How to Detoxify Harmful Xenoestrogens From your Beauty Rituals | Part 2

Hi dear one!

I hope you’re doing great!  This powerful time together is a carry over [ part 2 ] from our previous conversation about estrogen mimickers called xenoestrogens.  

 Many personal care products such as cosmetics, shampoos, and body lotions, contain  harmful chemicals. For example, one of the most common chemicals found in personal care products is “Fragrance,” which can be made up of hundreds of various chemical compounds. Fragrances are linked to liver and kidney damage, cancer and endocrine disruption which interferes with your adrenal, thyroid and reproductive glands.

When we use these personal care products we can inhale the toxins as well as absorb them through our skin (the largest organ that connects to the inside of our body). 

It’s simple enough just to say “Opt for natural plant-based alternatives with simple ingredients that have names you recognize…” its just as important to know the why and how to recognize the unwanted ingredients damaging our health.  

Before we move forward, make sure you’re read up on how the pesky chemicals mimicking our estrogens succumb us and cause havoc in the first place! 

For a quick review: 

 WHAT ARE XENOESTROGENS?

Xenoestrogens are synthetic substances that mimic estrogen. Unfortunately, unlike estrogen, which the body fully eliminates after its job is done,  xenoestrogens are stored in fat cells where they disrupt the proper functioning of the reproductive system and increase hormone imbalances and the risk of disease in the breast and ovaries. 

Causes of Estrogen Dominance

The body accumulates excess estrogen in two ways:

Endogenously (inside) - We make too much of our own estrogen and it’s not being properly eliminated.

Exogenously (outside) - Excess estrogens enter the body from external sources, such as foods, the environment, toxins, and chemicals, and are not being properly eliminated.

Excess Estrogen Common Catalysts:

Stress - 

Surprise!  The leading cause of endogenous estrogen stems from excessive and prolonged stress which inversely decreases progesterone production to make more cortisol, the main stress hormone. This results in high estrogen levels in relation to progesterone.

Impaired Liver Function – 

Mentioned in part one, we know the liver removes excess hormones from the body, and if not working properly - it leads to estrogen dominance.

Dysbiosis –

A higher count of bad bacteria vs. good bacteria in the gut inhibits the conversion of estrogen into water-soluble molecules.  This causes the estrogens to recirculate back into the bloodstream where it can re-exert its effects. Gut health is very important for the metabolism of all hormones.

Now onto the deeper understanding of  ( Xenoestrogens ) from Personal Care Products

You may be overwhelmed, but trust me - reducing your xenoestrogen exposure through awareness when applied to your beauty products is easier than you think.    The impact is huge, and I have no doubt this will be helpful and clarifying for you and your beautiful health! 

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Two Reasons Why Xenoestrogenss Hidden in Skincare Is Harmful

Increase of Cancer Risk

About 40% of all cancers in women are hormonally driven. When estrogen mimickers are present in our beauty products - it increase the overall levels of circulating hormones. This is why it may also increase our risk for certain cancers, specifically breast cancer.

Breast cancer is estrogen-dependent.  Research has shown that xenoestrogens in personal care products can pose an increased risk of breast cancer.

Fertility 

In women, exposure to xenoestrogens can predispose us to estrogen dominant related health conditions like PCOS, Endometriosis, and Fibroids and fertility.   

Exposure to xenoestrogens is not the sole cause of these fertility, rather it’s constant exposure to these endocrine-disrupting compounds, like in your daily skincare routine that affects these conditions.

When becoming pregnant, xenoestrogen exposure can also be harmful.  In mice, exposure to xenoestrogens during pregnancy has been shown to affect the estrogen levels of the developing fetus. Men are perhaps even more susceptible to the negative effects of xenoestrogens on their fertility than women are. 

Xenoestrogens could be contributing factors to the deterioration of these men’s semen quality, resulting in their inability to conceive.

So, if you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, xenoestrogens in a beard oil or facial cream should be assessed as a easy way to reduce your exposure to these endocrine-disrupting compounds.

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Which leads me to how to awaken to xenoestrogens in our personal care and beauty products.

Outside-In 

When you consume chemicals internally they are first filtered through the liver before they make their way into the bloodstream, but when you use skincare products that contain xenoestrogens, they may pose risk  through absorption.  

 Top INGREDIENTS To Remove

Phthalates: Are round in cosmetics, cleaning products, food packaging, and detergents, PVC plastic, toys, and plastic wrap.

Buyer beware, the worst part about Phthalates is that Phthalates often times hide in the ingredient list under “fragrance.” Companies are able to vaguely label a group of ingredients as simply “fragrance” in order to protect trade-secret ingredients.

• Phthalate

• DEP

• DBP

• DEHP

Parabens: found in deodorant, antiperspirant, moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.

Parabens show up in personal care products because they are antimicrobial agents and preservatives.

• Ethylparaben

• Butylparaben

• Methylparaben

• And other ingredients ending in “-paraben”

Looking for a “paraben-free” label is the easiest way to avoid exposure to these xenoestrogens in your skincare products.

Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen and irritant found in nail products, hair dye, fake-eyelash adhesives and some shampoos. It has been banned in other countries.

Fragrance: Has hormone-disrupting effects. Fragrance is also connected to headaches, dizziness, asthma and allergies. Instead, use products with natural fragrances only.

Lead: A known carcinogen and hormone disruptor found in certain eyeliners, hair dye and lipsticks.

Mercury: A known irritant and allergen that, with body accumulation over time, can impair the brain and nervous system.

Oxybenzone: An active ingredient in chemical sunscreens that accumulates in fatty tissues and is linked to allergies, hormone disruption and cellular damage. I recommend wearing skin-protective clothing and using natural minerals or zinc products.

DEA/TEA/MEA (Ethanolamines): Used as emulsifiers and foaming agents for shampoos, hair color, body washes, soaps and topical application. It’s been associated with cancer in animal studies.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, SLES): A former industrial degreaser now used to make soap foamy, it’s absorbed into the body.

Diethylene glycol (or DEG): A central nervous system depressant and potent kidney and liver toxin. Sometimes found in fragrances. 

Note: Glycerin and propylene glycol are sometimes contaminated with DEG, which are common ingredients in personal care products.

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Stay Beautiful Inside and Out by Focusing on Nutrition and Detoxification

In conclusion, reoccurring toxins that build up in the body can adversely impact one’s health, hormones, looks and overall well-being.

I suggest checking your beauty-product labels, eating a plant rich diet, frequent exercise and plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your body naturally flush out toxins not only keeps xenoestrogens at bay but might also deter blemishes and fine lines that show up on your skin. 

If you are having skin issues or any hormonal imbalance symptoms you should have your hormones tested instead of guessing. The comprehensive hormone panel is an excellent starting place for evaluating hormone function. 

Small changes can add up to big impacts, so keep your eyes open for them and continue making healthy choices where and when you can.

To start making confident and empowering decisions today, head on over to www.evoqbeauty.com where you’ll find Xeno-FREE hair, skin and wellness products galore!  

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Awaken Beauty Podcast:
Please like, subscribe if you’re not already part of our tribe and comment what you learned with your 5 star review! 

Want to grab the top most offensive xenoestrogens in youre life? Just head to Awakenbeautyhq.com and find this mini episode with show notes! 

Looking for natural, organic and hormone disruption free skin and body care?  Then you know where to go! Head to Evoqbeauty.com. E-V-O-Q beauty.com and enter “AWAKEN” for your very first order! 

XO Love n’ light,   Kassandra

A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Estrogen Dominance from Xenoestrogens | Part One

Did you know that your stress levels and hidden chemical-laden skincare products may actually be behind your stubborn weight gain to a myriad of other symptoms?

Here, I share informative hormone health tips that I discuss on the Awaken Beauty Podcast.

We explore what happens as a consequence to our inner and outer ecosystem and daily actions that may be putting us at risk when we have “too much” or an imbalance of Estrogen.

Estrogen is what gives us women our beautiful hips, breast and thighs and keeps our entire body well lubricated. Estrogen also increases the health of our bones, plump skin, mood and much more.

Feeling it?

• Irregular or heavy periods

• Water retention

• Acne Breast swelling and tenderness

• Headaches

• Fibrocystic breast changes

• Weight gain

• Mood swings

• Hair loss

Today we review exactly how your estrogen gets out of balance and the critical key actions you can take to become aware and detoxify them!

Listen to the show below (scroll down to watch on Youtube)

How Does Your Estrogen Get Out of Balance?

Based on endocrine research, an imbalance happens in two primary ways.

1. Inability to metabolize hormones.

Not being able to rid our body of excess estrogen is becoming more common and is caused by a myriad of factors including genetics, stress, diet and lifestyle.

These may all contribute to an excess of hormones in the body and known as endogenous (internal).

The leading biomarker to test is if you have a optimal biological function to detoxify efficiently on a daily basis. There are tests to learn more about your personal ability to methylate and what specific detoxification pathways your body engages — good or not so good.

If left unchecked, a long term circulation of hormones can lead to an excess of certain hormones, particularly estrogen, in the body tissue.

2. Exposure to excess hormones in our outer environment.

Exposure to exogenous (external hormones) or hormone like substances can make a woman go crazy - and it’s the consequence of modern day living exposure to hormone like substances on a daily basis.

It’s these excess hormones that are obtained from a coined word knows as “xenoestrogens” that may directly contribute to unhealthy weight gain and other health deficiencies.

How’s this happen? Glad you asked!

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WHAT ARE XENOESTROGENS?

Xenoestrogens are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals that mimic our body’s natural hormone, estrogen. Normally our endocrine system releases an appropriate amount of each hormone for the body to function optimally. When’s the last time you’ve felt fully balanced?

This disruption happens because these chemicals bind to or block our natural hormone receptors.

So these xenoestrogens, in particular, get in the way of our estrogen receptors. This keeps our natural estrogen from binding as it normally would.

This leads to higher levels of circulating estrogen free flowing in our bloodstream, known as estrogen dominance

So in a nutshell, the more xenoestrogens we’re exposed to, the more total estrogen we’ll have in our bodies.

