Do You Need to Worry About Gluten in your Personal Care Routine?

  As a passionate product formulation junkie I am noticing most women's personal care products quoting they are "FREE OF" ----- you know the list.   Any person versed in cosmetic science knows that the danger of the 'bad chemicals' in our every day products may not be harmful in itself, but the issue comes when the products are used multiple times per day, for extending periods of time.

But I won’t get into that right now .....I am braving to share the following post that digs a little deeper into the "FREE OF GLUTEN" craze.   I have mixed feelings on this topic and am very clued in on the real science of the claims on the market, the results of removing gluten from all nutritional/personal care products, etc.  There are many different forms of beneficial plant proteins that deliver incredible results for the hair.

We have many clients that are on disciplined diets that avoid gluten.  I don't touch it myself!       "Hmmmmm .... what are your thoughts?  I'm pondering....."

Celiac Disease: What is It?    

The only known group of people that this particular subfield of skin care products affects is comprised of those with celiac disease (CD). This is because celiac disease is a disorder of the small intestine, where upon exposure to gliadin (a gluten protein found in foods such as wheat, barley, and rye), elicits an inflammatory immune response that involves the ubiquitous tissue transglutaminase enzyme. This can lead to chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and even multiple ulcer formulations.

That’s not pretty. And we definitely don’t want to worsen the condition. Fortunately, since most gliadin proteins have molecular weights of between 16,000 to 50,000 Daltons, they are far too large to penetrate into the skin and be absorbed systemically.

Therefore, it can be concluded that gluten-containing skin care products do NOT affect the celiac condition itself, as supported by the Mayo Clinic. It was further suggested that a rare skin manifestation of celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, is also not affected by gluten-containing skin care products.

Celiac Disease: Contact Dermatitis

Remember, a lot of things can cause contact dermatitis. Always use caution when testing new products, no matter who you are.

However, it is important to explore the idea that those with celiac disease may have an increased susceptibility to experiencing contact dermatitis while using gluten-containing skin care products.

This is because theoretically, when gliadins (there are three main types) come into contact with the skin of a celiac patient, the tissue transglutaminase enzyme in skin cells can deamidate them into compounds such as glutamic acid. These compounds will then be recognized by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which will travel to a lymphatic node and label them as targets to be attacked by gluten-specific memory T-cells, which are part of the immune system.

How much of this translates to real-life scenarios is relatively unknown. Only one study that I know of demonstrates this concept, where 14 female celiac patients experienced contact dermatitis after using gluten-containing skin care products. Upon discontinuing use, their contact dermatitis subsided.

However, I have to note that this study only mildly supports the idea that those with celiac disease may have an increased tendency to experience contact dermatitis with gluten-containing skin care products. This is due in-part because of the small population size of the study; that the same products weren’t tested on non-celiac individuals; as well as the fact that the study was not vehicle-controlled (meaning that another class of ingredients like fragrances could have caused the reaction); nor were the patients or doctors blinded (meaning that the results could be due to the placebo effect; ever heard of self-fulfilling prophecies?).

Celiac Disease: What Should I Do?  

Always test out new products on a small area of the skin!

If you have celiac disease, don’t panic! Know that gluten-containing skin care products will not affect the actual celiac condition. However, it may be prudent to test gluten-containing products on the inside of the wrist or behind the ear for several days, before applying them all over the skin. But don’t stress out over this rather small risk.

Besides, there are gazillions of excellent skin care products on the market that don’t contain gluten, without necessarily being labeled as “gluten-free.” And I have to stress that when I mean gluten, I mean that it actually contains a gliadin protein. Just because something is derived from wheat or rye, doesn’t mean that it will trigger a reaction. Like gliadin for example, ferulic acid can be derived from wheat. But its structure and functions are so far removed from gliadin that to equate them would be a mistake.

