I don't use the word HEAL. September 04 2017
ALIGNMENT vs. HEAL
I try to never use the word “heal” in my practice. I don’t believe that anything needs to be healed. Everything is always as it should be in the given circumstances. If something isn’t function the way you want in your body or in your life, you must decide to create a way to inspire a change. But nothing is truly broken. Most likely when a patient comes to me because they want to “heal” something, it’s due to a misalignment of energy. It’s an energy crisis. If you simply find what’s draining the energy and/or inspire the area with outside energy and data, the body will respond. Our bodies want to be in alignment and flowing with energy. That’s the state it strives to be in. The body knows what to do in ways we cannot (always) comprehend. To make an example of the power of words as an intention: if you want to meditate on biohacking a disease or a personal experience, if you start off by saying that you want to "heal" it , you are tuning into the idea that something is weak or wrong. You're giving the power to what you don't want versus the aligned state you want to embody.This also translates into our personal lives. If I feel that my life isn’t flowing or vibing right, I just focus on the frequency of alignment and then I just get out of the way. It never ceases to amaze me what the human body and the universe is capable of imagining for us. The beauty and strength that is possible in our lives is spectacular!
Go makeup free and allow your skin to glow. February 11 2017
Want to rock a naked face?
Sleep in a few minutes longer every morning and let your true complexion shine.
We wear makeup to tweak things about or complexion. It’s not about “fixing” something unpleasing; it’s more about creating a strong, supportive climate for your skin. Imbalances can be a sign of weakness or disease. We can have our own desirable complexion by creating smooth texture, balanced pigment, and a healthy glow.
For a smooth texture, we want tight pores and plumed skin. First we need proper exfoliation. Retinols are a great go-to for almost any skin type. My ReFab product is a beautiful blend of retinols and TCA to create optimal exfoliation and support without undesirable irritation. If you can’t find a vitamin A that your skin loves, try an enzyme cleanser. I use a powdered enzyme with vitamin C a few times a week. You can also add a high quality salicylic cleanser just a few times a week to help with keeping your skin extra clean, pores toned, and lessen blackheads. Next, we want to make sure our skin is nice and plump! This will “fill” in fine lines, and make our under eyes and mouth area more youthful looking. Collagen serums, hyaluronic, and hydrators that prevent water loss will support this.
At Home: EGG WHITE AND SUGAR LACTIC MASK
I love the instant tone egg whites give to the face! I’ve been playing around with masks since I was a kid. I will share with you some of my favorites.
At Home: EGG WHITE TONING MASK
Whip up ONE EGG WHITE with 3 TABLESPOONS OF MILK. I prefer goat’s milk. Then softly fold in 2-2 ½ TABLESPOONS OF SUGAR. Feather onto the skin and leave on for 10-20 minutes. You will need to rinse off with warm water. I follow with a few passes of an ice cube over my face. Great before a big night or after one.
Pleasing pigment. Some of us are lucky to have a “fresh freckled” look, while others can have splotchy hyper and/or hypopigmentation. Vitamin C is a slow but effective way to support balanced pigment and should be used daily.
Arbutin is a great ingredient that is gentle but effective. It lightens the skin without thinning it out or causing redness and irritation. This spring I’m launching a treatment stick that you can apply over heavier pigment areas to lighten and reverse hyperpigmentation. You can also go the more aggressive route by using a very high hydroquinone from your dermatologist. It’s not my first choice because it’s bleaching versus changing how the skin truly acts. It’s also important to check your hormones. Some pigment is a result in hormonal surges. As far as clinical treatments go, I have historically seen that the skin responds better to peels versus lasers. Especially for darker skin types or mixed women, like me.
At Home: EGG WHITE BRIGHTEN MASK
Whip ONE EGG WHITE, 1 TEASPOON LEMON JUICE and 1 TEASPOON TUMERIC POWDER. Apply for 20 minutes and remove with warm water. If you’re applying before bed, you can gentle wipe off, apply your hydrator and go to sleep.
A healthy glow versus flushed, compromised skin. We want assure that we have healthy lymph and vascular systems, strong immunity to irritants, and a strong and thick collagen bed. To support this I have patients on a 12% B3 serum. B3 improves skins immunity functions by supporting the Langerhans cells. It helps to treat rosacea via creating this stronger immunity in the skin. It strengthens bold flow and can detox the skins of many irritants. It also promotes collagen synthesis. It also helps to regulate hydration in the skin. Sometimes flushing and rosacea can be a sign that there’s an improper balance of water in the skin.
