Reduce stress and anxiety—it's good for you

Best way to destress

One of the best ways to relax and destress is to spend some away-from-work time with those you love—family and friends. Spending more time with family is good but not always if it adds anxiety to the mix—especially if you're having family squabbles, even minor ones. This often creates stress at holiday times—but can rear its head any time you’re having issues with family and adversely affect your health and well-being.

Family time

Still, you don't want to miss family time if you can help it.  This is what memories are made of. Spend as much time as you can with the family members you truly feel at home with and not so much with the ones who put you on edge.

Also consider adding extra friendship time, especially with longtime friends. These are the people you choose to be with—instead of feeling obligated to be with—and may help you destress, even if the time you spend together is short or consists of a simple phone call. They’re likely the people you feel you can share anything with, good times or bad, because you've already been through so many ups and downs together—plus they probably already get it about your family pressures.

Longevity and friendship

Whether you spend your downtime with family or friends, it’s good to make sure you do.

Is it true that we increase our chances in the longevity stakes when we spend more time with friends and family.? Yes, say experts. According to a report published in JAMA Internal Medicine, 23 percent of people who reported being lonely during the study period died within six years. But only 14% of those with regular companionship died within the same period. (Report Simplemost)

TIME Magazine says that spending time with friends can be as important (or more so, (see above!) than spending your relaxing hours with family.  Quality friendships—with people you understand and get on with and vice versa—is especially important. As are friendships with spouses, children, and other family members. But the relaxation factor may be greater with longtime trusted friends, who have been through it all with you.

Spending time with friends is also a good way to destress generally—because the more anxiety you feel, the more it affects your health now and in the future. Stay tuned for more on anxiety and how it affects you.

The bottom line is that the more social interactions you have, the more impact this will have on your good health, well-being, and longevity. 

RENEW, REVIVE, AND REJUVENATE WITH MAXINE WARSH. YOUR SKIN WILL KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

MAKEUP TIPS TO REJUVENATE YOUR LOOK

How to hide puffy eyelids—

Is your complexion showing the signs of too many late nights?

Repairing the ravages of too much of a good thing or reducing the look of aging is surprisingly easy, says makeup artists.

Do you use eyeliner only on your bottom lid? Is your foundation not really the best choice for you? How can you turn back the clock?

Is light eye shadow better?

We tend to think that lighter is better, but that isn't always the case with makeup. The simple answer is no—lighter is not better when you're trying to hide the signs of too many late nights or not enough sleep.

Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, who has worked with Vanessa Redgrave and Sandra Bullock has shared a number of makeup tips to look younger in the Daily Mail. Choose the right foundation and blusher and, if you're older, don't put blusher on the apple of your cheeks but brush up and out. Other tips include don't use powder puffs and how to restore definition to your eyebrows. 

And don't forget to clean it all away before you go to sleep at night.

“This is extremely important,” says complexion expert Maxine Warsh. “I can't emphasize it enough. Otherwise your makeup settles and clogs your pores and that's the least of it. I recommend the WARSH Cloth (of course!) to remove makeup and grime with water only--and we're still offering free shipping when you order over $65!”

A number of famous faces are also strong believers in washing with water only--apparently  Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, uses a face flannel (the Brit term for a wash cloth) and this may be the trick to her glowing complexion say the experts! 

Click: Makeup video on how to make older eyes look fresh from Lisa Eldridge.

And watch this excellent video testimonial by Pro Makeup Artist Ashley Szabadi on why she uses the Warsh Cloth!

Kate uses water and a face flannel--is this the secret?

From the Daily Mail

Best Makeup Ever!

Before Botox there was makeup!

Before Botox and other wonder injectables, all we had was makeup to disguise our skin flaws and the aging process. 

Then we had the challenge of finding the makeup that suited our specific needs.  We all know that process!

Well, I finally found it and I'm over the moon to launch with my products what I believe to be the BEST makeup, primer, and illuminating products I have ever experienced...Illumalift and Boxx Cosmetics have satisfied all the needs all skin types could ask for PLUS it's good for your skin with its high level of skin caring ingredients.

I am very happy to align my beliefs about skin care with Sandra Milligan, founder of Illumalift and Boxx Cosmetics. Helping clients effectively maintain beautiful skin with the aid of these two wonderful products is a fantastic process. 

If you're in the neighborhood: Please join us at our Annual Fall Closet & Trunk Sale on October 15 and meet Sandra to try on these new skin enhancement products! And don't forget to have a look when you're in for treatment— IllumaLift is now available at the office!

