What does olive oil do for your skin?

As we know, olive oil is fantastic in your diet—and it's also a great addition to skin care (and that's why it's used in a number of Maxine Warsh natural skin care products). It contains Vitamin E and antioxidants to fight free radical damage and is extremely hydrating and moisturizing.

OLIVE OIL REJUVENATION
For extra soft skin, try a tiny drop of the real stuff (but not too much!) now and again on your body's dry spots and massage in gently (remember, less is more!). A teensy tiny drop massaged gently into the delicate skin around the eye area also can be especially hydrating—and next time you're in the kitchen... massage a dab of olive oil into your cuticles to help soften and strengthen nail growth.  Read more on olive oil.

Note: Harvard Public Health recommends you substitute olive oil and make your own salad dressings as a matter of course for your heart health... take little steps to Age Less! 

Plants aid well-being

It's true—flowers have power. Being outside in nature—whether it's a backyard, tending a balcony flower pot, or in the garden—relieves stress and makes us feel better. This may be one reason why spring seems to perk up our happiness factor—who doesn't feel a little boost when you see your first crocus and, perhaps, a momentary flashback to springs past?

A study by researchers at Kansas State University showed that contact with flowering plants has a direct effect on patients' psychological and psychological well-being. Patients with flowering plants in their rooms during post-op recovery from appendectomies took less pain meds, had lower blood pressure and heart rate, and generally lower symptoms of pain, anxiety, and fatigue.  This study showed that plants were better than cut flowers for patients because of the plant's longevity and since patients became involved in their care—watering, moving them, etc.

Warsh Cloths make a perfect hostess gift—with flowers on top!

Boost your creativity with plants

According to a landmark European study, there are cognitive and creative benefits to having plants in the office—even plain green ones. This may explain the greenery in many business interior landscapes. Plus they help with stress and relaxation, which could explain why plants are so common in doctor's (and dentist's(!) offices.

Flowers aid relaxation and stress reduction, but choose your colors well. Vivid and saturated tones are energizing, while “less saturated colors are calming,” as are colors near each other on the color wheel. are colors near each other on the color wheel. More from Huffington Post. 

And if you're sending a thank you or a “Just Say Hi!” gift —say it with flowers on top and you won't go wrong! According to a study at Rutgers University in New Jersey, recipients of gifts (a candle, flowers, fruit basket) reacted with true and heartfelt smiles (known as the Duchenne smile) and were still feeling the boost of the gift of flowers three days later.

A GOOD DIET IS THE KEY TO YOUTHFUL SKIN

Diet is key to youthful, glowing, healthy skin.

Eat Your Fruit and Veggies (and Spices!)

Are you one of the many North Americans who vowed, along with your New Year’s resolutions, to eat better, lose weight, and exercise more? Join the club!

Substitute fruit and veggies for baked goods. Banish take out and eating out from your diet—people who cook real food, instead of heating up from the take out counter or ordering in, do a lot better in the general health stakes, eating less sodium, saturated and regular fat, and fewer calories.

Reduce carbs and you'll begin to see a real difference in how you look--and how you feel. Don’t skip breakfast; eat at regular times; make sure you’re getting lots of fibre—have at least 5 fruits and veggies every day, if not more; Besides the benefits to your fitness level and capability, general outlook when you know you're doing something good for you and your health, you'll see an improvement in skin tone, look, and feel. And it’s cheaper to eat at home ( seven times cheaper, says Forbes).

Make your first stop in the supermarket the produce aisle.

And having the five or six fruit and veggie servings a day the experts recommend makes a difference to your skin’s tone and feel, says natural skin care advocate Maxine Warsh.

“Make sure you have not only anti-inflammatory foods (olive oil, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, almonds, walnuts, salmon, tuna, strawberries, blueberries…(more) but spices—think cinnamon, chili pepper, turmeric... They make a big difference to how well your body works, to your propensity for certain cancers, heart and stroke issues--and also your skin’s good health and anti-aging routine.”

p.s. If you can't eat enough veggies fast enough, give your complexion a lift with cosmetic microcurremt. Revive and rejuvenate. Come in for treatment if you can or try the Maxine Warsh professional-level anti-aging  MDXMiniPro.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR SKIN THAT A FEW MINUTES A DAY MAKES.