If you aren’t getting results from homecare, check for allergies, issues with your gut, or anything that could be causing a histamine reaction.
Home Mask: NOURISHING EGG WHITE MASK
Whip together 1 EGG WHITE, 1/5 of an AVACADO, 1 TEASPOON GREEK YOGURT and a DROP of HONEY. Leave on for 15 minutes and remove with cool water.
Finally, find a great hydrator that will give you a veil of protection and will drip feed your skin all day with what your skin type needs.
Makeup can be fun way to express ourselves. Something to add to our already beautiful and healthy faces. But I promise you; it can also be an interesting shift to your routine to skip it sometimes. For some women, it can actually create a feeling of liberation. When things become routine, we sometimes lose sight as to why and how it became routine. Choice is Queen. Have fun with your face!
MIA-BELLE
Soak in beauty! January 30 2017
Baths can be much more than just relaxing!
Baths can be truly therapeutic. I want to share with you some of my favorite baths. A recipe for headaches, cleansing, and beautifying as well as emergency baths for sunburns, leg cramps, and feminine health.
Headache Relief:
Essential oils are concentrated plant essences that have the power to inspire balance to our body and mind.
I want to share an amazing bath elixir that will help relieve energy draining headaches. Headaches can be caused by anything from seasonal allergies to anxiety and stress. Hormonal fluctuations, menstrual cycles, and lack of sleep can also cause headache tension.
The essential oil lavender is a commonly known choice to relieve stress in general but when you’re targeting a headache, we should get a bit more specific. Many of my patients suffer from sinus congestion due to internal and external stressors. Below is my favorite concoction for a treatment bath that relieves headaches due to congested sinuses.
Mix the following together then slowly pour into a warm bath.
–Peppermint oil – 10 drops
–Eucalyptus oil – 5 drops
–Sesame seed oil – 1 Tbsp.
Make sure to relax for 30 to 40 minutes to allow for the oils to do their magic. The eucalyptus oil helps decongest the airways and the sinuses while peppermint oil provides pain relief. Be aware the eucalyptus oil is a very strong, so take care not to splash the bath water in your eyes – it may cause irritation.
Beauty Bath:
Goat’s milk is one of my favorite beauty gifts from Mother Nature! When I was a little girl, a local healer told me to drink a glass of goat’s milk a day and that I would always stay young. I still add it to my shakes and I love using it on my skin. It’s an ingredient that has become more popular in the past few years. It creates a transforming beauty bath when you immerse yourself in a tub filled with warm water and 2-4 cups of organic goat’s milk.
It will help soften and smooth your skin. Milk contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that can help loosen the bonds that hold onto old, dead skin cells. Your skin will feel silky smooth and look brighter! A milk bath helps exfoliate your skin without any scrubbing, so if your like me and can’t handle dry brushing or harsh scrubs, you don’t have to worry about irritating your skin but will still get the smooth results.
You now have a clean canvas so your products penetrate the skin more effectively, so your moisturizer does a better job of keeping your skin hydrated. Milk also contains fats and proteins that can help boost your skin’s moisture even after you’re done soaking.
It’s also uber calming! The proteins whey and casein found in milk, as well as the amino acids, lactic acid and vitamins A, D and E, all work together to help reduce redness and itchiness. Great emergency soak if you get a dose of poison oak on a vacation!
Total Detox:
Epsom salt is rich in both magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium and sulfate can be easily absorbed through the skin and taken up into the bloodstream, so it’s an excellent external way to detox and get out any harmful and unnatural substances.
This bath stimulates your lymph system and encourages increased oxygen and blood flow to your body. Sulfates stimulate the pancreas to form digestive enzymes necessary to detoxify the body. The soak also neutralizes toxins, protecting the body from heavy metals.
Magnesium in the Epson salts are uplifting to our mood because deficiencies in magnesium can cause significant damage to nerves, which manifest in symptoms associated with depression. Magnesium salt also promotes gastric activity in the intestines, which provides a laxative effect. The stimulation of movement in the gut and colon further promotes detoxification processes.
