Photo protection from within?
Nutrition research continues to show that certain antioxidants may further protect the skin from the permanent cellular damage cause by sun exposure. On the top of list, melons, green tea, cocoa, berries and tomatoes (particularly tomato paste as it is lycopene rich,) have shown that when consumed in concentrated amounts through supplement form can help reduce the post inflammatory response cause by sun exposure and may help to protect the skin cells from permanent cellular damage.
A study recently published in the Journal of Nutrition, found that when women consumed a green tea polyphenol beverage with 1402 mg of catechins (equal to 10 cups of green tea,) skin was better protected against harmful UV radiation and helped to improve overall skin quality (elasticity, roughness, hydration,) over 12 weeks.
So would you drink 10 cups of green tea per day or consider a nutritional beauty supplement to complement your topical sunscreen?
Integrated Medicine continues to Grow
I read an article in the Huffington Post today discussing medicine, mind-body wellness such as yoga, nutrition and spa therapies that are increasingly gaining momentum for those seeking optimal health and well being.
To me, this is such an exciting time for spas. The pinnacle of health, wellness and beauty, the spa is the perfect place to offer a variety of modalities and health experts to support this wellness movement. Optimal health is no longer looked at within one modality, instead, there is a synergy of practices that support and maintain a healthy body. From skin care treatments, yoga, massage, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, diet and meditation, the spa can offer more today than we could even 5 years ago. By identifying a targeted niche and clientele base, spa’s can not only provide an uniqueness to what they offer, but also sustain a long term healthier bottom line.
Yours in Health & Beauty,
Paula Simpson