One more thing: it may also be prudent to use a separate skin care product for the eye area (it doesn’t have to be labeled as an “eye” cream) that’s been confirmed to be gluten-free, just to minimize exposure into the eyes. It’s most likely that any product that gets into the eye area (which shouldn’t be any!) won’t be at a concentration that’s sufficiently high enough to travel all the way to your small intestine and negatively affect that area. Also, make sure (and this should be common sense for those with celiac disease), to not use any lip products that contain gluten (gliadins).

I hope this gave some of you out there a reason to sigh in relief, or at least knowledge so that you may make a more informed decision.

  HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Kasia Organic Salon is a leading pioneer in healthy beauty to fit your lifestyle. Follow us to ammonia-free /MEA/PPD Color, organic facials, and natural and organic products that support your life.   Learn how diet, products and environmental factors can rob us of our radiance and how to easily incorporate an "Informed Beauty" lifestyle to restore our outward beauty from within.

About Author

John Su  is s a stickler for accuracy, so you might find him correcting one thing or another! His goal is to   provide unbiased, meaningful, and insightful information when it comes to skin care.  The Triple Helixian (www.thetriplehelixian.com)!

 

Aging Hair 101

Does hair really age? If you’re over 40, you’ve probably noticed subtle, and maybe not so subtle, changes in your hair’s color, thickness, luster and texture. Just as time takes a toll on our skin, it also affects our tresses. You may take great care to protect and moisturize your skin but what about your hair? As it turns out, our hair needs its own special care as we get older.

Hair actually ages in two ways: chronologically and hormonally. Caused by external factors, chronological hair aging affects hair from the mid-lengths to the ends. Years of brushing, blow drying, coloring, heat styling and environmental factors, such as sun, wind and pollution, leave hair dry, damaged and porous. Hormonal hair aging relates to the physical changes we go through as we get older. Signs of hormonal aging hair includes dryness, dullness, thinning, graying, fragility and changes in texture. What exactly is going on in our body to cause these changes in our hair?

Dryness and Dullness

Our hair peaks at age 30. It’s around this time that our scalp begins to slowly decrease sebum production–the natural oil that makes our hair so shiny and silky. You may experience dryness and dullness as the first signs of aging hair. Around menopause, sebum production drops further and hair feels less manageable without sebum to protect the hair, eliminate flyaways and control static build-up.

Thinning

If your hair feels less full, you’re not imagining it. The actual number of hairs on our heads starts decreasing in our 20s. By age 60, almost 40 percent of women will experience thinning hair, mostly around the crown. Aside from simply having less hair, the hair that’s left experiences changes. Beginning in our early 40s, the actual diameter of each hair strand  starts to shrink. Researchers believe that this is linked to hormonal changes related to perimenopause and menopause.

Graying

By age 50, most women are 50 percent gray. As we grow older, we experience the decreased production of melanin which gives hair its color. Melanin also protects our hair from the sun’s UV rays; without it our hair’s protein absorbs the rays making hair weaker.

Texture Changes

New research has found that hair texture does change with age. Most of us will experience more texture in our hair but unfortunately not as waves or curls. Instead, hair becomes more wiry, kinky and less manageable.

Fragility

Hair weakens as we age for several reasons. Less sebum means our hair experiences more friction from combing and brushing and even contact with neighboring hair. The sun damages and weakens hair that lacks melanin and kinks lead to weak spots in the hair strand. Also, chronically aged hair is often fragile due to chronic environmental, chemical and mechanical stress.

Until recently, we didn’t see much information on aging hair when flipping through beauty magazines. Kasia is committed to specifically address our guests "anti-aging" hair and skin needs.

ANT-AGING HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Kasia Organic Salon is a leading pioneer in healthy beauty to fit your lifestyle. Follow us to ammonia-free /MEA/PPD Color, organic facials, and natural and organic products that support your life.   Learn how diet, products and environmental factors can rob us of our radiance and how to easily incorporate an "Informed Beauty" lifestyle to restore our outward beauty from within.

Reference:  http://hairover40.com

How Dairy and Acne are Linked

Did you know that the health of your large intestine is reflected in the health of your skin?

