Toxic Load…what the heck is that?
Toxic load is our exposure to toxic chemicals one stacked on another.  We are exposed to hundreds of toxins every day.  I am not a chemophobic person, I love chemistry and pray that my three years of Chemistry in college will not be wasted.  I get it, chemicals make our lives easier, healthier and more convenient. There is also another side to chemicals also that cannot be ignored.  We are bombarded with not so friendly or helpful chemicals all day long also. 

Air pollution, here in the Midwest the ubiquitous fertilizers and weed killers just floating on the air and in the water we drink, fluoride in the water, fluoride in the toothpaste, petroleum byproducts in our makeup and perfumes, flame retardants in clothes, formaldehyde…BPA, Lead…oy on and on and on. 
Our bodies do a pretty good job of staying ahead of these toxins.  We excrete them through the liver, kidneys, large intestine, lungs and skin.  Our bodies are busy keeping us safe from things in our environments that can cause problems.  However…very often our bodies cannot keep up, if you add stress to the mix…well, that makes it difficult for our bodies to keep up.
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When our bodies cannot keep up what happens?  Allergies, Digestive issues, weakened immune system, chronic disease patterns, even some cancers have been linked to environmental toxins.  So, what can we do to lessen the load?  Glad you asked…

• Drink one ounce of water per pound you weigh.  If you weigh 125 drink 125 oz of water/day.  Water keeps things running and dilutes toxins. 

 

• Breathe…WHA???? Yep.  Breathing releases CO2 and other toxins, it actually alkalizes the body

 

• Eat Clean.  Bummer…does that mean veggies and granola?  Yes.  Foods with fiber also absorb some toxins in the intestine.  They are delicious in butter, and bacon fat, hahahahaaha (seriously though…eat more fibrous veggies)

 

• Read Labels.  If your food has more than 5 ingredients and they are unpronounceable…rethink your decision to eat it.  I’m not saying to be a crazy person about it, but pay attention to what you put in your body, awareness does wonders.

 

• Use personal products with fewer ingredients.  There are many unseen toxic chemicals in our makeup and skincare products.  I recommend Limelife by Alcone skincare.  Their products are thoughtfully formulated and as organic as possible.  Better than all of that, they work! 

 

• Use glass in the microwave.  BPA and Phthalates are known to leach into food when heated in plastic.  This is not a “crunchy” sky is falling paranoia…Harvard Medical School says so: (https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/microwaving-food-in-plastic-dangerous-or-not).  It seems to be another stack of the toxic load.

 

• Find a way to lessen the stress in your life.  Stress takes a terrible toll on our health.  It causes us to be more susceptible to oxidation stress, cortisol causes heart disease, sexual dysfunction, skin issues, hair loss…you name it.  Find a way to lessen your stress load.  Get massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, hair services, energy work, herbal body wraps (what did you expect me to recommend???) hang out with friends, hike…whatever helps you to deal with stress, but not “numb out” from stress.  By “numb out” I mean the feeling you get from too much alcohol or too many carbs, or too much TV…that “foggy warmth” that is more negative than positive.  You know what I mean. 

 
So, in conclusion; Eat well, get exercise, stay hydrated.  Lessen the toxic load by just tweaking and being aware.  I look forward to next time! ~Mamma Moon
 
 