The Sulfates are beneficial for the health of joints, skin, and nervous tissue. Sulfates also bind toxic impurities in the liver to render them less hazardous.
Spend at least 40 minutes to soak in the tub. Allow 20 minutes of treatment to pull toxins out of your body through the skin. The second 20 minutes allows for the absorption of minerals to occur. 1- ½ cups for a full bath.
Quick Cramp Relief:
A muscle often locks up for no apparent reason; the root cause is a chemical signal from the nervous system that tells the muscle to contract. You’re probably running low on potassium, magnesium, and calcium – the minerals that help to regulate activity in your nerves and muscles. Many people that suffer from chronic cramping know to sip on some tonic water before bedtime because it contains quinine. This can be beneficial to sip on but also can be used as a soak. A Tonic Water bath a great way to help you get through the night f you’re on vacation or traveling for work. Head straight to the mini bar and grab a few tonic waters and add it to your bath. You should feel a bit of relief shortly!
Sunburn:
Apple Cider Vinegar contains antiseptic properties that kill germs and relieve pain. It also helps to balance the pH of sunburned skin and reduces the blisters after burning. It acts as an astringent that shrinks or constricts the blood tissues which in turn reduces the inflammation caused by sunburn, creating instant relief. Apple cider vinegar acts as a wonderful cooling and moisturizing agent that makes the skin release the pent-up heat.
Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV to us hippies is rich in B-vitamins, Vitamin C and trace minerals, making it nourishing to skin.
Added benefit: it will also make you smell sweeter! It will help kill the bacteria that contribute to body odor and create an environment where odor is less likely to thrive in the future.
For sunburn relief, add 2 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar to a full bath and soak for 10 -20 minutes.
FEMME Bath:
Baking soda baths are a useful remedy to fight against many feminine health issues as it maintains a pH balance in the body. Anything that upsets the pH of your vagina will worsen the situation. Substances like semen or menstrual blood are Alkaline. A sitz bath with baking soda, which buffers pH levels, can help reduce the pH of your vagina and decrease the irritation.
A full bath can also help soften your skin and also remove chlorine from your skin and hair.
Add 3 tablespoon to sitz bath- about 2-3 inches high in water or 6 tablespoons to a full bath. Soak for 20 minutes.
I hope these baths inspire you to take the time for self care and relaxation for you to create the true whole body health you deserve.
~My article was also published by LVBX Magazine.
Winter Skin Tips! January 06 2017
I shared some skin-saving tips to get your skin through the winter for LVBX Magazine. XO
~Winter can be harsh, but beautiful. It’s important to feed our skin what it needs with the change of the seasons.
In the Winter, we need to help protect it from the cold, dry air by creating a superior barrier, strengthening the dermis and epidermis, and target keeping in hydration and our pigment balanced.
There are a lot of go-to ingredients to feed your skin for winter, but my favorites for homecare are: time-released peptides, anti-oxidants, transforming growth factors and niacinamides.
Here’s why…
Niacinamide:
–Energizes our cells
–New collagen synthesis
–Regulates epidermal ceramide synthesis which benefits the epidermal barrier
–Supports fully functioning stratum corneum
–Increases blood flow to the cells, increasing the nutrients to the cells
Resveratrol:
–Anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, protection from UVB rays by protecting collagen
–Protects telomeres from shortening
–Reduces lipid peroxidation
–Reduces production of melanin
–Protects from UV-A damage
–Stimulates longevity proteins called sirtuins
–Reinforces capillaries by boosting cutaneous microcirculation
–Helps maintain optimal level of hyaluronic acid to preserve suppleness and elasticity
TGF-8 growth factor:
–Equalizes skin tone and pigment
–Controls proliferation, cellular differentiation
–Strengthens proper skin functions
Time-release Peptides:
–Signals collagen production
–Promotes thicker, stronger skin
–Reduces inflammation
As far as diet goes, add more omegas and anti-oxidants to keep your skin stronger and supple head to toe. Warm up with tasty adaptogen teas to boost your immunity and mood.
You can also support your skin by running your humidifiers to combat the extra dry air. Infuse some palo santo for immunity support or nutmeg for any aches and pains. If you want to indulge in a bath, add some goat’s milk and a few drops of rose hip oil to hydrate.