Your large intestine and skin are organs that interact with the environment. They both absorb and emit chemicals, water, and other metabolic products. The large intestine is the body's largest internal organ; its purpose is to absorb food, nutrients and water. The function of the skin is to hold not only all of your other organs, tissues, capillaries and muscles in place, but also to allow your body to breathe. It is a respiration organ -- it both inhales and exhales.

Whether diet plays any role in the development or severity of acne has long been debated.   Recent research indicates that it does, but not by pointing to the food items that are traditionally thought of as exacerbating acne – things like pizza and French fries.

According to an article by Dr. Mark Hyman (one of my favorite functional medicine experts) published in the Huffington Post, dairy products have been shown to have a significant impact on acne, both in the number of cases and the severity. 

The reason is that milk, yogurt, and cheese all contain naturally high levels of anabolic hormones.  And, according to the article, there is no such thing as hormone free milk.  Even organic, raw, and bovine growth hormone free milk can contain up to 60 hormones, just a few of which are listed below:¹

•    20α-dihydropregnenolone •    progesterone (from pregnenolone) •    5α-pregnanedione •    5α-pregnan-3β-ol-20-one, 20α- and 20β-dihydroprogesterone (from progesterone) •    5α-androstene-3β17β-diol •    5α-androstanedione •    5α-androstan-3β-ol-17-one •    androstenedione •    testosterone •    dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate acyl ester •    insulin like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2) •    insulin

Dr. Hyman’s recommendation for helping get acne under control is to modify your diet with these tips:¹

Eliminate –

Dairy, high glycemic index foods (white flour, sugar, rice, etc.) and foods that you are sensitive to.  When cutting back on dairy, make up for the missing nutrients (calcium and protein) elsewhere in your diet.

Add –

More fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy anti-inflammatory fats (omega 3’s), supplement with zinc, evening primrose, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Include foods that correct acne problems, like dark purple and red foods such as berries, green foods like dark green leafy vegetables, and omega 3-eggs.

Contact our skin specialist at Kasia for a personalized facial and at home care protocol today!  612.824.7611

1)    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/do-milk-and-sugar-cause-a_b_822163.html 2)  http://skinhealthtechnology.com/# 3)  http://www.naturalnews.com/021914_large_intestine_skin_health.html

Does Gray Hair Reflect Your Internal "Beautiful Health?"

  If you're thirty or younger and are starting to see those obnoxious grey hairs popping out and  it doesn't run in your family, you may want to see consult with a medical professional since there are some medical conditions that can cause premature greying.

Greying of the hair occurs when the cells that produce pigment called melanocytes stop producing pigments. The age at which this happens is usually genetically related and differs for every individual.

Stress can cause a lack of melanocyte production  there is a not enough evidence that stress plays a major role in premature greying. Most premature hair greying is a result of genetics.

Possible Catalysts to Premature Grey Hair:

For some people, premature grey hair can actually be a yellow flag of a medical problem.

• Thyroid: An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can affect your melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. This will result in premature grey hair.

• Vitiligo & Auto-Immune: An auto-immune disease, vitiligo attacks and destroys melanocytes that create hair color.
• Anemia: A B12 vitamin deficiency can cause grey hair color to appear before its time. This can also be related to adrenal fatigue.

Age *VS* DNA

If you’re past age 30, it’s likely that your grey hair is a natural and gradual occurrence. Ask other women in your family when they went grey to gauge whether or not yours is premature. With age, the melanocytes that produce pigment stop working. Scientists are still trying to figure out why.

Scientists are actively studying the link between grey hair color, wrinkles and heart disease. One study suggests that wrinkled skin and grey hair may be a warning sign for impending heart troubles.  In my opinion, the issue is a very complex one, and our lifestyle and state of environment, nutrition, and rest are all a piece of the puzzle.

That's the good news!  By being pro-active within our "Beautiful Health" lifestyle, we can fight the slow progression of aging, melonocyte production, and our over-all look on life.

Allow us to help you in that journey! 