Watch for more good diet, health, and Face Talk tips on this topic later!

 

BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT—FOODS TO EAT FOR GOOD SKIN

Which foods are best for your complexion?

Add seaweed to your menu

Good health is your number one asset and the most important thing you can do to maintain this is to pay attention to what you eat and drink. Luckily, most good-for-you food selections turn out to be good for you on the inside and out, for your complexion.

GREAT SKIN FOOD—# 1

Number 1 on a number of suggested lists of good-for-you-and-your-skin foods is the sea vegetable dulse, or dried seaweed, also said to be a tasty way to get rid of dark under-eye circles. (Another great reason to enjoy Sushi!) Seaweed is full of vitamin B—. This helps to draw excess fluids out of your tissues - including fluids that make your eyes puffy and give you dark circles underneath. Eat it alone or crumble it up on your soup or salad.

What is dulse and where can you find it?

This edible seaweed (which is full of fibre and protein and grows wild on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts--has also been a staple of diets in  Scotland and Wales, for example, for a long time.  Look for it in a good supermarket--it comes in various forms from pickled to powder to flaked. It can be added to salads, soups, pan-fried.... and will work to keep your body healthy and your skin glowing from the inside out. Take this first step to a wonderful complexion!

p.s. To keep that complexion glowing light exfoliation on a regular basis is very important. Be sure you're using The WARSH Cloth (of course!, which exfoliates as it cleans with water only.

Rejuvenate your complexion

How can you rejuvenate your complexion?

Can you see a loss of tone in your complexion?

If you're noticing a double chin or saggy neck, the best thing to do asap is start exercising. The experts say that another surprising method that seems to work to ward off a double chin is to chew gum... the muscle action works to tighten sagging muscles.

Remedial for skin sun damage

If you're starting to see signs of wrinkles (they can show up anywhere or everywhere') or a saggy skin on your neck and decolleté areas, it's never too late to try some toning and tightening exercise.

Treatment for a saggy neck

If you're interested in treatment to plump up those fine lines and give you a new fresh loo, I (of course!) recommend the cosmetic micro current “Electric Face Lift”. ... I offer this to Toronto customers or you can purchase my DIY micro current unit.

Non-invasive Microcurrent Lifts are perfect to refresh and plump skin if you want to blur the wrinkles. Do it at home (with Maxine Warsh equipment!) or make an appointment if you're near Toronto to try it out.

Read the fine print before trying lasers, says Fox personality 

Many people may be inclined to try different approaches such as some of the new laser treatments and often think there is no downside--if it's available, it must be approved and safe. But this isn't always the case and there can be issues with new anti-aging skin treatments. Janice Dean of Fox TV decided to look into what she could do to improve the look of her neck—she was 46 and in front of the cameras and, for women, however much we might wish it wasn't so—a youthful and fresh appearance does still seem to matter in the public perception. Janice Dean recounts what happened when she forgot to read the fine print and ended up with a face “puffed out like a chipmunk” and other issues that kept her away from work and the camera.

“This is why I like microcurrent so much--it's non-invasive and has no side effects except improvement. Whether you do it yourself with my equipment or in my office you can trust the treatment not to leave you hiding from the world, with the glow and confidence to get out there and enjoy it!” Maxine

p.s. I also offer training and professional-standard micro current equipment if you'd like to become an anti-aging specialist yourself and go into business. It's one of the least pricey and fastest ways I know to start your own beauty business... and begin to create a great life for yourself!

Call (or email) to make your appointment for treatment or to learn how to DIY with professional guidance or for more info!

WARSH Cloth for Her, the miracle makeup remover. All you need is water!

Pets are rejuvenating

Experts say that having a pet in your home—whether it’s a dog or a budgie—is good for your health. Even interacting with a friendly animal is a plus. This is one reason therapy dogs have become such a popular part of the landscape—with many making visits to housebound individuals and people in hospitals and retirement or nursing homes. Their visits not only cheer the residents up—they have an actual health benefit.

According to experts—any pet tends to be good for your mental health, especially if you’re living alone. Taking care of the needs of another—making sure they are fed, watered, walked if need be, played with—is good to battle depression, loneliness, and helps to give a sense of purpose, value, and achievement to a person’s day, plus the advantage of companionship.

