TOP WELLNESS TIPS FOR HEALTHFUL LONGEVITY

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We’re well into the New Year and many are still feeling a bit of angst when it comes to pursuing a simple and meaningful strategy for attaining improved health and wellness.

Internationally respected health and wellness expert, Premchit Na Thalang, shares her wisdom on this subject.  "I truly believe wellness is for everyone and my desire is that if you wish to have a long life of joy and vitality, you may do so, regardless of where you live or the circumstances of your life, simply by deciding to live your life comprised of four key elements: a healthy diet, moving and resting, a healthy lifestyle, and having healthy relationships".

Her “Top Wellness Tips for Healthful Longevity” are easy, simple wellness ideas that promote a long life of joy and vitality.  Imagine having a long life of joy and vitality, staying healthy in body, mind and spirit, while enjoying an active and fulfilling life!  Following are her simple steps to achieving these goals.  Enjoy!

HEALTHY DIET IDEAS

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~ Eat and Drink More Fresh Fruits, Herbs, Spices, and Vegetables ~

All fresh fruits, herbs, spices and vegetables taste good and are good for you. Eat as many and as wide a variety as possible. Fruit, herbs, spices and vegetables are a rich source of amino acids, antioxidants, carotenoids, enzymes, fats, fiber, flavonoids, minerals, oils, pectin, sugars, trace elements, vitamins, water and phytochemicals with anti-bacterial, anti-aging, anti-allergenic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-tumor, anti-viral, blood thinning, detoxifying, memory and vision enhancement, immune-stimulating, tonic, wound healing and vasoprotective properties, amongst others - promoting healthy cellular metabolism and growth, as well as the efficient detoxification and elimination of metabolic toxins.

Eating fresh fruits, herbs, spices and vegetables in juice form, sometimes referred to as "juice therapy", meaning "the use of concentrated nutritional elixirs made from fresh fruits, herbs, spices and vegetables for nutritional maintenance, illness prevention, body detoxification and the treatment of ailments and diseases", is very beneficial in promoting a long life of joy and vitality.

Every fresh fruit, herb, spice and vegetable offers one or more positive effects on promoting a long life of joy and vitality, including preventing or minimizing risks associated with: Alzheimer’s, arthritis, asthma, blood pressure, blood sugar, cancer, cardiovascular disease, cholesterol, constipation, diabetes, glaucoma, heart attack, obesity, osteoporosis, over-weight, Parkinson’s, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke and urinary tract infections, amongst others.

~ Eat Like the Animals and the Birds ~

Many animals and birds eat in harmony with "trophology", the science of combining compatible foods to ensure optimal digestion leading to optimal health and a long life of joy and vitality. The key principles of trophology are:

~ Consume only one type of food during any meal, such as carbohydrate or protein.

~ Eat animal proteins, with plenty of non-starch vegetables, preferably raw such as in a salad, once a day.

~ Eat starches, with vegetables, preferably raw, as in a salad, and/or with non-acid fruits, once a day.

~ Eat fats with carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and light plant proteins, not with concentrated animal proteins. Do NOT eat margarine, other butter substitutes, or hydrogenated oils.

~ Eat at least one large fresh salad of raw non-starch vegetables every day, ideally just before a protein or carbohydrate meal.

~ Eat fresh fruits, nuts and seeds on an empty stomach.

~ Forget Food-Like Substances ~ 

There are many "food-like substances" that must be avoided if you want to pursue a long life of joy and vitality. The worst food-like substances are artificial sweeteners, margarine, processed foods and sugar. Other food-like substances best avoided are pasteurized and/or homogenized milk, salty foods, soft drinks and white wheat-flour.

MOVING AND RESTING IDEAS

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~ Move Your Body ~ 

For a long life of joy and vitality it is very important to move your body on a regular basis, preferably every day, for at least a moderate amount of time, in a way that you like doing, such as gently exercise, light sport, martial arts, playing, swimming, walking, yoga, etc. Natural movement of the body, ideally to a rhythm, is the foundation to cultivating a long life of joy and vitality.

The best forms of body movement are slow and rhythmic, which will loosen, stretch and relax your body, to collect and store energy, to leave you feeling refreshed. This type of movement is aerobic, beneficial to the particular body part being moved, as well as to the cardiovascular system and all other body systems.