Maxine

ANNUAL FALL CLOSET & TRUNK SALE: October 15th at my studio— noon to 5:00

Illumalift: to brighten and perfect

Check out the Before and Afters!

The natural skin care Take It Up a Notch Starter Kit offers what you need for that moist, plump look when you need a little more rejuvenation!

Recommended Skin Care Treatment: Wash with the Warsh Cloth, apply our all-natural epiCARE products. If you're new to the line, I recommend the Fall and Winter Natural Skin Care Starter Kit (now 20% off!)  or the new Kick It Up a Notch Natural Skin Care Kit—everything you need for that moist plump look when you need a little more rejuvenation!

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DOES YOUR LIFE NEED A FRESH START?

Work for yourself—in this quick start and budget friendly career as a beauty specialist

If you've ever thought of starting your own business or would like to launch an exciting new career at minimum cost, consider being in the anti-aging business and training with Maxine Warsh.

Contact Maxine Warsh to train as a microcurrent anti-aging expert in this quick start, budget friendly program.

“I've always believed that we should aim to be whatever we can be—and if that means leaving your old job (or your old boss!) behind and relying on yourself for success, I like to do all that I can to help. I've developed a quick train program so you can be giving hands-on anti-aging treatment to clients in weeks. I've made the equipment accessible—with user-friendly pricing and a rent-to-own option.” Maxine

Become an “Aging-Well” Expert
In two weeks, and for a very “budget-conscious budget—you can be ready to work for yourself or start a business from home in the growing beauty industry. Of if you're already in a service industry, such as a spa or beauty salon, you can add it to your back of tricks or beauty services.

• Become an anti-aging specialist in a very exciting, people-friendly small business.

• Work for yourself in weeks

• Or expand your salon/spa service into this lucrative field

• It’s easy to get going!

“Please contact me or give me call for more information and so we can get to know each other.” Maxine

Is Stretching Anti-Aging?

The secret to sleeping well

“Because I wasn’t getting good restful sleep, I was starting to see an increase of under eye bags and listless skin. I tried everything I knew to correct these issues from diet, to massage, to homeopathic remedies. Nothing worked. Then I decided I wasn’t physically tired enough when I went to sleep, so I decided to exercise more. 

Stretching to feel better

“Years ago, I discovered a lifestyle that included a macrobiotic diet. It was healthy, interesting, and healing all at the same time. I loved the food and enjoyed the new journey with the Macrobiotic Society of Coconut Grove, Florida. 

“Not only was the food delicious, the gentle exercises were very soothing and made me feel calm and clear. I started doing Meridian Stretches irregularly, then regularly, 30 years ago and never looked back. I used them as yoga warm ups and taught them to hundreds of students over the years. 

“Between long walks, stretching, and weight training I knew I was getting enough exercise... but something needed tweaking. That something turned out to be HOLDING the stretches and doing them in the evening, close to bedtime. After the first night, I actually slept better! And every night, after I have continued to sleep better and better! Plus, the eye bags started disappearing and my skin started glowing again—not to mention my energy levels, strength, and body tone improved!!!

“The secret really is in the sauce. I hold each stretch for 10 seconds. There are seven dynamic movements that are done 10 times each. Instead of releasing from the movement immediately, I hold the stretch for 10 seconds.

“Interestingly, I noticed results quickly. So I researched the benefits of stretching and found exactly what I was experiencing.”

Stretching is good for you inside and out

And, of course, stretching is anti-aging. It’s great for your fitness level and toning, helps your joints to stay supple and in good working order, and your body to maintain flexibility and keeps you in good health, helping in the fight to reduce cholesterol levels and improve circulation—and those are just a few of the benefits… Plus, now we know, stretching helps you to sleep better!

Maxine—the anti-aging (and stretch/sleep) expert!!

Note: to my Toronto customers, let me know if you’d like me to show you these simple stretches!

Which berries are the best to eat for your complexion?

 Blueberries really are a superfood—for your health generally and for your complexion.

They taste great and blueberries are full of antoxidants, have about 4 grams of fibre per cup, and help with your motor skills. Plus blueberries help battle diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Their main benefit for your skin is if you have splotchy skin, acne, or capilliaries. The vitamins in blueberries are believed to help with oil levels and make the accumulation of sebum less likely. It's the vitamin C in blueberries that reduces broken capilliaries and splotchy complexions, making the blood vessels just below the skin stronger. It is the weakness within the vessel walls that shows as 'spider veins' or broken capiliaries.

Diets high in fat and carbs encourage aging skin—blueberries neutralize free radicals to give softer, smoother skin and a better feel.

So throw some in your smoothie, top your cereal or yogurt with a few—and do something good for your skin and your health! 

