How save are all natural skin care lines?

You no doubt seen many different skin care products with lots of wonderful sounding all natural fruit and vegetable ingredients. Yes they can be good, but they can cause problems:

First, having those natural ingredients in a product are very attractive to molds and bacteria. That means that the manufacture must put powerful preservatives in the product to keep everything from growing in it. Slice a piece of fruit and put it on your counter - what does it look like in a few weeks? Yech. So powerful and often dangerous and/or irritating preservaves must be used. These can be even be natural oils like grapefruit, tea tree, etc. These aren't dangerous, but they are very irritating to your skin. you want to pamper and nourish your skin, not irritate it.

There are a few lines which do have lots of natural ingredients, but they require refrigeration and have very shelf lives - not practical. This leads to the second problem. As soon as you put these products on your skin they attract bacteria who rapidly multiply in this rich environment.  If you have cuts, acne, or any sort of minor infection on your skin then these will aggravate it.

So what is the solution? Not everything in the natural fruit & vegetable ingredients is beneficial to the skin. Surely sugars, fiber, and other inert ingredients don't add any benefit to the skin. So if you extract only the beneficial ingredients from the natural products, then you'll get the benefit without the downside.  

This is what the skin care line we recommend does. it has all the rich beneficial ingredients, but without the other ingredients which promote bacterial growth. This, along with a patented process where the active ingredients are encapsulated in micro crystals to protect them, yet not let them be available to bacteria.  Thus, no preservatives nor irritating natural preservatives are needed.  

Click here to visit our skin care page for more information

How stress & bad food Wreak Havoc on Your Skin - and What to Do About It!

The Holidays are just barely behind us, but now comes the stress of the Christmas bills, we may still not be eating the best either.  Stress is the last thing your body, and your skin, needs this time of year.  Besides stress, there are other factors that can cause your skin to be dry, blemished, and dull. 


Lack of sleep.  

     Sleep is very important to skin health, because it's the only opportunity your skin gets to repair itself.  No matter how many tasks you have to do, make sure you allow at least 7-8 hours for your skin to rejuvenate and heal from the barrages of the day.


What you can do - Ambian, Lunesta, and other sleeping pills aren't the cure as they are addictive to one degree or another.  Alcohol also doesn't help as it may help you get to sleep, but then you wake up a few hours later from the sugar. Some things which do help and are healthy are:

• Don't eat within 3 hours of going to sleep. If you have a full stomach your body is putting energy towards digesting the meal, not repairing your body. You'l find you may sleep well, but you may not really feel refreshed.
• Don't consume caffeine in the afternoon or evening as it can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
• Even if it has been a hectic day, try to spend 30 minutes letting your brain wind down: Read, meditate, listen to soothing music, etc.
• Dim your bedroom. The light from at TV or computer monitor is very harsh and stimulates your brain. Bathe your bedroom in soft warm light, think of a candle light. Your brain associates the reddish lights, like sunset, with approaching night and begins to produce melatonin. The harsh white/blue light from a TV, computer, laptop, tablet, and cell phone resembles daylight and tells your brain to stop producing melatonin and to wake up!!
• Speaking of melatonin, it is the sleep hormone and take 0.5 to 2.0 mg and let it dissolve under your tongue and hour before you go to bed and you'll find you'll fall quickly to sleep. Melatonin is a strong antioxidant and is actually good for your skin too. Just use caution with over the counter melatonin as most of what is available comes from the pineal glands and retinas of cows and because they can't get it 100% pure they have found fully intact viruses, like mad cow disease, in melatonin tablets. This is why melatonin is illegal in many countries.  The brand of Melatonin I use and recommend is USANA's Pure Rest. They have developed a process to synthesize natural human melatonin in the lab so that it is 100% pure and no chance of any bovine viruses.  

Bad food.

      Although there is still debate on whether or not diet is linked directly to acne breakouts, the general consensus is that certain foods to certain people can trigger acne flare-ups, and that eating more healthy foods will only help your skin.  However, remember that a pimple, papule, or cyst takes days, if not weeks to form and surface.  So the results of an overload of candy, chocolate, fatty and salty foods that may contribute to a breakout will appear later in the month.  If you want nice, clear skin during, and after, the holidays, try to balance your diet as much as possible, drink plenty of water, and avoid dairy if you can (it is the largest culprit of acne flare-ups).  However, don''t be afraid to indulge every now and then; as long as you generally eat well and follow a skin care regimen, your skin will be fine.


In general foods which are High Glycemic, meaning that the rapidly raise your blood glucose levels, will also cause general inflammation which will show in your skin and can cause other damage in your body you can't see.  In general avoid white foods. For example, white flour, sugar, white rice, potatoes, etc.  These foods are typically highly refined and in the case of flour and white rice, all the fiber and the nutritional parts have been stripped away and all that is left is the starchy part which is very quickly digested, absorbed, and turned to sugar.  Not only are these foods bad for your skin, they also cause you to gain weight. 

Exposure to the elements

     Whether your winter vacations are white and cozy or sandy and sunny, the weather - heat and cold - affects your skin, especially sensitive areas on your face.  Cold weather strips your skin of moisture, while hot weather can bring about an overproduction of oil in your skin, as well as too much sun exposure.  Both of these problems can be solved with one product - a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher.  Your skin will be hydrated and protected from any type of weather that comes your way this winter.

Kids are back in school!!