Kasia Organic Salon offers natural and organic hair products and services to make that you do not subject hair to chemicals and other harmful ingredients. Direct exposure to these chemicals can permanently damage your hair follicles.  Reach us at 612.824.7611 to discuss your options with our excellent service providers.

HOT Hair Trends + Why Hair Becomes Thinner and Less Shiny + Weight Loss Kick Start

Happy New Year, Informed Beaute'!

2012 was filled with amazing new and longstanding friendships, product development breakthroughs, and challenges that have only expanded our growth as an innovator in health-conscious beauty.

We are committed to further enriching our company culture and refining our vision in the midst of a rapidly changing market.

Despite these challenges, we can proudly say that we have continued to gain substantial ground, as we partner with you, our valued guests.

With your help, we are privileged to raise awareness of natural and organic services and products that deliver real results. We see our products, ideas and philosophy reflected in huge ways, and we look forward to taking Kasia Organic Salon to the NEXT LEVEL with lots of exciting changes to come in 2013.

In gratitude for your partnership and loyalty, it is our continued passion to provide each and every one of you with the very best care, along with the most cutting-edge and effective natural and organic products and services on the market. Strongly positioned in partnership with you, and with great spirit and determination, we are prepared for nothing short of extraordinary success in the new year!

Trending Hairstyles for 2013 ! We've loved the trends of 2012, from the supermodel heavy bang to the "low maintenance "touch-up" ombre - but it's time to say goodbye to past favorites and jump into the fun and collaborative new trends of 2013! Wearable looks have a major presence this season, and there are all kinds of fun details, from how you wear your ponytail (low or high), how you tie a knot (tight!), or in what fashion your braids will crisscross. Enjoy a sneak peak of the coming year's hair trends! The New Low Pony  Rock n' Roll Waves  Topping It Off Tying The Knot  Making The Braid  Contact our team today!  Kasia Organic Salon is a leading innovator in health-conscious beauty. We offer ZERO ammonia/MEA/PPD hair color, organic facials, and natural and organic products that fit your lifestyle-and renew and nurture your sense of well-being.

Why Hair Becomes Thinner, Less Shiny and More Prone to Breaking or Damage Unfortunately, as we get older and grow wiser, our hair becomes more brittle and thin. Check out our Informed Beauty Essential Tips on how to battle the signs of aging in order to attain - and regain - younger-looking and healthier locks. As the years go by, many of us dread the experience of finding that first gray hair. This occurs because hair loses protein and melanin with age. Yet, unfortunately, silver strands aren't the only change. After age 40, hair may become thinner, less shiny, and more prone to breaking or damage. These changes may be caused by several factors, including: Hormonal changes. Over time, the body produces lower levels of the hormones necessary for hair growth. Hormonal fluctuations post-menopause may also cause many women to experience thinner hair later in life. Sluggish cell regeneration. As we age, the rate at which hair is able to grow slows down, resulting in thinner tresses. Over time, hair loses its elasticity, hair follicles shrink, growth slows and sebum and keratin production diminishes, so strands can become brittle and dull. Genetics. They play a significant role in determining the quantity and quality of your hair. While most people experience some hair loss with aging, the extent of hair loss is often determined by genetics. Medications. According the American Academy of Family Physicians, certain medicines may contribute to hair loss. These medications include those used to treat gout, high blood pressure, depression and heart problems related to blood pressure and cholesterol. Changes may be long term or temporary. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your doctor. Read more here.   Call Kasia Organic Salon today for a consult on what style looks best on YOU.    At Kasia, we "YOUTHIFY!"

"Beautiful Health"  Kick Start Kit

Kick-start your personal thermogenic energy, support your adrenals, and put weight loss in effect for 2013!

The Premier Research Lab DUO!

1.)  FatStat is the result of years of trial-and-error research and development in the nutritional art of the botanical thermogenic effect.

When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program, this synergistic formula promotes fat loss in all those hard to reach places. One key ingredient, Chrysin, has been shown to break down stubborn abdominal fat. In addition to those with gross fat levels, this formula can also be used for thin people who carry toxic fat around the abdomen and hips. An added benefit is increased muscle mass and increased energy.