Is your complexion ready for spring?

Treat dry flaky skin from the inside out

If your complexion is feeling dry and flaky--which it might do if you've been out enjoying the cooler weather and elements this past winter or had the heat cranked up inside—there are things you can do immediately to battle wrinkles and dryness. 

One of them is to add more foods with omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. These include fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, walnuts, chia, and flax seeds. Other sources include canola oil, some fortified dairy foods, enriched eggs—the best approach is to add them to your diet from food sources if you can. The lack of omega 3's may also result in more inflammation generally--and this also shows up in your skin and may be the cause of your acne.

A lack of zinc and selenium have also been shown to contribute to acne—top up your diet with nuts (especially Brazil nuts). The selenium and Vitamin E and the other nutritional benefits, including iron, are good for skin health. 

 More info on omega 3's.

The Warsh Cloth

Clean your skin without cleansers—use water only.

Tomatoes also work from the inside out, with an abundance of Vitamin C that keeps the skin firm and boosts collagen production (as all Vitamin C foods do!). Lycopene in tomatoes stimulates circulation, which is good for everything.

It's believed that accelerated aging (in your skin and body) may be due to the activity of free radicals--antioxidants protect against this. To help in the fight against aging skin, eat lots of colorful vegetables. (Red or purple cabbage has the highest level of antioxidants per dollar, so it's good for your budget as well as your complexion!) 

Pale complexion?

If your skin is looking pale—also check out the linings of your eyelids and the inside of your mouth—you may have an iron deficiency. Check with your doctor—and also try to increase your intake of foods with iron, such as lentils, spinach, and beef. Low iron levels can also show up in your nails, in ridges or white-looking nails, spoon or concave shapes.

More on what to eat for a fabulous complexion.

Skincare Tip for a healthy complexion:

“My main big tip to ensure a fabulous complexion is to stop using makeup cleansers, which dry your skin out, contain preservatives, and leave a film on your skin—this affects how your lotions and potions work. It's great that the Warsh Cloth cleans all faces with water only (meet the Warsh Family of Cloths)—as well as removing grime and makeup is so popular. Using the Warsh Cloth is a big step to a better complexion.” Maxine Warsh

Meet the family of Warsh Cloths!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR SKIN FROM SAGGING

INNOVATIVE ANTI-AGING TREATMENT

By the time you’re 25, the ATP that fuels muscles is starting to diminish. Muscles begin to lose tone and skin starts to sag—and that means all over. Your face needs help inside and out starting about now if you want to keep looking your best—so make sure you use lots of water—inside and out—drink it and also use only water to wash (WARSH!) your face. This means not using chemical cleansers that will dry your skin. After you've washed away the day's grime and makeup (with a WARSH Cloth, of course), don't forget to moisturize, and always with a preservative-free, natural cream.

“If you're starting to notice wrinkles, crinkles, and perhaps even sags (!) I always recommend cosmetic microcurrent, which I've specialized in for over a decade.

Thousands of MAXINE WARSH clients rely on Cosmetic Microcurrent —commonly known as The Electric Face Lift— to look great (and feel marvelous!). But now there’s an innovative expansion I'm making available to take it up a notch. (We’re in the 13,000-14 k range!)

Available with the Microcurrent MAX Lift and Quick Lift, I'm offering the popular European clinical Meso MAX Lift.

EUROPEAN TREATMENT

This innovative treatment combines the skin plumping benefits of Microcurrent with the popular European clinical treatment of Mesotherapy.

TONING & TIGHTENING

Non-surgical and minimally invasive, Mesotherapy unites what is sometimes called facial acupuncture to the mesoderm with the anti-wrinkle and toning/tightening benefits of HA or Hyaluronic Acid.  

The result is that the skin hydrates from the inside out, for elasticity and to fill, firm, and smooth.

●           For naturally beautiful, plump and resilient skin— choose the Microcurrent MAX Lift treatment.

●           For the targeted benefits of non-allergenic and minimally invasive filler, choose the Meso Max Lift, which unites Microcurrent and Mesotherapy. 

Give me a call to discuss--and to make an appointment for a consultation with the medical practitioner on Friday, for an in-office treatment. If you'd like to invest in your own microcurrent treatment for a DIY treatment wherever you are—let me know. Our 15th anniversary sale is now on!

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A Day in the Life of...

“Anybody who knows me knows that I'm all about not stressing over things you can’t control, because the universe always has our back. And if we stay in the flow, we have a much richer life experience—no matter where we are. It’s all about being in a state of allowing and accepting, which keeps us youthful and healthy... and you never know when you’ll meet a new friend!