Most of the kids are back in school and the summer vacations to the lakes and the beach are done. That makes now the perfect time for Laser Hair Removal.  Start laser now and you'll be ready for the hot tub at Aspen or you can wear that little black dress on New Years Eve and been hair free into the next year!!

Bella Pelle Laser offers free consultations, so give us a call www.BellaPelleLaser.com

Electrolysis vs Laser Hair Removal

Electrolysis versus laser hair removal, which is better to remove your facial hair? These are the two best methods for permanently getting rid of hair, or at least reducing the amount.

We know facial hair can be the most annoying of all unwanted hairs because we can’t hide it under clothing if we have to, like on the body. Everyone, but especially females who have struggled with a large amount of facial hair knows how annoying the process can be of constantly worrying about ways to get hairless.

Can I Use Either Method?

Laser: The majority of laser units can only be used on those with light skin and dark hair. It can burn those with dark skin. The Syneron Elos (which we have) does work or light hair, but can take longer than those with dark hair.
Electrolysis: Can be used on anyone despite their skin or hair color because it attacks the hair follicle itself, and not the pigment in the hair.

How Long Is a Session, and How Many are Needed?

Laser: Facial zones are small, so they aren’t that time-consuming. To give you an idea, a treatment for the eyebrows generally takes about 15 minutes. Usually 5- 7 treatments are needed, spaced out about a 6 weeks apart to achieve the best hair reduction results.
Electrolysis: Each hair follicle has to be individually treated, and approximate times depend on the type of electrolysis used, as some are more advanced than others (read more). For example, one treatment on the eyebrows amy take 15- 30 minutes with an experienced technician. Anywhere from 15 – 30 sessions are needed to get the best results.

Electrolysis Versus Laser Hair Removal: Prices

Laser: Each visit averages $50 – $100 (for facial hair), based on the size of the area being treated. Other salons may charge much more though.
Electrolysis: An average 30-minute session is about $45 and will treat a small area, like the eyebrows.
Pain Factor

Laser: It feels like a rubber band ‘snapping’ against your skin and a heat sensation. Everyone has their own tolerance to pain and discomfort. Coarse, dark hair feels more of the burn. So a man’s laser hair removal in the beard and mustache area will feel more painful than a woman’s lip, cheeks or chin.
Electrolysis: Everyone has their own tolerance to pain. Electrolysis has been likened to a stinging and pricking sensation, and each follicle has to go through it.

Possible Side Effects?

Laser: Laser hair removal on the eyebrows can be dangerous if the laser light comes into contact with the eyes. Therefore, you need to wear protective eye shields and keep you eyes closed for the entire treatment to avoid any contact. Scarring, although rare is a possibility. Laser can also stimulate hidden facial hair to grow in women.
Electrolysis: Skin can get discolored if it’s done improperly.

Results

Laser: Approved by the FDA for permanent hair reduction. Facial hair on women is often lighter and finer than on the body, and this hair may not respond as well to the laser because it targets pigment (color) in the hair follicle.
Electrolysis: The only method approved by the FDA for permanent hair removal. It has the best track record, but isn’t 100% guaranteed for everyone. For example, hair follicles can be bent or misshapen from previous waxing or tweezing, now making getting the electrolysis needle to the root more difficult to destroy the follicle. However, electrolysis is effective for ridding fine facial hair, whatever the color may be.

Can I Do Electrolysis or Laser at Home?

Laser: Tria Laser is a home device cleared by the FDA for permanent hair reduction, but not for the face, only below the neck. However, Silk’n SensEpil also FDA approved for permanent hair reduction, uses IPL (intense pulsed light) and can be used on the face from the cheekline down. The downside of these devices is that they are much slower and take much longer than a professional laser.
Electrolysis: Sure, electrolysis units are sold for use at home. But just think how electrolysis is performed, by inserting a needle into the follicle. I personally don’t feel electrolysis at home can be done safely or effectively.

Electrolysis Versus Laser Hair Removal: The Bottom Line

If you have dark skin, you can’t rely on standard laser hair removal for safety issues or to give you optimal results on your face. Electrolysis may then be your only option.

But if you have light skin and dark facial hair then you can choose between either option. Laser is the generally the less expensive of the two and requires less time and treatments. Laser might be your better choice if you would be happy with most of the hair being removed, or the hair being finer and lighter. If you have a lot of light hair removed or the hair is something that you want the best chances of getting permanent hair removal, then I recommend electrolysis.

For more information please visit our Hair Removal Pages. We can treat those with dark and light hair and also offer electrolysis. We are located in Broomfield and serve the metro Denver Boulder areas.

Is Your Shampoo and Skin Care Making You Fat?

You don’t have to be a doctor to know that cheeseburgers and channel surfing can contribute to weight gain. But according to new research, your beauty products (like shampoo) could be contributing as well.

The research out of Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, found that phthalates, which are ingredients in about 70 percent of shampoos, soaps and cosmetics, should be avoided when possible. Why? Phthalates could be endocrine disruptors, which mimic the effects of hormones and affect the performance of the glands that produce them.

This is not the first study that shows chemicals’ effect on the system that naturally controls body weight. And phthalates aren’t the only chemical to be cautious of. Bisphenol-A, usually present in plastic containers, is another substance to watch out for. Parabens (methlyparaben, propylparaben, etc) are preservatives found in most skin care, lotions, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste and many other products are powerful estrogenic chemicals and not only can disrupt endocrine levels, but are suspected of causing early puberty in young girls and have been find highly concentrated in breast cancer tissue.