 I haven't published a blog in a while.  I have been super busy learning about new ways to do business and remembering old ideas that are now coming back to the surface.  
I have been learning how to do lash lifts and re-familiarizing myself with lash tinting.  I have also been doing research on semi permanent mascara as a means of lessening chemical load for people who like to wear makeup.  I have also been remembering my purpose for doing ALL of the things that I have done, and why I have learned and am learning all the things.
My goal has always been to be a bridge.  To assist people who are awakening to another way to do things in their lives.  Those first few steps toward life changes can be tentative and wobbly, I would like to be that person who offers an arm of support until the steps are more confident and strong.  There are many ways to take those first steps, and oftentimes those first steps are a change of the outside.  Sometimes those first steps are deciding to take better care of skin, hair and self image.  What higher calling can it be to assist in that transformation?  How can I assist?  What can I do to support those first wobbly steps?
A spiffy new haircut and style that is perfect not only for your face but for your lifestyle...if you can't replicate what I do with your hair what is the point, am I right?   There are few better feelings than a new look just for you that you are confident in replicating at home.
A facial with gentle products and techniques to soothe and heal neglected skin.  Oftentimes we neglect our skin, especially our faces when we are going through trying times. Facials are a safe way to reconnect to your body.  It is much less invasive than a massage and a great introduction to massage.  Glowing skin causes its own healing and confidence.  
Lash Lifts, Tinting and Semi permanent mascara are beauty services that limit repeated exposure to some of the more harmful or unnecessary ingredients in some eye makeups and provides an effortless long lasting look.
A manicure and/or pedicure improves the health of your nails, hands and feet. Herbal hand and foot soaks have been used as medicine for generations. The massaging of hands, arms, legs and feet also helps with stress, and reflexology of hands and feet actually helps the body to heal on many levels.  I firmly believe that human contact heals on every level; mind, body and spirit.
An herbal body wrap has been called "a personal sweat lodge" by one of my clients.  This process has allowed space for insight and transformation.  This process uses essential oils, salt and oil to exfoliate the body, herbs and heat to calm the muscles, reduce stress and provide space for insight.  This process is beyond external beauty, it allows space for introspection and healing.
A caring and experienced ear and honest perspective.  I have lived the new awakening experience.  Sometimes I still feel like I live it daily.  Being supported and supportive is the way forward for all of us.  
This is why I never stop learning, never stop being.  
Come see me, 319-393-1718

A few weeks ago I was chatting with my friend Kendra (super beauty goddess of all things beauty and business guru)...she is also an amazing resource and font of information btw.  We got on the subject of eyelashes and services that would enhance facials.  She told me about a thing I had never heard of...Lash lifts...what the heck??? I was totally intrigued.  I was intrigued to the point of investing in the product AND the training...read on.

What is a lash lift?
A lash lift or lash perm uses chemicals to reshape the eyelashes into a more dramatic shape without using an eyelash curler every day.  This process lasts 6-8 weeks which is the approximate life cycle of an eyelash.  After the lash lift the eyelash can be tinted, which lasts 2-4 weeks depending upon facial cleanser used or whether mascara is used.  Tinting can be re-applied every 2-3 weeks as needed.  
The top picture is before, middle picture is after the lash lift and the bottom picture is after the lift and tint.
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​As you can see, the lash is much darker and more dramatic with NO FUSS!!!  She woke up the next morning…yep, this is how she rolled out of bed the next morning, dreamy, right? This is a lift and tint service performed by me.
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​Semi-permanent mascara
Yes, you read that correctly.  Mascara that does not run, smudge or come off for 2-4 weeks!  You can sleep with it on, cry with it on, rub your eyes with it on…everything with it on.  This product is professionally removed. 
Semi-permanent mascara adds bulk to lashes unlike a tint that just colors the lash.  These pictures are from the website.   (https://myabsolutebeauty.com/elleebana-spm/)

Lash Lift with tint or with Semi Permanent mascara services are a great addition to a facial and much less upkeep and cost than lash extensions.  Lash extensions require a fill every 2 weeks, lash lifts last 6-8 weeks with the semi permanent mascara lasting 2-4 weeks and top and bottom lashes can be treated.  Tint lasts 2-4 weeks and lashes can be retinted as needed.  
Brows can also be tinted for the blingiest and lowest maintenance glammy eyes.  I don't know about you, but less time in front of the mirror in the morning is more time behind a coffee cup...js.   
I am trained and certified by the company that makes the product I use as well as a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Iowa.
Come in today to ask questions, get informed, get in while you still can!  Slots are going FAST! (as I'm sure you can imagine)  
319-393-1718 Brunettes Salon.  Appts available Thurs-Saturday.