Be sure to warm up before doing a movement or exercise regime, especially to relax a stressed or tired body and to stimulate blood and energy circulation. Loosening movements should be focused on the joints, with stretching movements should be focused on the ligaments, muscles and tendons.

It is now recognized that regular movement of the body offers diverse and significant benefits, including positive effects on: addiction, aging, anxiety, attention, attraction to the opposite sex, blood pressure, blood, bones, brain, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, confidence, constipation, dementia, depression, diabetes, emotions, energy levels, erectile dysfunction, euphoria, fun, heart, immunity, infections, injury pain, learning, longevity, motivation, muscles, obesity, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, physical function, prostate, self esteem, sex, skin, sleep, stress, strokes, weight.

~ Rest Your Mind ~

Meditating for just ten minutes a day makes a positive difference to one’s wellbeing and the pursuit of a long life of joy and vitality. Meditation can mean many things, however fundamentally it involves stilling the movement of the mind and bringing it to a state of undisturbed silence.

People approach meditation for many reasons, some to reduce stress and others to heal themselves physically and mentally. Some people just want to calm the mind and reflect. Meditation can effectively do all of these things, and much more. A review of the literature identifies 101 benefits of meditation, including physiological, psychological and spiritual benefits.

Meditation is also one of the ways of knowing the most important person in your life. Yourself! Not through others opinions, or through reading self-help books, but through sitting quietly, tuning into your breath, and going into that vast world inside yourself. When the thought waves are under control, the mind becomes quiet and we then experience our higher state of consciousness.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IDEAS

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~ Enjoy a Red, or a Blond ~ 

Red wine contains resveratrol, a polyphenol also found in cranberries and blueberries, which is a powerful antioxidant and which reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as having anti-aging properties. White wine also contains resveratrol, however in smaller amounts than red wine.

The optimal consumption of red wine has indicated a reduction in the risk of heart attack in middle age people by 30% to 50% and the optimal consumption of red wine is one glass per day for women and two glasses per day for men.

Recent research indicates there appears to be a direct link between the incidence of drinking alcohol and breast cancer in women however, if a woman consumes sufficient amounts of folic acid (Vitamin B9), the risk of breast cancer reduces and even disappears.

 ~ Sleep to Learn ~

Despite all the research, we still do not know exactly why we sleep and how much sleep we need. We do know the optimum amount of sleep varies from one person to the next, and for each person it varies over time. We know almost everyone experiences a period of sleepiness during each afternoon, and that if a person has too little sleep or too much sleep, they become dysfunctional. It seems the primary reason for sleep has a lot to do with learning, and the optimal amount of sleep for most people is between six and eight hours.

By simple trial you can determine the optimum amount of sleep you need at any time of your life, and once determined, maintaining this optimum, including having an afternoon nap, creates many benefits on the journey to a long life of joy and vitality, including significantly improving attention, dexterity, digestion, emotion, glucose metabolism, learning, memory, reasoning, recall and thinking.

 ~ Detox for Love ~ 

The key reasons why people must detoxify their body, not only through attending a regular detoxification retreat, but also preferably as a daily lifestyle activity, is to quite simply enjoy a long life of joy and vitality, to experience health is the prerequisite for wealth and happiness.

In today’s world, most people need to work actively on detoxifying their body, because:

~ Regular multiple-exposures to environmental toxins, for the air, building materials, cosmetic and personal care products and water, amongst others, reduce the normal metabolic functioning and inherent self-healing capability of the body.

~ So called "modern lifestyles", characterized by poor nutrition, deficient exercise and chronic stress, pollute the body with chemical and emotional toxins, which cannot be neutralized due to a lack of necessary nutrients in the optimal proportions.

Whilst toxicity is expressed by a variety of symptoms, the most common indicators of toxicity are: abnormal pregnancy outcomes, acne, allergic reactions, anxiety, atherosclerosis, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation, depression, dermatitis, eczema, fatigue, female infertility, headaches, immune system impairment, indigestion, inflammation, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, joint and muscle stiffness and pain, kidney dysfunction, learning disorders, male infertility, memory loss, migraines, multiple chemical sensitivity, obesity, over-weight, Parkinson’s disease, psoriasis, skin puffiness, sleeplessness, susceptibility to cold, flu, infection, injury and tiredness.