However, while endocrine disruptors may be playing a significant role in obesity, at this point, more research is necessary to fully determine the effect of chemicals on body weight. In the meantime, the doctors behind the study recommend choosing organic and fragrance-free products.

In our salon, Bella Pelle Laser Hair Removal, we use and sell only paraben and formaldehyde free skin and body care products in BPA free packaging.  Ask us about the Usana Sense product line.

How do Depilatories work and are they safe?

A chemical depilatory is a cosmetic preparation used to remove the hair from the skin on the human body. Currently, a common active ingredient is calcium thioglycolate, which breaks down the disulphide bonds in keratin and weakens the hair so that it is easily scraped off where it emerges from the hair follicle.

This break down reaction is affected by the calcium hydroxide (an alkali). The resulting combination of calcium hydroxide and thioglycolic acid is calcium thioglycolate(CaTG). The calcium hydroxide is present in excess to enable the thioglycolic acid to react with the cystine present in hair protein. As the epidermis is also rich in keratin, the skin may become irritated and sensitive if the preparation is left on for too long. Chemical depilatories are used primarily for the arms and legs. They should not be used on the face unless specifically listed for that purpose on the product's label.

Chemical depilatories are available in gel, cream, lotion, aerosol, roll-on, and powder forms. Common brands include Nair, Magic Shave and Veet.

Advantages

• Inexpensive
• Fast
• A pain free hair removal method
• Easy to do, no experience or professional assistance required[1]
• Various strength products available to dissolve even the strongest of hairs
• Can be done at home
• Available over-the-counter

Disadvantages

• Effect lasts a short time. Regrowth begins to appear generally within 2-5 days
• Dark-haired users may be left with a visible "shadow" of dark hair under skin
• Chemical depilatory creams are generally foul in odor and messy to use
• Can cause skin irritation

Dangers - Below are the dangers listed in the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from the manufacture of calcium thioglycolate, the active ingredient:

• Harmful if swallowed
• Irritating to respiratory system
• May cause sensitization by skin contact.
• Avoid contact with skin.Wear suitable gloves!
• Potential Acute Health Effects:Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant), of inhalation (lung irritant).
• The substance is toxic to the reproductive system, upper respiratory tract, central nervous system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.

OK, so this product works and is effective for a few days, it contains a potent chemical which can cause skin and lung irritation.  Bottom line, don't put anything on your skin you wouldn't eat, because the ingredients will be absorbed through your skin and inhaled into your lungs. So next time you reach for the Nair, put a dab on your fingers and give it a taste!

If you are in the metro Denver Boulder come visit us at Bella Pelle Laser for your laser hair removal needs. We're located in Broomfield so convenient to Westminster, Boulder, Erie, Brighton, and the entire metro area.

What Are the Dangers of Parabens in Skin and Body Care?

Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care products such as deodorants, moisturizers and shampoos. Common parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Parabens allow skin care products to survive for months or even years in your medicine cabinet; however, they also enter your body through your skin when you use these products. According to Mercola.com, the body can absorb as much as five pounds of cosmetic chemicals every year. Parabens can mimic hormones in the body and disrupt functions of the endocrine system.

Breast Cancer

Colby College’s Clean Makeup website reports that parabens can mimic estrogen and disrupt the body’s hormone system. Cornell University reports that a high lifelong exposure to estrogen can increase breast cancer risk. Estrogen, and synthetic chemicals that act like estrogen, play a role in stimulating the division of breast cells and affect other hormones that stimulate breast cell division. Your body does not easily break down synthetic estrogen, and it can accumulate in fat cells, including breast tissue. In 2004, a study by the University of Reading in the United Kingdom found concentrations of parabens, particularly methylparaben, in human breast tumors. The study examined only the presence of parabens in the tumors but did not determine that they were the cause of the tumors.

Early Puberty

The ability of parabens to mimic other hormones makes them endocrine disruptors, substances that adversely affect the endocrine system. The endocrine system releases hormones into the bloodstream and is involved in a number of functions related to reproduction, waste elimination, digestion and metabolism. Endocrine disruptors such as parabens can lead to early puberty in adolescent girls and boys, as reported by the New York Times. Endocrinologists have observed the average age of puberty decreasing in the past several decades and have seen girls as young as eight exhibit breast development and pubic hair growth. Endocrine disrupters can also lead to testicular enlargement and breast development in young boys.

Decreased Sperm Levels

Parabens can also adversely affect the male reproductive system. In a study by the Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, researchers administered parabens to three-week-old rats. After four weeks, researchers examined the rats and found their sperm production significantly decreased in relation to the amount of parabens they had received. The rats who received the highest dose of parabens, which was consistent with the daily acceptable intake of parabens in Europe and Japan, showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration.

courtesy livestrong.com

Caution must be exercised when buying “Paraben Free” skin care. Manufactures can still sneak parabens and formaldehyde releasing agents into their products if their suppliers use it to preserve the raw materials they buy. In that case it doesn’t have to go on the label. Even if they are truly free of paraben and formaldehyde releasing agents they will probably use natural oils, such as tea-tree oil or grapefruit seed oil, or others, which are very good preservatives and safe, but they are very irritating to your skin. So it is safe, but you still don’t want to irritate your skin when you are trying to pamper it.

We use and recommend the Usana Sense skin care and personal care line. all the products are truly free of all parabens and formaldehyde releasing agents as well as free from any irritating oils or other agents. They use a patented process which makes the active ingredients, which mold and bacterial would feed on, unavailable to them. So with no nutrient sources, mold and bacterial can’t grow. Please contact us at Bella Pelle Laser for more information on this skin care line and for your laser hair removal needs in the metro Denver Boulder area.