"I often feel like I need to explain why I got involved with Limelife by Alcone skincare and makeup.  I know a couple of you are left scratching your heads wondering why I am not backing a more "organic" company.  There are a number of reasons, while the story got my attention, the results got my business.
One of the owners of the business had a best friend who had breast cancer.  The friend with cancer recognized that our "chemical load" is gigantic.  The friend with cancer urged Michele to develop a "chemical free" skincare line to help lessen that chemical load.  Michele's friend did not live to see the line completed. 
As many of you know my best friend also died of cancer in 2003...pancreatic cancer.  This story really, really resonated with me as I too would have moved heaven and earth if she had asked.  She was just 50 years old.  I don't know if "cleaner" skincare would have prevented her untimely death...but I do know that every little bit of unnecessary and sometimes toxic chemistry impacts our bodies negatively. If our bodies are not working hard to detoxify and eliminate unnecessary or potentially harmful chemicals they are working hard on working correctly and healthfully.  So the story totally caught my attention and I gave the line a try...with trial packs.
The very first day I noticed a difference in my skin immediately AND so did my friend Rina...who asked "what the hell are you doing??"...and (are you ready?) My husband noticed also...without my even prompting him.  He asked "what the hell was going on in that salon because you look 10 years younger".  Well then.  In just 3 days I was hooked and became a member of the business on October 20, 2018. 
Now, a couple of months later my skin has never looked better, I am giving facials with this line of products in a local salon (Brunettes 319-393-1718) and I am part of a growing company that is very concerned with the sustainability of the raw materials and the effect of the skincare on the WHOLE body.  That is why I chose it and that is why I wholeheartedly recommend it.  Come, Get a Facial and get hooked too!  
DISCLAIMER: before you get your panties in a wad (yes, you) I DO understand that chemicals are in everything and that chemistry is not evil and that chemistry has saved lives...let's not get pedantic ok?  I cried through Chemistry 1 and 2, Ochem and Biochem in College...I get it.

​Skin, why get a facial?  
This is going to be a series of articles on skin structure and how facials are beneficial for overall health.  First, the structure and function of the skin, second, best practices with skin throughout your life, and finally skincare products and chemical load. 

Skin has three sections, the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis or subcutaneous layer. 
The skin is the first defense against disease, environment and regulates temperature.
Quick facts:  The skin is our largest organ and is about 15% of body weight. 
The skin renews itself every 28 days (also a moon cycle). 
Dead skin cells comprise about a billion tons of dust in the earth’s atmosphere (ew).
The thinnest areas of skin are the eyelids and the scrotum which are only a few cells thick (0.2mm) and the thickest areas are the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (1.4mm). 
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Epidermis
The epidermis is the outer section of skin. This section of the skin has no vascularization (blood flow) and the cells it is made up of are called stratified squamous epithelium…that is a mouthful isn’t it?  The epidermis is further broken down to five layers: Stratum corneum, Stratum lucidum, Stratum granulosum, Stratum spinosum, Stratum basale.  Cells are pushed up from the stratum basale where they are close to blood cells and oxygen.  As they rise they are further away from their nourishment and oxygen so they die, flatten and become keratinized.  When the cells reach the top they become the stratum corneum.  This layer is the one that makes us waterproof and is the layer that can and should be exfoliated.  When these cells are not exfoliated, they can build up and cause the skin to look dull and “ashy”. 
The epidermis is SEMI permeable, that means that not everything you put on your skin goes into your body or blood stream.  In order to penetrate into the body a substance’s molecule must be very tiny (500 Daltons or less) but sometimes larger fat-soluble molecules can diffuse deeper into the skin by a different mechanism.
  Molecules larger than 500 Daltons generally sit on top of the skin and of benefit as barriers and creams that hold moisture in the skin, those are called occlusive creams, these include serums and moisturizers. They hold moisture in rather than effect molecular structures deep in the skin.  Did you know that we lose 500ml of moisture/water through our skin daily? That does not include sweating on a hot day or at the gym!
How big is a Dalton by the way?  In case you were wondering…I was…its about the mass of a hydrogen atom. According to sizes.com…its 1.6579x10^-24 grams….umm….that’s 24 zeros….that’s a whole lot of tiny.
 Here are a few ingredients that are under the 500 Daltons: Glycerin (92.09), Ethanol (46), Water (18), Retinol (286), Lactic acid (90).  these are small enough molecules to go into the dermis and effect deep healing of the skin.
The epidermis is further protected by an acid mantle that must be maintained for optimal health.  The acid mantle is the very, very first defense against bacteria, viruses and contaminates.  It is a slightly acid layer on the very outside of the skin.  The acidity makes it an unhealthy place for pathogens.  If skincare products or soaps are too alkaline, they can strip the body of the acid mantle leaving the skin vulnerable.  The pH of the acid mantle is 4.5-6.2 as you can see a bit acid, just enough to keep out nasties. 

