That’s In My Body? Toxins Enter Directly Through Your Skin Vs. Mouth

In the past, people used to think that the skin was somehow an impenetrable barrier that blocked anything from either exiting or entering the body. While it does provide a sort of protection from the elements of the world, and does a good job of keeping most bodily fluids inside of us, it certainly allows things to enter freely. Many scientists agree that up to 60% of what you put on your skin gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The scary part is that absorption of toxins through the skin is even more dangerous than absorbing them through your mouth. At least toxins that you eat get a chance to go through the kidneys and liver, which have special [More]

Do You Really Know What’s In Your Personal Care Products?

Many people do not know that the FDA classifies personal care products, such as deodorants, shampoos, and skin care, but it does not regulate them. Almost 80 years ago, the FDA granted self-regulation to the Cosmetics, Toiletries, and Fragrance Association, as scary as that is. The direct result is that the industry is not held very accountable by anyone, and they put products on the market that are full of known toxins. We aren’t talking about mild toxins, which would be bad enough – the skin and hair care products that are filling the shelves nowadays are made from things that are known to cause birth defects, neurotoxicity, and many forms of cancer. But because these ingredients are cheap and [More]

Deconstruct: Pause And Question What’s Going On And Into Your Body

Maybe spring cleaning this year should include our lifestyle. Our minds, like our homes, can get cluttered with old ideas, old emotions and old habits. We weed our gardens regularly–why not ourselves? Routine cleaning will sweep out energy that no longer serves you and let some positive growth in. +pause and question +rest your system with a seasonal cleanse +peel away layers with acupuncture +get some fresh air outside +yoga for strength, flexibility and reflection +dry brush for healthy, glowing skin +consider the effects of your lifestyle on your posture +eat more colorful foods +journal. get to know yourself all over again Ways to Deconstruct Over the Next 60 Days: +3-week Cleanse to detoxify and learn healthy eating [More]

Skin Care For Teens

When most of us were teenagers, we had more important things to think about than our skin care regimen. Sure, we might have spent plenty of time in front of the mirror, but we weren’t necessarily dutifully cleansing, using a toner, moisturizing and peeling once a week. Maybe you dipped into your mom’s products now and then. But, if you were anything like me, you weren’t borrowing the night cream, you were going for the mascara and the darkest lipstick you could find (which, naturally, didn’t go on the lips until you were out the door). Are you kicking yourself for not paying more attention to skin care when you were young? How many times did you bask in [More]

Preventative Skin Care

You’re only as old as you feel. It’s true. But, even if you feel young, your skin will eventually show signs of aging. Lucky for you, it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin. You can’t stop the aging process, but you can slow it down, prevent lines and wrinkles, and help your skin be the great body-protector and detoxifier it’s meant to be. How, you ask? Well, you can start by eating good, healthy food and drinking lots of water. You are what you eat, as I’m sure you know. You can check out this great Skincare Education Handout. You can moisturize, and more importantly use sunscreen, as the sun is a major culprit in premature [More]

The Facelift Vs. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture

Wrinkles happen. It’s inevitable. Our histories of emotion and our days spent basking in summer sunshine eventually begin to show on our faces. I’ve often admired the lines around an elder friend’s mouth and the creases at the corners of her eyes because I know the shadows there are evidence of a life well lived. They paint a face like a map of experience. However, now that I’m beginning to notice wrinkles of my own, now that I find myself scrutinizing my forehead in the bathroom mirror, watching the skin bunch as I raise and lower my eyebrows like a child discovering what emotions look like, I’m beginning to think differently about wrinkles. At least, about my own. I’ve done [More]

How To Care For Your Skin In Winter

Very beautiful girl in a fur cap. Almost a Snow Maiden.

We have it pretty easy here in the Northwest. Temperatures drop below 30 only on rare occasions. Occasionally, the wind blows hard enough to make you pull your scarf tight around your face. Our skin doesn’t suffer quite as much during winter months as those poor Midwesterners shoveling piles of snow from their driveways, their skin tight, their lips threatening to crack and bleed. Still, our skin isn’t quite the same as it is in sunny summertime. Even our heaters dry out the air in our homes. And so, with the season’s change, it’s time to change your skin care regimen. As our estheticians here at Root Whole Body will tell you, your skin adapts to the products you use. [More]

Pumpkin Everything

From time to time, I get obsessed with something. Each October, I become obsessed with Pumpkins. I can’t help but collect the small varieties. They multiply in my house like orange rabbits or dust bunnies, occupying window ledges and taking up counter space. I love their smooth skin, the creases that gently slope up to the funny, curling stems they wear. When I see them at the market, all linked up on their hay bales, I just want to hug each and every one of them. Then I want to carve them, give them horrifying faces and devour their flesh, seeds and all. And I will! I can, because it’s good for me. Pumpkins, being so very orange, are filled [More]

Jasmine Tangerine Age-Defying Night Cream

Jasmine Tangerine Age-Defying Night Cream Was there ever a night cream with a sexier name? I think not. It begs to be repeated: Jasmine Tangerine Age-Defying Night Cream. The words feel good across the tongue. Luckily, they’re not just words. The ingredients are as sexy as they sound. Jasmine, known as the king of flower oils, is extracted from silky white blossoms. They shine like white stars in the moonlight when they are picked for oil, always at night when their fragrance is most intense. Jasmine, as well as being an aphrodisiac, is rich in esters which calm the nervous system and work as an anti-inflammatory, beneficial for dry or inflamed skin. Tangerines. Also sexy. Fragrant, easy to peel, enjoyable [More]

Water Bottles Are Your Friends

Everyone knows it’s important to drink water. 8 glasses a day, some say. Others say you should take your weight in pounds, divide by two, and drink that many ounces. And others have other opinions. It’s great for your skin, your cells, and your ability to keep yourself cleansed. I encourage you to keep water with you at all times. If you’re at a desk it’s easy. Keep your glass filled! If you’re on the go and have discovered the wonders of the camelback, that’s easy too. Our community at Root does a great job of staying hydrated, especially during those sweaty, heated power vinyasa classes. They don’t always do a great job of remembering to take their water bottles [More]