“I had the most unique woman sitting next to me on my flight home from Miami.

“She was an engaging and very much larger than life character. When she told me she was a singer from Macadonia I asked her to sing something for me (of course!) and she did! A true performance entertainer only has to be asked once😉.

“There I was on a flight delayed for three hours—and having the best time as she serenaded me a cappella in the wee hours of the morning on AC flight 1629, in Macedonian no less. The performance was followed with a very poetic and heartfelt translation.

“I was so entertained on the flight, I had to look at her videos. And, once again, I enjoyed my new friend.

“I love people! This flight was such a good-people-experience. It’s good for one’s soul to enjoy our surroundings, no matter where we find ourselves, and no matter in what circumstances. While I wasn’t loving the fact that my flight was so delayed and I was getting in at 3:00 a.m., I had the best time! And seeing my sweet man after a week away in the gorgeous sunshine in Miami brought the sun home with me!”

Happy WASHING!“

THE QUICK LIFT—MICROCURRENT & “THE ELECTRIC FACE LIFT”

How to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion

Being confident that we feel good and look good—and have minimized the wear and tear that the seasons, heat, AC etc. might have wreaked on our skin often seems to call for drastic remedies. Instead, take the easy route to anti-aging and try microcurrent to get the bounce and bloom back. And it’s never too soon to start to help protect your youthful looks. 

Start anti-aging microcurrent early

“People are starting anti-aging microcurrent in their 40’s—and I have some clients who like it even earlier. It depends on the state of your complexion. Wanting to look and feel like yourself when you look in the mirror is good at any age and this is the way to do it!” Maxine

World's best kept anti-aging secret

Try microcurrent anti-aging and a session Maxine Warsh Quick Lift. Or, try one of the practitioners who trained in microcurrent with Maxine—or you can do-it-yourself and give your complexion that fresh plump look to be ready for anything. Purchase your own anti-aging system based on our professional model.

How to update your life and your looks!

“Or if you’re looking for a way to update your life with a fresh start—consider training with me. I provide the training and the equipment—and this is a budget-friendly, easy and quick way to start a new career in the beauty biz—or add it to your services if you’re in the beauty business. You can be your own boss or work for a salon or spa.’ Maxine

A recent issue of Skin inc., a publication for professional estheticians and the beauty business, says that more and more people are replicating spa and beauty treatments at home, when they can. Cleansing machines are the most popular— women can take charge of their own treatment, do it in much less time than a visit to the spa—and see the benefits and adjust for themselves. That's why new products from anti-acne devices to dermabrasion tools for home use are popping up. That's why the trend to do your own anti-aging microcurrent treatment in minutes a day is so hot.

Anti-Aging treatment at home

Microcurrent, often called the lunchtime face lift, is non-invasive, entirely safe, and you can do it yourself in private. It's great for women (and men!)—sometimes couples do it.  The MDX miniPRO from Maxine Warsh offers the same features as the professional model—but it's smaller, lighter, easily portable—and perfect to use at home.

Give yourself the full Monty treatment (follow the handy DVD guide and illustrated booklet)—or simply a feather treatment for a few minutes for that plump anti-aging boost that gives buoyancy and depth and a certain springiness to your skin. Use it on your face, your hands (where age seems to show first!) and your neck and dec. Your skin feels thicker and full.

You won't look 'overdone'  
Dr Oz recommended microcurrent for anti-aging on his show. Apparently, many celebs are doing it—probably to avoid the 'overdone' look seen on some stars who've been front and center on camera lately. Cosmetic microcurrent is gentle, non-invasive, and good for your skin—there's no surgery and so no chance of mistakes! (It's reported that J Lo has her own professional unit.)

“So give your skin a visible boost—microcurrent is really under-appreciated as a treatment,” says Maxine.  “I call it the world's best kept anti-aging secret.”

No risk anti-aging treatment

A news brief from The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says “plastic surgeons and dermatologists ... are prescribing microcurrent to diminish loss in muscle tone.”  The Society also says it's fine to use microcurrent even if you've already had filler injections/Botox. Don’t wait—contact Maxine!
 

Anti-aging microcurrent—so you always look and feel like you when you look in the mirror.

From MaxineWarsh.com

How to Avoid Dermatitis—

“You've probably heard me say this before—but using natural skin care and Warsh Cloths that clean your skin with water only is really very good for your skin and science backs this up!” Maxine Warsh

The preservative—known as MI—used in a wide range of personal care products, from shampoos, moisturizers, and shower gels to many makeup and baby wipes is said to be second (after nickel) in causing contact allergies.