 Dermis

Below the epidermis is the dermis.  The dermis does have blood flow and lies directly below the stratum basale.  This is also where connective tissue and some muscles live.  There are also some glands, hair follicles and nerve receptors that live in this section of skin. 
The sebaceous glands live here.  What is a sebaceous gland?  Glad you asked.  Sebaceous glands are the glands that produce oil or sebum.  This oil is meant to lubricate the skin and hair. They are connected to the dreaded pimple.  Let’s talk about pimples, shall we?  Must let's. 
Here is how a pimple is formed: there are pores that have a single hair follicle with a sebaceous gland attached, that sebaceous gland decides for whatever reason to produce some extra oil.
That extra oil clumps up preventing free oil and oxygen flow. Dead cells build up in the pore and mix with the oil forming a blackhead (when sebum is exposed to the air it turns black).
Without oxygen flow the bacteria and oil back up and create an infection in the pore.  The skin becomes red from the infection which brings blood and white blood cells (macrophages) to destroy and chew up the infection the blood flow helps sweep the infection away. 
These  white blood cells die and accumulate in the pore which is pus.  In time the infection heals and the dead tissue dissolves and eventually is replaced with healthy skin cells. 
When facial steams are used any oil blockage is loosened and pimples can be stopped before they get started.
The dermis is also where collagen is stored so skin elasticity originates in this skin section.  When skin is stretched beyond its limits by pregnancy or weight gain it tears and causes white scar tissue called “stretch marks”.   Oils can keep skin lubricated and less likely to tear.
The dermis is also where the sweat glands (apocrine and eccrine glands) live.  
 
Hypodermis/Subcutaneous Layer

The hypodermis lies between the dermis and underlying tissue and organs.  This is where some connective tissues and adipose tissue (fat) lives.  The hypodermis or subcutaneous layer helps to insulate the body and keep the temperature from fluctuating external environment and anchors the skin to the underlying structures. 
 
So, how does a facial keep all this healthy?  First, facials are deeply relaxing.  Stress causes wrinkles.  We get stressed, we tense up and draw in our eyebrows, squint and purse our lips.  All of these actions restrict blood flow.  Restricted blood flow means reduced oxygen, which means oxidation…no Bueno.  So facial massage helps to relax the skin and encourages blood flow. 
Deep Cleansing.  The skin specialist understands your skin type and has the tools to take care of it properly.  The steam, the aromatherapy opens pores that allows the product to work optimally.
Massage: Regular facial massage boosts cell regeneration and promotes collagen development.  Facial massage drains lymph which makes the face look puffy.  Activating pressure points can firm skin and encourage optimal relaxation by activation/calming facial nerve bundles. Facial massage promotes blood circulation which brings oxygen and immune cells to sweep away toxins from the face.
Exfoliation: Dead skin cells are removed from the skin.  When dead skin cells accumulate on the skin it causes dry, scaly patches if not removed.  Professional facials always include an exfoliation step, either using chemistry or by physical means via a scrub or brush.  After exfoliation your skin is clear for your skincare regimen to work even better at home.
Moisturization/Serums:  Your skin is now ready to receive moisturizer and/or serum for that dewy healthy glow and protection from the elements and hold in moisture.
These are just some of the ways that facials make your life better and easier.  One hour of pure blissful you time AND you are taking care of your health.   
Call for an appointment today!  Brunettes 319-393-1817  ask for Donna
 
 
References:
 
https://www.dermnetnz.org/cme/principles/structure-of-the-epidermis/
Herlihy, Barbara (2007). The Human Body in Health and Illness (Third Ed.). Saunders Elsevier, St Louis MO.
https://www.byrdie.com/what-is-a-pimple
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-facials-on-your-skin/#gref
copyright Donna Bass, 2018