Mimicking estrogens effect on weight gain in a couple ways:

First, Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals target signaling proteins to make more fat cells which can promote weight gain.

Next, this can further change the energetic balance and the metabolism of ghrelin and leptin, the chemicals which control hunger and satiety. Errored thinking and a double minded confusion then leads to overeating.

Endocrine Disruptors and Estrogen Dominance

Unfortunately our environment is so filled with these chemicals (both inside and outside our home), our bodies are constantly inundated with and exposed to them.

Signs of this estrogenic excess weight are usually found around the abdomen, thighs, breast and the back of the arms.

Instigating the situation even more, excess estrogen processes an enzyme called aromatase, which converts our adrenal steroids (hormones) into estrogen. MORE ESTROGEN!

See the cycle?

It’s a cruel twist of biological fate, that estrogen prompts the formation of more fat cells, and the cycle just perpetuates itself.

EXCESS WEIGHT = EXCESS ESTROGEN = MORE FAT STORAGE

How about he role of stress?

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland and can easily sabotage weight loss. This is a basic biological function intended to protect us from starvation. When we experience high levels of stress, we produce high levels of cortisol, and our bodies store fat, sort of like an emergency backup plan.

So if you’re leading a high stress lifestyle, and wondering why you can shed those pesky pounds despite your best efforts, finding a way to de-stress is a must.

Feeling stressed? You can address overwhelm in a matter of seconds. I trust you’ll love the 7-11 breathwork exercise.

Exercice: Take a moment and close your eyes closed and put your hand on your stomach. As you take it deep breath in for seven and release for a count of 11, allow your stomach to gently push your hand out and in until you’ve changed your state into a calm, clear, clean, quiet, powerful and peaceful mind.

Now that we are clear and calm, let’s go in depth and create a plan on how to improve detoxification for overall wellness and weight management.

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5 Steps to Balancing Your Estrogen Naturally

Love Your Liver. Your liver is responsible for metabolizing and releasing estrogen out of the body.

Nutrient density – Eat quality protein
– Eat plenty of garlic and onions
– Take a B complex
– Eat a minimum of 3 cups of cruciferous vegetables weekly

Fix Your Gut.
Once the liver processes estrogen for elimination, it is up to your gut to move it out! If you are experiencing constipation, there is a good chance your estrogen isn't making its way out, but instead, going back into circulation in the body. Figuring out and treating the underlying cause of your digestive issues is crucial in creating optimal hormonal health.

Eat Fiber. Aim for at least 25 grams per day by eating plenty of vegetables and fruits. Fiber will keep your bowels regular and help eliminate waste, including unnecessary estrogen.
Stress Less.

Sleep! Seven hours is the minimum you should be getting nightly. Your body needs sleep and your hormones demand it.

Remove Products Containing Endocrine Disruptors

Front and center, as a formulator, I can see first hand how estrogen mimicking chemicals are traditionally found in personal care products. As I started formulating over 12 years ago- I made sure none of my skin and hair products were free of hormonal disruptors.

I’ll go deeper into Xenoestrogens in beauty products on a upcoming episode, but for today’s purposes, I want to leave you with a overview of the top 3 offenders you can address immediately.

Ready to take action?

The importance here is to bring awareness to our inner and outer everyday trance of “normalcy” by assessment because I want to make sure that you're informed and you know how to support your hormones in every way possible.

So let’s jump into the power of removing these top three!

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3 Most Common Endocrine Disruptors and How to Find Them

1. Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is a chemical that has been associated with cancer, including breast cancer. But beware! The chemicals they use to replace BPA are equally concerning in regards to the negative health effects like sabotaging your fertility, causing your weight to climb, and painful periods.

BPA is Commonly Found In:

• Receipts

• Plastic bottles and containers

• Canned foods

• Food packaging

2. Flame Retardants

Your rest it at night may be in conflict with your hormones!

The tricky thing about flame retardants is that they aren’t just in our couch cushions or mattresses. They are also in our pets beds, find their way into the dust in our home, are in baby car seats, electronics, and on kid’s pajamas.

• Flame Retardants Are Commonly Found In:

• Mattress

• Furniture

• Pet beds

• Children’s Car Seats

How to Avoid Flame Retardants:

• Check the labels on clothes and don’t even touch those synthetic pajamas in the store.

• Check the labels on furniture before you make a new purchase

• Purchase flame retardant free mattress

• Choose pet beds without flame retardant

• Use a HEPA or other air filter in your home

3. Phthalates

Ever wonder why you hear avoid fragrance when it comes to hormones? That’s because fragrances can be a source of phthalates, which are known to cause harm to reproductive health.

Phthalates Are Commonly Found In:

• Personal care products

• Plastic wrap and food storage containers

• Plastic children’s toys

• Fragrances in trash bags, diapers, and candles

• Air fresheners

How to Avoid Phthalates:

• Read labels and avoid products that list phthalates or fragrance

• Eat out of glass, rather than plastic storage containers

• Ditch air fresheners and opt for essential oils instead

• Buy natural, beeswax candles only (or at minimum fragrance free)

• Use laundry detergent that doesn’t have artificial fragrance

Eating organic foods as often as possible

Avoiding Xenoestrogens (like personal care products or cleaning products that can disrupt our hormones)

Avoiding further exposure by not eating out of plastic containers and not touching the paper receipts from the grocery store.

