Effects Of Stress On Your Skin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome back to our blog, we appreciate your time and visit in a world that doesn’t have time for much in the go. We realize that your time is golden and your visit is well appreciated.

On week 296 we are sharing a post in the relationship of personal external and internal beauty and STRESS !!. We all know that the effects of stress on our overall wellbeing is devastating and life-threatening, not much focus or readily available information on the impact on our appearance. So with that said we like to share our research and authority information that will take you to a different understanding of what happens when we are in I don’t have time mode and the rushing through a lifestyle that is so common across the planet especially in the US. I hear kids saying I don’t have time, wow really?.  If they don’t have time, who does? We live fast we die fast and that is a fact so let’s take a look at the effects of stress on our overall health and include appearances what is commonly called BEAUTY.

Thank you for the thousands of likes and shares, with gratitude, love, and respect from all of us at Isabel’s beauty blog.

 

It has been said that stress can manifest itself on one’s appearance in many ways, but primarily by making the skin more sensitive and more reactive.

For example, stress is linked to psoriasis or rosacea, your digestive system results in acne lesions that are more inflamed and more persistent, brittle nails and ridging of the nails, hair loss, hives, and excessive perspiration.

Stress and skin studies had shown to be a trigger or can be a worsening factor for fever blisters, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and has even been shown to impair skin barrier function and dehydrate the skin — allowing more irritants, allergens, and infectious agents to penetrate the skin and cause problems.

Beyond the direct physiological effects of stress, people under stress also tend to neglect or abuse their skin. For example, they often lack the energy and motivation to adhere to their skin care regimens, and there also might be signs of stress-related habits — such as scratching, pulling or rubbing  neglecting to clean their skin before bedtime— that can exacerbate issues.

On a small level, stress reduction can decrease the release of pro-inflammatory stress hormones and chemicals. For example, a release of neuropeptides (or stress chemicals released from the nerve endings) can be reduced with stress management techniques. Like exercising, breathing techniques Yoga, Qi Gong walking, meditating, laughing, Yes, that is right,  laughing opens up the heart and resets the way you are breathing, and is so many other ways. The intention is to rest the mind until you feel joy. This often results in skin that looks and functions better.

Stress does a lot more than make us feel bad — it can wreak havoc on your skin. We’re getting some expert insight into just what it does to your complexion and how to reverse the effects. The first step is to understand what stress is.  This is a great definition from sharecare.com When the demands we placed on ourselves exceed our ability to cope, we experience Stress the thoughts, feelings, behaviors and physiological changes that happened as a result of our response to those demands and perceptions. A whopping 82 % of women say they have had at least one physical stress symptom in the last month like a relentless headache, an upset stomach, or tightness in the chest lack of sleep and so much more.

 

 

The Effect of Cortisol Control and Collagen on our Skin and Health

 

 

Why is it important to control and understand cortisol? Well, is very simple, cortisol is the primary hormone that our bodies secrete when we are under stress. This means that whenever we’re under stress, we’re exposed to unhealthy amounts of cortisol. Cortisol isn’t bad in and of itself. It’s a normal part of our physiological makeup of our bodies. The problem occurs when we’re exposed to high levels of it on a chronic basis-a scenario that is all too common in today’s fast-paced, overbooked  CYBER way of living, and the I don’t have enough time personalities.Everything in moderation works and that includes Cortisol.

Because of cortisol‘s wide-ranging influence on other important aspects of metabolism especially those metabolic pathways associated most closely with “aging,” Cortisol it is often called the “death hormone.” This is a reasonably accurate nickname: Cortisol is a hormone that tends to increase with age, and our consistantly increased exposure to cortisol, as we age, has been linked to breakdown and dysfunction in every tissue in the body, is a potent hormone!. So whether we’re talking about skin or heart muscle or brain neurons, it makes sense to address cortisol as a switch in the metabolism of aging.

Since cortisol is basically the controller of the four metabolic pathways in the FACE program, we need to control it in order to slow down the skin’s aging process, treat and prevent problem skin, and promote radiant, healthy skin. When we do this, we get unexpected perks: Controlling cortisol also produces beneficial results in terms of weight loss, improved mood, and enhanced libido! We accomplish full restful sleep, and we manage to have a healthy heart and prevent arteries deterioration among many other benefits. This is not to say that cortisol is the only metabolic pathway that needs to addressing in order to promote healthy skin, but considering its profound effect on the body’s functioning, cortisol control is the most logical place to start.

One major way that cortisol earns its tag as the death hormone is through its destructive effect on collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body (about a third of all the proteins ) and the chief structural component of skin tissues (about 90 percent). Collagen serves as the primary framework on which all the major structures in our body, including our skin, are built like bones hair, ligaments, nerves collagen is a major ingredient in our body. It’s what wards off lines and wrinkles, and it is the closest thing we have to a fountain of youth.

The health of our skin and bones is affected by how well we metabolize collagen that is, how well our systems make collagen available to our bodies for productive use. Collagen metabolism can be influenced by our eating habits, exercise patterns, and lifestyles. When we are under Stress of any kind, our cortisol levels increase, contributing to a faster breakdown of tissues that contain collagen, such as bone and skin, wow major damage, not worth it don’t you think?. We like to mention that collagen absorption is a major deal a stress digestive system doesn’t have the ability or the enzymes to absorb or break down proteins like collagen, the HCL ( Hydrochloric Acid) production is affected by stress consequently the body can really absorb or assimilate collagen from food sources, like meats, seaweed, gelatin etc.

From Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones, and is produced in humans by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex within the adrenal gland (kidney). It is released in response to stress and low blood-glucose concentration.

It functions to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, to suppress the immune system, and to aid in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also decreases bone formation.

Hydrocortisone (INN, USAN, BAN) is a name for cortisol when it is used as a medication. Hydrocortisone is used to treat people who lack adequate naturally generated cortisol. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system if you are inclined to medications

 

Wound healing

Cortisol and the stress response have known deleterious effects on the immune system. High levels of perceived stress and increases in cortisol have been found to lengthen wound healing time in healthy, male adults. Those who had the lowest levels of cortisol the day following a 4 mm punch biopsy had the fastest healing time. In dental students, wounds from punch biopsies took an average of 40% longer to heal when performed three days before an examination as opposed to biopsies performed on the same students during summer vacation. This is in line with previous animal studies that show similar detrimental effects on wound healing, notably the primary reports showing that turtles recoil from cortisol.

 

 

Electrolyte and water balance

Cortisol acts as a diuretic, increasing water diuresis, glomerular filtration rate, and renal plasma flow from the kidneys, as well as increasing sodium retention and potassium excretion. It also increases sodium and water absorption and potassium excretion in the intestines.

 

Sodium

Cortisol promotes sodium absorption through the small intestine of mammals. Sodium depletion, however, does not affect cortisol levels so cortisol cannot be used to regulate serum sodium. Cortisol’s original purpose may have been sodium transport. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that freshwater fish utilize cortisol to stimulate sodium inward, while saltwater fish have a cortisol-based system for expelling excess sodium.

 

 

Potassium

A sodium load augments the intense potassium excretion by cortisol. Corticosterone is comparable to cortisol in this case. For potassium to move out of the cell, cortisol moves an equal number of sodium ions into the cell. This should make pH regulation much easier (unlike the normal potassium-deficiency situation, in which two sodium ions move in for each three potassium ions that move out—closer to the deoxycorticosterone effect).

 

 

Memory

 

Cortisol works with epinephrine (adrenaline) to create memories of short-term emotional events; this is the proposed mechanism for storage of flashbulb memories and may originate as a means to remember what to avoid in the future. However, long-term exposure to cortisol damages cells in the hippocampus; this damage results in impaired learning. Furthermore, it has been shown that cortisol inhibits memory retrieval of already stored information.

 

 

Factors reducing cortisol levels

 

• Magnesium supplementation decreases serum cortisol levels after aerobic exercise, but not after resistance training.
• Omega-3 fatty acids have a dose-dependent effect in slightly reducing cortisol release influenced by mental stress, suppressing the synthesis of interleukin-1 and -6 and enhancing the synthesis of interleukin-2; the former promotes higher CRH release. Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, have an inverse effect on interleukin synthesis.
• Music therapy can reduce cortisol levels in certain situations.
• Massage therapy can reduce cortisol.
• Laughing, and the experience of humor can lower cortisol levels.
• Soy-derived phosphatidylserine interacts with cortisol; the correct dose, however, is unclear.

          Regular dancing has been shown to lead to significant decreases in salivary cortisol concentrations.

• Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract.

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Acne breakouts

 

Acne breakouts are stressful enough — especially when they happen the day before a date or other significant event, but it turns out stress itself could be causing those pesky blemishes. “Overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol sets the stage for acne flare-ups by promoting oily skin and interfering with your body’s ability to regulate inflammation.”not to mention it helps you gain weight in the midsection of your body ( muffin top) Hummmm not so lovely.  So what’s a girl to do? To calm your complexion, we suggest aside from the few tips we share here about resetting yourself to different activities and perception of the situations that cause you to stress. You can start using organic skincare that contains natural anti-inflammatories such as green and chamomile teas, cucumber and any product that is cooling and soothing, stress is acid and creates heat, so cooling down is where is at. We will give you links to an excellent system for one Dr. Nicolas Perricone his whole system is about inflammation, great skincare and supplements also.

 

http://www.perriconemd.com

 

Dehydrated Skin Due To Stress

 

 

Dehydration

 

 

Dry skin? All those long (stressful) days could be the cause. “Stress interferes with the ability of the skin to retain moisture.”  If you’ve been dealing with more stress than you’d like — and it shows, switch to a de-stressing plan, get a massage, go to a spa, change your diet to a bland easy to digest diet. Switch to a more rich moisturizer that contains plant-derived moisturizers such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and avocado oil, definitely coconut oil. Treat yourself to hydrating masks, take time for a relaxing Spa day with a hydrating facial.  “These will help hydrate and lubricate the skin, improving not only the appearance of the skin, but also its ability to function as a natural shield against bacteria, irritants, and toxins.” When we stress we notably breathe shallow, but we forget to drink water also, in Chinese medicine they teach us to acknowledge the connection Lungs and skin, Lungs rule the skin and all those little pores that help to aid the skin to detox and BREATH how about that!

 

Reduced collagen production

 

According to Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/what-is-collagen/

 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It’s found in our muscles, bones, skin, and tendons. It’s the “glue” that helps hold the body together. It gives our skin strength and elasticity and helps replace dead skin cells.

You might have heard collagen and gelatin mentioned in the same breath. That’s because gelatin is derived from collagen — when collagen breaks down, it becomes gelatin.

 

 

Collagen Nutrition Facts

 

 

But just how healthy are collagen and gelatin for you, really? Very! In fact, gelatin was one of the first foods used as the medical treatment in ancient China — our ancestors recognized that food is medicine early on! Gelatin is great for people with food allergies or sensitivities; it even helps their bodies manage those foods better.

Collagen is also full of conditional amino acids like arginine, glutamine, glycine, and proline. These are amino acids that, under normal circumstances, are produced by your body.

However, when you’re sick, under stress or otherwise unhealthy, your body may not be able to produce enough of these amino acids on its own. It needs help from outside sources (your diet or supplements) to get its fill.

And these “non-essential” amino acids are actually pretty important. Proline and glycine, in particular, play a significant role in ensuring your body’s running smoothly.

Proline makes up almost 15 percent of collagen. It also helps your artery walls release fat buildup in the bloodstream, shrinking the fat in the arteries and minimizing fat accumulation. Healthy arteries equal a healthy heart!

Glycine also makes up a significant portion of collagen. And while size-wise it’s the smallest amino acid, big things come in small packages, and glycine is no exception.

To ensure our cells function correctly, it helps build healthy DNA strands. It’s also one of three amino acids that form creatine, which promotes healthy muscle growth and boosts energy production during workouts.

 

 

 Collagen Benefits

 

If you’re still not convinced that collagen should play a more significant role in your lifestyle, check out these seven benefits.

 

 

 Skin and Hair

 

As we age, collagen production declines — it’s happening as you read this! You’ll notice it physically: looser skin, more wrinkles, and less elasticity. Increasing collagen levels can help your skin look firmer, improve smoothness, and help your skin cells keep renewing and repairing frequently.

 

 

 Joints

 

Have you ever felt like you’ve got skeleton legs? Yup, that’s a loss of collagen rearing its head. That’s because when we lose collagen, our tendons and ligaments start moving with less ease, leading to stiffness, swollen joints and more.

Think of ingesting more collagen-like greasing a creaky door hinge: It’ll help your joints move more efficiently, reduce joint pain and even reduce the risk of joint deterioration. A recent study also found that collagen is an effective treatment for treating osteoarthritis and other joint disorders.

 

 

 Leaky Gut

 

If you suffer from a leaky gut syndrome, a condition where bad-for-you toxins are able to pass through your digestive tract, collagen can be super-helpful. It’ll help break down proteins and soothe your gut’s lining, healing damaged cell walls and infusing it with healing amino acids. It will also help absorb water, keeping things moving freely in the digestive tract.

 

 

 Boosts Metabolism & Energy

 

A boost in collagen can increase your metabolism. Glycine, found in collagen, helps pump sugar into your body’s tissue to increase energy levels. It also helps in muscle development — and muscles burn more calories than fat. Combine any supplementation with vitamin C to ensure your body can convert the collagen into a useable protein that can begin to restore the source or your energy and vitality.

 

 

 Strengthens Nails & Teeth

 

Ever had peeling and splitting nails? Well, a lack of collagen could be to blame. Collagen protein is also the building block of your fingernails and teeth as well! Adding collagen to your diet regimen can help keep your nails healthy and your teeth healthy!

 

Detox

 

If you’re looking to detox, collagen is extremely helpful. That’s because glycine helps minimize damage your liver experiences when it absorbs foreign substances that shouldn’t be passing through it.

One of the easiest ways to cleanse your liver is with a bone broth fast; I often recommend a three-day bone broth detox to rapidly repair leaky gut. It’ll help rid your body of chemicals and “reset” your stomach.

 

 

Reduce Cellulite/Strech Marks

 

When the skin loses its elasticity as a result of decreased collagen, there’s another side effect: more visible cellulite! Because your skin is now thinner, cellulite becomes more evident — no more hiding what’s happening below the surface. Improving your skin’s elasticity through collagen will help reduce that dimpling on your skin.

Collagen loss is an excellent cause of stretch marks, due to loss of elasticity.

