determined by testing a part of the population and then coming up with the average numbers. But what happens when the people they are testing are out of balance hormonally? In modern society, the average person does have a hormonal imbalance and this results in the “normal” lab values being incorrect.

Your hormone lab values may be interpreted as “normal” when in actuality they are low–the imbalance is missed simply because the “normal” lab values are incorrect. The medical profession gets pressured from many angles and most doctors are hesitant to look outside the “normal” values. They tend to accept the “normal” lab values without question. They forget to really look at the person and see that there is a hormonal imbalance. They are simply not questioning the validity of the “normal” values. This is not their fault–due to the nature of insurances, they do not have the luxury of time to treat “outside the box”.

Hormonal imbalances exhibit specific symptoms and it takes time to get to know the patient and determine what he/she requires to achieve and maintain proper balance.

Lab work is just a piece of information, and it needs to be interpreted looking at optimal values, not the “normal” values.

Optimal lab values are the values we see in people who are functioning at a high level and feel great. Unfortunately, these values can be flagged as “abnormal” on lab results. This can scare the uninformed. “Abnormal” is often optimal. Look around you at the general population’s health. This is a sad truth.

The goal of proper hormone balancing is to get rid of your symptoms and prevent future medical issues like dementia, heart disease, certain cancers, osteoporosis, etc. This is only possible by taking the time and investing in yourself by seeking the help of a specially trained hormone specialist.

The truth is we can share about our services and show proven methods, but it is a patient testimonial like J.M. that really inspire us all to understand just how life changing hormone balancing can be.

How NLW Helped J.M.

When J.M. came across New Leaf Wellness, he got the lab results he needed to see. He was found to have a significant Testosterone deficiency. We also found a B-12 deficiency and slight thyroid imbalance. Once these deficiencies were corrected, he regained his vitality. His workouts are creating a muscle gain and fat loss. J.M has the energy to enjoy his free time and is now really living his life thanks to his treatment at New Leaf Wellness. And we’re so thankful we were able to aid in J.M. living life better!

For more patient testimonials, visit our pages by clicking the links below.

Testimonials from MEN

Testimonials from WOMEN

To learn more about how to get the RIGHT lab results, give us a call or contact us TODAY!

Why Men Should Consider Bio-identical Hormone Therapy

NHT (Natural Hormone Therapy) is not just for the ladies, so guys pay attention! Why? Because your hormones have been on a decline since your 20’s (sad but true), and if you are approaching middle-age, are currently there, or have surpassed it, there’s a good chance you are experiencing hormone imbalance or even andropause (the unofficial medical term for “male menopause” and the result of a gradual drop in testosterone).

Certain signs of andropause and other related hormone imbalance issues:

  • Memory loss
  • Muscle loss
  • Weight gain
  • Sleep problems
  • Lower sex drive
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Hair loss
  • Urinary problems
  • Memory loss
  • Night sweats
  • Erectile dysfunction

While hormone imbalance and replacement treatments tend to be a hot topic amongst women, men seem to have a harder time discussing their own issues with hormone imbalance and the symptoms causing them discomfort. However, many men (the ones that want to talk about it) can attest to the many benefits to hormone restoration and treatments such as NHT. Therefore, not only should men start to feel more comfortable with the conversation of hormone issues, they should be open to the idea of fixing them. Here are a few reasons why…

Testosterone Balance May Reduce Risk for Disease

Several studies have linked low testosterone levels to diabetes, stroke, heart disease, prostate cancer, and other chronic diseases. By choosing hormone restoration treatments such as BHRT, you not only feel better, you also take drastic measures to protecting your health.

Balanced Hormones Help Men Feel Younger

We all want to know the secret to feeling younger, and NHT might just be the answer. Results of hormone imbalance such as memory and muscle loss, fatigue, depression, lower sex drive, and other symptoms listed above can improve or even be reversed with hormone restoration treatments.

Why should you live everyday life with the discomfort of hormone imbalance?

With NHT, you can live the active lifestyle that you desire, and there’s no better time than now to take action! For more information on our Natural Hormone Therapy, please give us a call.

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!

Glutathione Treatments

Glutathione Series Part 3 of 3:

Glutathione, commonly referred to as the master anti-oxidant, is a compound produced in the body that is present in various tissues, acting as a neutralizer of toxins and promoting repair.

Glutathione has been used to treat neurodegenerative disorders and as adjunctive to chemotherapy. There are various reports of it being used for anti-aging purposes with the rationale that the aging process involves damage from free radicals and glutathione neutralizes the toxins and promotes healing and repair. Various studies have demonstrated correlation of glutathione levels to the health of the tissue.

Feedback from individuals receiving IV or IM glutathione frequently mentions the improvement in skin health and appearance.  People using IV glutathione or booster shots are generally seeking wellness to improve overall health.

This master anti-oxidant is formed by the combination of three different amino acids and exists in two forms, active and inactive. The body uses Glutathione in cellular repair and in detoxification of toxic metabolites and to prevent cellular damage. In the process glutathione is transformed from its active to inactive form. During times of stress, the ratio of active:inactive glutathione can even serve as a marker of tissue toxicity.

Oral supplementation of glutathione is less efficacious as it get’s broken down by the enzymes in the digestive tract. Therefore, the only ways to increase the levels are by IV glutathione supplementation. New Leaf Wellness offers many different IV’s and Glutathione can be done as an IV push after an IV or by itself.

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.