Dogs are wonderful for your health

Most benefit is believed to come from having a dog—they make excellent companions, require daily walks, provide solace when patted and stroked—and excellent companionship all round. They also assist with socializing, especially if you spend a lot of time alone. Every time you’re out with your ‘best’ friend, you’ll likely find people will stop to smile, pat, and chat—and if they have dogs with them as well, you may find you and your dog making new friends. More about health benefits and dogs.

Best Foods for a Great Complexion

High on the list of great foods for your skin is cabbage--so get started on the cole slaw and cabbage rolls if you're not already. (It's actually number two on most lists of good-for-your-skin foods!)

Cabbage is good for your body and your complexion

Crow’s feet might actually be a sign of stress, especially if they start appearing when you're in your 20's and 30's. Because stress creates cortisol, this effectively “makes your skin break down faster, leading to premature wrinkles and sagging.” This is particularly true for the delicate tissue around your eyes.

We all know it’s important to do what we can to alleviate stress for our mental and physical health. Exercise (especially yoga), time outside relaxing, and meditation are what I always recommend— but now I’m advising to add some coleslaw to your diet!

One of the top ways to fight high cortisol levels is to enjoy foods containing vitamins A, C, and E. A good choice is cabbage and red cabbage is the best. It's said to have eight times more collagen-boosting vitamin C than green cabbage varieties.

The all-natural Collagen Correction is an excellent pre-moisturizer.

Cabbage is extremely low in calories, under 20 per half cup of cooked cabbage--you've probably heard about the cabbage soup diet... so not only is it very nutritious but it's a great filling food to keep you on track if you're trying to keep fit or lose weight. It helps with obesity, digestion, to suppress inflammation that can lead to heart issues, is a cancer fighter, protects from radiation therapy--and much more. More on cabbage from Medical News Today.

To keep your skin looking great from the inside and out--don't forget the Warsh Cloth for Her--and if you haven't yet, try Collagen Correction in your skin care routine from our all-natural skin care collection. Collagen Correction is made from natural marine elements.

My Skin Care Tips for Women Over 40 From Anti-Aging Expert Maxine Warsh

1. Clean your face with the WARSH Cloth every evening just before you go to sleep.

If you haven’t used my Warsh Cloth before, it’s a brilliant 3-in-1 cleanser, makeup/grime remover, and natural exfoliating anti-bacterial cloth that cleans with water only. That’s all you need—no soap, no chemical-based makeup removers. (And it lasts for three months!) Most people try it and never want soap or drying cleansers again.

2. Again, don’t use cleanser in the morning; just splash water over your face or clean your skin with the WARSH Cloth. Cleansers contain chemicals and preservatives and dry out your skin.

3. When you wake up with oil on your face, use your finger tips and spread it over the drier areas. It’s your own natural moisturizer!

4. Use pure, non-toxic moisturizer for all areas of your face. There is no need to have different moisturizers (i.e. eye cream, a face cream, a night cream, hand cream, body lotion, etc. I highly recommend one of my all-natural Black Label epiCARE moisturizers…).

5. Get at least 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin everyday.

6. Soothing facials are better than harsh cleanings and peels. (A microcurrent facial/ treatment is more effective in stimulating collagen and elastin than any other facial available.)

7. Know that your skin exfoliates naturally. When you use chemical exfoliators to speed up your skin’s natural cycle, you are exposing tender new skin before it is ready. (Using the WARSH Cloth to cleanse twice a day works with your skin’s natural cycle and exfoliates gently each time you use it.)

8. Investing in your physical and emotional health is the best natural skin care you can practice.

As we age, less is more. My favorite skin care treatment is a great night's sleep, long walks in nature, and meditation.

But if you feel that nature isn’t enough… go au naturel! Try anti-aging microcurrent, the recommended anti-aging treatment of choice for many and growing in popularity with younger and younger users! It’s non-invasive and has no downtime—you can have what we call the MAX Lift or a QUICK Lift and be ready to go, blooming!

Order your Warsh Cloths online on my site, on Amazon—or ask your local spa/retailer to stock them for you. They will love you for it! Maxine.

What's the best anti-aging treatment?

How to rejuvenate your skin

A lot of people are saying the best anti-aging treatment short of surgery, which most of us don’t want to do— is microcurrent. It's non-invasive, non-surgical, can be done any time—even immediately before you head out but somehow feel the need for a little boost to your complexion and a boost to your confidence.