It is important to note that many factors support the formation and use of collagen in the body, such as vitamin C, manganese, copper, proline, and foods high in Anthocyanidins (such as blueberries, cherries, and blackberries). For collagen to be activated in the body, you always want to take your supplements with a source of amino acids and vitamin C or make sure that your supplement includes these activating nutrients to ensure absorption and usefulness to your body.

While many creams and powders claim to revitalize skin by adding collagen, the molecules in these topical products are usually too large for your skin to absorb and let’s not forget the fact that the process starts from the inside out. Through bone broths and personalized supplements, you’ll improve your body from the inside out.

Lastly, be aware that certain foods — ones heavy in amino acids — promote collagen growth more than others. Veggie lovers fear not! You can also use collagen in recipes for your family or kids, such as healthy homemade jello or all-natural fruit snacks. 

 

 

• Avoid collagen killers: Smoking, too much sun, diabetes, poor nutrition, stress (from excess cortisol), and inadequate hydration.

• A diet high in plant protein (soy protein, hummus, nuts, nut butter, foods made with almond flour, etc.) can offer the support of plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens, which have been demonstrated to have a positive effect on collagen.

• Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oils and flax seed oils) are excellent “lubricators” of joints (to help with flexibility), improve dry eye and a host of other metabolic and mood elevating properties.

• Vitamin D: (at least 1000 IU a day) now being thought of as a hormone as it has so many varied effects on body systems, can contribute to a healthy, flexible, bone matrix…and has a positive impact on the skin as well.

• Calcium: 1000mg before, and 1500 mg a day, after menopause through diet or supplements; best spread out through the day, as the body cannot absorb more than 500 to 600mg at once.

• Vitamin C: 400mg day can help support healthy collagen.

• Exercise: Muscle development can stimulate new growth of collagen and prevent atrophy, or loss of muscle mass that can contribute to sagging tissues and declining bone density.

• Biotin: 1000 mcg a day may help support hair and nail strength that often decline with menopause.

• Phytoestrogen supplements: With the decline of estrogen at menopause plant estrogen supplements can help offset the fallout. For a woman not on HRT, 70 mg of isoflavones a day may help support collagen and promote bone health.

Stress can also be the enemy of youthful-looking skin, so if you want to turn back the clock, you’ll need to find a way to minimize stress. “Increased levels of another stress hormone, epinephrine, constricts blood vessels, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients that skin needs to manufacture collagen, wow that is a big one .” If you want to combat the effect of stress on your skin, a great facial exercise routine is a great one to practice, you can find a large assortment of facial exercises on DVD. “One of the best ways to restore healthy circulation is a program of facial exercises that incorporates aerobic techniques.”

 

 

 

 

Neglect and abuse of skin

 

If you’re overloaded with frustrating demands and a never-ending to-do list, you may find yourself going to bed with your makeup on, not bothering to moisturize and even indulging in bad habits like picking at your skin. To get your skin back on track, treat yourself to a professional facial. “Make sure the Spa you choose provides a soothing atmosphere and plenty of TLC. With a little pampering to reduce your stress level and a revitalized complexion, you’ll feel motivated to resume a disciplined skincare routine.”We recommend choosing a natural Organic Skincare system to indeed regenerate and calm the skin without harsh chemicals that cause more issues for your body to deal with.

 

 

This is a great site to find spas: http://www.spafinder.com

 

 

Dull and troubled skin

 

 

What is happening with your digestion can have a significant impact on what is going on with your skin. In Chinese Medicine, the lungs rule Skin so if we are not experiencing full breathing we will have issues with our skin, hair, and nails to mention a few,. Chinese Medicine believes that the Spleen controls weight loss, the ability to create cellulite and the Spleen is directly connected to worrying and sagging is control by the Spleen. Also the spleen manages the distribution of fluid in our body no so cute right?, So ladies for the overly worry and controlling little fairies you may want to let go and trust don’t forget that trust is connected to our deep intuition and faith, and we have that available at all time we just need to tap into it. Our When stressed, the body’s digestive system can go a haywire because the blood is directed away from the digestive system, and everything becomes Unbalanced, and this kind of digestion issues  has been found to lead to problem skin such as dryness, oiliness, blemishes, and dullness, or sometimes a combination of all of these issues. Problems such as eczema, rosacea, and dermatitis can occur, from these facts.

 

Tip:

Boost your circulation with at least three sessions of cardiovascular exercise a week that can include dancing, fast walking, Zumba classes or just inviting our self to great hikes nature has many healing qualities and fresh air. This will also help you cope better with the stress itself. Include plenty of alkalizing foods in your diet (let’s don’t forget that stress is acid), such as apple cider vinegar, which makes a great salad dressing, green leafy vegetables, and non-animal protein sources because animal sources are acid and in a taxed system is hard to digest. Remember to chew your food thoroughly as this helps to alkalize it further before you ingest it, and the most significant part of digestion occurs in the mouth, how about that. You can also consider taking probiotics, which can help balance the environment in your gut and the outbreaks you may consider applying a probiotic skin care line or yogurt with a bit of salt.

 

 

https://youtu.be/6OIWqaQ4ocg

Lines and wrinkles

 

No one likes to talk about wrinkles, let alone face them in the mirror. Ensure your skin stays smoother, longer by minimizing stress. “Cortisol also causes blood sugar levels to spike. The excess sugar molecules in your bloodstream can bind to the proteins in your skin’s collagen fibers causing them to harden and crack and resulting in a loose skin( definitely, the Spleen controls satin and is directly connected to worry and stress) and deep wrinkles.”  To maintain proper blood sugar levels and keep skin looking youthful, Isabel recommends avoiding refined carbohydrates and eating more vegetables, whole grains, and beans, fermented food like Sauerkraut, organic pickles, any fermented food hugely aids digestion. There are two ways of stress contributes here. Firstly, as previously mentioned, stress can cause dry, nd problem skin and dryness and dehydration are the leading causes of fine lines and wrinkles. Secondly, the facial expressions that typically come with stress can cause deep, dynamic lines that last far beyond the stressful period. We’re talking frown lines, crow’s feet from squinting at your computer screen and deep lines that run from the nose to the mouth and the chin.

 

 

Tip:

 

Practice mindfulness and meditation be sworn off your expressions not only for the permanent marks we can accomplish by this action we probably have a look that is not so attractive. Be aware of the moment you are in. If you feel yourself frowning, or your mouth is turned down, step away from the source of your stress, be it your computer screen, the phone or simply the in-tray on your desk. If possible, take 10 minutes to give yourself a facial massage take a deep breath and reset your mode. Press your fingertips into the middle of your eyebrows and work them all the way around your orbital bones to help relax the muscles that cause the expressions. Relax your mouth by saying your vowels in an overly accentuated manner up to 10 times. This will also help relax your jaw and prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth which if yours are stressed you most likely do that in your sleep as well and is a great cause of TMJ and if that is the case you may want to use a guard so you don’t damage your teen, jaw or pop a filling. Even if you don’t feel like smiling, force yourself to do it. Research suggests the very act of smiling, even if it’s fake, can improve mood and induce relaxation.

 

 

 

Lack of sleep

 

 

Stress causes sleepless nights. This will directly impact on the appearance of your skin and definitely impact your mood and ability to cope aside it dehydrates you. Just one night of tossing and turning will draw the freshness from your face, hair and overall internal and external wellbeing, and if it becomes an ongoing problem, it can affect your skin’s regeneration functions chronically, resulting in dullness, fatigue, under-eye circles and bags and bloodshot eyes which is result of overtaxed adrenals these little glands are your batteries .

 

Tip:

 

Put good sleep practices in place. Save vigorous exercise for earlier in the day, rather than just before bed. Before bed, take 15 to 20 minutes to do some gentle stretches and deep breathing to ease the tension of the day. Make sure you have clean sheets made from natural fabrics, allow fresh air to circulate through your bedroom and remove all devices such as smartphones or tablets. Don’t have a TV in your room and definitely no watching TV close to bed it should be at least two hours before be so just record your show and watch them early in the day that way you can forward them and avoid commercials!!see it works out – watching excitable programs it will stimulate your brain and nervous system and make sleeping soundly even harder. Avoid caffeine after 2pm. You can also consider playing meditation CDs to relax you.

 

 

Bad habits

 

Stress can trigger the onset of unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and comfort eating sugar and more. Again, this can make you less determined to exercise and can create an unhealthy cycle, where you rely on these things to help you relieve stress. This can lead to bad skin and weight gain, heart issues as well as many other health problems.

 

Tip:

Before you reach for a bottle of wine, cigarette or chocolate, take a walk and get some fresh air, dance on your own laugh do some Zumba, play with your pet all of these can help you reset your mood. Swap alcohol for a cup of Chamomile tea like Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil). Practice meditation and keep positive and uplifting affirmations on your office wall or the fridge to deter you from bad habits and don’t forget to laugh.

Youtube has many videos of relaxing subjects, you can find funny videos and so much more.

 

Heavy jaw

 

Grinding teeth and clenching of the jaw are common symptoms of stress. Unfortunately, these habits can cause the jaw muscles to work overtime. This can result not only in damaged teeth but also a heavier than usual jawline, as the muscles become larger with the grinding action and tension headaches.

 

Tip:

 

Speak to your dentist about wearing a special mouth guard if you grind your teeth in your sleep. A good magnesium supplement is a great muscle relaxer some come with calcium and is effervescent and it tastes really good. You can also try alternative practices such as kinesiology, acupuncture, and cranial sacrum massage to help ease the tension. Acupuncture is what I use and it works miracles. Chiropractor work is another choice I usually resource to for relaxing, Yoga and Qi Gong are my favorites.

 

Detoxifying Your Life: Stress-Detox Secrets By Dr. Perricone

 

 

Stress is probably the greatest age-accelerating precipitator there is. As a dermatologist, I can also unequivocally state that stress is also the precipitator of a great many skin problems; in fact, these problems often have their very roots in the psyche.

This can include everything from acne to eczema, rosacea to psoriasis and worse. Unfortunately, normal day-to-day interactions with our partners and children can be stressful – no matter how much we love them. Of all of the physical conditions we experience, stress is also the most deadly.

Many circumstances create stress in our daily lives. Arguing with family, friends or colleagues, not getting enough sleep, worrying, working too hard, or even playing too hard can all create stress. Weekend warriors, who try to make up for a week of inactivity by spending hours engaged in strenuous physical sports, raise their stress levels to an unhealthy degree. Any activity that is practiced without moderation can lead to a stress response.

To help reduce the negative effects of stress, I recommend following the anti-inflammatory diet and taking targeted anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements. I also suggest implementing these simple strategies:
Make sure that you get enough sleep
Try to minimize situations that create stress in your life
Don’t drink coffee. Coffee contains many organic acids which can elevate our cortisol levels. It’s important to avoid spiking these levels, as it can be toxic when large amounts of cortisol are circulating in our system for prolonged periods of time. It is not specifically because of the caffeine because you can drink a cup of decaffeinated coffee at 8 AM and your cortisol levels will still be measurable at 10 PM –the same effects as a cup of regular coffee.
Set aside fifteen or twenty minutes a day for meditation or prayer. It is a well- established fact that people who do this have significantly lower cortisol levels. Long-term benefits include keeping our skin clear, maintaining a healthy immune system and preventing age-related diseases, such as diabetes, cancer or cardiovascular disease.
Consider learning some simple Yoga exercises. Yoga is an outstanding stress reducing discipline and can lower cortisol levels.
Substitute green tea for coffee.
Get out in nature—fresh air, trees, blue skies, all contribute to our physical and mental well-being.

 

 

Foods To Help Ease Anxiety & Stress by Dr. William Cole

According to http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15428/13-foods-to-help-ease-anxiety-stress.html

 

 Oysters

 

Research has correlated an imbalance of zinc to copper with anxiety. This trace mineral ratio is responsible for proper neurotransmitter function and adaptation to stress. Increased copper and decreased zinc may lead to symptoms of anxiety.

If it is, oysters are packed with zinc! This superfood of the sea is a great way to balance the proper trace mineral ratio and your stress levels. It’s also important to note that foods like grains and legumes contain phytic acid, an antinutrient that can bind to zinc and block its absorption.

 

Chamomile Tea

 

Sip on this natural anti-anxiety medicine for its natural calming effect. This soothing, mild tea was shown to significantly decrease anxiety symptoms in just a few weeks!

 

 Turmeric

 

Curcuminoids, the antioxidants in turmeric, have a neuroprotective quality and help enhance your mood. It was shown in a randomized controlled trial to be an effective option for a major depressive disorder, which is closely linked to anxiety disorders.

 

Dark Chocolate

Science has vindicated chocolate lovers everywhere. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology revealed that people who drank a dark chocolate drink, equal to about 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate per day, felt calmer than those who did not.

 

Adaptogenic Herbs

 

 

The common hormonal signaling pathway dysfunction DR William Cole found in patients struggling with anxiety disorders is the brain-adrenal axis. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is part of your sympathetic “flight-or-fight ” response and something and can play a role in adrenal fatigue. Stress hormones, like cortisol, can cause serotonin receptors to become less sensitive to activation. The adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, Rhodiola and holy basil( Tulsi ) are few of the tools I use to optimize brain-adrenal function in patients.

 

 Full-Fat Kefir

 

In the functional medicine, the gut is considered the “second brain” because it’s home to 95% of your “feel good” hormone serotonin. With more than 100 million neurons, your gut’s health is essential to manage anxiety.

 

Turkey

 

You know that tired feeling people feel after Thanksgiving dinner? It’s actually from the tryptophan in the turkey. Tryptophan is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps you to feel calm. Tryptophan in the form of meat has been shown to reduce anxiety disorders!

 

Avocados

 

This superfruit is great for brain health and anxiety. They contain potassium which helps naturally lower blood pressure. Avocados also contain beneficial B vitamins and monounsaturated fats that are needed for neurotransmitter and brain health.

 

Asparagus

 

This sulfur-rich vegetable also contains the specifically beneficial B vitamin, folic acid. Low levels of folic acid are linked to neurotransmitter impairment, which can lead to anxiety. A 5.3-ounce serving provides 60% of the recommended daily allowance for folic acid! It also contains moderate amounts of potassium, which can lower blood pressure.

 

 

Disclosure: we are sharing information from authorities that are qualified to recommend and prescribe, the reader is responsible for how to use it, we always recommend to check with your health practitioner before embarking on any health changes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/SLz6Vbxz2L0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/WxEqooqgCEs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tart Shaelynn Romper

• Comfort and style are one in the same when it comes to this effortless romper.
• Romantic lace romper with a chic structure.
• Round illusion neckline.

