Don't Skimp on Your Skin!

Over the past two months I've had the opportunity through my job to really understand what healthy skin is. Our skin is so complex and comprised of hundreds of layers, pores and follicles. Being that the skin is complex, it becomes to difficult to manage throughout our lifetime. Our soft and flawless skin only lasts up until puberty and then our hormones certainly interrupt the balance. Not only do hormones play a large part in how our skin acts but outside aggressors and genetics are involved as well. 

What outside agressors can irritate the skin? UV rays, flying debris, bacteria, climate.

Why do we get blemishes? Stress, overproduction of sebum in the oil glands, large pores that collect bacteria.

Why do lines/wrinkles develop? The skin naturally becomes dehydrated over time, thus the skin loses it's elasticity and forms visible signs of aging. 

What skin types are there? Normal skin (no visible pores, smooth texture), Oily skin (noticeable pores, uneven texture), Dry skin (no visible pores, dull, flaky) 

Unfortunately the environment and our genetics mesh to create our skin type. The goal is to find key products that are of quality in order to achieve a healthy skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier is comprised of healthy skin cells that can reject outside aggressors and lock in essential moisture and oils. Paying attention to your skin is a key aspect in determining your skin type. Once you know your skin type then the right products can be chosen.

Any good skin care regime should consist of a cleanser, toner and moisturizer/cream. A cleanser washes away the debris and bacteria. A toner sweeps away any leftover cleanser, balances the ph level of the skin (oil-water levels), and preps the skin to lock in essential moisture and oils. Lastly, a moisturizer/cream protects the skin throughout the day or night. Keep in mind this is a basic skincare regime. Prevention is the best way to reduce UV damage and aging. Any moisturizer or cream with SPF will block out the UV rays. Products that promote prevention of fine lines and wrinkles are also a good way to slow down the aging process. 

What are some great add ons to really keep skin healthy? 

Use a clay mask once a week helps to extract any toxins and debris deep within the pores.

Exfoliate up to three times a week to shed dead skin cells. 

Add concern specific serums to your skincare regime right before any moisturizer/cream.

Love the skin you're in.

Please feel free to ask me any questions!

After Gym Protein Shake

There are so many different options for added Protein powder! Take a look in a local health store and find the right amount and flavor you would like.

I use a strawberry Designer Whey that contains 18g of protein.

All you will need is a blender! And then...

1 scoop of Whey Protein
1 cup of yogurt-any flavor or brand (I use weight watchers vanilla)
1 banana
1/2 cup of blueberries
Cinnamon
Small squirt of Hershey's Chocolate Syrup

Feel free to get creative, add whatever fruits you have available and keep it fun with a hint of sweetness :)

New Year Update

Hello all :) 

So far it's been about two weeks since I've been hitting the gym at New York Sports Club! Last year I got on track with my eating habits, so this year my goal is to balance eating healthy and working out. The best part about working out on my own is that I can control how frequent and how much I do at the gym. Right now I'm going three times a week for an hour and a half each time. 

What's a typical gym day like? I love to start out with cardio, adding speed and incline along the way. Then, I make sure to stretch to prepare for weight lifting and circuits. In the last two weeks I've definitely noticed an improvement in the number of reps I can handle and the longer I can hold a pose. 

Also, I've started to add protein shakes into my diet to help build muscle faster. Stay tuned for my progress and upcoming routines that I use at the gym!

New Year, New President.

Welcome in 2012! At the start of a every new year millions of people attempt to dedicate themselves to new goals and resolutions; new diets, new workouts, new jobs. Of course I've reconciled with myself to keep to my good eating habits and I even joined a gym to make working out a priority. But there's another thing on my mind for the new year. Who will I vote for in the 2012 election? Yes, it's my first time I'll be able to vote! 

Let's face it, politics is a sensitive subject.  So is abortion. 

I came across an article written by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal in the February 2012 edition of Glamour. Within the article she raises awareness regarding the attacks that many of the 2012 candidates have been making on Planned Parenthood. Gyllenhaal expressed her support for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization; providing a website for further information, http://www.womenarewatching.org/. 

As I explored the website it hit me! My resolution for this year is to pick the best candidate based on their  views of healthcare. On the website, clips were posted of Mitt Romney, Rick Santorium and Newt Gingrich all supporting abortion rights and "life at conception". On the flipside, President Obama supports Planned Parenthood and greater access to pap smears, hpv vaccinations, birth control and sex education. 

For those Americans and presidential candidates who support the idea of "life at conception", I see your point. Yes, we are all required to take biology and learn that when the sperm and egg colide, a fetus develops. It seems selfish and barbaric to terminate potential life to live our own life. But doesn't it also seems selfish and barbaric for those 2012 candidates who also produce vicious commercials of their opponents? Let's get real. 

Why should Americans support Planned Parenthood? We need to ensure that women can achieve a healthy lifestyle; both physically and mentally. The Affordable Care Act does so for women's healthcare. If we take away affordable medical needs then we are downgrading the quality of life for many women. Is that what we want for this country? To make affordable healthcare only for the rich? The key ingredient that Planned Parenthood provides is preventative care such as birth control, sex education and pap tests. Point blank, Planned Parenthood creates an equal opportunity for all women. Let's fight for equality. 

It definitely worthwhile to get informed about the stance that Republicans and Democrats are taking this year regarding women's healthcare access. Their views say a lot about how they want to run this country and how much they really care about affordable healthcare access. Feel free to voice your opinion on my blog or even dispute my words. Everyone has a right to a say!