MINI FACE LIFT IN MINUTES

“I think it's the feeling of plumpness and better tone and texture without the surgical risks that people like,” says skin expert Maxine Warsh. “You can get expert treatment through my company or you can DIY with my professional home version—the MDXminiPRO. This is a professional treatment that you can give yourself—either the whole Monty, following the manual and DVD, or do a quick feather and feel rejuvenated in minutes.”

Microcurrent use is expanding and you’re never too young to start

Millenials are switching to microcurrent as a preventative measure and to make sure they keep that bloom of youth? “I always say (as do other skin care experts!) that the earlier you start and the more consistent the treatment—the better you will look and feel! Microcurrent is cumulative—your skin (and state of mind!) benefits!” Maxine.

It's very popular with celebs (say the gossip mags) such as Jennifer Aniston, Madonna, and Julianne Moore. And millennials and Gen Z-ers like it--Glossy reports that Kim K. West and Mandy Moore have posted about it on Instagram. Some people call microcurrent the Electric Face Lift of Mini Lift.

“If you're not local--in the Toronto area—order your own professional unit on my shop page and you can give yourself a “Mini Face Lift” at home whenever you want to look your best—or to keep looking your best.

OBTAIN AN ANTI-AGING PROGRAM CERTIFICATE

p.s. “And if you like it enough and are looking for a new lease on your life or know someone who is—think about taking my quick and budget-friendly training and join the flourishing anti-aging field. You can be trained, certificate in hand and ready to start taking clients or finding a spot at a salon perhaps, within weeks!”

Call me to discuss how to give a boost to your complexion!

Wear Less Makeup--Less is More

“I’m a great lover of anti-aging microcurrent treatment. My Quick Lift and MAX Lift are designed to help you look and feel better—with no after effects except looking great because it is non-invasive, leaves no scars or bruising—and no downtime. Another advantage of microcurrent treatment is you can go with less makeup!

“I also like the less is more rule... Model and makeup expert Cindy Joseph supported the less is more mantra, saying that— “In wearing less makeup, you show the world that you’re confident in who you are.”

And if you can’t feel the freedom of being and showing who you are as a mature person—over 50, under 50, wherever you happen to be—when will you be secure enough to simply show off you?

This doesn’t mean you have to go bare skin everywhere/all the time—or even doing without the boost to your attitude and general wellness that “natural microcurrent anti-aging” gives. Knowing we look good often makes us feel good—that’s a big motivator behind the fashion industry and it seems to work!

The Natural Microcurrent Glow

The well kept secret of microcurrent is that it gets your “glow” on naturally. The need for makeup is less. You save time and money...

Extreme Wellness

It’s also believed to do more for your system. As the skin’s cellular memory becomes more familiar with microcurrent, the treatment value seems to be compounded. Not only does your face glow but your entire body benefits from a virtual passive massage.

“The overall feeling from a facial microcurrent treatment, I think, is a state of relaxed well being or extreme wellness. The physical sign is a more youthful looking, plump-feeling skin.—with bounce and glow!”

Who wants to cover this natural glow with makeup? And, according to Cindy Joseph, why should we?

See Chalkboard Mag on the benefits to your system of microcurrent treatment to your face!

How to feel beautiful at every age

Do you feel beautiful or do you only feel your age when you look in the mirror?

Beauty and youth are a wonderful combination. And the lovely blossom of youth does give way to the glow of maturity, but you shouldn’t feel less beautiful—only more so! As we age, we (and you!) should feel free to be more you. It’s time, if you’re been holding back and trying to meet other’s expectations, to show the real you—relaxing in being who you are and taking the next steps. Whatever your age, the future lies ahead to fulfill dreams and goals—and now you have the wisdom and knowledge to choose your path.

When you look in the mirror, do you see the lovely woman of life experience with an open door to the future?

I often hear women saying, “I feel so good until I see how I’ve aged. What will the future me look like?” I understand!  And I can help with that.

Life is too short to be worrying about how you’re going to look as you face the future.

“I believe we are beautiful at every age. This is why I have made it my business to keep you looking and feeling youthful—while you enjoy the woman you were meant to be, with no qualms or lack of confidence despite today’s Instagram world. I love that my clients set the example and want to look as good as they feel—always.