The National Eczema Association defines three common types of contact dermatitis—irritant, allergic, and contact (hives). Many irritants or allergens are common in items such as shampoos body, washes, cosmetics, soaps, lotions, baby and wet wipes. The association recommends not using soap and avoiding cleanser and other ‘wash off’ lotions and products, especially when outbreaks occur.

“Washng (Warshing!) with only water cleans your face the natural way!”

THE WARSH CLOTH—FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE CLEAN

Tips to help you through the holidays

TAKE A TEA BREAK:
Some teas taste good and most (all?) are good for you. But what kind?
Green tea can help protect against heart problems, is a great anti-inflammatory, and is also believed to help with acne.  Chamomile is considered a sedative tea--and most of us know it can help you switch off. Studies also say it's anti-inflammatory and reduces migraines.

Turmeric tea (or golden milk) is said to be anti-inflammatory, boosts immune function, lowers cholesterol and even helps battle Alzheimers.

Apparently Brits drink approx. 60 billion cups per year.   (See the other teas that are good for you and what the Irish Examiner has to say!)

Check out MAXappeal for more anti-aging and pro-health tips! (Subscribe to keep up to date with our weekly mailer—see this page, below.)

Hobbies and anti-aging

Everyone who knows me knows that I’m all about pro-healthy aging aka “anti-aging.” It comes naturally and honestly. It’s my way of life and I practice it in my life style every day. So it’s no accident I’m in a business that evolved organically from my love of exercise, diet, fashion, skin care, and hobbies!

Scientists have discovered that hobbies are good for you—they help you live longer. And for me, they add to the joy of life and keep me young. You probably know that feeling when time seems to stand still—you’re lost in the activity of creation or action. Some call it The Zen Factor,.

Another aha moment hit when something moved and inspired me to explore another of my passions—beautiful jewelry—and I started to create my own. I don’t know how else to express it... I just had to express the emotion through creating. The beauty of natural gemstones spoke to me. After making gifts for friends and family my husband suggested I sell them... and the rest is history. Edgy Elegance was born and so begins another addition to the lifestyle of happy, healthy, creative living, and the joy of looking forward and feeling alive with every fiber of my being.

How do hobbies help you live longer?

Research shows that people who spend at least two hours a day on hobbies are less likely to die early! The 90+ study by a neuroscientist at UC Irvine and presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science shows that having a hobby has the biggest percentage impact on longevity on participants. Whar ar the four key factors that might help you live longer? Read more.

Note from Maxine: Private parties and appointments can be scheduled. Give me a call. And I know I keep telling everyone that people just love to find Warsh Cloths in their Christmas stockings… and I think they’d love to find a customized jewelry item—perhaps one made to match their eyes or their favorite outfit or color—in that stocking too! Connect to create!

Buy online—custom-necklaces and more from Edgy-Elegance.ca

The key to a flawless complexion

Clean your face with water

According to beauty and makeup artist Arabella Preston, adviser to Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, a face cloth to wash your face should be your number one priority.  

“I couldn't agree more,” says Maxine. It sounds like Kate is a strong believer in what the Brits call “flannels” or wash cloths to clean her complexion. (we like Warsh Cloths and wonder if she's tried them--they're perfect to clean and leave you with a fresh face, plus they exfoliate at the same time, and all you need is water). 

Celebs and complexion routines

Many dermatologists and skin care experts, including Maxine Warsh, believe in not using anything stronger than water on your face for cleansing. Celebs from Salma Hayek to Kirsten Dunst to Lady Gaga say they don't use chemicals to wash their complexions (at least some of the time!) if they can help it, report style magazines. In fact, the 'caveman/woman?' routine, which is growing in popularity, advises never using chemically-based cleansers (or even makeup or moisturizers) of any kind.

ˆI definitely wouldn't go that far. But I would avoid cleansers and stick to water only as this does cause dryness. Instead, gently wash (Warsh!) with water only and one of my cloths. Washing with water only doesn't dry out or aggravate your complexion in any way and is good for your skin. In fact. It clears away the makeup and grime, even eye makeup, and gives a thorough clean without drying out or leaving a chemical residue like you get with chemical cleansers. These cleansers contain harsh ingredients and preservatives to prolong shelf life and this can play mayhem with your PH balance and leads to over-drying of your skin and wrinkles!

Using water only leaves your skin fresh and clean ready to be moisturized. Then I suggest using my Collagen Correction before you moisturize as it really helps to prepare an absorbent base and helps the moisturizer to work as it should.” Maxine

Beauty Tip:

Kate's beauty guru says her lovely complexion is due to using a “flannel”-- i.e. a face cloth! We suggest the Warsh Cloth!