This product has a superior effect for the following:

• Promotes steady, efficient fat burning (thermogenic effect)
• Hormone balancing for effective, long-lasting weight loss support
• Boosts energy
• Use in conjunction with Adaptogen R3 for the superior "Lean Body" effect
• Use in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program

2.)  Coupled with Adaptogen-R3

Adaptogen-R3 is not a "jolt product," loaded with stimulants that rev up weak adrenals such as ephedra. Instead, its unique, adaptogenic herbs are synergistically combined to focus on nourishing the glands and organs, including the adrenals, as well as creating maximal oxygen and nutrient transport to the muscles and connective tissue to ensure optimal support, detoxification and immune function.

Adaptogen-R3 Supports:

• Maximum performance
• Increased energy
• Endurance
• Enhanced oxygen & nutrient uptake
• Enhanced fat loss when used with a balanced diet
• Supports healthy adrenal function
• Optimal neurotransmitter
• Memory
• Mental & endocrine support
• Broad spectrum endocrine rejuvenator, especially the pituitary-adrenal axis
• All ingredients are also immune-specific, so this product may also be used for those with multiple immune concerns.

Adaptogen R-3 is Indicated for the Following:

• Hormone Support
• Athletes
• Overweight Individuals
• High Stress Levels
• Type A Personalities
• Fatigue

3.)

Add in Premier Cleanse, which will assist and support intestinal cleansing and rejuvenation.

Even if you have cleaned up your act for the past few years (by eating a healthy, high fiber diet with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains), you may still have years worth of toxic accumulation. Many colons still retain the toxic sludge that is a by-product of the Standard American Diet (including meat, dairy, refined flour and sugar, fried foods, etc.).  Unbelievably, layers of decayed fecal matter and pockets of mucus can remain in the colon for a lifetime.

This unique formula is designed to thoroughly but gently cleanse the entire intestinal tract, promote healthy, normal bowel eliminations and thereby, aid in cleansing the entire body.

Contact us today!  We will make sure we have your supplemental needs on stock, as well as answer any questions you may have.   612.824.7611

3 Key Supplements to Kick-start Energy, Support Adrenals, and Ramp-Up Weight Loss

Experience a "Beautiful Health"  Kasia Kick Start Kit

Kick-start your personal thermogenic energy, support your stress load and adrenals, and put weight loss in effect for 2013!

 

The Premier Research Lab DUO!

1.)  FatStat is the result of years of trial-and-error research and development in the nutritional art of the botanical thermogenic effect.

When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program, this synergistic formula promotes fat loss in all those hard to reach places. One key ingredient, Chrysin, has been shown to break down stubborn abdominal fat. In addition to those with gross fat levels, this formula can also be used for thin people who carry toxic fat around the abdomen and hips. An added benefit is increased muscle mass and increased energy.

This product has a superior effect for the following:

• Promotes steady, efficient fat burning (thermogenic effect)
• Hormone balancing for effective, long-lasting weight loss support
• Boosts energy
• Use in conjunction with Adaptogen R3 for the superior "Lean Body" effect
• Use in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program

2.)  Coupled with Adaptogen-R3

Adaptogen-R3 is not a “jolt product,” loaded with stimulants that rev up weak adrenals such as ephedra. Instead, its unique, adaptogenic herbs are synergistically combined to focus on nourishing the glands and organs, including the adrenals, as well as creating maximal oxygen and nutrient transport to the muscles and connective tissue to ensure optimal support, detoxification and immune function.

Adaptogen-R3 Supports:

• Maximum performance
• Increased energy
• Endurance
• Enhanced oxygen & nutrient uptake
• Enhanced fat loss when used with a balanced diet
• Supports healthy adrenal function
• Optimal neurotransmitter
• Memory
• Mental & endocrine support
• Broad spectrum endocrine rejuvenator, especially the pituitary-adrenal axis
• All ingredients are also immune-specific, so this product may also be used for those with multiple immune concerns.