By regularly detoxifying your body, as a daily lifestyle activity, as well as by attending regular intensive detoxification retreats, it is possible to remove many of the toxins that cause dis-ease, disease and the inability to enjoy life to its fullest.

Regular detoxification enables the restoration and maintenance of every-day good health, characterized by joy, love, vitality and longevity.

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS IDEAS

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~ Find Your Inner Spirit ~

Find a kindred-spirit or significant other; love him or her, every day, for all days. Love family. Nurture good friendships. Forgive. Smile. Socialize. Be curious. Use your imagination. Have zeal, for something. Relax, let go.  Find your inner spirit…

~ Take the time to play, for it is the secret of perpetual youth…

~ Take the time to read, for it is the fountain of wisdom…

~ Take the time to be friendly, for it is the road to happiness…

~ Take the time to love and be loved, for it is the nourishment of the soul…

~ Take the time to share, for it is too short a life to be selfish…

~ Take the time to laugh, for it is the music of the heart…

~ Take the time to dream, for it is hitching your wagon to a star…

~ Sing, write, dance, photograph, whistle…

~ Do whatever brings calm to your mind, relaxation to your body, and joy to your heart.

~ Live all of life with loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity, to nourish, preserve and restore your-self, as well as animals, people, plants, and the one earth we call home.

~ About Premchit Prateap Na Thalang ~

Premchit Prateap Na Thalang is an internationally certified aromatherapist, organic cosmetics formulator, natural perfumer, acclaimed chef, and inheritor of twelve generations of ancestral Siamese healing wisdom and secrets.  Her family has been growing, trading, studying, using and dispensing indigenous plants of southern Thailand and traditional Siamese knowledge for beauty, medicinal, nutritional and perfumery benefits for more than twelve generations.  For nearly 200 years, Premchit´s family traded aromatic plants with the British East India Company, including Thao Thep Kasatri, heroine of the Battle of Thalang (Phuket) in 1785, who also traded with Sir Francis Light while he was based in Thalang, the home of Premchit´s family.

~ In Closing ~

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It’s easy to become overwhelmed by over analyzing what one needs to do, especially if a person listens to the cacophony of too many voices on the subject matter.  This cacophony can lead to self-sabotaging and abandoning targeted goals, which results in disappointment.  One key to achieving these goals is to have a simple plan, and then taking things slowly, deliberately, and with consistency and focus.  Giving yourself a chance and celebrate yourself and what you’ve been able to accomplish and are about to accomplish

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations on her authored work.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served each of the Five Pillars Task Force groups for the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC).  She has been a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz, and is currently an Administrator for two Facebook Groups, Wild Food Society and Spa College.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, Terry’s Second Helpings.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

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(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)

GIFTS TO BRIGHTEN THE SEASON

(From www.1freewallpapers.com)

This is the time of year when thoughts of gifting someone special becomes a preoccupation, and often a stressful one at that.  Over the years, I’ve assembled these Holiday Gift Guides as a way to help you minimize any concerns you might have deciding on a gifting solution, by featuring suggestions on some of the season’s best and brightest gift ideas.  Whether your holiday gifting is for Hanukkah, Christmas, housewarming, work, place of worship, Secret Santa, etc., the following gift ideas will inspire you to find that perfect gift that indulges the spirit with little to no effort.  Enjoy!