Enjoy this wonderful time of year and let’s get ready to ring in the new year with strong and beautiful faces.
MIA-BELLE
Fall Skin Tips I shared with LVBX Magazine! November 03 2016
Many of my patients, after enjoying the past hot and sunny months of summer, want to book a peel. I like to wait until the end of fall to perform a peel. Give your skin a moment to adjust to the cooler, drier air. We want to keep intact the acid mantle of the skin, giving us a little more armor to endure the change of the seasons. In the beginning of the fall your skin may feel drier, this dehydration creates fine lines to show and can create a “blushing “ to our skin. The blushing also results from the cool, dry air.
Masks are key to pampering our skin through changes in the environment. Homemade yogurt masks at home can be amazing. Professional hyaluronic and peptide masks are great to strengthen the skin. The hyaluronic acid helps to add more water to the skin that the drier environment is pulling out. Peptides will rebuild our defense mechanisms from these environmental stresses. Another fall go-to product is omegas or lipid based oils. Many products that are lipid based can be low quality and can become unstable. A few drops of high-end rosehip oil can be added to your hydrator. I trust Luzern’s rosehip oil. An even better way to add lipids to the climate of your skin is to take high performing omega and antioxidant supplements. This will create a “skin body guard” against fall stresses.
Once we balance our skin with extra water, lipids omegas and anti-oxidants, we can add a daily exfoliator that’s right for you. An enzyme cleanser is a good choice for lighter exfoliation, lactic for a moderate exfoliation, and a retinol for more of an upper moderate exfoliation could be a potent tool towards skin health.
“If your skin is ready to have a medical grade peel to prep for the holidays and lighten any solar pigmentation from the summer, make sure your technician preps your skin AND most importantly; creates an individual post-care plan for you.”
If your skin is ready to have a medical grade peel to prep for the holidays and lighten any solar pigmentation from the summer, make sure your technician preps your skin AND most importantly; creates an individual post-care plan for you. This will be key in getting advanced results. Make sure to follow directions and stay on track throughout the process. Be patient with your results. If you just slightly flake instead experiencing a heavily shed, it doesn’t mean you aren’t receiving the best results. Your skin is doing what it needs to do. The skin is smart! Some patient’s skin is “digested off” while the peel is performed vs. post shedding. The beauty of a peel is the process of the chemicals allowing all the other supportive ingredients into the lower layers of the skin. Think of it as irrigating the skin, or fertilizing it with important skin food! Patients not being well educated on the peeling process as far as the amount of shedding that may or may not occur has created an over aggressive response by technicians, to make their patients happy by creating unnecessary and at times harmful over exfoliation to give an illusion to their patients of better results. Another perk of a peel is that it allows the post care products to provide super- charged results. Make sure to take advantage of the weeks after your peel to continue the benefits provided by the daily use of your products.
We may not be able to control the atmosphere outside but we can control the atmosphere of our home. Use a shower filter that purifies and softens water. You can find great showerheads that filter out chlorine, hydrogen sulfide and create ph.-balanced water. Put an aromatherapy humidifier on your bedside table. They’re much easier to maintain than a conventional humidifier but still add some much needed moisture to the air.
It’s essential to find a skincare expert that knows your individual skincare needs, and can guide you on a path to create a healthy climate for your skin during every season.
Photo Courtesy Of LVBX Magaizine
Secret about Cellulite October 29 2016
Oh, cellulite.
Our genetics are the biggest cause of cellulite. Exercise, diet, hormones, laxity of the connective tissue, and our overall lifestyle can attribute to the expression of cellulite.
If we want to create a smooth silhouette, what can we do? Let’s talk technology first.
They’re have been many medical treatments that have provided some good results, but mostly have been disappointing and costly. Two new machines that came out this year have some promise, but time will tell if they can create anything more than temporary results.
Stubborn Toxins
Most treatments use a vacuum feature that creates swelling which only delivers a temporary result. It can be beneficial by creating a “detox” of the area and better circulation, but there are many ways to create this on your own via exercise, saunas, massage, etc. The homecare massager “Body Belle,” is an amazing way to boost blood and lymphatic flow. It also stretches the fibrous tissue to improve elasticity. This strengthening of the connective tissue is key.
