FIRES December 11 2017
Self-Care during changes to your environment is essential to your well-being.
We have been experiencing extreme fires in Southern California. It’s been heart warming to see our communities band together and care for one another. Even if you live miles away from the fires, the air quality is very straining to our health. There’s ash all over peoples homes, inside and out. The air is extremely dry. This has affected people’s immune systems, sinuses, energy levels and skin. Many patients have been coming in with lips so chapped that they’re bleeding. Many have such intense pressure and discomfort in the sinuses that they cant sleep well at night.
Whether you are around a natural disaster like this or if you travel to a different climate where it’s extremely dry, there are thing you can do to help stay healthy.
First you want to try and improve and control the quality of the air in your home. Blast air filters and humidifiers. Add frankincense to your aromatherapy humidifiers. This is a great oil to clear up your sinuses.
Now try and improve your internal environment. The brand “Host Defense” has a superior supplement containing chaga and reishi for lung health called “Breathe.” Chaga and reishi is well known for its support of skin and lung functioning. In Eastern medicine they believe that the lungs have the strongest relationship to the skin than any other organ.
Up your omegas! This will help keep your skin juicy and protected.
Super-hydrating IV drips can also be beneficial. Add enzymes to your water and chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a supportive antioxidant for the skin.
Keep your showers and baths cool and short! Long, hot baths and showers dehydrate our skin. Add some Epson salts to your bath to help detox or oatmeal to help hydrate.
Making home masks with Greek yogurt and tons of Manuka honey will also help soothe your skin.
For topicals, I’m loving Luzern’s “Urban Defense Day Lotion.” It’s packed with protection against a toxic environment. It’s anti-pollution formula helps to neutralize the effects against pollutants such as smog and heavy metals.
I also have my patients mix old school Aquaphor with a bit of Luzern’s lip treatment to help heal their lips. Lip treatments alone will be too harsh.
I’m not a fan of strong massage or suction on the face, but a nice lymphatic drainage or a Nova Sonic treatment will clear out toxins and help “drain” your sinuses. If you have a Foreo, Nuface or Clarisonic at home, make sure and treat yourself. It will get the blood and lymph flowing which in turn will help to get nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
I’ve lived through a few major fires in my life. They can be very transformative- not only to the land but to our body, mind, heart and spirit.
Let’s focus on keeping safe and healthy and allowing for the changes this will bring. I remember after the fires behind my house over a year ago, I went hiking with Casey Ann Hickey. We were blown away at the beauty and strength of what was growing out of the soot and debris. Vibrant green, purple and orange life just flowing out of the soil. That Spring the Hollywood Hills look like I was back in New Zealand.
If you want to help support these communities rebuild, please look into donating to Gentle Barn. www.gentlebarn.org
I know people involved with this group. You can be assured that your money will be used with integrity.
Wishing everyone a healthy and hopeful week. x
The Future of Skincare December 10 2017
Hello beauties!
I’ve been traveling around the world to experience and learn how the future of skincare will change the landscape of women’s health and the way we all care for our skin from head to toe, inside and out! I’m beyond proud of some of the amazing pioneers in our field. We are creating an advanced and trustworthy way to create true, protective and lasting benefits for the health of our skin. The way we treat our skin and our self-care beauty rituals will be entering into a new paradigm shortly. I look forward to taking these steps and sharing my knowledge with all of you!
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!
Beauty is in the air! June 22 2017
Here I share my article LVBX Mag published on how the air we breathe effects our beauty.
Beauty is in the Air!
The air we breathe has a huge effect on the health of our skin. In Eastern traditions, the lungs are thought to have a direct connection to the skin and are taken into consideration in the treatment of all skin issues.
Many of you are lucky to live in areas where the air is clean and pristine. Others of us have to address the effects of living in a more toxic and draining environment. It’s important to address the quality of the air you breathe not only in your outside environment, but also inside your home and workplace. Taking the time to enhance the quality of the air you breathe will create a healthier future for your overall health and beauty. Below are some tips to help you create a beautiful climate for your body mind and spirit with every breath you take.
Just breathe.
Breathing exercises can help strengthen and cleanse your body and mind! Alternating deep breathing between each nostril, holding the breathe in certain rhythms or patterns can be very beneficial to the integrity of the health of the body, and it promotes better focus, energy levels, and deeper sleep. The Aetherius Society teaches a beautiful breathing practice. Deep yogic breathing and intense cardiovascular breathing are a great way to keep you body and skin fit!
Eat pretty.
You can also fortify yourself internally with supplements and food.