~ FACE GIFTING ~

Skin Authority ~ Beauty Infusion Gift Set

This must-have Gift Set is an exceptional mix of curated products for achieving skincare perfection.  Skin Authority continues to bring professional-quality, results-driven esthetic products to the non-professional, making this the perfect addition to any skincare regimen, or at-home spa experience.  The Gift Set includes all you’ll need for achieving revived and healthy skin, like Instant Perfection Peel Pads, Hydrating Infusion, Clarifying Infusion, Anti-Aging Infusion, and Brightening Infusion.  These products are formulated with ingredients that contain no dyes, fragrances, or parabens. Some of the super-charged ingredients of these formulations include Quinoa (Protein and Amino Acid Booster), Avocado, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Lemon, Turmeric, and Blueberry (Brighteners and Clarifying), Safflower Oil, Meadowfoam (Antioxidant Oil), Swertia Chirata (Gentian Herb), Abyssinian Oil (Hydration), Gorgonia (Skin Soother), AHA Glycolic Acid, and Fireweed Extract (Skin Soother). The beauty of these Infusions is that they can be worn alone, mixed into a moisturizer, or mixed into a primer or foundation.  Each Infusion can also be combined with another to personalize a treatment experience.  For example, some days I’d used each individual Infusion without any other product; then, other days I’d combine the Clarifying Infusion with the Brightening Infusion for my morning routine, and I’d combine the Hydrating Infusion with the Anti-Aging Infusion for my evening routine.  I only found it necessary to use the Instant Perfection Peel Pads a few times a week; this product helped to prime my skin to receive the Infusion, and maximize its efficacy; they also helped to refine texture, minimize pores, and soften fine lines and wrinkles.  I thoroughly enjoyed using each of the Infusions, and was always impressed with the results each one delivered.  With consistent use of the Infusions, visible results included dry patches being eliminated; skin that looked healthier and more vibrant; hyperpigmentation and general skintone became more even; pore sizes were minimized; and, fine lines and wrinkles were diminished.  Each Infusion was quickly absorbed, as well as being gentle, and non-irritating; they also provided exceptional hydration levels throughout the day.

~ BODY GIFTING ~

Claus Porto ~ Gift Box of Classico Soaps

Since 1887, this Portuguese company has been the luxury brand for artisan crafted soaps and candles.  This Classic Collection includes eight 50g artisan crafted French-milled soaps made from pure essential oils, and include exquisite scents like Pomegranate, Vetiver, Almond Milk, Tulip, Tuberose, Lemongrass, Lettuce, and Wild Moss; a Belle Époque intricately designed lithographic wrapper adorns each bar.  Beautiful natural fragrance adds to the aromatherapeutic aspect of each product.

Crabtree & Evelyn ~ Gardener’s Ultimate Luxury Gift Set

An ideal Gift Set for the gardener who needs to take care of, protect, and nurture the delicate skin of their hands, cuticles and nails.  It includes products formulated to restore, recover, and protect like Gardener’s Hand Therapy, Gardener’s Hand Scrub With Pumice, and Gardener’s Hand Recovery; the Gift Set also includes Gloves, and Gardening Tool Bag made of durable fabric.

Red Flower ~ Lemon Coffee Blossom Olive Stone Scrub

This beautiful and complex Scrub delicately sloughs off dry skin without irritating the delicate tissue; also leaves skin exceptionally hydrated; includes natural ingredients like Apricot Oil, Black Pepper Oil, Coffee, Coffee Blossom Oil, Lemon Oil, Litsea Oil, Monoi Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Pink Grapefruit Oil, Shea Butter, Sugar, and Sweet Almond Oil.  Beautiful natural fragrance adds to the aromatherapeutic aspect of the product.

            

Shiffa Dubai ~ Rose Bliss Balm

An extravagant way to drench your body with a restorative, hydrating, and nurturing aromatic Balm; gentle, non-irritating, and quickly absorbed, this luxurious formulation includes natural ingredients like Damascene Rose Oil, Rose Absolute Oil, Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Honey, Chamomile Extract, Jasmine Oil, Frangipani Oil, Mango Butter, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Macadamia Oil.  Beautiful natural fragrance adds to the aromatherapeutic aspect of the product.

~ COLOR GIFTING ~

Jane Iredale ~ Champagne On Ice Kit of Mini Lip Glosses and Daytime Eye Shadow Kit

These adorable “minis” are perfect as stocking-stuffers, or to tuck inside a purse.  The Mini Lip Gloss Kit includes three beautiful colors, You Go To My Head (a Sheer Gold), Lips On Crystal (a Fuschia Red With Gold Shimmer), and Lovely Bubbles (a Clear Iridescent) that are perfect for all skintones; each are formulated with natural organic oils that naturally hydrate the delicate lip tissue, drenching it with restorative and protective ingredients like Avocado Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Moringa Seed Oil, Pomegranate Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Tangerine Extract, Safflower Seed Oil, Ginger Root Extract, Lotus Flower Extract, Vitamins A and E.  The Daytime Eye Shadow Kit is the perfect take-with kit includes five gorgeous colors that are perfect worn alone, to highlight, to define, or to layer; beautiful colors include Oyster, Almond, Cappuccino, Dark Suede, and Charcoal; the sleek mirrored compact also includes the perfect brush tip applicator.