Make sure you're getting a variety of fiber-rich foods that can help you carry waste out. And, at the same time, those foods are supporting your overall hormonal system, your nutrient health, and your liver detoxification.

You can also support detoxification and elimination of chemicals that harm your hormones by supplementing with:

• Diindolylmethane (DIM)

• Broccoli seed extract

• Resveratrol

• Chrysin

• Calcium D-Glucarate

• Folate

• Magnesium

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Well ladies, that’s it! I get pretty heated up around hormone disrupting invaders in our life.

Stay tuned to a story shared with Julie Tebben on Episode 11 and how it directly relates to the importance of our beauty and personal care products we use as women, every day.

Here’s a few facts to preface my next mini episode on Xenoestrogens and products.

The average US woman uses 12 personal care products a day, containing 168 different chemicals

While most men use fewer products, they’re still exposed to about 85 such chemicals daily

Women with higher levels of personal-care chemicals in their bodies experienced menopause two to four years earlier than women with lower levels

Ok, Enough for now. I hope you enjoyed this savvy info.

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Watch on Youtube!

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You can listen to the episode here.

Please like, subscribe if you’re not already part of our tribe and comment what you learned with your 5 star review!

Looking for natural, organic and hormone disruption free skin and body care? Then you know where to go! Head to Evoqbeauty.com and enter “AWAKEN” for 25% your very first order!

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Download the SHOW NOTE PDF HERE!

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Resources:

Dr Jolene Brighten

Thttps://www.energeticnutrition.com

https://www.shechangeseverything.com/blog/2018/11/4/are-chemicals-making-you-sick-the-full-list-of-obesogens

Debunking CBD & Skin Care Video Replay

Hi dear one!

As you know, I’m passionate about truth and transparency. As a skin care formulator, I’m weary of all the new “CBD skin care products” on the market. After formulating CBD rich topicals myself, I can analyze and recognize the watered down counterfeits on the market, and want the same for you.

So what’s all this jazz about CBD and skincare?

It’s ALL RIGHT HERE! Listen to this live webinar replay with Aliza, the CEO of Ellementa and yours truly.

**PS. Grab our 25% reduced price offer below for trusted, organic CBD.

Here are the cliff notes!

This awesome and informative video focuses on how CBD (cannabinoids) is a potent antioxidant, and when used topically- it is an easy, low-commitment way to bring new life support into your daily skin health routine.

Cannabis extracts are being added to skin and beauty products. Some of what is appearing on the market today is part of a trend, there are some ways cannabis – and particularly CBD – can be beneficial to you.

• Many products on the market contain Hemp Seed Oil and are now labeled as containing “cannabis sativa.” Technically, that is correct – Hemp is a version of the cannabis plant. But extractions from hemp seeds do not have the same properties as extractions of the hemp plant or cannabis sativa plant.

• Hemp Seed Oil benefits for skin include:
Contains linoleic acid and oleic acids, both helpful to skin health and can be taken internally
Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
Helping to prevent signs of aging
Good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids the help maintain healthy cells o Moisturizing/hydrating with protectant qualities via lipids/fats

• Products that contain Cannabidiol or CBD can be useful in reducing inflammation, swelling, irritations and acne and also preventing it.

• Terpenes found in cannabis can also be helpful to reduce inflammation. The terpenes known to have anti-inflammatory properties include: Caryophyllene, Alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene, Alpha-bisabolol (anti-irritation and analgesic properties), Humulene, and Myrcene. Linalool is an anti-microbial and antifungal.

• Cannabis and CBD can be used internally to reduce systemic-wide inflammation and address auto-immune conditions that present on the skin such as eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis.

• Topicals with cannabis or CBD can only penetrate a few layers of skin but can be useful to reduce inflammation that is closer to or on the skin’s surface.

• Transdermals are formulated to penetrate more deeply and can address bigger health issues that affect the skin including systemic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Transdermals contain an “accelerant” to promote absorption and could include terpenes such as Limonene or Oleic Acid.

• Taking cannabis or CBD internally can address deficiencies in your Endocannabinoid system which in turn can promote healthier skin.

3 Takeaways

1. A healthy Endocannabinoid System can result in healthier skin and hair (scalp). Cannabis can nourish your ECS.

2. Topicals affect only a few layers deep into your skin – good for surface conditions.

3. Transdermals and taking cannabis or CBD internally can have address more systemic issues that could be affecting your skin.

3 General Tips

1. When using cannabis or CBD externally, do a patch test first to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction. If taking internally: Start low, go slow.

2. Keep a journal of symptoms, what you try, and effects over time.

3. Look to address not just surface skin health but the underlying conditions that could be presenting as skin issues by taking a suitable cannabis product as a supplement as part of your regular health routine

Thanks for listening!

