Osmosis Sculpt vs. Body Wraps

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Osmosis Sculpt vs. Body Wraps

April 1st, 2018

The season for pool parties, summer vacations and wearing shorts is here. Recently, I was asked if body wraps were more effective than Osmosis Sculpt. Of course, I said Sculpt, but I would like to explain why.

You may or may not know that your body, when getting an overload of toxins that it cannot process will send those toxins to your fat cells. Toxins are stored on the outside edges of the fat cells. This is a protection for you, but it also causes inflammation in your endocrine system, as fat cells are part of the endocrine system. Also, toxins are bulky and make our adipose tissue larger.

Body Wraps
Most body wraps I have worked with, work with the lymphatic system. They begin with a scrub that starts activating the lymphatic or body’s toxin disposal system. Then an herbal mixture is applied to the body. The body then absorbs up to 60% of these herbs. The body utilizes the healing power of the herbs to help stimulate the lymph nodes (the body’s toxin cleansers) to work more efficiently for the next 24 hours or so. Sometimes the herbs may not be sent to your fat, however, they may be sent to other areas of the body that need healing, in this case, you may not see much of an inch loss.

Osmosis Sculpt

Osmosis Sculpt though does a lot more than just stimulate your lymphatic system. It is a safe, effective, healthy way to energize and detoxify the body. The pads are applied directly to the areas where you want to lose inches. The nano, pico and microcurrent contracts your muscles and this causes strengthening in your muscles as well as glycolosis. Glycolosis results in burning off of glycogen (sugars) and can help start burning fat as fuel faster. One 30 minute Sculpt treatment deeply stimulates your lymphatic system to send those nasty toxins to be excreted through sweating after or your digestive system. Sculpt treatments also increase your cells ATP production, which gives you a nice burst of energy after. Since you will basically be put into fat-burning mode, this will be an awesome time to do a workout to enhance your efforts.

Summary

So, to sum it up: body wraps work by stimulating only the lymphatic system. Sculpt treatments work strengthen muscles, help put you in fat burning mode, and stimulate your lymphatic system deeply.

Book your Sculpt today, mention this blog article and get your first treatment for just $75 (less than the cost of a body wrap)!

Sculpt – holistic detox and inch loss for the body

December 18th, 2017

Osmosis+Sculpt is a revolutionary solution for managing weight – the creators of Sculpt went all out, spending years in development with no expense spared and no technology duplicated. It’s completely original. Here’s what the two creators say about Sculpt:

Weight gain seems to be an inevitable part of the aging process. It is so hard to maintain healthy eating habits in the world we live in today. Your body struggles with the estimated 1 Million toxins that it is exposed to on a daily basis, but actually does a remarkable job of keeping your system operational. One of your best tools for maintaining your body’s health is your fat. I know we love to hate our fat, but it turns out that it plays a critical role in your metabolism and hormone levels as well as acting as a primary storage center for toxins. We created Osmosis+Sculpt because we recognize that freezing, burning or sucking out your fat is not healthy for your system. The body often relaces those lost fat cells anyway because they are so important.” – Dr. Ben Johnson, Founder of Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare and Osmosis Sculpt

As a woman of a certain age, I understand first hand the challenges we have to maintain a healthy toned body. We are busier that ever, working harder and longer and the demands of daily life can be overwhelming. – Char Fontanillis, LE – Founder of Osmosis+Sculpt

Nano-current technology has arrived for body sculpting! Body contouring with Osmosis Sculpt is the most advanced and effective holistic fat loss device in the world. Freezing and/or melting fat harms the body and often leaves patchy results. Osmosis Sculpt works by using patented nano-current contant waveform technology. The advantage is that we create targeted fat loss by safely accelerating the detox and lipolysis needed to create long-term slimming.

It’s very exciting technology!Osmosis +Sculpt reduces the size of fat cells by eliminating toxins, while strengthening and engaging the muscle. The unique combination of nano, pico and micro currents triggers the cell to release trapped toxins resulting in shrinkage and inch loss. Using a holistic approach, increased definition and tone are achieved in resistant areas that hold onto fat. It works very well with intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets as well. After one treatment, the body is put into a healthy state of ketosis.