ALDO Fombio

• Textile construction with allover floral stitching detail.
• Zipper closure.

Free People Nomad Child Dress

• Flowing gauze dress features lace panels at yoke and sleeves for a feminine contrast.
• Round neckline with tassel ties.
• Long bell sleeves.
• Lovely floral pattern throughout.

London Times Plus Size Chevron Puzzle Long Sleeve Shift Dress

• Nobody will be able to solve the Plus Size Chevron Puzzle Long Sleeve Shift Dress but you.
• Shift dress construction skims the body and flatters a variety of figures.
• Rounded neckline.
• Long sleeve design.
• Straight hemline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANUS PER AQUAM – HEALTH THROUGH WATER!

 

65% of the human body is water. Nothing impacts our wellbeing more than the quality of the water we drink. Water is the elixir of life! Why is drinking sufficient healthy and vital water so important?
Because water …
… assists in weight loss.
… strengthens your immune system.
… can slow down the aging process.
… impacts all of your body‘s functions.
… noticeably increases your quality of life!

 

On week 295 we would like to take you on a journey of the scientific facts and gifts of an essential and vital fluid  WATER, combined with Crystals creates a powerful result so we will start and take you on a magical journey with facts and information that will change the course of your life  that I have experienced my self-first hand.  Let us start with why Water and the discovery that Dr. Emoto has proven in the Lab to be a tangible reality.

 

Let’s introduce Dr. Emoto:

 

VitaJuwel & Dr. Masaru Emoto

Water is the essence of life! There’s no other substance on earth that has a greater influence on our wellbeing than water. If you begin to engage yourself with the mysteries of water, you’ll very soon come across one name: Dr. Masaru Emoto! No present-day scientist has studied the true nature of water more intensely than the recently passed away and greatly missed Japanese researcher and author of the New York Times bestseller “The Hidden Messages in Water”. With his winning character and his deep knowledge, Dr. Emoto moved millions of people all over the world to cherish our most precious resource in a more sensible way.

Masaru Emoto (江本 勝 Emoto Masaru, July 22, 1943 – October 17, 2014)was a Japanese author, researcher, and entrepreneur, who claimed that human consciousness has an effect on the molecular structure of water. Since 1999, Emoto published several volumes of a work entitled Messages from Water, which contain photographs of ice crystals and their accompanying experiments.

Emoto was born in Yokohama, Japan, and graduated from Yokohama Municipal University after taking courses in International Relations. In the mid-1990s, he began studying water in more detail.

Emoto was President Emeritus of the International Water For Life Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Oklahoma City in the United States. Emoto became a Doctor of Alternative Medicine at the Open International University for Alternative Medicine in India in 1992. Subsequently, he was introduced to the concept of micro cluster water in the US and Magnetic Resonance Analysis technology. The quest thus began to discover the mystery of water. At length, he realized that it was in the frozen crystal form, that water showed us its true nature.

He has gained worldwide acclaim through his groundbreaking research and discovery, that water is deeply connected to our individual and collective consciousness.

He is the author of the best-selling books Messages from Water, The Hidden Messages in Water, The True Power of Water and Love Thyself. He has now also authored two children’s books, The Secret of Water for the children of the world, and The Message from Water children’s version.  He is a long-time advocate for peace in relation to water. He is currently the head of I.H.M.General Research Institute and President Emeritus of the International Water for Life Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Organization.

We all learn valuable life lessons at our own pace, but there is one basic truth we all learn early.  Positive, compassionate words comfort and heal; negative words and insults hurt. Until recently, we knew this only because we could feel it.  Now we can actually see it.  Thanks to the experimental work of Dr. Masaru Emoto, we can look to water, and its frozen crystals, to confirm the healing power of beautiful music, positive thinking, uplifting speech, and prayer.

By exposing water to a particular word or piece of music, freezing it, and photographing the ice crystals formed, Dr. Emoto has shown that from beautiful words and music, come beautiful crystals, and from mean-spirited, negative words, come malformed and misshapen crystals. What is the significance?  It becomes clear when we remember that the adult human body is approximately 70% water and infant bodies are about 90% water.  We can be hurt emotionally and, as the water can be changed, for the worse physically by negativity. However, we are always closer to beauty when surrounded by positive thoughts, words, intentions and ultimately those vibrations.

Dr. Emoto’s theories can be explored further by reading his books mentioned above. These books have been translated into more than thirty-five languages.Dr. Masaru Emoto’s stunning water-crystal photographs have enchanted millions of people in his many books.

In 2003 the United Nations proclaimed the years 2005-2015 as its International Water for Life Decade, which urges citizens of the world to take individual responsibility to learn all about water. In a time wrought with environmental catastrophes and natural disasters, The Secret of Water and his not-for-profit book, The Message from Water children’s version, show the necessity of protecting water and offer messages of hope and empowerment.  Help us shift consciousness through our thoughts, through our words, and prayers, and through our commitment to respect each other with love and gratitude.  May our understanding of water and help bring peace to all humankind.

 

Here we wish to share some of the pictures of his research.

 

Water affected by Words

Water Affected by Music

 

 

He laid the foundation of numerous insights of modern water research. Dr. Emoto’s research revealed that water not only has a memory but it could be improved by external influences such as gems in VitaJuwel. He fundamentally changed the way we think about the water we drink and roused our passion to improve the quality of drinking water.

Crystal images by the Hado Life laboratory, which was co-founded by Dr. Emoto, showed that water treated with VitaJuwel gem vials regains its original, natural energy and thus is comparable to fresh spring water. Dr. Emoto was deeply moved by these breathtaking results and the practical implementation of his insights on the ability of water to carry positive information. Dr. Emoto’s vision was to focus people’s interest worldwide in enjoying and treasuring fresh and vital water. In 2012, HadoLife and VitaJuwel sealed a lasting partnership to join forces and work towards that goal. They created in close cooperation a set of 3 exclusive gem vials.

„Water shows its true nature only to people whose spirit is as open as a child’s.”

Dr. Masaru Emoto (July 22, 1943 – October 17, 2014)

A part of the proceeds from the sale of these vials will be donated to Dr. Emoto’s foundation “Emoto Peace Project”. Enjoy gemwater totally new with EmotoCrystals

WATER‘S SECRETS

Water is not just H2O! World-famous scientist and bestselling- author Dr. Masaru Emoto discovered that vivid water features a sublime crystal silhouette. The photo to the left, taken by the HadoLife lab, which was co-founded by Dr. Emoto, shows a crystal of regular tap water.

After 7 minutes with a VitaJuwel gemstone vial, the crystal changed its shape completely (right photo), becoming harmonic and vital. VitaJuwel – gemwater has a crystal structure that is comparable to pure spring water!

 

 

GEMWATER – MADE BY VITAJUWEL

Using gems to vitalize water is an age-old tradition, dating back to ancient Greece. Gems naturally emit a radiation that is able to inspirit water, making it more lively and enjoyable. Eight years ago, VitaJuwel reinvented this method. Hygienically. Naturally. Today VitaJuwel is the world’s only manufacturer of gemstone vials to enhance the vitality of drinking water in a natural way to the level of pure spring water. VitaJuwel products are designed with devotion in the German alpine foothills, tested by friends all over the world and traditionally hand-crafted by master glassblowers in Bohemia in a patented, artisanal method.

The gems don‘t have to come in contact with the water. VitaJuwel vials act like a natural prism for the crystals‘ radiant energy. This can even be tasted by sensual water lovers! Like in the natural cycle of water, with VitaJuwel gem vials the natural element stone regenerates the natural element water.

Now we are going to touch the surface on the History and properties of Crystals, I grew up loving Stones and was lucky to be introduced at a very young age to the amazing world of Crystals and YES I not only believe in their properties I have worked with them for most of my life and feel their properties every time I connect with them, so with that being said when I discover VitaJwel system and on top connected to Dr. Emoto’s believe I became a true fan of it. I highly recommend the beautiful products that offer the connection to the world of Water empower with Crystals. WOW! what a treat, we don’t have a part in the company or financial gain, our passion for what we believe surpasses that love for the products, we use them and wish to share them with you, family and friends so we can all benefit from this amazing system with so much integrity and so well intended. Here we go, we are not going to be too extensive in the description due that this post will become enormous and most peoples attention span is not so long, anyway we will place links so if you choose to learn more you can take your own journey.

 

According to http://www.crystalage.com/crystal_information/crystal_history/

The first historical references to the use of crystals come from ancient the Ancient Sumerians, who included crystals in magic formulas. The Ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, emerald and clear quartz in their jewelry, healing rituals, and invocations. They also carved grave amulets of the same gems and place them in the Tombs with their dead. The Ancient Egyptians used stones primarily for protection and health. Chrysolite (later translated as both topaz and peridot) was used to combat night terrors and purge evil spirits. Egyptians also used crystals cosmetically. Galena (lead ore) was ground to a powder and used as the eyeshadow known as kohl. Malachite was used in a similar manner. Green stones, in general, were used to signify the heart of the deceased and were included in burials. Green stones were used in a similar way at a later period in Ancient Mexico.

The Ancient Greeks believe that a number of properties to crystals and many names we use today are of Greek origin. The word ‘crystal’ comes from the Greek word for ice, as it was believed that clear quartz was water that had frozen so deeply that it would always remain solid. The word amethyst means ‘not drunken’ and was worn as an amulet to prevent both drunkenness and hangovers. Hematite comes from the word for blood, because of the red coloration produced when it oxidizes. Hematite is an iron ore and the ancient Greeks associated iron with Aries, the god of war. Greek soldiers would rub hematite over their bodies before the battle, purportedly to make themselves invulnerable. Greek sailors also wore a variety of amulets to keep them safe at sea. For example, hematite as an iron compound was rightly associated with the planet Mars, whereas malachite as copper ore to the planet Venus. Today we know that, for instance, Mars is the planet with highest iron content in the Solar system, so we need certainly more than superstition to correctly understand these lores and myths of the ancient peoples.

 

Here are some links to Cristal books and web references:

http://www.crystalage.com/online_store/books_charts_953.cfm

http://www.crystalflame.com/crystal-healing-info/crystal-healing-history/

https://quantumstones.com/ancient-cultures-used-healing-crystals-stones/

 

 

The world of Crystals is so vast that we are going to do more in a Post of its own, we wanted to connect them with the water and provide you with information to aid the understanding of why the products are put together like this.

VitaJuwel ViA

VitaJuwel ViA is not just a simple glass bottle with gemstones. It has two openings with an exchangeable gem pod attached to the lower opening. Twist off one gem pod and attach a different one to experience the full scope of VitaJuwel gemwater. By the way: The two openings also make cleaning VitaJuwel ViA as easy as 1-2-3.

Enjoy gem water wherever and whenever you like with VitaJuwel ViA, your personal gem water bottle! Prepare your own spring fresh gemwater for on-the-go. On your way to work, while shopping in the city or at the beach – VitaJuwel ViA is your perfect companion for extraordinary trips. VitaJuwel ViA and the gem pods are available in 17 fascinating blends.

 

With every sip of water you drink, YOU decide whether it is dull and dead or VITAL AND FRESH!

 

BELIEVE IT OR NOT – IT WORKS!

German scientists have proven that water becomes more alkaline and the oxygen content increases with VitaJuwel gem vials. The tests showed: With VitaJuwel, drinking water reaches a quality level otherwise only found in natural spring water.“

 

JEWELRY FOR YOUR WATER!

VitaJuwel is the most hygienic and efficient method to prepare gemwater. And it‘s easy! Just place a VitaJuwel gem vial in your drinking water for 7-10 minutes and enjoy gemwater, the true elixir of life!

 

• fairly-traded, conflict-free gems
• lead-free Bohemian glass
• handcrafted in the European Union
• designed by glass artists in the German Alps
• results verified by lab analysis
• tested by doctors & naturopaths
• a worldwide patented manufacturing method
• several fascinating gem blends

Let’s talk a bit about the power of Crystals weather you are wanting an energy boost, need an assist in grounding, looking for a manifesting tool, or something else that you are seeking whatever your purpose there is a healing stone for you.  No gemstone has a singular purpose, multiple healing qualities are housed within a single stone. First, you must find the crystal that has the Universal Life Force energy that is appropriate to your intentions. Each crystal has a crystal energy lattice, a color ray of influence, and an earth power derived from its chemical makeup.

Gemstones and crystals have traditionally been used in a variety of ways to restore balance and harmony to both the physical and spiritual elements of our lives.

Click on the links or the pictures to purchase any VIA bottles.

 

WELLNESS

rose quartz – amethyst – clear quartz

This basic, well-balanced composition was used to inspirit water for hundreds of years. Experts claim that amethyst stimulates and soothes the mind and that rose quartz fosters tranquility. Having this vial in a VitaJuwel decanter on your dining table will let you experience water totally anew. Customers find gem water with this harmonic blend to taste smooth and mild. If you’re unsure, with which blend to start your VitaJuwel collection, choose this one!

 

 

BALANCE

Sodalite – clear quartz

“You’re not sick, you’re thirsty” states F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. in his books. Water is your body’s principal component. It flushes toxins out of vital organs and carries nutrients to your cells. Even mild dehydration can drain energy and make you tired. Experts recommend 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Do you drink enough? Many people have lost their natural feelings of thirst. Regain this feeling! Your body may thank you with unexpected positive effects.

 

 

INNER PURITY

Aquamarine – clear quartz

Gemwater is the true elixir of life! Your body needs well-functioning cleansing processes for stable health. No other beverage than water – pure, vital, and free of harmful substances – is better to support these extensive tasks within our body. Aquamarine means “water of the sea” and this gently blue stone is said to be calming, soothing, and cleansing, just like a refreshing swim in the ocean! Not to forget its great side effect: Inner purity is also visible on the outside.

 

KIDS

Red jasper – sodalite – orange calcite brown agate – aventurine quartz

The percentage of water in our children‘s body is more than 70 %. Especially during phases of growth, drinking a sufficient amount of healthy water is imperative. A kid‘s sensation of thirst is not fully developed. It has to be regularly reminded to drink. Drinking enough fresh water enhances concentration and the ability to learn. VitaJuwel Kids with its colorful and bright tones will turn „magic water“ water into the new favorite beverage of your children.