How Does Electrolysis Work?

There are many methods of removing unwanted hair that claim to be permanent but the truth is that none of them offer the permanency offered by electrolysis. Laser hair removal is very effective, but the FDA only certifies laser hair removal as a permanent hair reduction – you will need occasional touchups.

Electrolysis hair removal is the only method that has faced every scientific test and proven itself to be the only solution for permanent hair removal.

Electrolysis, as the name should make it obvious, relies on electricity to affect hair removal. The process begins with a very fine sterile needle-like probe that is thin enough to penetrate the follicle of a single hair. This needle is called the probe. Since the probe is thinner than the hair itself there is no sensation of pain and neither is there any bleeding when the needle penetrate the follicle. The probe never comes into contact with any blood cells or nerves in the skin so it is not possible to feel anything beyond a slight tickle that is the overall result of electric current running just beneath the skin.

Once the probe enters the follicle the probe is inserted down to the Dermal papilla then a small electric current is discharged through it to the root of the hair.

The electrologist, the technician who performs this task, will give the hair a slight pull with tweezers to see if it comes away readily. If the hair still clings to the skin then more sessions are required until the release is easy.

The best result is when the hair is pulled out and you do not even feel it. However, the hair should never be tweezed out because then the treatment will fail.

Though electrolysis is a very effective form of hair removal you must not expect hair to go away in one session only. Thicker hairs will always grow back though with more and more sessions they will continue to get thinner until they eventually stop growing. So the thickness of your hair has a direct impact on the effectiveness of electrolysis. Once a hair does not grow back after three months since the last session then it will never grow back.

During the electrolysis session the current cannot travel away from the probe because hair does not conduct electricity. You will need at least a few electrolysis sessions before you will see the results that you really want. The multiple sessions are also required because the probe may not always successfully penetrate the hair follicle. With every treatment the follicle gets straighter until the probe can enter it and once that happens and electric current is applies the root of the hair is “sealed off” and nothing will grow there again.

As you can probably guess, electrolysis is a very tedious process and isn’t practical for all but the smallest areas.  In conjunction with laser hair removal electrolysis is useful for areas around the eye, like under the brow, where it isn’t safe to use laser and for getting the occasional stray pesky gray chin hair that the laser may not get.

If you’re in the metro Denver Boulder area stop by and see us at Bella Pelle Laser for a free consultation to see how we can address your hair removal needs. We are conveniently located in Broomfield, so a short drive from Boulder, Westminster, Brighton, and the rest of the metro area.

5 Tips for Men’s Skin Care

Men’s skin care has come a long way from the days when your father washed his face with a withered bar of soap and covered up shaving nicks with bits of toilet paper. Today, there's an overwhelming number of products specially formulated to meet the needs of the stubborn (and stubbly) male epidermis. Navigating your way through the glut of grooming goods out there doesn’t have to be intimidating, and it shouldn’t be fussy either; a winning skin care regimen should be swift and simple to ensure that you'll actually follow it. You can check your 12-step program at the bathroom door because achieving better skin takes just five tips.

1- Cleanse

If you do nothing else, cleansing is the single most important thing you can do for your face. It should be the basis of your skin-care regimen, but that doesn’t mean reaching for a simple bar of soap (which can overcompensate and leave your skin dryer than a desert). Men’s skin typically has large pores and very active sebaceous glands. While these glands are critical for keeping the skin naturally moist, they can often produce too much sebum, leaving your skin feeling greasier than an oil slick. Neglecting to wash away the excess oil and dirt can clog pores, which leaves the skin prone to breakouts. Not all facial cleansers are created equal. Look for one that is strong enough to cut through the grease but is gentle and affordable enough to be used at least once a day.

Suggested product: Sense Gentle Daily Cleaner $14.95

2- Exfoliate

Sometimes cleaning the skin with a simple face wash just isn’t enough. Sure, a cleanser washes away oil and dirt on the surface -- but what about all that nasty stuff deep down in your pores? Even religious use of a face wash will still leave most men's skin feeling like a bumpy mess. That’s where exfoliation should make an appearance in your skin routine (just two-to-three times a week). It helps dislodge debris that normal washing can’t touch. A good scrub should have granules to help smooth the skin and eliminate the dullness that results from normal pore clogging and dirt buildup. Exfoliation also softens hair follicles for a closer, less-irritating shave and allows the skin to better absorb moisturizers. Usana's Sense Rice Bran Polish, for example, uses all-natural rice bran beads for the scrub and wakes up the skin without scratching the delicate dermis as many scrubs do.

Suggested product: Sense Rice Bran Polish $12.95

3- Moisturize

Skin care for most men starts and stops with a basic bar of soap or cleanser. But washing is the absolute least you can do to prevent your face from turning into a big blackhead. Even if you happen to live in a sauna, skin can get dry after showering and, over time, that godforsaken process known as aging makes it lose elasticity. Add all that to the horror of placing a sharp blade next to your face to appease rigid HR standards for clean-cut wholesomeness, and you have a recipe for irritated skin that’s parched and taut. Showering and shaving opens up pores and allow precious water to escape, but a light moisturizer can fix everything. It replenishes the skin’s moisture content and prevents razor burn. A moisturizer with SPF will also provide a critical shield against the sun. Harsh UVB rays cause the skin to burn, but it’s the UVA rays that lead to long-term damage like deep lines and skin cancer. A moisturizer with multi-spectrum defense takes care of it all.