Don't increase your wrinkle factor

There are all sorts of chemicals that irritate the complexion, are carcinogenic, dry your skin out, and thus increase the wrinkle factor, or cause breakouts. These occur in beauty and other common products found around the house (more on house cleansers later!). Some of are covered in a Huffington Post article including parabens and phthalates (in moisturizers) and sodium lauryl sulfate (body washes and cleansers) plus propylene glycol (moisturizers and sunscreen, makeup, shampoo and hairspray...) 

Anti-aging tip from Maxine: Be sure to hydrate from the inside out

Hydration. The body can live a long time without food, yet only a few days without water... some sources say you can survive for a week or so—others it may only be a few hours in extreme conditions. My advice from the anti-aging perspective is to drink water, herbal tea, and fresh vegetable juices consistently. Staying hydrated is a key to cellular regeneration. Get in the habit of drinking 1/2 hour before meals and one hour after meals.

p.s. Warsh Cloths are environmentally friendly—they last for months. Wash (Warsh!) the cloths with soap and water to keep them at their best--but use water only when you clean your complexion to keep your skin at its best.

NATURAL BEAUTY TIPS—APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

How to tone and even out your skin naturally in seconds—

  “So excited to share my latest Natural Beauty Tip—Apple Cider Vinegar!  Using Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner to balance the Ph in skin is an excellent idea-not only is my skin smoother and softer, but I actually notice that it's more toned and even. Treatment is simple. Wash (WARSH!) your face with a WARSH Cloth. This exfoliates and cleans away makeup and grime with only water. Then just dab a cotton ball with ACV and wipe your face, neck, and dec. Then moisturize. You’re done!” Maxine

Use the Warsh Cloth at least twice a day is my best advice to keep your skin clear.

Benefits of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (according to articles in Reader's Digest and elsewhere!) has a lot of wonderful health and other benefits, besides enhancing your skin's tone and clarity. See how and why it works.
 
It's fantastic for digestion— apple cider vinegar helps with tummy troubles, prevents indigestion, cures hiccups, soothes sore throats, could lower cholesterol, clears a stuffy nose, aids weight loss, gets rid of dandruff, clears acne, boosts energy, reduces night leg cramps, battles bad breath, whitens teeth, and helps control blood sugar…
What are you waiting for? Visit your local store and stock up!
 
Sign up for our newsletter MAXappeal for more  FACE TALK and tips—we feature lots of natural health and skin care guidance to keep you feeling well and looking great.
 

Pro-Aging- What Is It?

Some people call it pro-aging. Others call it healthy living or thinking positively or with satisfaction of your own aging process—whatever the words you use, chances are it will help you live longer and better.

Thinking positive helps longevity

A Harvard and Yale study showed that participants with a positive outlook on aging—who felt happy and useful—lived on average seven and a half years longer. Positive thinking about aging had more of an impact on aging than blood pressure, your BMI, how much you exercised, or your cholesterol levels.

In another key study, participants with positive perceptions about aging and capabilities, regardless of their health at the start, were better able to carry out daily activities over an 18 year period. 

“Wow,” says aging expert Maxine Warsh. “If that's not an excellent reason to focus on pro-aging instead of anti-aging, I don't know what is! To me, pro-aging is about a healthy attitude and living a healthy lifestyle—living out loud and fully.

A healthy diet and lifestyle are key components of pro-aging—but a positive attitude to your own aging process is even more important.

Live for today (and tomorrow!)

“It’s being all you can be with confidence, grace, and gratitude. If you were true to yourself yesterday then you are true to yourself today. Pro-aging is about getting out of bed with gratitude at being alive to enjoy another day of being all you can be —to own the day and your life without excuses.

“We aren’t getting any younger, but even though glow of youth is now replaced by the beauty of experience and knowledge… I wouldn’t change places with my younger self for all the toned muscles my body use to boast. I love me now and where I’m going. This isn’t to say I will ever stop taking care of myself. I value pro-aging too much to ever grow old. I was recently in Miami visiting mymother who is still youthful and not defined by her number. Good for you, Mom.

“I like to share my approach to life, as you know—and am so pleased that my skincare products and daily regimen developed to help others with aging (or pro-aging!) work so well!.

“My advice is to live out loud in the happiest, healthiest way—try to love who you are and where you're at and, of course, think positive. It really is good for your health!” Maxine Warsh

 More on pro-aging stats and tips.