 

Emoto Crystals PASSION

Carnelian – halite salt

VitaJuwel strives to raise people’s passion for vital water. The beautiful crystal image was taken by the HadoLife lab, which was co-founded by Masaru Emoto, impressively resembles that passion. We blended vibrant Cornelian, “Stone of Life” in Ancient Egypt, with Halite, the “Salt of Kings”. Cornelian plays a leading role in the famed crystal healing tradition of 12th-century abbess Hildegard of Bingen. Like no other stone it symbolizes the joy of living. Open yourself to his exquisite blend and absorb its radiating joy with every passionate sip of gemwater.

 

 

Emoto Crystals VISION

Noble shungite – clear quartz

“In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.” – Dalai Lama. Jet black Shungite is truly a visionary stone Like a diamond, it is a form of elemental carbon. It is mined in the remote Russian region of Karelia, where Czar Peter already made use of Shungite’s purifying properties. Discover water completely anew with this gem from another world and its fascinating crystal image, taken by taken by the HadoLife lab, which was co-founded by Masaru Emoto. Share our vision to make gemwater an enlightening experience for everybody.

 

FIVE ELEMENTS

 

Amethyst – chalcedony – petrified wood rose quartz – ocean chalcedony

Traditional Chinese medicine has developed over 5,000 years and recognizes health as a harmonious balance of five elements: Wood for growth, water for reflection, earth for grounding, metal for strength and fire for passion. Every person is a unique blend of these elements. Following this ancient philosophy, we have included one kind of gem for each element in this blend to reflect each attribute. Get your life in balance. Experience this ancient wisdom.

 

 

CUPID‘S KISS

 

Rose quartz

All you need is … water. And when you add rose quartz, the quintessential stone of love, anything is possible! Rose quartz is used by experts to release emotional wounds and traumas, to balance emotions and bring peace and calm. This balance is said to relieve stress and ease anxiety. For water lovers, this is the perfect blend. However, we won’t be held responsible if you find a love of self and love of life. In order for the heart to beat, it needs water.

 

 

 

MOMENTUM

Chalcedony – moss agate – milk opal

Alternative practitioners recommend this blend to strengthen your inner flow and to gain and maintain your momentum. Discover your inner peace and harmony again. In this fast-paced, complex world we often tend to forget that our mind sometimes needs to rest in order to be able to focus on what is really important. Settle down for a minute, forget everything around you and indulge yourself with a glass of gemwater to get the fresh wind in your sails.

 

ALLURE

Garnet – clear quartz

Are you looking for an exceptional present for your loved one, a wedding gift for very good friends or for a Valentine’s Day surprise? Or would you like to bring a little more fire in your everyday life? Blazing, scarlet red garnet is described as a symbol for sensuality and passion. This powerful, energizing stone is perfect for lovers! Open all of your senses to the vibration of that unique VitaJuwel gemstone blend with a glass of precious gemwater.

 

 

DIAMONDS

 

 

Diamond slivers – clear quartz

Diamonds are a gemwater lover’s best friend. The most precious gem on earth was believed to channel divine energy and was reserved only for kings and queens. Our customers say that no other gem water tastes as intense and Apollonian as this exclusive blend. Try it once and you’ll never again drink ordinary tap water. It makes a perfect gift for that special someone you treasure most in your life – it is as unique as a diamond ring. It is jewelry for your water!

 

 

FITNESS

 

Red jasper – magnesite – clear quartz

Along with exercise and a balanced diet, nothing supports an active lifestyle better than enough fresh water. Drinking water first thing in the morning is an easy way to speed up your metabolism. Lots of people confuse thirst for hunger so staying hydrated could help you avoid overeating. Make a start, put on your running shoes and fill a bottle with “Fitness” gemwater! Include this blend in your workout schedule and get ready for a surprise!

 

 

VITALITY

Emerald – clear quartz

St. Hildegard declared nearly 1000 years ago: “All the green of nature is concentrated within the Emerald.” This lush crystal has been a source of fascination in many cultures and was considered a symbol of eternal life in ancient Egypt. Louis Pasteur said: “We drink 90 percent of our illnesses.” Your body needs a sufficient amount of fresh water for well functioning cleansing processes and a stable health. It’s a natural way to help you lead a better life. Become vital!

 

 

 

BEAUTY

 

Amethyst – aventurine quartz – rose quartz

Beauty emerges from within. Of course, we grow older but we don’t have to look old. Fresh, smooth looking skin is a sign of youth and health. Plenty of sleep, a balanced diet, and sufficient fresh water are essential to maintaining your skin’s elasticity. This blend is perfect for those who want their inner beauty to radiate out into the world. Numerous spa owners use this blend as an essential part of their treatments. They know SPA stands for “Health through Water”.

 

 

SUNNY MORNING

 

Orange calcite- clear quartz

Get your very special, personal ray of sunshine and shine from within! Can you remember the last time you enjoyed the beauty of a sunrise over the ocean or in the mountains? How it lifted your spirits in a very special way? How it moved you to the core? The energy of the beaming orange calcite is all about joy and stands for everything that makes you smile! Start every day – even cloudy and rainy ones – with a glass of this special blend and re-live those precious moments!

 

EmotoCrystals GOLDEN MOMENTS

rhine gold – halite salt – garnet

In Golden Moments we pause for an instant, reflect the things that truly matter and leave every day’s worries behind. Those precious moments cannot be weighed in gold. The astonishing beauty of the crystal image taken by taken by the HadoLife lab, which was co-founded by Masaru Emoto, left us deeply moved. Its crystalline silhouette reflects its unique ingredients: hand-mined gold from the river Rhine in Germany, exotic Halite Salt (the “Salt of Kings”) and a piece of fiery, blazing Garnet. We’d like to excite you to enjoy more Golden Moments!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dry Brushing

 

Hello with great gratitude! We thank you for your support and all the great compliments, it really keeps us going. This week  294  we are sharing great information from the top authorities on dry brushing, I learned about dry brushing over 40 years ago from a mentor friend and teacher. He knew so much about detoxing and moving lymphatic, this system is genius for that. When our lymphatic is moving normally we are in top health due to the fact that the lymphatic system is the one that has multiple interrelated functions: It is responsible for the removal of interstitial fluid from tissues. It absorbs and transports fatty acids and fats as a cycle from the digestive system. It transports white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes into the bones, huge job.

The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid that contains infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the whole body.

The lymphatic system consists primarily of lymphatic vessels, which are similar to the circulatory system’s veins and capillaries. These vessels are connected to lymph nodes, where the lymph fluid is filtered. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus are all part of the lymphatic system.

The spleen, which is located on the left side of the body just above the kidney, is the largest lymphatic organ, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). It controls the number of red blood cells and all the blood storage in the body and helps to fight infection. If the spleen detects potentially dangerous bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms in the blood,  — along with the lymph nodes —it creates white blood cells called lymphocytes, which act as defenders against invaders. The lymphocytes produce antibodies to rid the foreign microorganisms and stop infections from spreading. Humans can live without a spleen, although people who have lost their spleen to disease or injury are more prone to have infections. I encourage you to check the site below, click on the link so you can learn more about it. The lymphatic system can make you or break you, it is crucial to know what it does.

Thank you for visiting and please share and like if you do.

See more at http://www.livescience.com/26983-lymphatic-system.html#sthash.7eyjrube.dpuf

 

Dry Brushing

 

It only takes ten minutes a day,  costs nothing and helps restore your body, from inside and out. Dry skin brushing has a number of full body wellness and is so simple to do.

 

How the Lymphatic works and the physiology of the Lymphatic system great video is a must!!!

 

 

Dr. Berkowsky’s
Vital Chi Skin-Brushing System™

 

 

Vital Chi Skin Brushing can sustain or reestablish the skin’s functional integrity and youthful glow. The skin is as major an organ as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Its primary functions include respiration, excretion, blood and lymph circulation, immunity and the conduction of vital chi. However, unlike other vital organs, the skin can be non-invasively accessed and mediate systemic rejuvenation by a variety of therapeutic techniques, including proper Skin Brushing. Vital Chi Skin Brushing is a particularly powerful therapy which can positively impact the entire body.

Variations of Skin Brushing have been practiced for thousands of years. For many centuries, the Japanese employed vigorous Skin Brushing with loofa sponges as a prelude to their traditional hot bath. Prior to bathing (following a hard training session or physical competition), ancient Greek athletes used strigils: specialized spoon-like skin scrapers to remove the grime of exertion and encourage circulation. Among the Cherokee Indians, Skin Brushing with dried corn cobs to enhance skin beauty and durability was once a traditional practice. The Comanche Indians scrubbed their skin using sand from the Texas river bottoms; the Texas Rangers followed their example.

Adolph Just in his Nature-Cure classic: Back To Nature tells that he learned the importance of skin-rubbing by observing wild animals: “Higher land animals, especially wild boars and deer, in free nature, are in the habit of lying down in small muddy swamps and pools and rubbing to and fro in the mud. After awhile they rub themselves against the earth, trees and other objects. The birds go to brooks or springs, and, by immersing their necks, throw water over their bodies…then they rub or scrub the body using their head, bill and wing elbows.”

Among long-lived individuals whose lifestyles reflect an understanding of The Laws of Nature, Skin Brushing is almost invariably a primary aspect of their formula for longevity. F.O. Havens in his 1896 publication, The Possibility of Living 200 Years, describes 3 centenarians’ regimens as follows: “The first, for the last 40 years of his life used skin brushes vigorously applied. The second, Old Gabriel (who died March 16, 1890 at an authenticated age exceeding 120 years), induced perspiration by heated smoke and vapor while scraping his body with sticks. The third, now in his 100th year, has for the past 60 years followed this unvarying habit: Before retiring he has used a towel dipped in water at the temperature of the room, then drying by vigorous rubbing.” Havens, after much longevity-research, suggested: “The following directions are adapted to nearly all conditions of life, and if persisted in, will be found sufficient to keep the skin in perfect condition: Before retiring, rub the body vigorously with skin brush, hair glove or rough towel until the blood is brought to the surface. Follow this immediately by a sponge bath with the water at the temperature of the room.

 

 

Vital Chi Skin Brushing System: Guidelines & Technique

(Excerpted from Dr. Berkowsky’s Vital Chi Skin Brushing System book)

 

The Vital Chi Skin Brushing System which required hundreds of hours of research and experimentation to develop, evolved from my training and experience in anatomy and physiology and various bodywork disciplines as well as the Oriental healing arts. I designed this system to support blood- and lymph circulation, the immune system, the movement of Vital Chi along the acupuncture channels, all the major physiological functions of the skin as well as to enhance skin beauty and encourage the breakdown of cellulite. Yet, my system is quick, concise and user-friendly. The following excerpts from my book will provide some insight regarding associated guidelines and technique.

 

Selected Guidelines:

Always treat the major lymph gland drainage site of a given body region before brushing said region, thus allowing for more effective regional lymphatic clearance. For instance: Brush armpit (site of axillary nodes which drain chest) before brushing chest.

The body should be brushed in a strategic sequential pattern to allow for maximum drainage. For Instance: As the neck and head drains into the venous system in the upper chest, and to a small extent, into the axillary nodes, the chest and armpit regions should be brushed before neck and head regions.

Brush-stroke direction always conforms to the route of lymphatic drainage. Example: The chest region drains into the armpit. Hence, the chest on each side is brushed from breastbone to armpit.

 

Selected Technique:

The Vital Chi Skin Brushing System addresses the entire skin surface (with the exception of the breasts and genitals). The following excerpt from my book focuses on the chest region.

Brush Chest Region (up to, but not including, armpit) as follows:

Above Breast : Brush 7 times each side of chest from breastbone to armpit.

Note: The two major lymphatic ducts empty into the venous system in the left and right chest just below the collar bone. Puffiness above or below the collarbone is indicative of congestion in these ducts. Reducing lymphatic tension in the chest enhances tissue drainage of the entire body.

Below Breast: Using upward curving stroke (under breast), brush 7 times on each side from sternum to armpit.

Sides of Upper Torso: Brush upward 7 times along each side (in line with the armpit), from waist up to armpit.

Follow-Up Hydrotherapy

Having studied and practiced classical naturopathy, or Nature-Cure, for 25-years, I have come to appreciate the great value of many of the traditional hydrotherapies and their particular synergy with my Vital Chi Skin Brushing System. Hence, I instruct that a Skin Brushing session should always be followed by an appropriate hydrotherapy. In addition to the Salt-Glow, described below, some of the other hydrotherapies which may prove of good service in this regard include: alternating hot and cold shower; full cold bath; blitz guss; epsom salt bath; cold ablution.

The Salt-Glow is a wonderful circulation-enhancing treatment. In Lectures to Naturopathic Hydrotherapy, Wade Boyle, N.D. and Andre Saine, N.D. list the following indications for salt-glow therapy: “…chronic conditions with inactive skin, including chronic indigestion, kidney disease, diabetes [if there are no skin lesions], sluggish circulation [especially in those who do not react well to hot or cold weather], low vital force, poor resistance, frequent colds, general weakness, neurasthenia, epilepsy, cancer [but not over a palpable tumor], joint problems [especially if followed by oil rub].”

The Salt-Glow:

 

 

 

 

Wet a goodly amount of epsom salt (in unbreakable bowl) with sufficient water to create the consistency of wet snow. (Vigorous individuals may wish to opt for moistening the salt with ice water for extra stimulation.)

Add a few inches of warm water – 98 F. to 100 F. – to bathtub, then sit in tub and hand-rub or washcloth-rub body thoroughly using this warm water.

Stand up in the tub (on a non-slip mat) and apply moistened salt as follows: a) Begin with each arm, starting with fingers: rub vigorously until skin turns pink, or to-tolerance, whichever occurs first. b) Then, rub each leg similarly, beginning with toes, working up to hips. c) Rub salt into the rest of the body in the following order: chest, abdomen, back, hips and, buttocks.

Follow with a cold shower spray of 1- to 2-minutes duration, being sure to hand-rub the skin throughout.

Finish with vigorous towel-rub by an open window in private area.

Rest for at least 1/2-hour to 1-hour before initiating activity.

 

 

So how does it work?

 

 

Dry Brushing according to Dr. Berkowsky’s Skin Brushing System

 

Your skin, the largest organ in the human body, One third is an organ of elimination. Its primary functions include respiration, excretion, blood and lymph circulation, immunity and the conduction of vital Chi( vital life One-third of your body’s toxins are excreted through the skin, and dry brushing helps to unclog pores and excrete toxins which can positively impact the entire body.