Perhaps you are looking for a solution to help manage not only your fat, but your health. I understand the struggle and it’s my greatest passion to help you with your journey. The success stories are abundant, and the best success stories are before and after pictures.

Holistic Skincare

September 15th, 2017

Analyzing the skin and body as a whole to treat skin conditions at their source, restoring beauty and wellness. This is holistic skin care! The latest in the world of beauty. Restoring health equals restoring youth and beauty. Reversing DNA damage, detoxification, repairing skin damage, calming inflammation will dramatically improve the health and the skin.

When we can identify the causes, we can apply simple, healthy holistic choices to regain health and beauty. Our skin reflects our health. We can use it as a map to identify where our health needs help.

Identifying the Source of Skin Conditions

Zone 1: (Forehead)
Acne: Small bumps or cysts caused by candida overgrowth in the gut. This will often be accompanied by acne in Zone 4

Melasma: Large patches of brown resulting from damage to the liver

Roseacea: Redness that remains relatively constant and worsens with triggers from certain foods or stress

Zone 2: (Upper Eyelids)
Eczema: This is caused by adrenal stress. It can occur from excess caffeine and other stimulants, anxiety or heavy stress. It results in peeling and irritation of the skin.

Zone 3: (Lower Eyelid Region)
Kidney Damage: Dark circles, redness or puffiness can occur from the use of NSAIDS like aspirin or ibuprofen, etc. It can also occur from caffeine, other medications, and lack of sleep.

Zone 4: (Cheeks and Temples)
Acne: Small bumps or cysts caused by candida overgrowth in the gut.
Roseacea: Redness that remains relatively constant or worsens from triggers like certain foods or stress. It reflects the large intestine.
Melasma: Brown pigment areas found in similar regions on both sides of the face that results from liver damage often associated with medication.

Zone 5: (Lower-middle Cheekbone):
Redness and/or acne in this region is from bacterial or candida overgrowth, ulcers and digestive issues in the small intestines.

Zone 6: (Lateral to Nose)
Roseacea: Redness next to the nose is caused by gastritis or H. Pylori overgrowth in the stomach.

Zone 7: (Nasal Flares):
Roseacea: Redness or capillaries on the side of the nose is caused by acid reflux affecting the lower esophagus.

Zone 8: (Tip of Nose)
Roseacea: Redness associated with inflammation in the back of the throat often caused by hard alcohol.

Zone 9: (Lower cheeks and jawline)
Acne: Bumps or cysts caused by estrogenic toxins and testosterone imbalance. Commonly affecting the mid-face, neck, chest and back.
Melasma: Brown pigment areas found in similar regions on both sides of the face that results from liver damage often associated with medication.

Zone 10 (Perioral)
Acne: Bumps or cysts associated with estrogenic toxins and testosterone imbalance or from toxins absorbed by the colon in constipated individuals
Perioral Dermatitis: This is caused either by constipation or from mouth toxicity from toxins like fluoride.
Melasma: The upper lip can develop patchy brown areas associated with liver damage

As a holistic esthetician, I am here to help! If you live in the Dallas area, please make an appointment for a skin consultation or a custom facial. If not or if you’re too busy to come in, send me a text 214-597-1950 or an email: staceyglmt@gmail.com with pics of face without makeup and I can help you find a holistic solution.

Dark Spots – Hyperpigmentation

August 16th, 2017

AHHH, the end of summer – mixed feelings! Unfortunately, many clients are noticing dark spots from heat and sun exposure. Or perhaps we have suffered from acne in the past and it left small dark spots. We might even have melasma (pregnancy mask or residual) after pregnancy or certain health conditions. Or even all of the above! In my clinic, I have treated all of the above successfully with my customized approach which contains:

1. Ingesting and applying Vitamin C topically twice daily
2. Sun protection – reapplication every 4 hours, wearing hats & long sleeves
3. Retinol to increase cell turnover rate
4. Professional treatments every two weeks until skin is healed

Professional treatments to heal dark spots and hyperpigmentation or all over brightening of the skin can include Collagen Induction Facial, light chemical peels, glycolic peels, Jessner’s peels or lactic masks. The deciding factors include your skin type, do you have a few days to look sunburned and if we are addressing any other issues.