Suggested Product: Sense Daytime Protective Emulsion $32.50

4- Protect Your Eyes

There is one place on the face that men almost never touch: the eyes. But the skin around the eyes is the only area that actually deserves special attention, because men don’t age the same way that women do. Instead of a slow progression of fine lines and wrinkles, men's aging occurs in quantum leaps, and one of the first visible signs of aging comes from the skin around the eyes. The soft, thin layer of skin that surrounds the eye is especially prone to developing creases and crinkles long before other parts of the body begin to show their age. All of this can be prevented with regular use of a nourishing eye cream. It smooths and protects the skin but requires serious commitment and proper usage. Applying eye cream once in a blue moon does nothing, and against all common sense, it shouldn’t be put on the soft skin underneath the eye. Instead, eye cream needs to be dabbed gently on the edge of the bone around the eye to maximize effectiveness and prevent irritation. It will slowly absorb and spread to the fragile areas that need it most. Usana's Sense Eye Nourisher does double-duty with SPF 15 sunblock to shut out the sun’s harmful rays. It also kicks out dark circles and brightens the skin so no one will ever know how old -- or overworked -- you really are.

Suggested product: Sense Eye Nourisher $21.95

5- Nightly Repair Your Skin

During the day you need to protect your skin from the sun, wind, pollution, and what ever your face gets into. It is at night though when the day's damage is repaired. Your entire body goes into repair mode at night - rebuilding muscle from that workout or basketball game and repairing the skin from the damage done to it during the day.  Usana's Sense Night Renewal cream is pack full of nutrients to help heal and repair your skin. You may still wake up sore and hungover, but your skin wont tell the world what you did yesterday.

Suggested Product: Sense Night Renewal Creme $29.95

Great skin care for men doesn’t have to be wrought with expensive lotions and potions. And, thankfully, taking care of your skin no longer carries the embarrassing stigma of metrosexuality. It’s just normal -- even if your skin isn’t.

We suggest the Usana Sense line of skin care and personal care products because they are free of all preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde releasing chemicals as well as being free of safe, but irritating oils. In the video below Regina Hamlin, M.D., chief of dermatology at four major California hospitals, explains the aging process of your skin and how Sense can work for you.



Come visit us at Bella Pelle Laser and try a sample of the Sense skin care line for yourself.

If a skin care product says it is paraben free, can it still have parabens?

First, why the marketing focus around being "Paraben Free".  Parabens are an extremely common group of preservatives which have been around since the 1960's. They did some short term testing and didn't find any problems. But parabens are very rapidly absorbed through the skin and once in the blood system they mimic estrogen and bind to estrogen receptors.

So two problems, first you have a foreign chemical entering your body daily and second, it looks like estrogen.  The problem there is that cancers which are estrogen sensitive could be stimulated.  In a British study they looked at breast cancer tissues and found large quantities of parabens within the breast cancers. Secondly, what is the effect of this low level estrogen like chemicals on children? Look at the age that young girls enter puberty - The age is dropping since parabens came onto the market.  The age was around 12-14 for many years, but since the 1960s they are dropping and it is not uncommon to see girls starting puberty well before 10.  Note that the age of puberty of boys hasn't changed over this period.

Why does skin care need preservatives? For skin creams to be very nourishing and effective they are also very nourishing to bacteria and molds. Imagine a jar of mayonnaise sitting on your bathroom counter - It would be growing out of the jar in a few weeks, so you must have preservatives. Skin cream would similarly start turning green and black within a few weeks without preservatives.

So now if you want to avoid parabens, you go to the store, or online, and look at the list of ingredients. You think you're safe if you don't see methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, etc. then you think you're safe.  But that isn't the case.

Companies only need disclose on their listed ingredients those ingredients which they add into the product or specify from a supplier. But many of the ingredients a company purchases themselves need to be preserved, and parabens are the preservative of choice.  So many companies who say they are paraben free are turning a blind eye to the parabens which sneak in with their purchased ingredients.

There are other preservatives which are just as nasty as parabens, but they haven't become an marketing focus because products must be preserved. One category are formaldehyde releasing agents. Nobody would add formaldehyde to the product and put it on the label. Below is a list of five common compounds which breakdown fairly readily and when they breakdown they release formaldehyde. 

Diazolidinyl Urea 

Quaternium-15 

Imidazolidinyl Urea 

DMDM Hydantoin 

Methyldibromo glutaronitrile

The last common way companies will preserve their products is by using natural oils like Tea-Tree oil, Grapefruit see oil, etc.  These aren't harmful, but they irritate your skin. You don't want skin care to irritate your skin, you want it to sooth your skin.

One clue that there is some sort of preservative in the product is look at the packaging. If a cream is in a jar, you're guaranteed there is a preservative of some sort.

There are a few companies that are truly preservative free, but without preservatives they use refrigeration to extend the shelf life or the shelf life is very short, just a month or two.  If you don't mind keeping your skin and personal care products in the refrigerator and don't mind a shelf life of only a couple of months, then these are an option.

One company has a patented self preserving technology that enables the product to be shelf stable at room temperature for two years. They use liquid crystals to encapsulate the ingredients which would feed bacteria, so there isn't anything in the product which is available to enable the bacteria to grow, but when you apply it to your skin the microscopic crystals dissolve and the active ingredients are released onto your skin. They worked for six years to develop this process, and with a patent on the technology, it will be many years before they have any competition.

Higher vitamin D levels associated with reduced risk of macular degeneration among women.