No other organ is more actively engaged in discharging impurities from the body than the skin; it is a close relative of both the lungs and the kidneys. Like the lungs, it absorbs oxygen and expels carbon dioxide and water vapor, and like the kidneys, it excretes organic and saline matter in solution. The surface of the skin is covered with millions of sweat glands which  constitute a vast drainage system whereby the blood, via perspiration, purifies itself. It also produces antibacterial substances to protect you from infection and enables your body to produce vitamin D when exposed to the sun. Another crucial role your skin plays is supporting optimal detoxification. But if your skin is overrun with toxins or dead skin cells, it will not be able to eliminate wastes from your body efficiently.

 

 

 

The primary Benefits of Skin Brushing:

Assist Exfoliation: the outermost layer of skin cells which serve to protect the underlying skin layers are not living cells, thus, are continuously shed and replaced via the multiplication and upward movement of living skin cells.

Excites Physiological Activities: Which include lymph and blood circulation, nerve transmission, sweat, oil gland and skin pore functions.

Skin Brushing supports venous and lymphatic drainage of the skin. The lymph stream, unlike the blood stream, is not attached to a pump so its movement is dependent upon movement and contraction of tissues as well as the vitality of the nerves which control the dilation and constriction of the lymph vessels. It also contributes to the strength of the body’s immune system by producing certain white blood cells and generating antibodies. It also contributes to the strength of the body’s immune system by producing certain white blood cells and generating antibodies.

Skin Brushing accelerates filtration into the Lymph vessels and emptying of the smaller vessels into a larger lymph vessels; also it assist in the flow of lymph through the lymph nodes.

 

According to http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/24/dry-skin-brushing.aspx   Dr. Mercola

 

 

 

  The Lymph and Immune System network

 

 

 

Stimulate Your Lymphatic System

 

In your body, your lymphatic system is the system responsible for eliminating cellular waste products. Hundreds of miles of lymphatic tubules allow waste to be collected from your tissues and transported to your blood for elimination, a process referred to as lymphatic drainage.

When your lymphatic system is not working properly, waste and toxins can build up and make you sick. Lymphatic congestion is a major factor leading to inflammation and disease. By stimulating your lymphatic system and helping it release toxins, dry skin brushing is a powerful detoxification aid by boosting your immune system and increasing circulation to help detoxify.

Here is an amazing video that can change your life, it will help you connect to a major system, and it will help not only with weight loss but it will  improve your health 100%, It is important to be conscience and know how our boys work before we surrender to ignorance and allow the poor me to be in consequence.

 

 

 

 

 

from: http://holistichealthlibrary.com/dry-skin-brushing-and-the-lymph-system/

Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in the body, and is responsible for one-fourth of the body’s detoxification each day? That makes it one of the most important elimination organs. Toxicity can gather beneath the skin’s surface from the common use of improper pH levels in body soaps, skin creams and anti-perspirants, plus synthetic fibers worn next to the skin. Any one of them can contribute to a variety of skin problems and conditions.

Dry skin brushing is a good way to energize your body in the morning. It also boosts your immune system and helps correct and prevent illnesses, and increases circulation. This is important because your skin releases up to 2 pounds of toxins daily. Your liver, lungs and kidneys are also responsible for eliminating toxins and skin brushing reduces the toxic load of these other organs. In addition, dry brushing not only removes layers of dead skin and aids in unblocking pores, it enhances the function of the lymph system.

Between the cells in all tissues are minute channels where fluid collects. The fluid is called lymph. It is a colorless, odorless, absorbent substance that helps nourish the body by transporting various nutrients such as salts, minerals, and proteins to all parts of the body. Lymph also collects the waste products generated by the cells of the body and turns them over to the blood. The blood then carries the toxins generated by cell metabolism to the lungs, kidneys, colon and, skin for elimination.

When you do skin brushing, you help your lymph system to clean itself of the toxins that collect in the lymph glands. This process improves surface circulation on the skin and keeps the pores open, encouraging the body’s discharge of metabolic wastes and resulting in an improved ability to combat bacteria. A side benefit is that it helps your skin to look and feel healthier and more resilient.

The blood system has the heart to pump and keep it moving, but the lymph system has no help. Dry skin brushing breaks down lymph fluids that have thickened to a consistency like a cottage cheese, especially as we grow older, or in chronically ill people. When the lymph fluid has a better smooth texture, it can produce more white blood cells to help our bodies fight harmful invaders as well as work more efficiently. Exercise, stretching, yoga, or some type of movement helps the lymph move and prevents it from getting too thick and clogged. Regular exercise and dry skin brushing avoid stagnation and accumulation of the waste products that can deposit in our muscles, organs, and joints.

 

Increase Circulation

When you dry brush your skin, it increases circulation to your skin, which encourages the elimination of metabolic waste.

Diabetes and circulatory health

From: http://www.alive.com/health/improving-circulatory-health/

Poor circulation is one of the greatest dangers associated with diabetes. Blood flow problems stemming from type 1 and type 2 diabetes are linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and damage to sensory nerves in the hands and feet, which in turn can lead to severe complications and even, in some cases, amputation.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that improved circulation is something that anyone can achieve with a little effort. One great (and often overlooked) way to increase circulation—aside from getting regular exercise and eating artery-clearing foods such as oatmeal and walnuts—is to dry brush regularly with essential oils.

 Stress Relief

 

 

 

from: http://draxe.com/dry-brushing/

The act of dry brushing has been described as meditative (especially if you do it in a quiet space) and may reduce muscle tension, calm your mind, and relieve stress. Many compare it to a light whole-body massage.

By increasing your blood flow reduces stressed areas of the body and stimulates nerve endings in your skin which in turn rejuvenates your nervous system.

Another benefit of dry brushing is that it’s similar to massage in decreasing stress, which is excellent for your health by eliminating anxiety. A study reported that whole body massage was effective in reducing anxiety and stabilizing vital signs of patients with acute coronary disorders. Dry brushing is similar to massage in helping you to relax, yet is far cheaper since you can do it yourself.

Much like a hand massage, dry brushing can provide much needed natural stress relief. When you are less stressed, your body heals much faster from any disease-causing inflammation that it may have.

Did you know that 75 to 90 percent of all doctors office visits are related to conditions caused by stress? When you are stressed, it causes changes in the hormones that can increase inflammation and trigger various other problems. If you experience stress over an extended period of time, it can be dangerous and is capable of increasing the risk for heart disease, diabetes, weight gain or obesity, mental disorders, autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders and even cancer.

Therefore, finding ways to help eliminate stress is crucial. Dry brushing is an easy way that you can do this for yourself!

 

Dry Face Brushing

 

 

Lymphatic facial massage to reduce Lymphatic puffing under the eye and all over the face

 

 

 

 

Instructions step by step on how to Dry Brush your face

 

Click the image below to enlarge

Skin Brushing benefits Mature Skin:

 

 

 

Decreased sweat and oil gland functions are part of the mature skin. Skin Brushing stimulates both the sweat and oil glands, and in this way, contributes to the restoration of moist, supple skin. It also strengthens the skin through which the skin is moisturized, cleansed and oxygen and CO2 are exchanged. Aging and devitalization of the skin often results in pore enlargement and flaccidity due to loss of skin tone and depleted Chi (life force). Harry Benjamin ND says that that through the practice of regular Skin Brushing one is assured of the possession of healthy skin, as pores are then sure to be active. Skin Brushing makes a strong impression upon the dermis, the layer that contains an abundance of blood and lymph vessels, nerves, glands, elastin and collagen fibers. The dermis provides nutrients and moisture to all the skin layers and lends contour and flexibility. When the Dermis ages, its connective tissue fibers reduce, rigidify, lose resilience and even break into pieces, causing the skin’s support muscles to lose tone and volume and the skin dehydrate and collapse into sags, wrinkles, and lines.

Healthy connective tissue and muscles are products of efficient nutrient support and oxygenation, a waste free , optimal water balance and moderate exercise, all of which are promoted by regular skin brushing.

Breaks down Cellulite

 

Dr.Jack Soltanoff notes: Because Dry Brushing also stimulates hormones and oil-producing glands, your skin will be rosy, resilient and radiant, He maintains that Skin Brushing in conjunction with proper diet and exercise will tone and tighten the skin and will get rid of troublesome cellulite. Cellulite is a structural disturbance of fat tissue. The fat content of cellulite containing tissue is normal, but fibrous nodules surround the fat cells which gives affected skin areas their typical orange peel appearance. Cellulite formation is related, in part, to the local vein and lymph congestion. Skin Brushing definitely has a big roll in changing this condition.

 

 

To get started, follow the simple steps below:

 

Selecting a Skin Brush

Start off with a natural bristle brush (Skin brushes are preferred) in addition, synthetic bristles do not harmonize with the body’s bioenergy system. All the brushes used in Skin Brushing should have natural wooden handles. Avoid plastic and metal handles.

Main body brush is long handled and has vegetable fiber bristles. The long handle is necessary for reaching behind oneself to brush the entire surface area of the back.

As far as the long handled body brushes goes, boar bristles should be avoided, as their softness will not provide the optimal amount of exfoliation and stimulation of the vital processes of the skin.

Cleansing your brushes a very important step There are two basic methods of cleansing skin brushes: dry and wet.

1. Quick dry method hold the brush bristle side down. Rapidly draw a comb back and forth over the bristles. This action flicks the bristles, encouraging accumulated dead skin cells to drop out from the brush.
2. Second dry method sharply tap the back of the brush with the comb to exert a similar action as before, the brush should be clean after every use.

  Wet method of cleansing the Skin brush

 

Use the dry method of cleaning the brush first and proceed to plug the drain of your sink, add warm water deep enough to cover the brush bristles when facing downward. Add an organic soap and swish the brush around. Rinse well with cool water. Shake well the excess water from the brush and allow to air dry, if it is sunny, place it in the sun bristle side up, the ultraviolet rays will do their antiseptic work. Do not leave your brushes soaking in water, because, even if the wood is not submerged, water will wick up through the bristles and saturate the wood. Over time, this will cause the wood to mildew and otherwise deteriorate.

 

 

Tips to find your Skin Brush

These days, the best way to find a Skin brush is by the internet, unless running around is a better selection at your fingers. I suggest you use the following search terms: natural bristle body brushes; Tampico fiber body brushes; sisal fiber body brushes; palm fiber body brushes.

Dry skin brushing should be done daily in the morning, it is without question the best time of the day for best results, or even twice a day if you like. Try incorporating it into your normal daily routine, such as doing your brushing before your morning shower and then again after work (avoid doing it too close to bedtime, as it may leave you feeling energized).

How many minutes? It takes about 10 minutes, I personally think I deserve this for myself most of the days we donate hours to other activities that don’t render us as many benefits.

Use only brush pressure that is individually comfortable, using relatively gentle pressure.

 

 

 

How To Dry Brush

 

 

from: http://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Brush-Your-Skin

Stand on a tiled surface. Before you begin dry-brushing, you should get on a tiled surface. Most people prefer dry brushing in their showers. Dead skin flakes will fall away from your body during the process and you want a surface that can easily be cleaned or washed away after the process.

 

Start with the feet and move up the legs. Use your long-handled brush for this portion of dry brushing. Dry brushing begins with the bottom of your body and moves upward.

• Use long, smooth brush strokes. Work backward, each stroke moving towards the heart.
• If balance is an issue, prop your leg up on a footstool or on the side of the bathtub.
• Pay extra attention to rougher areas, like your ankles and the soles of your feet. Brush these areas several times to assure any dead skin falls away.

 

Move to arms and then torso. Continue to work with your long-handled brush. After you’ve worked your way up your legs, move on to your arms. Remember, the process is very similar. You’re moving towards your heart with each stroke.

• Start with your hands and move towards the shoulders. Once again, use long and smooth brush strokes.
• Give rough areas, like the elbows, extra attention. Make sure dead skin falls away.
• Move on to the back. This can be difficult, as some areas of the back are hard to access. Make sure your brush handle reaches far enough to touch your mid-back and other hard-to-reach areas. Move from the buttocks up to the shoulder blades.
• Finally, move on to the torsos and sides. Brush up your rib cage, moving towards the heart. On your sides, move from your hip to your armpit.

 

Dry brush sensitive areas. Set aside the long-handled brush and get your softer bristled brush. Move on to more sensitive areas of the skin.

• Dry brush your face, using somewhat smaller and gentler strokes. Move from the forehead to neck.
• Nipples or breasts should also be dry brushed with a softer brush to avoid the irritating more sensitive skin.
• If you want to go over your whole body again, it might be better to use the softer brush this time around to avoid undue irritation.

Shower after dry brushing. Even if you do not dry brush in the mornings, it might be a good idea to shower after dry brushing. Any lingering dead skin can be washed off in a shower.

• Some people recommend alternating between hot and cold temperatures to further enhance blood circulation, although this is not necessary. If you’d rather just take a normal shower using tolerably hot water, this is also okay
• Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it dry after a shower. Your skin might be extra sensitive after dry brushing and you don’t want to encourage skin irritation or infection.
• Apply a natural oil to your skin to replenish any oils lost in the dry brushing and showering process. Rose lip oil and coconut oil are good options.

 

Clean the area and brushes after dry brushing. After you finish dry brushing, you should clean the area where you dry brushed as well as the instruments used.

• If you dry brushed in your shower, clean up is easy as the dead skin will probably flow down the drain afterward. On other tiled surfaces, sweep up dead skin flakes and dispose of them.
• Your dry brushes should stay dry. Do not hang them in the shower, where they will get wet and be exposed to mildew. Store them away from standing water.
• Periodically, your dry brush will need to be washed. Use a small amount of shampoo or liquid soap. Wash the bristles and blot out as much water as possible afterward. Hang the brushes to dry somewhere safe, away from any further exposure to water.

 

 

       Guide lines and Precautions

 

Pay attention to the described sequence of brushing

1. The armpit region is first
2. The groin region is after and before chest
3. The neck and head drain into the venous system in the upper chest, and to a small extent, into the axillary nodes, the armpit is brushed before neck and head regions.
4. The upper body is worked BEFORE the LOWER because the fluids of the latter must course upward to the chest. Hence, it is logical to reduce resistance in the upper body before attempting to propel against gravity the fluids from the lower body toward the upper torso.
5. Since vital Chi runs very powerfully and close to the surface in the hands and feet, they are brushed BEFORE treating the rest of the limb. This initiates powerful circulation of vital Chi energy in the limb, and so, makes ensuing treatment of limb more effective.
6. Stroke direction always conforms to the route of lymphatic drainage.
7. Never brush areas of active inflammation ( like varicose veins, inflamed joints, open wounds, irritations, skin eruptions etc., use common sense on this and when in doubt consult your health care provider).
8. Never brush over enlarged or hardened lymph nodes.
9. Pregnant women should seek the advice of their physician.
10. The genitalia are never brushed.
11. Do not brush after sunbathing.