Dermal Bonding
When the skin on our body looses elasticity and the connection between all the layers weaken, cellulite looks it’s worst! We need to strengthen the relationship between all the layers. Stretching, yoga and Pilates can really help. I target this factor at my clinic by mixing radio frequency skin tightening treatments with CIT collagen building treatments to get the skin pillowy and youthful looking.
Daily Rituals
Exfoliating on a daily basis in the shower is essential. It wakens up the skin, and preps it for the topicals you apply during your morning beauty ritual. You can use the body brush head on your clarisonic or you can get create your own homemade sugar scrubs. Add a little rosemary oil to your recipe for blood flow. The one skincare line for the body that I’ve seen deliver real results is called Kayo. Their Concentrated Slimming Serum creates not only amazing instant results, but also truly accumulative benefits. The Vitamin Boost is essential for rebuilding the skin. For a supportive supplement, I love ATP by Meehan Formulations. This formulation keeps your body clean and fine-tuned by energizing your cells and keeps you fit on a truly molecular level.
Hormones
Cellulite can be related to hormone imbalances, specifically an excess of estrogen and a deficiency in progesterone. It’s so important for women to get their hormones checked regularly. It has an astronomical effect on our skin. You can create a hormone-balanced climate through naturopathy and even easy diet changes. Other internal contributors to cellulite are low thyroid, adrenal dysfunction, and blood sugar imbalance.
Cellulite can be a telling sign that we need to shift things in our whole-body health routine. Giving some extra love to ourselves is a priceless investment on our path to living our most vital life. Empowering our bodies empowers our lives.
Image via LVBX Magazine
TGIF Guide October 13 2016
Check out my article published by TGIF Guide with Meagan Bell!
http://tgifguide.com/miabella/
Mia Belle Skin is a beautiful skin care oasis in downtown Beverly Hills. I was promptly greeted upon my arrival by Mia, and lead to a light filled plush room with a cozy facial chair and dark blue bench. I crawled under the sheets to my warm haven for the next hour.
Mia asked me a few questions about my skin and determined the products and treatment methods she would use to attack my skin concerns. She suggested that the radio frequency machine, one of the latest technologies in skin care, would help plump the eye area which I am closely watching for signs of wrinkles. I much prefer natural collagen boosting methods to fillers when possible. Mia answered all my questions and is a skin care expert trained in all the latest techniques and products, I am excited to book my next appointment and continue improving my skin!
If you’re interested in trying the same treatment I did or want to consult with Mia on improving your own beautiful skin, give her a call! Be sure to tell her Megyn from TGIFguide sent you :)
Mia Belle Skin, 9615 Brighton Way #416, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, (213) 422-4346
Glow October 13 2016
Want to achieve the Hollywood Glow that you see on the red carpet?You can get your skin in shape and glowing by supporting your skin inside and out. You can achieve a face that the camera loves under any light with a few top tips from me below!
1. Start from within! My go-to skin supplement is "Bend Beauty."
It's packed with anti-oxidants and omegas. After a month your skin will have a natural internal defense against harmful rays from the sun and you will a notice an improvement in the appearance of the size of your pores, creating a beautiful texture. Your skin will be nice and plump with the right, balanced amount of lipids. This formula helps defend your skin from environmental factors, which is super important for us living in Los Angeles.
2. Hydrate.
A majority of people have little water content within their skin climate. Dehydration causes fine lines and a lack luster complexion. Drink water high in enzymes and electrolytes. It's even more effective to eat foods high in water content like cucumbers and watercress. Topically apply a hyaluronic acid morning and night to feed your skin with high performing hydration. My favorite is Luzern's "Rehydrate."
3. Skin Gym.
Getting a monthly skin treatment is very important to keep your skin in tip-top shape. It's natural for our skin to have different needs month to month due to stress, weather, hormones, etc. I work from a place of inspiration versus inflammation. Treatments that work with the skin's own phenomenal ability to stay beautiful are the best if you want to stay youthful and natural looking.
4. Know your ABC's!
Support your skin with vitamins A, B, and C. These are the building blocks to strong skin.
Vitamin A supports proper exfoliation, builds collagen and helps to diminish fine lines.
Vitamin B increases the production of ceramides and fatty acids, major components of your skin's outer protective barrier. This creates a calm environment for the skin and prevents water loss. It also evens out skin tone by preventing melanin transfer, helping to creating a beautiful glow.