Higher vitamin D levels associated with reduced risk of macular degeneration among women.

The results of a study reported in the April, 2011 issue of the American Medical Association journal Archives of Ophthalmology suggest that having a high level of vitamin D could be protective against the development of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in adults.

The Study involved 1,313 women participants in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS), an ancillary study within the Women's Health Initiative. Serum samples drawn between 1994 and 1998 were analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which reflects vitamin D exposure from oral sources and sunlight. Dietary questionnaires administered upon enrollment were analyzed for vitamin D intake from food and supplements.

Although no significant association was found between vitamin D and early macular degeneration risk in the entire group, when subjects younger than 75 years of age were analyzed, a protective association emerged. "In women younger than 75, those who had 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations lower than 38 nanomoles per liter were more likely to have age-related macular degeneration than women with concentrations greater than 38 nanomoles per liter," reported University of Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions assistant professor Amy E. Millen, PhD, who is the article's lead author. "Blood concentrations above 38 nanomoles per liter were associated with at least a 44 percent decreased odds of having AMD."

Intake of vitamin D from food and supplements was also found to be protective against early disease in participants under the age of 75. Those whose intake was among the top one-fifth of participants experienced a 59 percent lower risk of developing AMD compared to women whose intake was among the lowest fifth. Time spent in direct sunlight did not appear to be protective against the disease.

"The take-home message from this study is that having very low vitamin D status (25-hydroxyvitamin D blood concentrations lower than 38 nanomoles per liter) may be associated with increasing your odds of developing age-related macular degeneration," Dr Millen concluded. "But based on these study findings, being at a higher vitamin D level than 38 nanomoles per liter does not appear to be more protective."

"This is a promising study, but more still needs to be done," she added. "We still don't understand all of the effects of vitamin D on health."

Top Five Inflammation-Fighting Foods

Our bodies are constantly exposed to internal inflammation as a means of defense against infection. A key part in the formation of wrinkles is inflammation, which causes elastin and collagen to deteriorate and eventually collapse. Although inflammation is a part of how the body naturally heals itself, it may cause premature aging of the skin. Some foods, like processed sugars and unhealthy fats and oils, are natural pro-inflammatory agents. Others, listed below, are known to reduce the effects of inflammation and are a delicious way to get a youthful glow.

Spices: Certain spices such as ginger and tumeric are natural anti-inflammatory agents. They contain phytochemicals, which can repress the proteins that lead to gene mutations, decreasing the incidence of inflammation.

Good fats and oils: Foods like olive oil, nuts and avocado contain heart healthy fats that help regulate cell metabolism and suppress inflammation.

Salmon: A top anti-inflammatory, salmon as well as other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseed are necessary for cellular repair.

Brightly colored fruits and veggies: Fruits and vegetables not only act as a source of antioxidants but they also contain phytochemics that buffer and regulate gene expression.

Vitamins: Foods and supplements containing vitamins C and E and minerals can help the body combat the damage created by free radicals.

31 tips to make your home a healthier place for your family.

We all assume our house is safe, but it is built with and we bring thousands of dangerous chemicals into our house, then close the windows locking them in.  The air in your house is actually more hazardous than the outside air. There is a great book coming out in a couple of weeks called  The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family from Hidden Household Dangers by Dave Wentz.  Below are a few of the tips from this book to make you and your home healthier.

1. Cut down on the wrinkle-free materials. Five minutes of ironing will spare you from a lifetime of PFC exposure.
2. Make certain your body is wrapped in safe, natural material for at least a third of the day by purchasing pajamas and bedding made from organic cotton.
3. Train and trust your nose. Of all our senses, smell makes the most direct connection between the outside world and your brain.
4. Use one-half cup of white vinegar in place of fabric softener in the washer to reduce static cling and soften clothing.
5. Unwrap and air out your dry-cleaned garments for at least two days in an exterior area, like a garage—never is a closet or bedroom.
6. Whenever you launder your sheets, open your windows and leave your mattress exposed in order to allow your bed to off-gas for the day.
7. Unplug your electronic gadgets and appliances when they aren’t being used.
8. Buy nightlights, alarm clocks, and other bedroom electronics that are illuminated with red light, which is less disturbing to melatonin production than white or blue light.
9. Open a window whenever you can to let in some fresh, cleansing air. The air outside is cleaner.
10. Cut down on toxic preservatives like parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde by first replacing products that sit on your skin all day—like a moisturizers—with more natural, preservative-free alternatives.
11. Avoid aerosol products that have non-spray alternatives. If you must use aerosols, open a window and run your bathroom fan. Wash products off your face as soon as you get home instead of waiting until bedtime. A few additional chemical-free hours each day could add up to more than six years over a lifetime.
12. Don’t use antiperspirant during cooler months or on weekends when it doesn’t matter if you sweat a little.
13. If you’ve been exposed to mercury, consider taking a supplement containing N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and alpha lipoic acid to aid in detoxification.
14. Give your immune system a boost with the beneficial bacteria found on a probiotic supplement. Just be sure to look in your pharmacy or grocery store for a product that contains “live and active” cultures.
15. Avoid buying products that contain triclosan and its chemical cousin, triclocarban. Simply wash your hands with regular soap and water to get rid of germs.
16. Start with good antioxidant protection, supplemental B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and lots of CoQ10. Also, try one or more of the foods that have been shown to lower cholesterol, such as steel cut oatmeal.
17. Start each day with an alkalizing glass of lemon water by squeezing a fresh lemon (no sugar) into purified water. Make sure you include the pulp.
18. Trade in your table salt for natural sea salt, which contains a mixture of alkaline complexes. And use pepper or other spices to liven your meals.
19. Maintain a good distance—at least ten feet in front or five feet to the side—between yourself and the microwave when it’s on.
20. If you must use a PTFE-lined pan, keep your stove’s burner on medium or lower. Also, never preheat an empty pan.
21. If you plastic wrap, ensure it’s LDPE-based plastic, and regardless of what type it is, never use it in the microwave.
22. Purchase reusable grocery bags made of natural materials such as cotton and use them as often as you can.
23. Use a pitcher with an activated carbon filter to reduce contaminants in your water. Although it won’t filter out all pollutants, it’s a good start at a low cost.
24. If you are cleaning with products that you wouldn’t eat, wear gloves!
25. Instead of using an aerosol freshening spray, mist your room with real citrus scent,. Simply pour a few drops of orange, lemon, or lime essential oil into a spray bottle of water.
26. Buy the best vacuum you can afford. Optimally, get one with a HEPA “completely sealed” system.
27. Use a regular, corded telephone when at home or at work. Cutting even 20 percent of your daily RF exposure is a step in the right direction.
28. If you have Ethernet ports in convenient areas, you can access the Internet using good, old-fashioned wiring.
29. Don’t set your car’s air conditioner or heater to recirculated air. Selecting the outside air option on your dashboard will reduce the number of pollutants you’re circulating inside the car.
30. Take a daily vitamin D supplement with at least 2,000 IUs (International Units) during the winter or year-round if you can’t get out into the sun each day.
31. Plant a large, diverse range of plants in your yard—native species are best. The more the merrier and healthier.