 

Bellow is a chart of the direction and location of the strokes for detail Skin Brushing visit http://naturalhealthscience.com, a great site with all details and many insights, enjoy it in ideal health and happiness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100% Natural Dry Body Brush & Face Brush Set for Dry Brushing with Long Detachable Handle and Boar Bristles – Exfoliate Skin, Reduce Cellulite & Improve Circulation

• Enjoy healthier, more beautiful, glowing skin and improved circulation – thanks to the gently exfoliating 100% NATURAL boar BRISTLES
• Relax and experience an at-home spa-like dry brushing routine – only by using our super comfortable LONG HANDLE body brush with a DETACHABLE head
• The perfect body brush for CELLULITE reduction and stretch mark prevention – very efficient when used for lymphatic drainage – RESULTS visible in a few short DAYS

 

Touch Me ® All Natural Spa Dry Skin Brush- 10″ Length

 

 

• Natural sisal bristle with jute handle & rope loop.
• Size: 10″ in length, Head 3 ½” across x 5″ long.
• Stimulate blood circulation.
• Removes dead skin layers and cellulite.
• Tightens the skin preventing premature aging.

 

Bath Blossom Face Cleansing Brush for Facial Exfoliation – Skin Cleaning Scrubber Brush – Natural Bristles Facial Brush for Dry Brushing

• GET A DEEPER CLEANSE, Natural bristles deep cleansing brush for face removes more makeup, oil and impurities than your hands or a washcloth, allowing you to get more out of your facial cleanser.
• BRIGHTEN & PERFECT YOUR COMPLEXION, Facial brush gently removes dead skin and minimizes imperfections like fine lines and age spots. Great for dry skin brushing!
• SPA QUALITY DESIGN. Premium natural bristles are strong, yet flexible enough to avoid irritation; the Ergonomic wood handle is easy to grip.

 

 

 

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History of Nail Polish Facts, Videos, and More

 

Hello everyone thank you for your support we are truly grateful for all your support, on week 293 we are sharing a post on the history of Nail Polish, from its origins to now, wow very interesting the developing of it and how much it has changed through the times, I am personally very thankful that it had because there were very toxic materials used to manufacture these products so nail polish has come a long way.

I usually let my nails breathe especially in winter. I only use nail polish for an event. I prefer it I am usually doing many activities with my hands and the nail polish doesn’t last me and I don’t favor the chipped nail polish look. With that said here, we go with the post enjoy and please share so other people can learn about it.

Nail polish originated in China, and its use dates back to 3000 BC. Around 600 BC, during the Zhou dynasty, the royal house preferred the colors gold and silver. However, red and black eventually replaced these metallic colors as royal favorites. During the Ming dynasty, nail polish was often made from a mixture that included beeswax, egg whites, gelatin, vegetable dyes, and gum Arabic.

 

 

 

 

A Time-Consuming Process

from:http://classroom.synonym.com/origin-nail-polish-9845.html
While modern nail polish typically dries in a matter of minutes, that definitely wasn’t the case with the rudimentary versions made in ancient China. Once women painted their nails, they typically had to wait for several hours. Some women even went to sleep hoping for it to dry fully by the morning.

Zhou Dynasty and Nail Polish

During the Zhou Dynasty of the 11th to 3rd centuries B.C., women of different classes wore nail polish, whether they were privileged or not. Nail polish color denoted the social status of a woman. In 600 B.C., royals painted their nails with silver and gold. Average Chinese women were permitted to wear light pink nail polish. The consequences of not abiding by the color regulations were extremely severe. Any lower-class Chinese girl who painted her fingernails in royal colors would have faced the death penalty. By the time of the Ming Dynasty (14th to 17th century), royal nail polish color preferences had switched to red and black.

 

 

 

Nail Polish in Ancient Egypt

 

 

Although the Chinese were pioneers in the origins of nail polish, Egyptian women (and men too) were also coloring their nails by 3000 B.C. Their methods for painting their nails differed from the formulas used by the Chinese, but the color still signified social status, with deep red hues reserved for those of high rank. Ancient Egyptians often immersed their fingertips in reddish-brown henna, a type of dye extracted from flowering plants. Cleopatra, for one, was a big fan of henna for nail coloring. Ancient Egypt also produced some nail polish blends that were lacquer-like in a formula. Egyptian women frequently used berries to color their nails, too.

 

 

from: http://www.nailbargamax.it/the-history-of-nail-polish.html
Different materials, techniques, and colors have transformed the use of nail polishes, always in line with the evolution of tastes and trends. The origins of Nailart were India and China. The history of ancient and millennial civilization. During the Bronze Age, the henna, obtained from the powder of dried leaves, starts to be used also for nails decoration and in 1500 B.C,  in Mesopotamia, China, and Egypt, appear the first nail polishes, obtained from a mix of powders of crystal, malachite, and sulfur.

Nefertiti and Cleopatra are remembered, among other things, as two of the most beautiful women of their time. It is no surprise, then, that they were the first to make something as iconic as red nail polish famous! During their respective reigns, a societal hierarchy was indicated by the specific color worn. The stronger the shade of red, the more power the person possessed.

Although the practice likely existed earlier, sources suggest that Nefertiti, Queen of Egypt (14th century B.C.) colored her fingernails a ruby-red color. Nefertiti and her royal court would use henna (and sometimes even blood!) to color their nails.
The colors, that go from black to green, from red to gold, were used to define the belonging of a social class while sometimes, symbolizing the individual or tribal power. The colored nail polishes consist in real and unique representations, as traditional Incas narrations.
During the Medieval Age this practice was abandoned, and only restarted gaining popularity during the Renaissance in order to embellish the hands of noblewomen of that time. In the Victorian era, as explained in Madame Bovary – of Gustave Flaubert – with the protagonist Emma Bovary, a new nail polish became popular, made out of oil and chamois.

 

 

 

From: http://www.cosmeticsandskin.com/ded/polish.php

Until the 1930s, polishing powders were the main preparations used to shine the nails plate. These were made in many forms including sticks, blocks, pastes, loose powder and even liquids but all used fine abrasives that were buffed on the nail to produce a shine During the 1930s powder polishes were largely replaced by liquid polishes that were painted on the nails to produce a more or less instant shine. Early forms of liquid polishes were made using a variety of materials but eventually, most were formulated using nitrocellulose.

 

 

 

Wax polishes

Many paste polishing powders included waxes to help suspend the powder, thicken the paste and add shine. If the abrasive was left out of this mixture then any shine produced would be due solely to the wax, which polished the nail plate in the same way that a polishing wax makes wood furniture shine.

Wax nail polishes were made as pastes or liquids and what they lacked in effectiveness they made up for in simplicity of manufacture. Paste wax polishes were simple mixtures of substances like beeswax, ceresin, spermaceti and soft paraffin, melted together and poured into small pots.

Wax polishes could also be made as a liquid by dissolving the wax in a suitable solvent, either cold or gently warmed in a steam-heated mixing bowl. When applied to the nail plate the solvent evaporated leaving a thin layer of wax behind. As the solvent used was highly volatile, these liquid polishes had to be sold in sealed stoppered bottles.

 

Solvents and films

 

Liquid wax polishes were the first nail polishes that used a solvent to deposit a film on the nail plate. The film helped protect the nail and maintain the shine for a longer period of time, thereby reducing the need to rebuff the nail. Liquid wax polishes were often applied over a nail that had first been buffed with a polishing powder – so they simply helped to preserve the polished surface – but they could also be subjected to further buffing after the wax polish had dried.

When nitrocellulose polishes appeared, the need for buffing was reduced and eventually disappeared. However, old habits died hard and reference to buffing – either before or after applying a nitrocellulose polish – were still occurring up until the outbreak of the Second World War.
Before applying varnish, if it is to be used, the nails must be well polished with the buffer and one of the various preparations now in favor, which are generally made in stone, powder, or cream form. … Never apply varnish to a nail that has not been burnished in this way; otherwise, the natural gloss of the nail will eventually disappear. … Care must be taken in its application to obtain an even surface. Work is always from the lunule down towards the fingertips.
Many French women to-day varnish from the entire base right over the nail. This is not really very becoming. The half moon showing is always rather intriguing. Dip the brush in the varnish and then press against the bottle so that only a portion remains on it; this guards against the excess of varnish, which usually results in a blob on the nail. Make an even sweep with the brush from the half-moon down to within ½ in. from the edge, or where it can be seen that the nail ceases to adhere to the flesh. The amount on the brush is usually sufficient for two lengths of the nail. Be careful not to allow the varnish to contact with the edges of the cuticle, as this spoils the effect. Allow to dry and apply a second coat, and once again when the enamel has completely dried use the buffer.

Varnishes and lacquers

 

 

Once the idea of applying a film of polish to the nail with a suitable solvent had taken hold, the door was opened to using other varnishes and lacquers, many of which had been developed in the nineteenth century. The range of materials used included shellac, gum benzoin and cellulose nitrate (nitrocellulose). Although these liquid nail polishes appeared early in the twentieth century it took a while for serviceable polishes to be developed and for the idea to catch on.

When industrial lacquers and varnishes began to be used, it became possible to source nail polishes from larger and older lacquer firms that had the technical knowledge to deal with this dangerous material and the facilities to produce polish in bulk. This left nail polish companies with the relatively simple tasks of bottling, packaging, selling and distributing the polish meaning that they could to start with relatively small overheads. A number of new nail polish firms began in this way, perhaps the most important of which was Revlon.
The wise manufacturer selects one of the private label house to make his enamel. Elaborations and special effects can be worked out.
The danger from fire—perhaps even explosions—is so great that the risk isn’t worth the result. Private label houses in many cases have spent years in perfecting their clear lacquer. They have studied every conceivable coloring material and know its behavior in nail lacquer. Most of all they know the dangers of the business and are adequately protected.
Many successful businesses have been built in this field by delegating the manufacture of nail lacquer to the private label house.

Given the relationship with the varnish and lacquer industry, it is understandable that many early liquid nail polishes were known as varnishes or lacquers. However, they were also referred to as polishes or enamels by cosmetic companies and beauty writers of the time. Unfortunately, the story of nail polish in the twentieth century is muddied by the fact that the terms polish, lacquer, varnish and enamel were used haphazardly and covered a wide range of nail products.

 

Benzoin polishes

 

Benzoin-based nail polishes provided a reasonably good shine to the nail but they took longer to dry, required buffing to bring out the shine and had a tendency to become brownish in color, so could not compete with cellulose nitrate polishes in the long run.

Poucher (1932) provides us with a formulation for a gum benzoin polish, tinted pink with a small amount of eosin, perhaps to hide the brown, but a similar product could be made that was completely clear.

Nitrocellulose polishes

 

Nitrocellulose – also known as cellulose nitrate – is produced by immersing cellulose in nitric acid, or a mixture of nitric and sulphuric acids, for a short time. A common source of the cellulose in the United States was cotton and when nitrated it was known there by such names as pyroxylin, nitrocellulose, nitrocotton, soluble cotton or guncotton, in part depending on the composition of the cellulose nitrate which varied according to how much the cotton had been acted on by the nitric acid.

A number of uses were found for cellulose nitrate in the nineteenth century including the manufacture of explosives, celluloid (an early plastic), nitrate film stock, varnishes and artificial silk. Some of these technologies relied on the fact that partially nitrated cellulose could be dissolved in organic solvents – like alcohol, ether, and acetone – and when these evaporated a clear film was left behind.

 

Collodion and liquid court plaster

 

Collodion was first produced in 1846 when Louis-Nicolas Ménard [1822-1901] and Florès Domonte produced a clear gelatinous liquid by dissolving pyroxylin (a partially nitrated cotton) in a mixture of ethyl alcohol and ether. Its discovery was put to good use the following year when John Parker Maynard [1817-1898], a Boston physician, discovered that dried collodion formed a clear, waterproof, protective film over a wound. Maynard’s discovery gained wide medical acceptance and led to a number of commercial forms of this liquid medical dressing being put on the market, generally badged as liquid court plasters.

Early liquid court plasters tended to contract and crack on drying but a flexible form was later developed an important advance. It used plasticisers like Canada balsam and castor oil to produce a film that could bend and flex with the skin.

In 1882, John H. Stevens [1853-1932] patented the use of amyl acetate as a solvent for pyroxylin. It produced a more durable, transparent film than that generated from using ethyl alcohol and ether, and it found a number of industrial uses including the development of nitrocellulose-based wood and metal lacquers.

Liquid court plasters were also formulated using amyl acetate rather than ethyl alcohol and ether.

Given the developments in nitrocellulose-based medical dressings, and industrial varnishes and lacquers, it was almost inevitable that someone would produce a nitrocellulose-based nail polish. Exactly when the crossover happened is open to question, with most cosmetic chemists placing this landmark event in the history of nail polish in the late 1910s or early 1920s. However, evidence suggests that it took place a good deal earlier than this. For example, the Bijou Chemical Company of New York was putting their Bijou Fluid into a nail polish/enamel as early as 1903. Given that this preparation also formed the basis for their liquid court plaster, a metal lacquer, an adhesive, and a leather waterproofer, there seems little doubt that Bijou Fluid was a flexible collodion containing nitrocellulose, and that their nail polish was nitrocellulose-based.

Unfortunately, the situation regarding liquid nail polishes produced before 1920 is far from clear. As I have already noted, there were numerous liquid nail polishes on the market before 1919, but it is difficult to know whether they were made as liquid abrasive powders, liquid waxes, liquid benzoin polishes or liquid nitrocellulose polishes, without access to their original formulation.

 

Nail polish and automobile paint

 

One reason why some have suggested that nitrocellulose nail polishes were developed in the 1920s is the belief that they were inspired by developments in glossy car paint, specifically the Duco Paint that E. I. du Pont de Nemours developed for General Motors in 1923. This seems unlikely. Although it is true that Duco Paint is based on nitrocellulose, came in a wide range of colours, and was advertised as having a fast-drying, tough, durable, waterproof finish, Duco was designed to be sprayed on not painted on, required at least twelve hours not minutes to dry, and only had a satin sheen so required further polishing to develop a high gloss (E. I. du Pont de Nemours, 1925). This, and the 1923 date suggests that the development of Duco Paint coincided with a greater use of nitrocellulose in nail polish but was not directly responsible for it; both products evolved from the varnish and lacquer industries.