Host Defense’s “Breathe” is an excellent supplement for lung support. It’s a
blend of Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps. Chaga is well known for its support of skin and lung functioning. Reishi supports breathing, cardiovascular system and endurance. Cordyceps is a lung tonic and for energy support. Again, if you support your lungs, you support your skin!
Recycle and Purify.
Research air filters to find the best one for you. There are many brands that target specific allergens, and take into consideration what model works best for your lifestyle. Some have more upkeep than others, and it’s very important to stay on schedule with replacing filters for superior benefits. I’ve recommended many of my patients to purchase a sleek or more compact air filter for their workspace. Especially if there’s construction going on anywhere in or outside the building. There are a lot of toxic byproducts being given off by many types of business activities that may just be a door away from you.
Many older buildings can also have mold.
Mold.
Mold spores enter the body through inhalation and ingestion, and can also be absorbed into the body through the skin. Mold spores that are inhaled have greater toxicity than those absorbed by the skin or ingested. Skin reactions can include: rashes, irritated patches discolored skin, over-sloughing, and elevated photosensitivity. It can create “odd” sensitive patches on the face. I have seen on patients a diminishing of the acid mantle of the skin. Exposure to mold can be very serious.
Please get in touch with your cities health department to test your living or workspace if you have even a slight suspicion that you may be living with mold.
Water heals.
The more moisture in the air, the more moisture in your skin. Standard humidifiers are too much upkeep for me! I’m so grateful that we now have aromatherapy humidifiers that are small enough to fit on a bedside table, but can run for up to 12 hours. This really helps to keep the air moist and us more hydrated during our beauty sleep. Add a few drops of therapeutic essential oils to get even more benefit. My latest beauty sleep mix is sweet eucalyptus, birch, and pine.
Making small changes in our everyday lifestyle can bring about big rewards. Living a conscious and strong life creates a more beautiful world for ourselves and everyone around us.
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.
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
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
Gym Skin October 01 2016
My Article featured in LVBX Magazine! xo
Our skin loves a good workout!
When our heart rate goes up, more blood flows to our muscles. Our capillaries expand to carry needed oxygen throughout our body. Our blood vessels dilate to carry more blood near the skin’s surface, feeding the skin with good things.
But it’s important for us to support the skin against excessive water loss and excessive inflammation. Always make sure to prep your workout using a soothing foaming or lathering cleanser. Nothing too harsh or abrasive.
I have my patients use my soothing “Modern Cleanser” to help prep their skin. It contains licorice root, a potent ingredient that reduces redness and inflammation. Harsh exfoliants or cleansers will only exacerbate extra inflammation.
Since sweating causes a lot of moisture to evaporate, it’s important to keep up the pH of the skin while sweating by using a balancing toner. My favorite is Luzern’s Alpine o2 Glacial Toner. A lower pH balance results in redness and breakouts while higher results in dryness and sensitivity.
Sweating also causes a lot of moisture to evaporate, so be sure to apply a hyaluronic serum. Even if some of the serum sweats off, your skin will still get some protection. Sweating can be a great way to detoxify your skin, but touching machines and equipment can spread bacteria to your skin.
If you have long hair, put it up in a ponytail our use a headband so you do not have to touch your face and hair. When I go to yoga class I bring a washcloth that I soak in witch hazel and distilled water. I use it on top of my mat and yoga towel for extra protection from bacteria.
It’s always important to support your skin from the inside too! My favorite juice alchemist Kiel Pollitt, the founder and owner of L.A Juice has created my two favorite workout drinks. “Green Juice” is always great for your skin with its chlorophyll content to create more oxygen in the blood. It’s lighter and works great for sipping throughout your workout. Celery, cucumber, cilantro, spinach, lemon ginger and green apple is always a great mix! If you’re not a fan of flavor while you workout, I recommend sipping electrolyte water to rehydrate. His “Moon Smoothie” is delicious. It has homemade almond milk, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, red cabbage and bee pollen. It’s super fresh, has lots of protein, and makes for a nice breakfast before an early workout or an ideal post-workout shake.
After your workout, make sure to wash with a gentle cleanser using cool water to take down inflammation. Stay away from harsh scrubs! Your skin is a bit more vulnerable. My go-to post workout serum is Luzern’s Rehydrate. It’s filled with hyaluronic and b5 to support and replenish the water balance in the skin. It also has lipids and ceramides that restore our vital moisture barrier. Your face will absorb things faster right after a workout so hold off a bit on strong retinols, or AHAs.
If you can relax after, this is a great time to apply your hydrating and soothing sheet masks. Your skin will drink it up!
Working out does the mind, body and soul good. Just remember to give some extra love and support to your skin!
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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