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Evoq promises transparency and the highest level of ingredients that are consistent in every bottle.

Use the code “ AWAKEN “ for 25% OFF your first order!

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About Your Hosts

How Your Lifestyle Accelerates Aging & Affects Skin Health [tips + science inside]

In my previous article, I noted that our body’s biological system is influenced by our genetics. In fact - science proves that 80% of our health state is from the daily choices and our direct environment. The other 20% is hard coded. This should come a a great relief (and a little pressure of course).

Why does our skin ages and what we can do about it?

Aging occurs because of two different factors: intrinsic and extrinsic. You don't have much control over intrinsic factors, which are influenced by your genes, ethnicity, and certain medical conditions. But there is a major upside because you can have a huge impact on your extrinsic factors like UV exposure, stress, smoking, nutrition and lifestyle choices, which are major contributors to the aging process.

How do these extrinsic factors contribute to aging? All of them can generate the trifecta of reactions that create fines lines, wrinkles, and skin sag: oxidation, inflammation, and glycation. When you combine these three things, you hit the jackpot for premature aging.

Below we get one to one on terminology, how it affects our fundamental biology, and how to integrate lifestyle and nutritional habits to assist healthy aging and brighter skin.

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Oxidation

Mitochondria are tiny "organelles," thousands of them in each cell, that are the power plants for our metabolisms. Their waste products include oxygen in a form that is super-reactive and therefore toxic. The cell has an effective mechanism for quenching these ROS (reactive oxygen species).

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Insulin chemistry

The body gradually loses its ability to respond to insulin, and poisons itself with excess blood sugar.

All the food you eat gets converted into glucose, which is the simplest form of sugar that your body can use for energy. Foods containing more sugar—think packaged cereal, crackers, sauces as well as foods that are more readily converted into sugar like refined carbohydrates—can flood your system with glucose.

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Glycation (cross-linking of proteins and sugars)

Skin + Glycation

When sugar combines with protein or fat in the bloodstream, the result is the formation of harmful compounds called advanced glycation end products (also knowns as AGEs). AGEs can be formed spontaneously in the body or they can be formed in foods like fried foods and highly processed products like red meat, margarine, nuts, and butter. Cooking methods using high temperatures—like frying, grilling, and toasting—can also contribute to AGEs formation.

In your skin, AGEs are formed with collagen and elastin causing these fibers, which are integral to a supple and youthful appearance, to become stiff, inflexible, and prone to breakage. Translation: Your skin becomes less elastic, wrinkled, saggy, and more vulnerable to sun damage.

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Inflammation

An important tool for fighting infection, but it becomes over-reactive in old age, and the body begins attacking itself. Excessive inflammation plays a central role in cardio disease and in arthritis, and a lesser role in Alzheimer's disease

Skin +Inflammation: Your body is on a roller coaster of high and low blood sugar spikes and labile insulin levels, which can lead to skin sag, inflammation, and chronic disease. Chronic inflammation is at the root of chronic disease systemwide and your skin is no exception. Inflammation can worsen rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema and can also weaken the collagen and elastin in your skin over time, leading to skin laxity, poor wound healing, and uneven tone and texture.

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Apoptosis

A term for programmed cell suicide. Cells are programmed to die when they are unhealthy or when they become cancerous.

But there is evidence that in old age, healthy cells undergo apoptosis as part of the body's self-destruction program.

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Telomeres & Replicative Senescence

All cells have built-in counters called telomeres tacked on to the end of each chromosome. With each time the cell reproduces, the telomere becomes shorter, and eventually the cell to stop reproducing.

Longer telomeres have longer life spans.

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De-methylation

With age, DNA loses methyl groups that control gene expression, and as a result genes are expressed in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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Let’s recap with some final tips!

Addressing Cellular Health by Eating for a Youthful Glow ….

So in closing, there are a lot of things in our food supply and environment that threaten our skin health, cellular health and our overall mood and appearance. Focusing on certain foods can make a huge ( all the ) difference.

1. Antioxidant-rich foods

Eating foods rich in antioxidants like tomatoes (lycopene), berries (polyphenols), dark leafy greens (Vitamin E), and spinach (carotenoids) can limit damage caused by free radicals and AGEs. Pair your meal with a few cups of green tea (catechins) and coffee (caffeic acid) for an added boost.

2. Anti-inflammatory foods

Adding in foods rich in carotenoid plant compounds like lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon, and guava), lutein (pumpkin, pistachio, dark leafy greens), and zeaxanthin (parsley, kale, egg yolk) will give you an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant jolt. Foods rich in zinc, selenium, and copper like lentils, eggs, dark chocolate and almonds are also vital to the formation of collagen and elastin and help decrease inflammation.

3. Anti-glycation foods

Foods that limit rapid, sharp spikes in blood sugar can help limit AGE formation. So can utilizing cooking methods using low temperatures and water-based moisture like steaming, poaching, and stewing.

Apples, asparagus, figs, celery, green peppers, cauliflower, and onions have been shown to combat the process of glycation as they are rich in phytonutrients, beneficial compounds, including rutin, quercetin, and luteolin.