“As we transition through middle age, we have the gift of wisdom. It’s that wisdom which helps us to know ourselves, revel in our self-confidence, and make life decisions that need no excuses. If we want purple hair, we sport it like there isn’t any other color hair to have. If we love our full-figured bodies and delicious food, we feel good about being the sexy choice. And if we choose to get help in looking our best naturally, we enjoy that, too, and search for what works best for us!

“Because when you look good you feel good…science proves this to be the case.

MAXINE WARSH FACIAL REJUVENATION IS HERE TO HELP YOU LOOK AND FEEL YOUR BEST

MDX3000 Microcurrent Anti-Aging Facial Rejuvenation is the key to looking as good as you feel. My anti-aging MAXLift is the safe, natural, and effective treatment for correcting, improving, and slowing down the complexion’s aging process.

If you don’t want the painful injections of Botox—and the unnatural look that often results (sometimes known as Chipmunk Cheeks!) or of fillers, microcurrent treatment is the perfect natural solution to keep wrinkles at bay. The process is cumulative, so the sooner you start the more lasting are the results—and it’s never too soon to begin. Our skin starts to lose a little of that blossom even in our early 30’s!

HOW DOES MICROCURRENT ANTI-AGING WORK?

Microcurrent’s low level of electricity mirrors the body's own natural electrical currents, triggering chemical reactions at a cellular level to enhance the production of natural collagen and elastin, provide circulatory benefits, and re-educate the muscles of the face.

WHAT MICROCURRENT DOES

• Helps to promote blood circulation, reduce wrinkles and fine lines

• Plumps and tone

• Improves facial contours, strengthens facial muscles to provide a lifting effect, and tighten skin

• Significantly improves new collagen production, skin elasticity, and your complexion

• Hydrates the skin and helps drain lymph glands,

• Rejuvenate your complexion

Microcurrent technology involves sending tiny, harmless electrical currents into your muscles. Your muscles react by slightly contracting, which tones and tightens them to create a more youthful foundation for your facial contours. With firmer muscle tissue, your face looks younger and brighter. Wrinkles smooth away, creases soften, and sagging contours are gently lifted. That’s why it’s called an “Electric Facelift”.

The best thing about this technology is that there is absolutely NO PAIN and NO RECOVERY involved. The treatments are relaxing and most people tell me they see results instantly! A simple (and inexpensive) monthly anti-aging maintenance treatment keeps the wonder going!

We’ve been offering this unique proprietary skin rejuvenation technology in Toronto for over 18 years and have improved the appearance of thousands of men and women. Our clients tell me how happy they are with the results and you will be, too!

SPRING SPECIAL FOR NEW CLIENTS—the MAXLift

Buy 3 anti-aging microcurrent treatments at $175.00 each and get one free. That’s 131.25 a treatment.

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SOME GREAT TIPS TO MAKE THE SHAVING EXPERIENCE BETTER!

Tips for easier shaving, exfoliating and healthy skin for men.

“I offer the same advice to men as I do for women,” says skin care expert Maxine Warsh. “Treat yourself with goodness from the inside out and don't 'wear out' your skin by using chemicals and cleansers that overdry. Shaving creams also overdry and they are full of chemicals—so that's an excellent reason to use water only as part of your face cleaning routine. Give your face a good wash (WARSH!) before and after shaving and use the Warsh Cloth for Men (of course).

Reenergize your face

“Even plain old soap dries your face out—and it ages your skin. Add to this the effects of shaving and... wow. The deck is stacked. So this is why my best suggestion is to use only water for a clean fresh face! Use plain H2O and the WARSH Cloth for Men before and after your shave—and last thing at night or whenever you start to feel grimy. It will clean you up fast without weakening your skin and you'll not only look great but feel great.”

Diet tips for men's skin

Other advice that's applicable to helping your skin from the inside out is to eat the best diet you can. “I don't mean 16-ounce steaks or recommend carb-happy plates every day. Do what your mom probably told you to when you were at her kitchen table, and overdose on fruit and veg—as many as you can, as multicoloured as you can, and whenever you can.”  If your family or partner isn't already on some variation of the Mediterranean or Dash diet—do it quick. Not only does it benefit overall body health from digestion to circulation and helps everyone fight diseases including cancers, but skin health and feel improves. And it gives tone to the way you look—making skin vibrant and helping it and you to feel and stay youthful. 