We are in the metro Denver Boulder area. Please visit us for your laser hair removal needs.

Why does laser hair removal take multiple treatments?

Your hair isn’t constantly growing. A single hair follicle will grow hair for a period, then the growth stops and the follicle holds onto the hair. Then after a while the follicle releases the hair and it falls out. After a period the cycle starts over again. That is why it is normal to find a brush full of hair each morning.

If you are waxing you know that after a waxing you’re silky smooth for a few weeks, then the hair starts to grow back. That is because all of the hair was ripped out, those growing, and those dormant. But after a few weeks the next cycle of hair growth begins and a new hair begins to grow.

Laser doesn’t remove the hair, but it disables those hair follicles which are in the active growth phase. Once disabled it won’t grow hair again, but the other hair follicles which weren’t actively growing at the time will continue their normal cycle. At any one time you have about 20% of your hair in the active growth phase. So if you laser today, you’ll disable about 20% of the hair follicles, but 4-6 weeks later the next cycle will start. When those are lasered, you’ll have about 40% disabled.

So in theory it should take 5 treatments to disable all the hair follicles. In reality though it takes about 7 treatments to achieve results.

The other question is why do I need occasional touch ups.  Simple, you can develop new hair follicles.  Normally this is a very slow process unless you’re going through hormonal changes. The obvious being puberty, but also pregnancy, menopause, men’s mid life crisis, etc.

If you’re in the metro Denver Boulder area stop by and see us at Bella Pelle Laser for a free consultation to see how we can address your hair removal needs.

Skin care: Five tips for healthy skin

Good skin care — including sun protection and gentle cleansing — can keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come.

Don't have time for intensive skin care? Pamper yourself with the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

The most important way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, freckles, age spots and rough, dry skin. Sun exposure can also cause more-serious problems, such as skin cancer. For the most complete sun protection:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. You might also opt for special sun-protective clothing, which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable.
• Use sunscreen when you're in the sun. Apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin, so keep it gentle:

• Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
• Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
• Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it. Of course laser hair removal eliminates the need for shaving daily.
• Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
• Moisturize dry skin. Find a moisturizer that fits your skin type and makes your skin look and feel soft. We recommend the Usana Sense skin health line. It is free of all chemical preservatives as well as free from "Natural" preservatives which are safe, yet irritating to skin such as tea tree oil, lavender, etc.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne is clear — research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and a broad spectrum of antioxidants and low in fats and carbohydrates may promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results may be more dramatic than you expect.

The Dangers of Triclosan: A Common Anti-Bacterial Ingredient

Triclosan is an anti-bacterial ingredient in many cosmetics and personal-care products. These include nearly half of all commercial antibacterial liquid soaps, cleansers, deodorants, detergents, toothpastes, and mouthwashes.

Water testing studies by the U.S. Geological Survey have found that triclosan is among the top 10 persistent contaminants in U.S. rivers, streams, lakes, and underground aquifers. Of related concern, triclosan persists in the environment, accumulating as it passes up the food chain to our bodies, and contributes to reduced resistance to antibiotics.

Unexpected volatility has been documented when the triclosan in liquid soaps and other household products comes into contact with water, as would happen during common use. At Virginia Tech University, a team of researchers in April 2005 reported that some toothpastes and soaps create a chloroform gas when the triclosan in these products reacts with chlorinated tap water. Triclosan also interacts with free chlorine in tap water and degrades under sunlight to produce chloroform, which is both toxic and carcinogenic following inhalation or skin absorption, particularly while bathing in warm water.

Triclosan, has been shown to produce toxic hormonal effects, known as endocrine disruption, on the development of the thyroid gland in tadpoles, and on sex ratios and fin length in fish. Lab studies on rats have shown that triclosan is toxic to normal liver enzymes. In humans, this preservative has been linked to allergies, asthma, and eczema.