~ SENSORY GIFTING ~

Agraria Home ~ Golden Cassis Petite Essence Diffuser

This is a beautiful addition for your living spaces.  A delicate sola wood artisan-crafted flower shaped diffuser pulls the natural essential oils of Oranges, Berries, Cassis, Rose, Jasmine, Lily, Sandalwood, Galbanum, Amber Musk, and White Musk filling your space with long-lasting complex aromas; includes a decorative holder and tray.  Beautiful natural fragrance adds to the aromatherapeutic aspect of the product.

Claus Porto ~ Chypre Candle

Since 1887, this Portuguese company has been the luxury brand for artisan crafted soaps and candles.  This clean and long-burning candle, perfect for the holidays, is infused with natural essential oils that include Crushed Roses and Cedarwood, plus Tangerine, Grapefruit, Orange, and Blackcurrant Leaves; his perfect combination emits a very calming aroma.  The porcelain bisque holder is also beautifully designed and complements all decors.  Beautiful natural fragrance adds to the aromatherapeutic aspect of the product.

~ RESOURCES ~

Agraria Home ~ http://www.agrariahome.com

Claus Porto ~ https://clausporto.com/us/

Crabtree & Evelyn ~ http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com

Jane Iredale ~ https://janeiredale.com  http://www.dermstore.com/

Red Flower ~ https://redflower.com

Shiffa Dubai ~ https://www.shiffa.com

Skin Authority ~ http://www.skinauthority.com

~ IN CLOSING ~

(From www.wallpaperwide.com)

While this festive season may have our thoughts focused on finding the right gift for someone, let’s not forget the best gift to give, which doesn’t cost any money, and that’s the gift of our time with those we love and care about…family and friends.  Lastly, don’t forget those in need…find a local or national charity and contribute what you can…that might even include volunteering for special projects, or sponsoring a food or clothing drive in your neighborhood, place of worship, or at your work place.  To you and yours, I wish you peace, joy, and love!

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations on her authored work.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served each of the Five Pillars Task Force groups for the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC).  She has been a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz, and is currently an Administrator for two Facebook Groups, Wild Food Society and Spa College.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, Terry’s Second Helpings.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

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(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)

FALL TO WINTER TRANSITIONING ~ PRODUCT SOLUTIONS

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It’s that time of year again when colder air and decreased levels of humidity converge, assaulting the delicate mantel of skin, causing irritation, drying and an imbalance to healthy normal skin.  What better way to combat these negatives with appropriate skincare and body care products that restore, nourish, balance, and rehydrate assaulted skin. 

When seasons and climatological conditions change, it’s always best to reassess the types of products and their formulations you’re using, and adjust accordingly with more appropriate products.  You might also have to adjust your regimen to adapt to these changes.  Cooler and colder temps call for different formulations and product consistencies, which often translate to altering your daily skincare and body care regimen.  Following are a grouping of skincare and body care products I tested, which accomplish those very things.  Enjoy!

~ For the Face ~

Guinot Institut Paris Age Logic Cell Renewal For Eyes and Hydra Finish Face Cream SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer ~ Hands down, the Age Logic Cell Renewal For Eyes is the best eye care treatment product I’ve ever used.  Not only was it extremely gentle, its silky consistency made for easy application, without any tugging at the fragile under eye tissue.  The product was non-irritating and was quickly absorbed; hydration levels were well maintained throughout the day.  I noticed a softening of the skin, and fine lines, with wrinkles plumped and filled; overall, the appearance was improved and healthier looking.  Product is ideal for morning and evening application, and recommended for all skin types.  Key ingredients include olive oil, algae extract, and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), energy molecules that aid in cell regeneration.  For the Hydra Finish Face Cream SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer, I rarely use a moisturizer that’s tinted, so I was eager to try this one; my problem with these types of products has been that the color tint tends to be too dark for my fair complexion.  The two plusses for this new product include an SPF 15 broad-spectrum aspect for sun protection, plus a Lavender tint, which is an ideal tint color for me because it neutralizes my sallow skintone.  The product also leaves a matte finish, which felt a bit drying to me; it did, however, minimize my pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.  Although the product had a grainy feel to it, similar to a gommage, it did go on smoothly, and was quickly absorbed.  I definitely think this product would work better during the summer months when my skin is less dry and temperatures and humidity levels are warmer.  Key ingredients include mallow extract, apple seed extract, and Vitamin E.  For more information, visit http://www.guinotusa.com