Adaptogen R-3 is Indicated for the Following:

• Hormone Support
• Athletes
• Overweight Individuals
• High Stress Levels
• Type A Personalities
• Fatigue

3.)  Add in Premier Cleanse, which will assist and support intestinal cleansing and rejuvenation.

Even if you have cleaned up your act for the past few years (by eating a healthy, high fiber diet with fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains), you may still have years worth of toxic accumulation. Many colons still retain the toxic sludge that is a by-product of the Standard American Diet (including meat, dairy, refined flour and sugar, fried foods, etc.).  Unbelievably, layers of decayed fecal matter and pockets of mucus can remain in the colon for a lifetime.

This unique formula is designed to thoroughly but gently cleanse the entire intestinal tract, promote healthy, normal bowel eliminations and thereby, aid in cleansing the entire body.

Learn more about PRL's 10 Supplement Secrets

Why hair becomes thinner, less shiny and more prone to breaking or damage.

As we get older and grow wiser, our hair unfortunately becomes more brittle and thin.  Check out our Informed Beauty Essential Tips on how to battle the signs of aging in order to attain - and regain -  younger-looking and healthier locks.

As the years go by, many of us dread the experience of finding that first gray hair - which actually occurs because hair loses protein and melanin with age.   But, unfortunately, silver strands aren’t the only change. After the age of 40, hair may become thinner, less shiny and more prone to breaking or damage.

These changes can be caused by several factors including:

• Hormonal changes. Over time, the body produces lower levels of the hormones necessary for hair growth. Hormonal fluctuations post-menopause may also cause many women to experience thinner hair later in life.

• Sluggish cell regeneration. As we age, the rate at which hair is able to grow slows down, resulting in thinner tresses. Over time, hair loses its elasticity, hair follicles shrink, growth slows and sebum and keratin production diminishes, so strands can become brittle and dull.

• Genetics. Genetics play a significant role in determining the quantity and quality of your hair. While most people experience some hair loss with aging, the extent of hair loss is often determined by genetics.

• Medications. According the American Academy of Family Physicians, certain medicines may contribute to hair loss. These medications include those used to treat gout, high blood pressure, depression and heart problems related to blood pressure and cholesterol. Changes may be long term or temporary. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.

Call Kasia Organic Salon today to consult on what style looks best on YOU.

At Kasia - we "YOUTHIFY!" 

Herbal Therapy for Hair Loss

  Hair loss in men and women can be treated in numerous ways. The two main categories of treatment are surgical and non-surgical. Among the non-surgical treatment methods, one of the most promising procedures is herbal therapy. Herbal therapy has been found to help  in numerous ways to curb hair loss and stimulate better hair growth. Given below are the some of the herbs and herbs-based therapies which can help  with hair loss.

Therapies based on herbs like palmetto, pygeum and nettle roots have been found to be excellent treatments for hair loss. Since these naturally occurring herbs have the ability to interfere with the chemical processes caused by DHT or dihydrotestosterone, the process of hair follicle thinning and the stoppage of hair production from follicles can be halted. Consequently, with the action of these herbs, the hair follicles will reopen and patients’ hair will once again commence to grow normally.

Another well known herb used to treat hair loss is Ginko Biloba. This herb has been found to have excellent qualities in improving the circulatory system of patients. As a result of improved blood circulation, the hair follicles in a patient’s scalp is expected to get better supply of blood which will contribute to better nourishment, which, in turn will in turn cause the processes of hair growth to be improved and stirred.

Lastly, the world famous herbal drink green tea has been used by many to treat the condition of alopecia. Apart from alopecia, green tea is known to treat and heal numerous other diseases and conditions as well. With respect to the pattern balding condition, some of the valuable contents of green tea have been found to perform a vital function of restricting the enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase, which is directly instrumental in producing the DHT or dihydrotestosterone hormone.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Kasia Organic Salon is a leading pioneer in healthy beauty to fit your lifestyle. Follow us to ammonia-free /MEA/PPD Color, organic facials, and natural and organic products that support your life.