BEST ANTI-AGING EXERCISE

Benefits of lifestyle changes

The best anti-aging exercise might be to rewrite your grocery list—and make sure you include healthy items, at least part of the time. If you're worried about your health or showing signs of fatigue, shortness of breath, the urge to become a couch potato, etc... maybe you need a lifestyle change. 

Diet and exercise are two of the top ways—and both, singly or together, can affect the possibility of contracting diseases from cancer to cardiovascular to diabetes. 

Popular weight loss diets

Popular diets are always popping up and what may be a new one to you is the Keto Diet. This low carb diet allows lots of good stuff (such as protein and higher fat products) and may be the one to make the difference to you.  

Best exercise choice

But whether you choose the Keto, Mediterranean, DASH, or any of the other diets, exercise should also be part of your lifestyle improvement. Regardless of if your preference is cardio workouts, yoga, pilates— you're probably aiming to improve strength, balance, flexibility, endurance, lose weight, develop muscle mass, lower stress levels —or all of the above.  But for anti-aging exercise that seems to work at the cellular level, the best choice may be to add High-Intensity Interval Training to whatever else you're doing. 

Many of us think of HIIT as a great way to rev up our metabolism and keep burning calories after we've stopped to get max value from our exercise time. But if you want to not only look younger but feel younger—and, they say, help your body be younger—the best value may be with high intensity, which made the older participants cells in this limited study resemble those of younger people.  

Bursts of moderate and high-intensity training exercise seemed to reduce “many age-related differences in elderly participants' mitochondria”—see ABC Report.

The Mayo Clinic study showed that HIIT is great for “reversing the declining ability of our cells to generate energy,” according to the New Scientist. Declining mitochondria may aggravate fatigue and contribute to developing diabetes. HIIT subjects also saw surges in heart, lung, and circulation health.

You don't have to run to boost your exercise levels—depending on your fitness level you may want to look at indoor rowing, the elliptical trainer, water running, or indoor cycling. Whatever you do, read all about it first and be sure to check with your doctor—then start your anti-aging regime from the inside out!

WHY YOU SHOULD USE NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Chemicals and skin allergies

There's been a lot of publicity lately after a report, originally in the UK Telegraph, that chemicals in household products, skin creams, cosmetics and related products may be responsible for an epidemic of skin allergies. The preservative—known as MI—is used in a wide range of products, from shampoos, moisturizers and shower gels.” It's also in many makeup and baby wipes.

It's believed that the chemical is second after nickel in causing contact allergies, says The Telegraph. Contact dermatitis and eczema are reported as the most common results. Avoid MI whenever you can.

How to avoid dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is defined by the National Eczema Association as inflammation of the skin and is caused because your skin fails to retain water. Solutions recommended by the NEA include not using soap and avoiding cleansers, especially when outbreaks occur. Many skincare experts advise not to use soap or cleansers full of chemicals on your complexion—ever—and the message is starting to be heard. “I'm so proud of my Black Label epiCARE range of natural beauty products—which are natural and preservative and chemical-free. They are good for you!” Maxine

Saving the skin from dermatitis

“I'm also very pleased that The WARSH Cloth does such a marvelous job of cleaning your complexion with water only. That means no chemicals to strip your skin, yet you get a lovely fresh and clean feel and in exfoliates while it works,” 

“This may be one reason it's so popular—because it doesn't dry out your skin as cleanser chemicals do. People love the result. And also—as we now know—The WARSH Cloth doesn't contribute to the flare up or development of allergies. It leaves a clean palette for the addition of moisturizers and other treatments.”

Avoid baby wipes and chemicals

The situation with baby wipes is equally as ominous, with chemicals said to cause dryness, irritation, and allergies—exactly the issues you want to avoid with a baby or toddler. The Baby WARSH Cloth works in the same way, with water only, for cleaning, swishing round all the tender folds and nooks and crannies around baby's arms, legs, neck, and elsewhere.
It doesn't cause allergies or dryness—and helps avoid these issues.

Check out our online Skincare Shop.
 

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from Maxine Warsh!

How much water should you drink?

We hear it so often that we accept it without question—drink 8 glasses of 8 ounces each of water a day, or 8x8. But is this accurate? 

It depends. According to Web MD, the Institute of Medicine advises that men need about 125 ounces of liquid daily and women 91 ounces. The first thing to note is that the liquid doesn't all have to be water. The second? Most of us are probably getting enough hydration if we eat an average diet from food and beverages. Did you know that an apple is 84% water, broccoli is 91%, and a plain bagel 33%?

Also, take note of what you're drinking—alcohol is dehydrating. Coffee and sodas are hydrating, but caffeine is a natural diuretic. Water is the best choice because it's free and calorie-free.