 

Celluloid film stock and nail polish

 

Nitrate (celluloid) film was patented by Hannibal Williston Goodwin [1822-1900] in 1898. It was later reinvented by the Eastman Kodak Company – which started a legal dispute which was not settled until 1914. Eastman Kodak reportedly made their celluloid film stock by dissolving pyroxylin in a mixture of methyl alcohol, amyl alcohol and amyl acetate (Sabin, 1904, p. 113). Camphor was added as a plasticiser and the resulting film was then coated with a photosensitive gelatin emulsion.

Given that nitrate film was liable to catch fire, it was dangerous to store and was often sold as scrap after a movie had played out in cinemas. A nail polish could be made from this film scrap by stripping off the gelatine and then dissolving the remaining film in amyl acetate and acetone or other solvents.
The preparation used by photographers which consist of celluloid obtained from scrap sources and dissolved in amyl acetate is widely employed.
The work consists of cutting up the scrap and charging into a comparatively large mixing pan, because of the space occupied. Amyl acetate and acetone are poured into the pan and heat gently applied.
The consistency of the product can be varied by the amount of scrap added and should be reduced to a syrupy condition. some selected perfume is then added in the usual manner and the charge emptied.

Scrap celluloid was widely used to make nail polish early on but the practice began to disappear in the 1930s. Using scrap celluloid film was cheaper but the presence of any synthetic camphor adversely affected the brightness of the finish so its use had declined by the time the Second World War broke out. When nitrocellulose supplies were diverted for the war effort there was a renewed interest in using celluloid film stock but this faded when normal supplies resumed after 1945.

 

 

 

Color

The first nitrocellulose nail polishes were generally made in a clear ‘Colourless’ or pink ‘Natural’ shades. The pink color was produced using dyes like carmoisine, safranine, erythrosine or phloxine. By the end of the 1920s nail color had become more obvious, with many companies making enough shades enable nail polish to match the clothing colors that a woman was wearing. Mother of pearl polishes, made by adding in fish-scale essence, also made an appearance.

Although companies like Glazo made nail polishes in a wide range of colors, manicurists could also mix up colors to meet the needs of individual clients. Unfortunately, it is clear how a manicurist accomplished this for their society clients. Some materials such as gold, silver or pearl powder could be mixed directly into clear polish as could some colors. It is also possible that manicurists first applied color to the nail and then covered this with a clear nail polish. Clients could return the following day to have it replaced with something more suitable or use a remover.
Very pink fingernails and sometimes blood red nails have been popular for some time with women in London. The latest idea, however, is to have fingernails to match dresses. At a recent function, a lady was observed in a Parma violet chiffon frock, and Parma violet fingernails to tone exactly. The idea is an off-shoot of the matching craze which is sweeping over London and Paris just now.
A well-known London beauty specialist is pushing the craze, and her clients arrive with samples of the frocks they will wear in the evening to have their nails “done!”. Mauve, violet, blues, greens, orange, yellows and reds are used. One girl wearing a pearl-colored satin frock had her fingertips enameled a lovely pearly tint, which looked really pretty. The enamel comes off quite easily with a special preparation used for the purpose so that there is no fear of one’s blue or green fingers clashing next morning with one’s favorite orange jumper suit.

Some nail polish firms used this idea as well. Cutex, for example, sold a clear nail polish in the 1920s that came with a separate tint which could be used to produce a polish with different degrees of color.

In the more somber depression years of the 1930s, bright colors went out of fashion to be replaced by subdued reds and smokey-reds.
Lately, the cult of the colored fingernail—gold, mother of pearl, blood red, or tinted to match the gown—marks us as to hand consciously. Pointed fingers with nails trained like pencil tips, and colored in unnatural tones, makes lovely hands look like the claws of some exotic bird and not the warm and human hands that have charmed lovers down the ages.

 

Transparent polish

 

With the exception of pearl and metallic types, most nail polishes used in the 1920s were transparent, either clear or colored with dissolved dyes. They were generally applied across the center of the nail, leaving the lunula (half moon) and free edge visible Having color only across the center of the nail plate was believed to make the fingers look long and elegant.

 

 

Opaque polish

 

By 1930, opaque (cream) nail polishes were becoming fashionable in Europe. Initially, these cream polishes were made by European companies or smaller American firms that had a presence there and only became more common in the United States after Revlon started up in 1932 and Cutex began selling them after 1934.

 

 

Revlon

1932 When Revlon launched the first ever opaque nail enamel, it was referred to as cream enamel – the product was created using blended pigments, instead of dyes – this enabled a vast choice of colors. The nail enamels were only available in beauty salons to start with. 1937 The nail enamel was launched into department stores & pharmacies.

In 1939, when Revlon began to make lipsticks, they heavily promoted the notion that nail polish and lipstick should match, a fashionable French trend that had first appeared in the 1920s. Cutex had previously pushed this idea when it introduced its own line of lipsticks in 1935.

Even earlier, two other American companies, Peggy Sage and Glazo, were producing nail polish shades to match lipsticks no later than 1930, even though neither firm made a lipstick at that date. Peggy Sage matched their nail polishes lipsticks from other companies in Peggy Sage salons and when Revlon became a much bigger threat in the late 1930s Peggy Sage entered into an agreement with seven cosmetic companies operating in the United States – Schiaparelli, Lelong, Lentheric, Charles of the Ritz, Du Barry, Dorothy Gray and Coty – to match Peggy Sage nail polishes with their lipsticks. This was a stop-gap solution with most of these lipstick manufacturers soon making their own nail polishes.

 

Modern nail polish

 

By 1930, there was a general agreement about the characteristics of an ideal liquid nail polish. It should be harmless, easy to apply, dry quickly and evenly, harden well, resist chipping and abrasion, be waterproof, have an even color that did not stain the nail, be stable in the bottle, and have a pleasant smell. Unfortunately, early nitrocellulose nail polish formulations did not share all these qualities. Their adhesion was poor if colored they often stained the nail, and they took a relatively long time to dry. Many early nail polishes did not even have a dedicated nail polish remover, being lifted by applying another layer of polish or by using acetone.
The use of nail enamel is now almost universal. It is a rapid means of acquiring a brilliant lustrous finish and may if desired, be applied without previously burnishing the nails. The only disadvantage it possesses is that of coming off in streaks after a few days. This is not very noticeable when a colorless enamel is applied, but if a tinted one has been used the effect is grotesque. Before applying the second coating of enamel, the remains of the first must be removed. This may be done by painting on the enamel itself and then rubbing off with a cloth, or better still, by using Acetone in the same way.

By the end of the 1930s, dedicated nail polish removers had been added to most manicure lines.

 

Components

 

All modern nail polishes have four main components: a film former, solvents, resins and plasticisers. Colored nail enamels also contain pigments and pearlescent materials and may also include suspension agents to help stabilize the suspended pigments. Other ingredients such as U.V. filters and proteins were added to more recent formulations.

 

Film former

 

The film-former is the glossy coat that is left on the surface of the nail after the solvents have evaporated. As previously noted, before the Second World War a range of substances was used to generate the film – including gum benzoin, shellac, and waxes – before nitrocellulose became the film-former of choice. Since then, other film-forming substances have been proposed as substitutes for nitrocellulose – one of the earliest being cellulose acetate, also used in ‘safety film’. Although there are nitrocellulose free nail polishes on the market today, nitrocellulose is still the commonest film-former used; it has a low solvent retention and dries quickly to form a waterproof, tough film.
Nitrocellulose is outstanding for its hardness, toughness, resistance to abrasion, and excellent solvent release. It is interesting to note that nitrocellulose is also the oldest man-made substance among the film-forming agents which dry solely by evaporation and without any subsequent oxidation or polymerization.

As noted earlier, nitrocellulose comes in a range of grades depending on how nitrate it is. This affects its volatility and solubility; highly nitrated nitrocellulose being more volatile and less soluble, lower nitrate forms being less volatile and more soluble.

The second characteristic of nitrocellulose that affects its use in nail polish is the length of the polymer chains that make it up. Shorter chains result in a more brittle film that has a lower viscosity, while longer chains make it softer and more viscous. Polishes that have a low viscosity will not adhere well to the brush and will not give a thick enough coat, while those that are very viscous will not flow easily and leave a coat that is too thick and streaky. Nitrocelluloses with medium length polymer chains are the types most commonly used in nail polishes, identified as E27 and E32 in Europe or ¼ and ½ RS grades in the United States.

 

Plasticisers

 

Nitrocellulose produces a tough transparent film but as it is also brittle, the polish will crack and flake if it is used alone. To make the polish more flexible, solid and liquid plasticisers are used. Liquid plasticisers, such as castor oil, produce a soft flexible polish, while solid plasticisers, such as camphor, generate a harder film. To get the best of both worlds both types were used. Camphor and castor oil were two of the commonest plasticisers used in early nail polishes. Castor oil is no longer used and although camphor is still found occasionally in some polishes, both of these early plasticisers have been largely replaced by better substitutes.

 

Resins

 

Resins are added to nail polish to help it adhere to the nail plate so that chipping or peeling are reduced. They can also make the polish tougher and improve gloss. Two main forms are used: natural resins – like benzoin, de-waxed dammar, mastic sandarac, shellac and benzoin – and synthetic forms.

Until the 1930s, most of the resins used were natural and they suffered from a number of drawbacks. Some, like benzoin, darkened when exposed to light and most required some burnishing of the nail plate after the polish had dried to bring out the full gloss. Being natural products there was also the issues of batch uniformity and rising costs.

In 1938, the synthetic resin, toluene-sulphonamide-formaldehyde (TSFR or TSAfr), was introduced into nail polishes and gained wide use. As well as being colorless and transparent it made the nitrocellulose film tougher and improved its adhesion. Unfortunately, in 1943, TSFR was identified as a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms could appear around the nail but a common site of an allergic reaction was the eyelids, due to users rubbing their fingers against their eyes when their eyes were ‘tired’.

TSFR is still found in nail polishes today, generally listed either as tosylamide/formaldehyde resin or toluene sulfonamide/ formaldehyde resin, but some manufacturers avoid it. Some go even further and along with camphor and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) – an early plasticiser banned by the European Union in 1976 – sometimes specifically list TSFR as being absent.

 

Solvents

 

There are a large number of solvents that can be used for nitrocellulose-based nail polish. Selecting which to use and in what proportion depends on some factors including drying time, cost and odor. It might be thought that fast drying solvents would be ideal, but this is not necessarily the case. If the nail polish dries too quickly, the film may be streaky, and the rapid evaporation can cool the polish below the dew-point causing clouding (blushing), particularly on humid days when the water content of the air is high. Best results are therefore obtained by including a range of solvents, some of which have a slower rate of evaporation.

 

Color

 

As mentioned previously, until the 1930s nail polishes were primarily colored with soluble dyes like carmoisine, safranine, erythrosine, and phloxine. These were easy to incorporate into nail polish, the only major problem being that they often stained the nail.

The first nail polishes that included suspended particles first appeared in the 1920s. These were the pearl polishes – made with fish essence from fish scales – and metallic polishes – that used bronze, silver or gold metallic pigments. The use of other suspended pigments such as titanium dioxide and iron oxides occurred in the late 1920s when opaque cream polishes were developed. In the United States, these became more common a few years before the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and the introduction by the American Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of an approved list of colors that could be used in cosmetics. By this time, the fashion for matching nail polish and lipstick had taken hold in the United States, and similar pigments began to be used in both lines.

The early pearl and metallic polishes experienced a degree of sedimentation – settling out of the solid particles – but the problem became acute when cream polishes replace transparent forms. The issue was made more difficult by the fact that that sedimentation occurred at different rates for different particles. For example, pearl essence made from fish scales settled more slowly that made from bismuth oxychloride.

Of particular concern was titanium dioxide. Being white and heavier than the iron oxides it settled first, and once settled it was difficult to get it to back into the mixture. A number of solutions to the problem were tried over the years: some early polishes included a stirring stick to mix the polish before use; the iron oxides were deliberately coarse ground so that they would settle with the titanium dioxide to produce a residue that was reddish rather than stark white; the titanium dioxide was dyed so that when it settled it was not as noticeable; new ingredients were added to try to reduce the problem; bottles were designed to hide any sediment that might appear; and instructions were added that suggested shaking the bottle vigorously before use.

The ultimate solution to the problem was to develop a nail polish that was highly thixotropic, that is, one that was thick and viscous when still, but thin and less viscous when applied. Some compounds were tried over the years, but synthetic bentonite and hectorite clays proved to be the most effective and, although not without their problems, many nail polishes contain stearalkonium hectorite or stearalkonium bentonite to this day.

 

Base coats and top coats

 

One way to achieve good adherence, reduce staining and improve hardness, color and gloss were to use a base coat before applying the polish and then follow that with a top coat. The three products contained similar ingredients but differed in the amounts used. The base coat had more resin to help it adhere to the nail and reduce chipping, while the top coat contained less resin but more plasticiser and nitrocellulose to improve gloss and resistance to wear. In between these two, a layer of color was applied although top coats often contained color as well.

 

The first base coat (undercoat or foundation coat) appears to have been developed by Perma-Nail in New York in 1946. It was quickly followed by others including Everon (Revlon, 1946), Fulpruf Undercoat (Elizabeth Arden, 1947) and many others. I make note of this product mainly because they were the cause of numerous reports of allergic contact dermatitis. Subsequent products of this type showed similar problems.

Base coats and top coats formed a part of many professional manicures well up to the end of the twentieth century but for the average consumer they were too much trouble and in the 1950s many manufacturers made the point that their polishes did not require either, Charles of the Ritz is one of the first to do so with their Fresh Paint polishes.

 

Bottles

 

No discussion of nail polish can be complete without a mentioning of their bottles. Nail polish is now sold in bottles capped with a screw top lid – to help reduce solvent evaporation – with a brush attached to the cap. However, early nail polishes came with a brush that was not integrated with the bottle but was included in the box as a separate item.

With the introduction of titanium dioxide and iron oxide pigments in the 1930s, triangular shaped bottles became more common for a number of reasons: they ensured that pigments settled on the bottom of the bottle, rather than on the sides of the glass containers; the shape also minimized any signs of floating artifacts or streaks that might appear at the top of the polish; and it also gave the bottle a low center of gravity that helped prevent it from tipping over and spilling.

The introduction of thixotrophic nail polishes made the use of triangular bottles to disguise artifacts largely redundant and enabled nail polish manufacturers to experiment with the wide variety of bottle shapes we see today.