Of further concern, triclosan has been identified as a contaminant in umbilical cord samples. Furthermore, surveys in Sweden have also identified triclosan in the breast milk of 60 percent of women tested.
Based on these concerns, a 2005 advisory panel to the FDA concluded that triclosan posed "unacceptable health and environmental risks." However, the FDA still ignores this warning.

The marketing for triclosan products has been so effective that some people are afraid to wash their hands—or anything else for that matter—without an antibacterial product. Let me put your fear to rest—study after study (after study) has shown these products are no more effective than regular, old-fashioned soap and water.

Use warm water to lather your hands vigorously for at least 15 seconds and then rinse for another 15 seconds. Then take a clean towel to dry your hands and sweep any remaining bacteria off your skin. If you need to use a hand sanitizer, make it one with alcohol, which flat out kills microbes without helping them develop resistance.

So look in your shower and on your bathroom counter to see if your skin care, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, or toothpaste contain Triclosan. I check our bathroom and we are triclosan free.

Your Skin: Do You Want a Quick Fix or Long Term Beauty?

Your skin is like a Rose:

To grow beautiful Roses you use the best fertilizer months before they bud.

For beautiful skin, bathe the cells deep within your body with the best nutrients possible... and Beautiful Skin will bloom.

Face lifts, chemical peels, microderm abrasion, and all other common facial treatments only work on the outside of your skin - But your skin has two sides! To maintain a youthful glow you need to take care of your skin from the inside as well.

It takes 30-45 days for new skin cells to make their way to the surface where you see them as your skin. You can use the most expensive skin care products and many esthetic services, but they only work on the outside of your skin and are temporary because as soon as those skin cells are sluffed off, they are replaced with new skin cells. If those aren't in perfect health, then your skin wont looks its best. But if you grow the healthiest skin cells possible, then in a few months your skin will radiate beauty.

The nutritional content of today’s foods is declining. Even organically grown foods. To get the nutritional content that was in an orange a century ago, you would need to eat eight oranges today! It is almost impossible to get optimal nutrition just from food alone. Our bodies are also subject to environmental stress from pollutants, pesticides, household chemicals, the sun, and even stress. Even most skin care and cosmetics have harmful preservatives and irritating chemicals, many of which are readily absorbed through the skin – This all takes toll on all your cells, your health, and shows in your skin.  But, if your cells and your skin have all the vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants available to repair any damage and fight off oxidative stress, then you’re cells will be stronger and healthier and this will result in healthier and younger looking skin.  So you need to supplement with the highest quality nutritional supplements available.

For a free consultation and to see what we can do for your skin, please give us a call at Bella Pelle Laser for your laser hair removal needs and for the highest rated supplements in North America and the worlds only full line of skin care which is all natural, self preserving and free of parabens, formaldehyde releasing chemicals, nor irritating natural preservatives like tea tree oil, grapefruit oil, etc.  We are in the Denver Boulder metro area located in Broomfield. We are the Natural Place to go for the best in skin care.

Now offering esthetic services and skin care

Beauty and confidence begins with clear, healthy skin that glows from the inside out. At Bella Pelle Laser, we are pleased to offer you a variety of skin treatments that can help you achieve the beautiful skin you’ve always wanted – from head to toe! We listen to each client with care and respect, and are determined to use our expertise and advanced training to help you meet your skin care goals at affordable prices.

~Facials~

*Express Facial – This 30-minute treatment is a quick boost to your skin that can accommodate anyone’s busy day. It’s tailored to fit your specific skin needs, and leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalized. $28

*European Facial – An hour-long nourishing facial treatment that includes a relaxing massage, as well as detoxifying and hydrating ingredients. $42

*Acne Facial – Acne is one of the most prevalent skin disorders today, and doesn’t necessarily stop during the teenage years. A 60-minute Acne Facial can do wonders for skin struggling with breakouts and blemishes. Includes extractions and a massage. $45

*Anti-Aging Facial – Relive your younger days after our Anti-Aging Facial, which includes a collagen mask, hydrating serum, and a relaxing massage. Leave with firmer, brighter, smoother, softer skin! $45

~Intensive Skin Care~

*Glycolic Peel – A 45-minute session. A glycolic acid chemical peel can help diminish sun damage, wrinkles, and exfoliate dead skin cells that cause dull skin tone and blemishes. ($55 for face/neck, $65 for other body parts such as back or arms. Price may vary, depending on size of area to be treated.)

*Peeling Enzyme Treatment – A less intensive peeling treatment for sensitive skin. Gives skin a healthy glow and softness. $55

*Diamond Microdermabrasion – The newest in skin care technology. Microdermabrasion is a great way to smooth and tighten mature skin. Microdermabrasion can also help to diminish scarring from acne. Includes face and neck. $75 ($10 add on for décolleté)

~Add-On Services~

*Hot Paraffin Treatment – A soothing, extremely hydrating treatment for the hands and feet.
($8 for hands only)
($10 for feet only)
($15 for hands and feet)

*Hot/Cold Hammer – A rejuvenating and cooling treatment that can be used in conjunction with any facial, peel, or microdermabrasion. The heat warms the skin and opens pores, allowing products to penetrate deeply into the skin; the final cooling effect closes pores and seals in hydration and vitamins. $8 add on to any service

*Ultrasonic Massage – A massage that vibrates the skin and allows oil impactions and imperfections to loosen up and be washed away. The result is smoother, beautiful, clear skin. $8

*Brow Tweeze - $5