Collagen Induction Facials are great for all over brightening, while providing wonderful anti-aging benefits of reducing wrinkles and helping texture.

Light Chemical Peels work wonderfully by themselves or with other treatments combined to also treat acne and wrinkles. It works for texture, but not as well as Collagen Induction. But it’s the first thing I usually recommend when there is still active breakouts.

Glycolic Peels are a bit old-school, but are amazing for dry skin because it also increases the lipid barrier function.

Jessner’s Peels are designed for acneic skin and will usually work by lifing the dark spots off. You will usually start peeling on day 3 and continue until day 6.

Lactic masks are a wonderful, gentle way of overall brightening the skin. Marie Antoinette and Cleopatra were famous for their lactic masks. Don’t worry if you are lactose intolerant though, it will not go through the blood/skin barrier – lactose molecules are too large.

Not sure of what you need? Just schedule a skin consulation and I will waive the $25 fee if you get a treatment that day.

Do you have Tech Neck?

May 11th, 2017

You may be damaging and causing pain to your neck right now. Smartphones are a way of life, and there’s not much we can do to avoid them. The damage caused by looking down at our phones about 150 times a day include tense necks that if left untreated can lead to surgery, neck wrinkles and jowls. Chances are you are using your smart phone right now, but before you put this article down, how about some strategies to avoid getting tech neck and reversing the effects?

1. Take care of your neck as you do your face.
Most people have a solid skincare routine for their face, but many ignore their necks entirely. Remember that delicate skin on the neck is similar to the type around your eyes, and two times thinner than that of the rest of your face. Vitamin C Serum and Peptiderm Moisturizer and/or Serum helps face and neck.

Treatments that help reduce jowls and wrinkles are Microcurrent Facials and LED.

2. Lean your head back and stick your tongue out!
Or as yogis refer to it – lion pose. This exercise is easy enough to remember, relieves stress and tension in the face, jaw and neck.

3. I dream of Genie Stretch.
Put elbows out with right forearm above left forearm, and without turning your head or torso, move arms to the right. Put left forearm above right, then turn arms to the left. Relaxes upper back and neck.

4. Regular massage
If your posture has declined, getting a weekly massage for 4-6 weeks can help reverse the damage. Along with stretching morning and night, can make a real difference.

5. Shoulder Shrugs
Shrug shoulders up to your ears and hold for 30 seconds, then release.

6. Doorway stretches
open door, hold onto door frame and lean out of the other side of the doorway until you feel a nice stretch through your arms and chest muscles, lean neck back.

Sanitas Peptiderm Skin Care

February 21st, 2017

While Vitamin C is still quite the queen of anti-aging, I’ll christen Peptides the King. Just what are peptides and how do they help your skin?

Peptides are chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins in the skin. When peptides form a long chain of amino acids, they become proteins. When they are in a short chain of amino acids, they are able to penetrate the top layer of our skin and send signals to our cells to let them know how to function.

One important protein in our skin is collagen. Collagen gives our skin its thickness and firmness. When collagen breaks down in the skin (from age and environmental factors like the sun and stress and glycation), wrinkles form. Peptides applied topically to the skin can send a signal to collagen to prompt the formation of new collagen, and therefore you will have the appearance of more youthful, supple skin.

There are many types of peptides that also relax facial muscles (yes, like BOTOX), Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. All three of Sanitas Peptiderm products contain four peptides, including Acetyl Hexapeptide-8.

Oftentimes, peptide products take 4-12 weeks to give results…not the case with Sanitas Peptiderm products. Results are often noticeable in the first application, and definitely within a few days of usage, probably because they contain 40% in the serum and moisturizer and 50% concentration of peptides in the eye treatment.

The products also contain other amazing ingredients which contribute to your skin’s health and improve skin such as ceramides. The ceramides used are skin identical lipid molecules that are found in high concentrations within cell membranes. In the top layer of the skin, ceramides hold skin cells together, forming a protective layer that plumps the skin and retains moisture. (Think of skin cells as the bricks and ceramides as the mortar.)