Vitamin C helps protects against oxidants, balances pigment by being a natural tyrosinase inhibitor. It also supports production of collagen type 1.
5. Tone your muscles.
To create your most photogenic, Hollywood glam face, you have to create clean lines by having a defined and toned architecture. Due to internal and external factors, our muscles weaken and the layers of our face start to loose their once strong and vital connection to each other. You can receive treatments like the Bio-Lift, or DermalBonding at my clinic to keep these layers strong and to retrain and tone the skin and muscles of the face. You can purchase a NuFace devise and use on a very regular basis to help achieve toned skin and muscles at home.
Whether you're walking the red carpet or just want to feel camera ready at any moment, you can feel confident by just giving a little extra love and time to your face!
Photo courtesy of LVBX Magazine
Travel Tips! September 15 2016
THE WANDERING AESTHETIC: ON BUILDING A TRAVEL BEAUTY ROUTINE
Planning to get away this weekend? Whether you're globe trotting or a quick road trip, it’s important to prepare your wandering beauty routine.
PREPARATION
First, make sure to eat healthy a few days before you leave. Eat lots of leafy greens and stay away from foods and drinks high in sodium and carbohydrates that will dehydrate your skin.
Try and book a hydrating facial a day or two before you depart. No treatments that entail heat or heavy exfoliation. Oxygen infusions, LED, hyaluronic and peptide masks are go-to treatments at my practice.
If you want to pack light, coconut oil is a great option. Although I’m not a fan of frequent use of coconut oil on the skin, you can apply this head to toe as your moisturizer, use as a cleanser, a lip balm, and apply to the tips of your hair if you need some extra conditioning.
Cleansing wipes are great for the late lazy night when you don’t want to have to take the time to wash your face.
Remember to pack your probiotics! Keeping your gut clean while you travel will make your skin happy. Or you can eat foods with probiotics and drink organic probiotic drinks.
For a simple and fun make-up look, go for a bright lip color, mascara and a bronzer with SPF. I prefer powered SPF when I travel. I don’t have to deal with reapplying layers of cream and I don’t have to worry about the powder getting hot and breakings down like liquid sun protection.
Leave your harsh products at home. Strong glycolics, retinols, etc. These don’t travel well and can make you more sun sensitive. If you have sensitive skin its good to discontinue these products a few days prior to your departure.
EN ROUTE
If you’re flying, try and stay away from alcohol, but if you have to take the edge off, order a greyhound. The grapefruit helps to keep you face from getting puffy.
Apply a good occlusive hydrator as soon as you buckle up. This will prevent your skin drying out via the strong air conditioning.
Pack a skin-friendly satin pillowcase in your carry on. This way, if you want to rest your cheek on the headrest, or the airplane pillow, you can make sure your skin stays clean and no harsh irritants from the fabrics will bother your skin or cause a breakout. You can also replace the hotel pillowcase with yours during your stay. Stiff, cheap pillowcases can be rough on your hair and skin.
Try and listen to soothing music or a guided mediation on your way to your destination. Skin doesn’t like stress! I always travel with my favorite lavender oil. I put a drop on the bottom of my neck. This way I only smell something beautiful, this is especially helpful when you’re in tight quarters with other travelers.
BUMPS IN THE ROAD
I’ve had patients call me in a panic that have used eye masks that made their eyes swell or ate something that made their face swell up. If this happens take a Benadryl and use cold compresses that you can chill in your hotel ice bucket.
If you’re going to have drinks with limes in them, be careful not to get lime juice on your hands or skin and then exposing it to the sun. Some people can hyperpigment from this.
Too much sun? Chill some aloe vera gel and keep reapplying. Make a cool bath for yourself, even add ice. Get an oatmeal soothing bath mix from the drug store or you can add a cup of apple cider vinegar. You will feel instant relief.
If you find yourself jet lagged and bored in the middle of the night, try not to sit in front of that high intensity magnifying mirror and get too excited extracting every pore. If you do, make sure to apply an anti-bacterial gel so you don’t cause a major break out.
Wishing you all safe travels, and remember to leave beauty wherever you go!
Mia Belle
Photo courtesy of LVBX Magazine!
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