Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Sugar Alternatives for Skin Health

So, as I've said before, good nutrition is imperative for truly healthy skin. Spikes in blood sugar generate inflammation which generates the dreaded free radicals everyone's trying to avoid ;). Therefore, I personally have outlawed Refined Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates in our house. White/Refined Carbs are processed as sugar by the body and spike your blood sugar as much as white table sugar would. Not good! Replacing white carbs with WHOLE grains such as Whole Wheat Bread, Brown Rice Pasta or Buckwheat Pancakes (make sure to use 100% maple syrup, even though it's pricier. avoid high fructose corn syrup!!) will make a huge difference to your skin and your waistline. Now back to sweeteners, here are some that I personally like to use.

Agave Nectar: This was the first one I picked up, honestly because I thought it was cool that It came from cactus. But seriously, Agave Nectar is nice and sweet, and has a low-glycemic index so it is absorbed into the blood slowly, and doesn't spike you blood sugar. At this point and time you an get in the naturals or organic section of most grocery stores. Organic is always best. The one I have right now is by "Wholesome Sweeteners". I really like this because of the low glycemic index and how much easier it is to mix than honey.

Raw Honey: Before I even talk about honey, I want to define raw.: Unheated, unstrained, with the enzymes and beeswax and propolis. This is very important. Though honey has the same glycemic index as sugar, it is packed in beneficial enzmes and amino acids and aids in digestion and is generally just a nutritious live food. You shouldn't heat it (or make sure the liquid isn't scaulding), as it will destroy the active enzymes. You should still be careful and limit yourself on this one, but its still way better for your skin than Refined white sugar. This honey would also make an amazing face mask, given its still full of the raw enzymes and nutrients. Good for calming skin, moisture and anti-bacterial action. The brand I recommend is "Really Raw Honey" they have all different products and sizes, free shipping, and they ship FAST! I got my most recent in like 3 days. (www. reallyrawhoney.com)

Stevia: The miracle sweetener (almost seems to good to be true) No carbs, no calories, No Glycemic Index. Remarkably sweet too. I have the liquid form from NSI which is very convenient and works well in everything from Apple Cider Vingar cocktails to the frequent tea or occasional coffee. I usually use about 4-6 drops per 12oz of liquid. The steviosides in the stevia extract also are supposed to help reduce sweet cravings, too. (NSI is from Vitacost.com) I've actually seen it recommended for diabetics (I however am not making any recommendations based on health conditions as I am not a doctor. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact your doctor)

Remember,
splenda, sweet&low, equal, and other sweeteners made with toxic chemicals like aspartame are harmfully not only to your skin, but to your whole body. Just say no.

Intergrating 302...

So, I need to edit a statement I made in an earlier post. Originally I said "302 Cannot be mixed with other skincare lines", however in reality some products can. This list was published and sent to 302 Estheticians this morning:

Guidelines For Using 302 with Other Product Lines

Mixing with other product lines is always problematic because of conflicting formula goals from line to line. Proceed with caution, observation and think less about keeping a product you can't live without and more about gaining a better skin. 302 formulas are integrated, from cleansers right on through to self-tanners, you and your akin will get a better response staying integrated. Whenever you mix and match with other product lines, introduce only one product at a time.


302 products that may be incorporated with other product lines:

302 Plus Serum Recovery Plus (and Intensive)
Eye Firming Serum Body Treatment (and Intensive)
A-Boost Sensitive Cleanser
C-Boost Acne Cleanser
Acne Serum / Clarity Rosacea Cleanser
Lightening Drops Face & Body Bar
Lightening: Décolleté & Hand Ointment Rx
Calming Mist Self Tanner (Gel and Mist)
Acne Mist SPF-15 & SPF-30
Recovery Mist Rx Recovery Minerals


302 products not to be used in combination with other product lines:
These products contain Avogen™ or other avocado extracts at higher concentrations that generate large increases in skin energy.

302 Drops 302 Rosacea Drops
302 Drops: High Potency 302 Cleanser
302 Serum Normal/Dry Cleanser
302 Serum: High Potency Oily/Combination Cleanser
302 Acne Drops

So as you can see, many of you lovelies who are using other lines and want to try 302's fantastically formulated sunscreens or vitamin boosts can rest assured you'll get good results without the irritation.

Short and Sweet today-

Wishing you great skin,
Danny Vanity