Perfluorodecalin is an ingredient of the Peptiderm Moisturizing Cream. PFD is an oxygen infusing system that restores skin radiance and diminishes fine lines. This cream gives an absolutely stunning, translucent quality to skin.

How to use them. I love using all 3 to drench my super dry skin! However, for oily skin and combination, I suggest the Peptiderm Eye Treatment for around the eye and lip area, and the Peptiderm Anti-Aging Serum for the whole face, under the Balancing Moisturizer or Oil Free Moisurizer, perhaps only using the Peptiderm Moisturizer for night.

Under Eye Wrinkles

January 31st, 2017

anti-agingHow do you get rid of Under Eye Wrinkles naturally? A challenge that I myself have! A combination of things contribute to this situation, and it takes a combination of treatments and products to decrease it and keep it at bay.

According to Chinese medicine and face mapping, this area represents the kidneys. So anything that helps the kidneys will help this area. Mainly eating clean and drinking plenty of water, but also gently massaging this area by applying small pressure points on top of the facial bone will help the kidneys and therefore help this area also. In yoga, lion pose is a great one to stimulate as well. Also getting plenty of sleep helps too!

Professional treatments that help this area directly are Microcurrent Facials and LED therapy. Microcurrent Facials tone the muscles around the eye and firming of the surrounding skin. It also aids this area by providing lymphatic drainage which reduces puffiness and detoxifies the skin. Microcurrent also infuses the skin with the serums and mask that I apply, so of course I use Peptides and lots of hyaluronic acid. LED smooths the skin by stimulating the fibroblasts that stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby improving this area dramatically. Both of these treatments can be done after one another and I often encourage that. For best results, get these once or twice a week.

Keeping this area moisturized by using a combination of Vitamin C and Peptide (amino acid chains that stimulate collagen production) products will also help. I have seen amazing results from using Sanitas Vita C and Peptiderm Eye Treatment.

A good retinol used along with a physical scrub will also help this and much more. I personally use Sanitas Rejuven-A retinol with a blend of CoQ10 and peptides to help buffer the Vitamin A and make it less drying. It’s done wonders for my skin, along with Peptiderm Moisturizer.

Blackhead Removal

January 31st, 2017

ladyfacial

We all get them! What are they?  Are the dark areas on my nose true blackheads or just the shadow and natural oil of large pores?

What exactly is a blackhead? For starters, blackheads are large, open pores containing oil and skin cells that have oxidized from the air causing it to turn black. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s not “dirt”, it is simply oxidized oil and skin cells. You can remove the blackhead by extracting it, but once the oil fills back up in the pore, the air will cause the oil to oxidize again and now the blackhead is back again.

If they are uniform in appearance, they are really not true blackheads, however they can be safely removed and with the right skin care regimen, their appearance minimized.  True blackheads are not uniform but more sporadic – these are the result of mucus in the gut and will require not only extraction, but a mucus cleanse, such as Osmosis Skin Clarifier – a 10 day mucus cleanse that we all could benefit from on a regular basis if eating foods such as dairy, gluten and red meat.

STEP 1: Remove the blackheads. Whether you remove them yourself (gently, of course) or have a professional facial, they must be manually extracted. There is no magic mask or pore strip that will easily lift them out.

For a professional removal, book my Deep Cleanse and LED Facial – it was designed for safe, effective blackhead removal, using steam towels, gentle enzymes to exfoliate, a device that minimizes pain and LED to kill bacteria and heal skin to prevent breakouts.

-For do-it-yourself extractions, it’s best to remove blackheads after a shower since the skin temperature has been raised. Using a tissue around your fingers, press to gently squeeze out the blackheads, and most importantly, cleanse your skin afterwards because you have released bacteria which can cause a breakout.

STEP 2: Use enzyme based exfoliation to keep skin balanced and . Once the pores are clean, it’s important to incorporate products into your routine that use enzymes such as Osmosis MD Purify Cleanser to keep them cleaned out, as well as preventing the oil from filling back up so quickly. Also, add a weekly or bi-weekly mask with Polish, an enzyme based mask to exfoliate and hydrate and stimulate collagen production.