How much water you need in a day depends on a number of factors from your age to your gender, health, weight, activity level, and even the weather. If it's hot and you're perspiring--you probably need to drink more water. But you may also need more water in other extreme weather conditions such as when it's cold, humid, or you're at high altitude. Children need lots of liquid—they get dehydrated more easily than the rest of us and seniors may need to drink extra liquid because of health issues. Heavier people need more water also. 

Can you drink too much water and does it matter? 

It's uncommon, according to the Mayo Clinic, but if  “your kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water, the electrolyte content of the blood is diluted, resulting in hyponatremia.” This mostly affects endurance athletes such as marathon runners and is rare in healthy adults who eat the average diet. But some health conditions including “heart failure and some types of kidney, liver and adrenal diseases may impair excretion of water and require that you limit your fluid intake.”

If you're exercising intensely (or for more than an hour), experts recommend sports drinks that contain sodium.  “This also reduces the chances of hyponatremia, which can be life-threatening,” says the Mayo Clinic. For short periods of exercise or any activity that makes you perspire, drink an extra 1.5 to 2.5 glasses of water. 

According to Web MD: Our kidneys process 20 to 1000 ml of fluid per hour. So it's not easy to go into fluid overload, but it can happen if you drink too much, too quickly. Symptoms include weight gain, nausea, and bloating and may reduce the sodium levels in your blood, “which can result in headaches, confusion, seizures, and coma.”

Can you lose weight by drinking water?

Studies show this to be true—when you drink before a meal it fills you up and you tend to eat less/fewer calories, and many weight lost experts recommend this as standard procedure. Longer-term studies need to be carried out—but anecdotal evidence says it works!

Best Health says it's important to remember that skin is up to 15 percent water and in climate-controlled offices, where humidity never goes about 8 to 10 percent, moisture in the skin evaporates more quickly than it can regenerate. So be sure to drink plenty!

Whether you monitor your water intake or are sure you're getting your liquids from your healthy diet, the bottom line is that water keeps your body and brain working. Without it your health would suffer—so if you're thirsty, drink up!

Remember: in general, we can survive up to about three weeks without food, but only three days to a week without water. Always pack water in your car and in your 'just in case' bag when you're on your travels or in unfamiliar landscapes/terrain... just in case!

Best exercises and what to avoid

Yoga benefits

Exercise is good for us—but too much of the wrong type can have serious and long term repercussions. That's why yoga, which has been practised for over 5000 years, is considered a very good choice. And it's good for everything... to reduce stress and enhance well-being and improve our physical and general health. Yoga can improve brain function, burn calories, give you stronger bones, lower blood pressure, increased flexibility and tone... and much more. 

Strength training benefits

Another good type of exercise—especially for women—is strength training with weights. Always check your doc first to see what you're able to handle. Our metabolism slows and bones and muscles deteriorate as we age. So any exercise is good—but strngth training is better, particularly for the over 60's. Apparently we tend to lose 5 lbs of muscle and gain 15 lbs of fat every decade starting in midlife. Dieting might help with weight loss, but it won't replenish the muscle. (Try Strength Training for Women Over 60--see livestrong)

Which exercises to avoid?

Most of us know that jogging is hard on the knees and lower joints  (for starters). This is especially important to remember if you want to stay active at every age. Too much standing and walking can contribute to heel spurs and other issues. Also try to avoid sit-ups. Harvard Medical School says that, for a harder core, we should skip sit-ups and crunches, which can harm your back. Stick to the plank.

Check out other  exercises to avoid, which includes crunches (yeah!), upright rows, and even the seated hip-abductor machine. These trainer favorites are not always as good for us as we like to believe.

Expensive sports injuries

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Recouping from sports injuries can not only be painful but expensive and the physio you may need can lead to further problems. A New Zealand study showed that, over a five-year reporting period of a group of insurance claimants receiving physiotherapy reported in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Injury, claims attributed to exercise were related to physiotherapy in 31.5% of cases and to manual therapy in 26.5% of cases. Oops.

So choose your physiotherapist well, on the recommendation of a doctor preferably, and check their professional affiliations.

And to give your face a good wash after your workout? The miracle worker WARSH Cloth should be in your gym bag!

p.s. And if your kids (sorry, young adults!) are heading back to school after the hols—or if you or any of your family are traveling, where sticking to a healthy diet that's also good for your complexion may fall victim to the temptations of eating out or fast food. . . keep everyone's complexions in good shape and pack The WARSH Cloth for Her, for Acne, for Teens, and for Men.