Adding in high fiber vegetables like artichokes and broccoli, as well as herbs and spices including cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, garlic, sage, thyme, and fenugreek can help keep blood sugar levels steady and block collagen-damaging AGEs.

The best part of all of this is that these foods can be used in so many delicious recipes. Protecting your skin doesn't mean only eating bland, boring food. So bon appetit and cheers to long-term skin health.

Hippocrates is famously quoted for saying, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food," but I would argue that food can be the fountain of youth, too.

Love n Light - Kassandra

The 5 Key Triggers of Female Hair Loss (and a natural solution 2x's more powerful than minoxidil)

Hey lovely!
I wanted to speak with you about a topic and experience many women go through. Even though it's a vanity, it runs emotionally deep.

Been here?
Whether post-baby, post trauma, post-menopause, when your hair becomes noticeably thinner, we freak out and grow (no pun intended) self-conscious and anxious if it will stop.

I've been there. Last year I uncovered I was severely anemic, in which became a catalyst of over 50% hair loss. I remember pulling out handfuls, driving me into deep despair.

I QUICKLY HAD A DIRECT AFFINITY AS A HAIR LOSS SPECIALIST, AND NOW HAVING MASSIVE LOSS, MYSELF.

Given the right tools, I've successfully regained the loss hair, and I truly believe that with the right information - we can slow loss - and potentially grow back what's been rinsed down the drain with the right testing tools, expertise and safe products.

I know ONE THING. Dissolving the triggers and getting to the ROOT, is the best way to make it stop.

Because if left untreated, over time, thinning can worsen significantly.

Get to the ROOT and invest in understanding why it is happening in the first place.

Take a closer look at the five common reasons women experience hair loss.

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#1: HORMONAL IMBALANCES

Many of the most common causes of hair loss in women center around hormone changes. When the hormones change – either too much or too little occurs – this changes the way the body works. In most people, even slight changes can create shifts in the way the body operates. Hormones can cause hair loss to occur for various reasons. Most commonly, it occurs because the body pulls away hair production to focus on other tasks in the body, such as inflammation. Hormone imbalances can be a good thing, though. Most of the time, they can be improved upon, allowing hair to regrow once your hormone levels are more in balance.

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#2: POOR DIET

If your diet is not what it should be, it will show in your hair. It is very common for individuals who have a poor diet to struggle with hair loss. Imagine the cells in your follicles needing nutrition. When they do not get the nutrition necessary, this commonly leads to the cells being unable to work properly. When this happens, your body cannot produce the hair you normally have. A key culprit of this is iron deficiency. Iron is critical for the development of healthy and beautiful hair, yet many women do not get enough of it in their diet.

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#3: STRESS

There is no bigger trigger to significant hair loss in a sudden manner than stress. Stress is a form of hormone imbalance. When the body is faced with a stressful situation, it must react. To do so, it must determine where to send nutrients and oxygen. It tends to send this to the cells that need to react fastest. Hair tends to fall out because of a lack of nutrients as a result. It is very common for stressful situations – such as changes in lifestyle or diet or traumatic events – to lead to some level of hair loss. This tends to be very sudden and unexpected.

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#4: MEDICATION

Some medications can cause hair loss to occur. It is very common in women (as well as men) who are undergoing chemotherapy. Some forms of chemotherapy target the actively growing cells in the body. Since your hair is continuously growing, chemo tends to lead to hair loss. Other medications can do this as well. If you just started a new medication and you are facing this type of symptom, it is time to speak to your doctor about it. Most often, once you stop taking that medication – if your doctor approves – you may see your hair growth return.

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#5: PREGNANCY

The body changes massively during pregnancy. Hair loss tends to be one of the victims of the process. When pregnancy occurs, the body must adjust hormone levels to compensate. As a result of this, the pregnancy can cause women to lose some of their hair, especially two to 4 months after the baby is born. Once your hormones levels are back to normal, hair growth will normalize as well.

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IN CLOSING, LET’S GET A PLAN.

Why is your hair loss happening? You’re incredibly unique, and it cannot be said for sure until you visit a functional medicine practitioner or doctor to inquire about your options and your needs. Make sure you check all hormones, including TPO, Thyroid, T3/T4 conversion, iron and nutritional value. Whoofta!

Most importantly, it is essential that you address your concerns right away. Hair loss, especially sudden hair loss, can be cause for underlying health concerns.​

What about scalp topicals? I firmly believe in a multi-purposeful approach. If you’d like to learn how I’ve helped hundreds of women jump start their HAIR GROWTH, then check out our Root Revival Hair Loss Kit and Tonic HERE!

Get on the Evoq Re-growth Plan

It’s a powerful and proven to be 2x's more powerful than minoxidil!

Natural?

YES - completely chemical free, leaving no grease or weight on the scalp.

Add These Most Influential Foods for Genetic Health and Aging

Hi there!

Genetics, 23 and Me, and MTHR are all phrases you’ve possibly seen in the last year around the discussion of optimizing our genetic health.

I’m also sure you’ve heard of the “80/20” rule. Well, below you’ll learn the importance and how I’ve put a new flare to this concept and relate it to our DNA health.