Jane Iredale Lemongrass Love Hydrating Spray ~ This exceptional Hydration Spray conditions, protects, and adds a subtle layer of hydration.  It’s also gentle and refreshing.  I enjoyed using it throughout the day. For warmer months, or hot flashes, try keeping the Spray in the fridge for an invigorating and cooling spritz.  The aroma is also uplifting.  This is also a treatment product that helps to minimize pore size and oiliness, and is ideal for sensitive and finicky skin.  Favorable Ecocert certification of natural and organic ingredients makes this product a real winner. Key ingredients include aloe leaf juice, radish root, lemongrass oil, orange peel oil, calendula flower extract, chamomile flower extract, lemongrass extract, lemon peel extract, orange oil, sunflower seed oil, and lavender oil.  Another great reason to use this beautiful product is that all profits go to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a non-profit organization that helps support women impacted by breast cancer.  For more information, visit https://janeiredale.com

Skinphonic My Girl Twice Daily Cleanser, AM Hydration and PM Treatment Complex ~ This new skincare line was very gentle on my often finicky skin.  All products were non-irritating, and the AM and PM products maintained hydration levels through the day without any greasy or tacky residue.  My skin’s texture was smoother and more even looking, and looked healthier; fine lines, wrinkles, and pores were minimized.  Key ingredients for the Twice Daily Cleanser include camellia sinensis leaf extract, cucumber fruit extract, avocado fruit extract, mango fruit extract, aloe vera leaf juice, avocado oil, bergamot fruit oil, and rosemary fruit oil.  Key ingredients for the AM Hydration include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, plankton extract, olive fruit oil, avocado oil, shea butter, grape seed oil, bergamot fruit oil, and rosemary leaf oil.  Key ingredients for the PM Treatment Complex include jojoba seed oil, orchid flower extract, Vitamin E, licorice root oil, and uva ursi extract.  All products had a rich consistency with subtle aromas.  For more information, visit https://www.skinphonic.com

~ For the Body ~

Bee Love Skincare Replenish & Soften Body Lotion and Soften & Protect Ultimate Body Balm ~ Products are made by the Sweet Beginnings in Chicago’s North Lawndale area.  A big plus for Sweet Beginnings is that they have their own sustainable urban apiary as part of their operation, which enables them to regularly extract pure honey for their food and skincare products.  Another plus for this organization is that their operation enables the community’s North Lawndale Employment Network, which benefits those having difficulty with transitioning to work; the program also teaches critical work skills to program participants.  Both the Replenish & Soften Body Lotion and Soften & Protect Ultimate Body Balm were very gentle products that provided exceptional hydration that was maintained throughout the day.  Products were non-greasy and quickly absorbed; the aroma for each product was also lovely. I especially enjoyed using the Body Balm on my lips and cuticles.  With consistent use, my skin’s texture improved and dry patches were eliminated.  Key ingredients for the Replenish & Soften Body Lotion include shea butter, wheat germ oil, meadowfoam seed oil, avocado oil, rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, aloe, vitamin E, and their signature aroma.  Key ingredients for the Soften & Protect Ultimate Body Balm include olive oil, Neem leaf, comfrey root, eucalyptus oil, rosemary extract, lavender oil, vitamin E, sweet almond oil, honey, and their signature aroma.  For more information, visit http://www.beelovebuzz.com

 ~ In Closing ~

(Image from ww2.kqed.org)

With colder and drier air setting in, it’s key that you pay a bit more attention to the types of products you use, making certain that they’re formulated to infuse your fragile and delicate skin with a heavy dose of hydration that’s maintained throughout the day; make sure to also adjust your daily skincare and body care routine as well.  That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations on her authored work.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served each of the Five Pillars Task Force groups for the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC).  She has been a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz, and is currently an Administrator for two Facebook Groups, Wild Food Society and Spa College.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, Terry’s Second Helpings.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as indicated, or as represented by the specific brand.)