STEP 3: Prevent oil from oxidizing. This part is crucial for lessening the appearance of blackheads. As I mentioned, a blackhead is oil that has oxidized and turned black, so if you can prevent the oil from oxidizing, the oil will not turn black (or at least as quickly).

Antioxidants used in skin care products have many benefits such as encouraging collagen production, lightening discoloration (brown spots) and slowing down the production of skin-damaging free radicals, but one surprising benefit is their ability to prevent oil from oxidizing, hence the name antioxidants meaning ‘anti oxidation.’ Here’s an example of how antioxidants prevent oxidation. You know when you cut an apple into slices and after a while it turns brown? What would you do to prevent it from turning brown (oxidizing)? Simple. Just squeeze lemon juice, (which is high in vitamin C), onto the apple and the apple will not turn brown as quickly. Surprisingly, the same rules apply to the skin and blackheads. I can’t speak for all antioxidant products but I can tell you for certain, Osmosis MD Replenish uses a form of stable, no-sting vitamin C which makes this product not only suitable for preventing blackheads, but for sensitive skin too. Another good option is the Osmosis Catalyst AC-11, which is a powerful Vitamin C Serum and DNA Repair.

A word of warning: certain topical vitamin C products can actually accelerate the appearance of blackheads. When formulas use high concentrations of pure L-Ascorbic Acid or Ascorbic Acid, it causes rapid oxidation resulting in a darkening of the oil pore’s surface.  Also, I see a mixing of Retinols with Vitamin C in the same product – they do not work well together.  However, I recommend a RetinAl such as Osmosis MD Calm, Clarify, Correct or Renew along with Catalyst AC-11 – they work BEST together!  Amazing results!

Want a more customized solution? Book a Deep Cleanse and LED Facial today!  I will safely and gently exfoliate any blackheads and offer a customized plan to reduce them in the future.

Acne Types and Strategies to Clear

November 8th, 2016

noninflamed_acne_small

Clearing acne can be challenging, it is often helpful to know the type of acne to get to the root cause. This article contains seven types of acne, and nutritional and herbal remedies that have been helpful for some.

Types of Acne
1. Androgenic
2. Adrenal
3. Food Allergy/Digestive
4. Menopausal
5. Liver
6. Pre-mentrual
7. Thyroid or Combination

Androgenic is the most common type of acne, usually begins in the teenage years, there is a elevation of testosterone production, oily skin, thin body types. To balance the overproduction of testosterone and oil production, the following herbs and vitamins are sometimes helpful: Zinc, Saw Palmetto, B5, B6, Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3 oils), Nettles and Isoflavones.

Adrenal Acne usually affects those with thin, muscular bodies, high hairlines, thin hair, narrow features, athletic, long and lean. Large pores and dehydration are another sign of this. Watch out for caffeine, it elevates the adrenals which contributes to increased oil production. Zinc and Essential Fatty Acids help to balance oil production. Other supplements to consider are B Vitamins, especially B5, Vitamins A and C.

Food Allergies/Digestive Acne causes rashy, non-pustular roseacea-looking papules. Usually localized around the cheeks and mouth, but can also be all over face. Discover offending allergen, by eliminating dairy, gluten and soy. Build intestinal lining with Glutamine and Essential Fatty acids. Help stomach acidity by adding Betaine HCI, lemon water and/or Apple Cider Vinegar to diet. Also consider probiotics and digestive enzymes.

Menopausal Acne caused by the lowering of estrogen levels, causing an androgen imbalance. Treat with adrenal nutrients – B Vitamins, especially B5, Zinc, Vitamin A, Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin C. Herbal supplements to consider: Saw Palmetto and Green Tea. This time in life is also very stressful, with children still at home and caring for aging parents. Make time for yourself, drink hot tea, take baths, get massages, do whatever you need to take care of you.

Liver Acne shows up as cystic, deep boils, and can be found on the back, neck and arms. Requires liver nutrients such as milk thistle, Jerusalem Artichoke and B Vitamins. Also consider a liver detox system. There is usually an Androgen or Adrenal overlap

Premenstrual Acne obviously occurs just before or during menstruation. It usually appears on jawline and or chin. Estrogen drop causes androgen imbalance 7-10 days before. Limit caffeine and alcohol. Supplements should include B Complex, especially B6, essential fatty acids and Zinc. Drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.