 

 

Moon Manicure

The first modern manicure was known as the “moon manicure”. To achieve this look the cuticles were cut, free edges filed into points, and polish was applied to the nail but not to the moon and tip.  Covering the entire nail with lacquer was considered extreme and improper. Red was considered the most ladylike color, but pale pink, nude, white and peach were also popular. It was considered important to choose a lacquer that would complement your outfit as well as match your lipstick.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the half moon style was still popular and there were dozens of colors introduced, including green, yellow, blue, mauve, and black. Matching nails with your clothes were still in vogue.

 

 

The 1960s

The fashions of the 1960s were far more relaxed than in previous decades. Instead of the half moon manicure, it was customary to paint the entire nail. Colors were less vibrant, including coral, purple and frosty blue hues.

 

The 1970s

 

Eventually, colors evolved to the full spectrum, such as various reds, oranges, and eventually the French manicure style polish, says Pattie. “The shape changed from almond-shaped to  square nails around the mid-70s through to the 90s, and French manicures became extremely fashionable.”

 

The 1980s

In the 80s creativity abounded and women went wild with nail art. This included multiple polish color applications to one nail, airbrushing, hand painting, embellishments, feathers, foil art, bright shades of pink, neon hues, real gold nails, and nail charms, Just about anything has experimented with to create designs. Longer lengths were in and a square shape. Various products were introduced to enhance the nails and their length, to include gels, tips, ‘organic’ nail powders and advanced types of acrylic blends.

 

The 1990s

After the run of nail art, consumers became more aware of their nail ‘health’ and products advanced in this direction. “Late 90s to early 2000, natural nails became popular again.” Black also had its heyday with the grunge crowd.

 

The 2000s

 

Into the 2000s, nail polish colors evolved to every and all shade. Various gel products and gel polishes were introduced, 3-D nail art, glitter, and Japanese style art are now seen on all types and classes of women. The shape has also gone back to the original almond shape and even to a more dramatic stiletto shaped nail.

 

Now

Recently, the evolution of nail appliqués has become the biggest trend,  The first appliqués were introduced by the Minx brand in 2007, and now Dashing Diva is the innovator in the field, offering appliqués with embellishments to make producing the popular 3-D art styles a breeze for anyone.  Gel polishes are also trendy, although removal is difficult.

 

 

Modern nail polish

 

from: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Nail_polishes.aspx

 

Modern nail polish is sold in liquid form in small bottles and is applied with a tiny brush. Within a few minutes after application, the substance hardens and forms a shiny coating on the fingernail that is both water- and chip-resistant. Generally, a coating of nail polish may last several days before it begins to chip and fall off. Nail polish can also be removed manually by applying nail polish “remover,” a substance designed to break down and dissolve the polish.

 

 

Raw Materials

There is no single formula for nail polish. There are, however, a number of ingredient types that are used. These basic components include film forming agents, resins and plasticizers, solvents, and coloring agents. The exact formulation of a nail polish, apart from being a corporate secret, greatly depends on choices made by chemists and chemical engineers in the research and development phase of manufacturing. Additionally, as chemicals and other ingredients become accepted or discredited for some uses, adjustments are made. For example, formaldehyde was once frequently used in polish production, but now it is rarely used.

The primary ingredient in nail polish is nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate) cotton, a flammable and explosive ingredient also used in making dynamite. Nitrocellulose is a liquid mixed with tiny, near-microscopic cotton fibers. In the manufacturing process, the cotton fibers are ground even smaller and do not need to be removed. The nitrocellulose can be purchased in various viscosities to match the desired viscosity of the final product.

Nitrocellulose acts as a film forming agent. For nail polish to work properly, a hard film must form on the exposed surface of the nail, but it cannot form so quickly that it prevents the material underneath from drying. (Consider commercial puddings or gelatin products that dry or film on an exposed surface and protect the moist product underneath.) By itself or used with other functional ingredients, the nitrocellulose film is brittle and adheres poorly to nails.

Manufacturers add synthetic resins and plasticizers (and occasionally similar, natural products) to their mixes to improve flexibility, resistance to soap and water, and other qualities; older recipes sometimes even used nylon for this purpose. Because of the number of desired qualities involved, however, there is no single resin or combination of resins that meets every specification. Among the resins and plasticizers in use, today are castor oil, amyl and butyl stearate, and mixes of glycerol, fatty acids, and acetic acids.

The colorings and other components of nail polish must be contained within one or more solvents that hold the colorings and other materials until the polish is applied. After application, the solvent must be able to evaporate. In many cases, the solvent also acts, as a plasticizer. Butyl stearate and acetate compounds are perhaps the most common.

Finally, the polish must have a color. Early polishes used soluble dyes, but today’s product contains pigments of one type or another. Choice of pigment and its ability to mix well with the solvent and other ingredients is essential to producing a good quality product.

Nail polish is a “suspension” product, in which particles of color can only be held by the solvent for a relatively short period of time, rarely more than two or three years. Shaking a bottle of nail polish before use helps to restore settled particles to the suspension; a very old bottle of nail polish may have so much settled pigment that it can never be restored to the solvent. The problem of settling is perhaps the most difficult to be addressed in the manufacturing process.

In addition to usual coloring pigments, other., color tones can be added depending on the color, tone, and hue of the desired product. Micas (tiny reflective minerals), also used in lipsticks, are a common additive, as is “pearl” or “fish scale” essence. “Pearl” or “guanine” is literally made from small fish scales and skin, suitably cleaned, and mixed with solvents such as castor oil and butyl acetate. The guanine can also be mixed with gold, silver, and bronze tones.

Pigment choices are restricted by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which maintains lists of pigments considered acceptable and others that are dangerous and cannot be used. Manufacturing plants are inspected regularly, and manufacturers must be able to prove they are using only FDA approved pigments. Since the FDA lists of acceptable and unacceptable pigments change with new findings and reexaminations of colors, manufacturers occasionally have to reformulate a polish formula.

 

Today’s Manufacturing Process

 

 

The modern manufacturing process is a very sophisticated operation utilizing highly skilled workers, advanced machinery, and even robotics. Today’s consumers expect a nail polish to apply smoothly, evenly, and easily; to set relatively quickly, and to be resistant to chipping and peeling. In addition, the polish should be dermatologically innocuous.

Mixing the pigment with nitrocellulose and plasticizer
1 The pigments are mixed with nitrocellulose and plasticizer using a “two-roll” differential speed mill. This mill grinds the pigment between a pair of rollers that are able to work with increasing speed as the pigment is ground down. The goal is to produce a fine dispersion of the color. A variation of this mill is the Banbury Mixer (used also in the production of rubber for rubber bands).
2 When properly and fully milled, the mixture is removed from the mill in sheet form and then broken up into small chips for mixing with the solvent. The mixing is performed in stainless steel kettles that can hold anywhere from 5 to 2,000 gallons. Stainless steel must be used because the nitrocellulose is extremely reactive in the presence of iron. The kettles are jacketed so that the mixture can be cooled by circulating cold water or another liquid around the outside of the kettle. The temperature of the kettle and the rate of cooling are controlled by both computers and technicians.
This step is performed in a special room or area designed to control the hazards of fire and explosion. Most modern factories perform this step in an area with walls that will close in if an alarm sounds and, in the event of an explosion, with ceilings that will safely blow off without endangering the rest of the structure.

Adding other ingredients
3 Materials are mixed in computerized, closed kettles. At the end of the process, the mix is cooled slightly before the addition of such other materials as perfumes and moisturizers.
4 The mixture is then pumped into smaller, 55-gallon drums, and then trucked to a production line. The finished nail polish is pumped into explosion proof pumps, and then into smaller bottles suitable for the retail market.
Quality Control

Extreme attention to quality control is essential throughout the manufacturing process. Not only does quality control increase safety in the process, but it is the only way that a manufacturer can be assured of consumer confidence and loyalty. A single bottle of poor quality polish can lose a customer forever. Regardless of quality control, however, no single nail polish is perfect; the polish always represents a chemical compromise between what is desired and what the manufacturer is able to produce.

The nail polish is tested throughout the manufacturing process for several important factors (drying time, smoothness of flow, gloss, hardness, color, abrasion resistance, etc.). Subjective testing, where the mixture or final product is examined or applied, is ongoing. Objective, laboratory testing of samples, though more time consuming, is also necessary to ensure a usable product. Laboratory tests are both complicated and unforgiving, but no manufacturer would do without them.

 

 

DIY Nail Polish

 

from: http://www.girlishh.com/how-to-make-natural-fingernail-polish/

 

Recipe 1

Mix a tablespoon of Olive Oil, cold and pressed, with half a tablespoon of Kaolin Clay Powder, or White Clay and make them into a paste. Olive Oil helps moisturize cuticles and nails, while clay will bring shine to the nails.
Add henna dye to the nail polish to get a color. Henna comes in different colors and can give a natural shade to your nail polish. Make a paste from Olive Oil and henna that is smooth.
Use an old brush or cotton swab for applying polish on nails evenly. Keep it on for fifteen minutes. If you are going to use henna for tinting nails, wipe out leftovers on the skin and air dry the nails.
If you are coloring your nails with henna, moisturize them often. A cotton swab immersed in warm water is enough to dab on the surface. You should leave the polish on for a minimum of one hour.
When the paste dries off, use a damp cloth to wipe away the nails. Gently rub to buff your nails. To get natural gloss, you should repeatedly apply this.



Recipe 2

Gather 3 tbsp Olive Oil, 2 tsp Alkanet Root, 1/4 tsp Beeswax, and two drops of Vitamin-E Oil. Heat the Olive Oil and Alkanet Root. When they are warm, remove from heat and allow them to set.
Use a good mesh strainer to strain the blend and separate Alkanet. Strained oil should once again be put into the boiler. Add beeswax to the oil and let it melt. After this, you can mix in the Vitamin E Oil. Mix and remove. With an old brush, apply the nail polish evenly on the nails. Do not smear it on the skin that surrounds it.



 

Recipe 3

Henna has been growing in popularity as a natural dye. It has been widely used in the East for many centuries. It is found to be very safe while giving an attractive color to your nails. It is easy to make a natural nail polish from henna.

Firstly, mix water and red henna in a small container. Stir the mixture until a fine paste form. Henna is made from herbal leaves that are dried before being ground to fine powder. You can purchase red henna from most of the local health food shops or online.

Next, paint the henna carefully on your nails; fingers or toes. Use a clean and small paint brush; paint slowly so that no henna will get onto your skin. When you are done, let your nails dry naturally.
Once the henna polish is dry, wash your hands. As the henna polish is really a stain, there is no worry of chipping or smearing like the commercially prepared nail polish. Henna polish will stay permanently on your nails as you have applied it until your nails grow out. Do not keep the remainder of the henna polish. Make a fresh paste each time you want to polish your nails again.

 

 

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/maHStEQ9_dM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• HIGH PERFORMING WITHOUT DRYING OUT YOUR NAILS – Will strengthen & moisturize your nails, unlike traditional nail polish removers which leave you with weak, brittle fingernails and toenails. Even removes stubborn UV gel nail polish!
• ALL INGREDIENTS RATED 0 OR 1 IN THE COSMETIC SAFETY REVIEW by the Environmental. Working Group’s Skin Deep database. Pure Vitality Beauty nail polish remover is nonhazardous, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and pregnancy safe.
• ECO-FRIENDLY – biodegrades quickly and fully. No chemical fumes to pollute the air. Cruelty-Free.

 

100% Pure Creamy Nail Polish – Pepper

 

Apply 100% Pure Horsetail Base Coat first for strong, healthy nails with a smoother surface. Apply one coat of nail polish color. After the first coat dries, apply a second coat. Finish with 100% Pure Glass Top Coat for a chip-free high gloss finish.

 

 

SONGMICS 24 Compartments Nail Polish ( not included ) Organizer Makeup Train Case with Mirror Portable Cosmetic Storage Holder with 1 Drawer Red UMUC18R

About the product
IMPECCABLE LAYOUT: 24 compartments structured by DIY removable plates, 1 drawer equipped with smooth sliding rails, easily opens and stores your beauty supplies
PRACTICAL DETAILS: The built-in mirror provides you a mini vanity kit anywhere you want; 6 elastic holders keep your brushes tightly fixed and easy to get to
EXQUISITE APPEARANCE: Red finish decorated with dazzling diamond pattern, aluminum frame and silver metal fastening make this case an elegant and eye-catching piece for home use and for professionalsSave

 

About the product
IMPECCABLE LAYOUT: 24 compartments structured by DIY removable plates, 1 drawer equipped with smooth sliding rails, easily opens and stores your beauty supplies
PRACTICAL DETAILS: The built-in mirror provides you a mini vanity kit anywhere you want; 6 elastic holders keep your brushes tightly fixed and easy to get to
EXQUISITE APPEARANCE: Red finish decorated with dazzling diamond pattern, aluminum frame and silver metal fastening make this case an elegant and eye-catching piece for home use and for professionalsIMPECCABLE LAYOUT: 24 compartments structured by DIY removable plates, 1 drawer equipped with smooth sliding rails, easily opens and stores your beauty supplies
PRACTICAL DETAILS: The built-in mirror provides you a mini vanity kit anywhere you want; 6 elastic holders keep your brushes tightly fixed and easy to get to
EXQUISITE APPEARANCE: Red finish decorated with dazzling diamond pattern, aluminum frame and silver metal fastening make this case an elegant and eye-catching piece for home use and for professionals
SAFE & SECURE: 2 lockable front clasps, each with two keys, can keep your items securely stored; the buckle on the drawer prevents sliding out when not in use
PORTABLE SIZE: Featuring an ideal size of 11 1/4″L x 7 5/8″W x 7 7/8″H (28.5 x 19.5 x 20cm), this nail polish makeup train case is an excellent choice for both daily and travel use

IMPECCABLE LAYOUT: 24 compartments structured by DIY removable plates, 1 drawer equipped with smooth sliding rails, easily opens and stores your beauty supplies
PRACTICAL DETAILS: The built-in mirror provides you a mini vanity kit anywhere you want; 6 elastic holders keep your brushes tightly fixed and easy to get to
EXQUISITE APPEARANCE: Red finish decorated with a dazzling diamond pattern, aluminum frame, and silver metal fastening make this case an elegant and eye-catching piece for home use and for professionals
SAFE & SECURE: 2 lockable front clasps, each with two keys, can keep your items securely stored; the buckle on the drawer prevents sliding out when not in use
PORTABLE SIZE: Featuring an ideal size of 11 1/4″L x 7 5/8″W x 7 7/8″H (28.5 x 19.5 x 20cm), this nail polish makeup train case is an excellent choice for both daily and travel use.

 

 

 

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