How?

The truth of the matter is that in relation to genetics - science proves that 80% of our health state is from the daily choices and our direct environment. The other 20% is hard coded. This should come a a great relief (and a little pressure of course).

Did you know our nutrition has a DNA to it as well? It’s how it helps heals us.

Improve Your Longevity and Aging Adding Epigenetic Influence of Foods and Supplements

Learning more about what we eat and what impact it may have on our bodies, especially the potential epigenetic impact it may have on our DNA – the very “code of life” – is just one step on the path to better health.

When’s the last time you really thought about how the foods you eat positively or negatively affect your body, health, and wellbeing?

With more research and an increasing amount of practitioners, we can begin to unravel the mysteries of what may be contributing to our ailments and what could be done to help improve our health with a much more comprehensive understanding.

It’s intriguing to follow the progress of epigenetic testing and the benefits that analyzing the epigenome can have on guiding proper health regimens.

Polyphenols, for example, which are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, olives, and chocolate, have been shown to be effective in promoting resilience again stress and reducing depression.

The combination of these compounds were found to epigenetically reduce stress and depression by modulating inflammatory responses and synaptic plasticity in the brains of those with depression.

Cool right?

So just for you, here’s the list of the most powerful foods studied to address your genetic health at the cellular level?

To age better. Feel better. To think better.

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The Most Influential Foods for Genetic Health and Aging

Broccoli sprouts—Best source of sulforaphane, which prevents brain aging, excess estrogen and lowers cancer risk.

Pomegranate—anti-oxidant which appears also to reduce blood cholesterol count.

Blueberries.

Neuroprotection, hearing and memory loss, possible anti-cancer benefits.

Ginger.

anti-inflammatory action via several independent mechanisms

Curcumin.

Anti-inflammatory and possibly anti-cancer. Slows Alzheimer's progression.

Green tea.

Anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-Alzheimer's effects

Molecular Hydrogen.

Great for cellular oxygenation and free radical repair

Fish—for omega 3 oils.

The best sources (in order) are mackerel, herrings, sardines, tuna, lake trout, sturgeon, salmon, anchovies, bluefish, halibut, bass, rainbow trout.

Tomatoes.

For alpha lipoic acid and lycopene

Cruciferous vegetables.

(broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale) for vitamins, anti-oxidants and anti-carcinogens.

Raw garlic and almonds.

May help reduce arterial plaques and lower homocysteine levels, lowering heart attack risk.

Cannabidiol

Creates homeostasis and everyday stress resilience

Vinegar.

At the beginning of a meal, tempers the body's subsequent spike in blood sugar in response to carbohydrates.

Soy is a mixed blessing.

The phytoestrogens in soy products seem to protect against heart disease and some cancers. But there is a theory afloat that high consumption of soy may contribute to brain aging.

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In closing, I hope this list of powerful DNA enhancing nutrients make it onto your shopping list! In return, it’ll protect you from the small daily chronic levels of stress we are exposed to everyday.

CHEERS! xo Love n’ Ligh, Kassandra

5 Surprising Skincare Slip-Ups Causing Complexion Damage

Hey there! Little rituals, how we take the time to put intention into our routines, can make a big difference, over time. Here are a few tips!

The quality and condition of your skin will ultimately determine how youthful you look and can affect your overall appearance. Unfortunately, many people have slip-ups that cause complexion damage over time.

If you want to avoid harming your skin, there are a few common mistakes to avoid making.

Over-Exfoliating

Most people are aware that exfoliating is an important part of caring for your skin to remove dead skin cells and prompt regrowth to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can be easy to over-exfoliate and buff away the top skin layer, which can mean removing the protective skin layer. The Skin Nerd explains that many chemical exfoliation products use acids to break down the skin and overuse of these can cause serious complications. If your skin isn't protected, it can increase your risk of sun damage and exposure to environmental toxins, which leads to aging. Experts recommend only exfoliating two to three times each week.

Drug Abuse

No one is going to say that drug use and abuse are good things, but very rarely do we talk about the serious damage drug use can have on every part of our bodies. The Recovery Village explains that methamphetamine causes acne, sores, and a substantial drop in your skin's elasticity, which can lead to premature aging. The blood vessels constrict with drug use, which can affect proper blood flow to the skin and can make it difficult for the body to repair any damage that has occurred. Your complexion will begin to lack a healthy glow and can start to sag, form wrinkles, and age rapidly.

Improper Cleansing

Improper cleansing of the skin also leads to damage to the complexion due to clogged pores that can lead to breakouts. It's important to cleanse your skin with a product that has the right ingredients, which includes witch hazel, which is a natural astringent. Salicylic acid is necessary for cleansing the pores and antioxidants should also be an added ingredient to offer protection. Acne, a leathery skin texture, and an increase in sores are common, which can add an extra decade to the individual's appearance.