Thyroid/Combination shows up as dull, dehydrated and maybe oily skin. Elevated estrogen stimulates adrenal activity which stimulates sebum, skin cell production and testosterone production, as well as reduced thyroid activity causing skin dryness and weight gain. Obviously getting assistance from a physician can help thyroid or Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb popular in Ayurvedic medicine, that has shown incredible results for lowering cortisol and balancing thyroid hormones. Rhodiola Rosea, also known as “golden rod,” is an adaptogen herb with tremendous fat burning, energy enhancing and brain boosting power.

Comedonal Acne is a common presentation of acne, it’s a skin lipid dysfunction, characterized by blockage of pores and inflammation of surrounding skin, compounded by secondary bacterial proliferation and hyperkeratosis (skin cell over production). It responds very well to BHA and AHA’s. If milia (pearlized comedone) is present, it’s best treated with a retinol. If accompanied by roseacea, begin with glycolic acid.

Above are the descriptions and general supplement information to give an idea of possible treatments, none are diagnoses. Acne must be treated with a multiphase strategy by:

1. Treat the body internally using key nutrients to control sebum production, detoxify and control hyperkaratosis.

2. Eliminating certain foods that trigger breakouts

3. Treat the skin topically using exfoliation and sebum dissolving techniques to clear pores

4.Treat with topical antibacterial agents that can enter into sebum blockages and kill bacteria.

If you are serious about getting clear skin and are ready to make changes in diet and lifestyle, come in for an acne consultation and we can get started. My first goal is to make sure your skin care regimen is the right one. Then we begin acne treatments on your skin that has been prepared.

Schedule your consultation today!

Does your diet affect your skin?

September 18th, 2016

Skin challenges? It could be what you are eating. The foods we eat play a large role in achieving a gorgeous, unblemished complexion.

I usually spend a lot of time with my clients on how their diet affects or could trigger breakouts, but recently there has been even more evidence of how food affects our skin to defy aging as well. There seems to be a lot of similarities, so your diet can prevent breakouts and defy aging at the same time.

Glycation – Whether its natural or refined sugar, it has inflammatory effects on the skin (causing breakouts, wrinkles and sagging skin). It also hardens the internal organs, we’ve all heard of hardening of the arteries, sugar is one of the culprits. It’s also one of the most addictive, but IMHO its one of the easiest to break. STRATEGY: start training your taste buds by choosing more savory foods, try not adding sugar to tea and coffee. When you do choose a sweet treat, make sure its low glycemic. ALSO, try adding more omega 3’s to your diet to offset glycation damage by either taking a supplement or adding more walnuts, avocados and salmon.

Dairy – A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that the amount of low fat or non fat milk consumed by teenage participants with acne was significantly higher than those with no acne.
Even organic cow’s milk contains iodides (from licking salt) and a cow’s natural hormones, we just weren’t meant to drink this, even though it is full of protein and calcium.
When I see a lot of breakouts in the jawline area, it’s almost always because of high dairy intake. It also contributes to dullness.
STRATEGY: If you’re having trouble with your complexion, try switching to alternative milk options like almond or coconut milk. If your skin stays the same after 90 days without dairy milk, slowly add it back in and watch for changes.

Lots of leafy, dark green vegetables that are high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, iron, zinc and a host of other skin nourishing nutrients support a glowing, radiant complexion.

Getting enough nutrients can be tough, and the skin is the last place to receive nutrients. Sanitas philosophy is to nourish the skin from the outside and the results from this product line are phenomenal. If you are having some skin challenges, and can’t quite figure out what is going on, please book a custom facial so that we can get an in depth consultation and I can see/feel and test for sensitivity.

Also, I will be out at the Sanitas headquarters near Boulder Colorado on the week of 10/24 to learn more about their new product formulations and how it can help defy aging and acne. I’ll come back with even more knowledge and enthusiasm for all things skin!