Improper Treatment of Acne

Blemishes need proper treatment to ensure that they heal correctly and don't lead to scarring on the skin. Avoid pushing the infection to the surface of the skin and give it a few days to work itself up naturally. Rise and Shine recommends to avoid applying a drying treatment, which can cause it to become trapped underneath the skin. Dry and flaky skin can actually cause more pimples so using gentle oil-free moisturizer can help. With cysts, avoid picking the pimple because they'll never reach the surface. Opt for applying an anti-cyst product that will dissolve the infection.

Not Enough Vitamins

Hum Nutrition explains that vitamins affect skin health and are necessary to slow down the effects of aging. It's important to get enough omega-3 fatty acids to ensure that cells can hold enough water to reduce the risk of wrinkles. Vitamin B1 and B6 are also responsible for strengthening the skin and preventing stress from having a harmful effect. CBD oil can also be used with vitamins and can be applied topically treat eczema, reduce acne, and encourage abnormal cell death.

Skincare slip-ups are common but should be avoided if you want to improve the quality of your skin as you age. With the right care provided, you can feel proud to show off your skin and allow it to look youthful.

Having professional beauty services done can greatly improve your chances of avoiding these mistakes and slip ups! Let Beauty Ecology help you have the best skin you can possibly have!

How to Know if Your Skin Products Contain Hemp Oil or Active CBD Oil

Hello Awakened Beauty!

Unless you’re living under a rock burrowed deep within a cave on a remote island with terrible cell reception, you’ve heard of CBD. Touted as a “miracle drug,” everyone from doctors to stressed-out city dwellers are excited about its therapeutic potential. While we tend to err on the side of science, both anecdotally and in studies, CBD has been shown to help with conditions ranging from anxiety, stress, inflammation, and, as demonstrated by the drug approved by the FDA, childhood epilepsy.

We’ve talked about how topicals can help with pain (remember: most cannabis creams don’t meaningfully enter your bloodstream), but we haven’t talked about why inflammation happens, why it’s important, and how cannabis can help the process.

Think of inflammation like your body’s personal police force and hospital all rolled into one operation. It’s your first line of defense when you cut yourself, get an ingrown hair, or destroy your feet with a pair of five-inch heels. Your immune system is kicking in to protect and repair hurt areas with increased blood flow and white blood cells. This causes area to swell up, but it’s for a good cause

. A certain level of inflammation ensures bacteria is kept under control and cells are hard at work to heal the area. However, there is such a thing as too much inflammation. The root of excruciating chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, excess inflammation can also cause damage to tissue, cells, and your skin.

Now, onto another form of inflammation that causes great strife in human populations—zits. A pimple is your body’s response to trapped bacteria. Zits are how your body deals with bacteria that’s become sealed in your pores—whether it’s from excess oil production or dead skin cells.

While popping said pimple can be deeply therapeutic, it never solves the root problem: the bacteria getting entombed. Whether it’s overactive sebaceous glands that create an oil imbalance (remember, not all oil is bad, particularly when it comes to your products) or dead skin creating a fossilized layer on your face, poking and prodding a zit can actually worsen inflammation and spread the bacteria to other pores for more mounds, more bumps, more pus.

Delicious.

CBD has been theorized to be the next wunderkind in skincare. Let’s DEBUNK how to know what you’re getting when buying “CBD skin care.”

Both are good for your skin but hemp seed is used for its deeply moisturizing abilities. CBD is the active compound in cannabis that fights inflammation, bacteria, and cell turnover. Hemp seed oil is already used in products throughout Europe and the U.S., and is akin to a common carrier oil like rosehip. If the brand doesn’t list CBD, phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol, or full-spectrum hemp (which are all indications of CBD in legal chemical terms) on their packaging, you’re just buying hemp seed, which has no active CBD.

Like with all active compounds, you need enough of it to work. Ever try taking an eighth of an Advil? Dr. Caroline Hartridge, an osteopath and founder of Dr. Hartridge’s Healthcare Solutions, notes that 200-mg per ounce of product is effective for pain and anti-inflammatory effects. Lower doses are still powerful for cellular repair among a host of other benefits but if you're seeing lower than 25-mg per ounce, or the company is hesitant to share levels, be wary.

Before you get dazzled by CBD, make sure the other ingredients are OK for your skin. Perfumes, additives, and thickeners may trigger allergic reactions or be the key ingredient that helps your skin.    

Chemicals are chemicals are chemicals. The battle between isolate and full-spectrum CBD are valid as isolates are difficult to trace, but, if your beauty company is transparent about where the CBD comes from, isolate might be better for your face. Full-spectrum is like a wine crop: Each vintage varies. CBD’s terpenes or essential oils can vary from crop to crop. While that’s okay for food, for your face, you may want something that’s more consistent.

Whether you’re slapping it on your face or ingesting it orally, evidence points to CBD helping with inflammation, oil production, and restoring moisture balance.

One study showed that ingested CBD helped normalize oil production, leaving acne sufferers with better skin as pores wouldn’t get blocked. If you’re looking for a topical, make sure it has a high dose. If you’re looking for an oral CBD, make sure you’re not allergic to anything in the tincture.  

Shop Clinical Grade CBD @beautyecology and online www.evoqbeauty.com

**Thank you for this great resource and editorial by Nice Paper