How does The Warsh Cloth work?

The WARSH Cloth exfoliates to keep skin fresh while you wash (WARSH!), and it's anti-bacterial, plus it's environmentally-friendly. You can keep reusing it after washing (WARSHing it) for up to three months. It's slightly larger than the standard WARSH Cloth.

There's a reason people call this “The Little Miracle Worker.” Your face will think it has discovered a miracle—you'll see and feel a difference when you can scrub away grime and pore-cloggers with the WARSH Cloth for Men and only water.

Walking—is it the best exercise?

Here we are with our friends and neighbors, Zina and Henry, on our weekly Sunday walk. Weather allowing, we venture out for long distances and adventures to be able to enjoy a wonderful brunch after!

BEST GO TO EXERCISE

Walking has been my go to exercise since Jr high school when I realized the benefits for digestion and mood enhancing. Since I grew up in Miami, I was able to go to the beach and walk barefoot at the ocean shore regularly., which had the added benefit that I sported a healthy tan and a fit figure(!)

THE BENEFITS OF BAREFOOT

Walking barefoot is one of the best and easiest activities you can do that helps your overall fitness and health in a lot of ways. Because you’re focusing on every step (to avoid hazards, sharp stones, etc.) this tends to quiet your “inner chatter” so you concentrate on the here and now. Walking barefoot also strengthens and stretches tendons, muscles, and ligaments in your feet, calves, and ankles. And according to the excellent health and wellness guide MindBodyGreen, this functions like free foot yoga and a free reflexology session rolled into one! It also helps ease your anxieties, likely assists you to get a good night’s sleep—and connect with the world outside and mother nature in a brief time with minimal exertion. See more on the benefits of going barefoot.

When I was single, my favorite dates were ones that included walking (and dancing!—sometimes barefoot).

TAKING LONGER TREKS

Today, when my girlfriends want to get together, walking dates are always a first choice. It’s a great way to get our exercise and to catch up with each other—in more ways than one. There are so many places to choose from—since I live in Ontario, near the top of my list of goals and destinations is to explore the Bruce Trail, one of the 10 best hiking trials in the world. What a great achievement it would be to accomplish this walk.

THE CAMINO

Speaking of achievements, I’d like to mention that my friend Jeanne has joined pilgrims from all over the world in walking the Camino de Santiago. Whichever route is taken to this historic spot in Northern Spain—it’s sure to be a profound experience and a special journey. My friend Michelle shared her adventures on the Camino a few years ago.

Whether you choose a very long walk—from the Bruce Trail to the Camino—or a short hike with your friends or alone on the beach—it will be good for your health and state of mind on all levels!

Anyone up for a walk?

TOP ANTI-AGING AND HEALTH TIP

WHAT IS THE MAIN FACTOR IN FEELING YOUNG?

If you're a regular follower of my mailers you'll know that I like to do what works—from diet to exercise to anti-aging disciplines, And I like to l share my regime and other tips and tricks that will help everyone to Age Well.

It's been great to hear how much you like hearing about our adventures on Wednesday With the Warsh’s and how taking time to have fun is inspirational. And I hear that our focus on the here and now is playing a part in getting others to put aside your schedules and concerns to take time outs like we are.

PRACTISE ANTI-AGING

A few people have commented that we look young—well, we feel young! Feeling young—acccording to research—is half the battle with anti-aging. 

It's more than simply facing life on upnote. Your values and emotions always reveal how you really feel about yourself and this is really reflected in our health. If you value looking and feeling healthy and more positive, you do tend to look younger than your years because you feel it. You have more energy, zip, and look forward instead of backward. You spend less time planning and more time doing.

 It's also key to make sure you get good nutrition, love what you do for a living, follow your passions in your spare time–even if you can't quite at work—and feel happy when you think about your life. 

When your attitude about yourself is healthy and positive and you feel blessed—it shows and your body knows it. Research proves this every day. Check it out: 

WEEKLY TIME OUTS ENRICH LIFE

Another very important point—act as young as you can—sleeping in and sitting around instead of being active is aging. Research shows it and your body will show it, too!

NATURAL TREATMENT FOR ACNE

Acne isn't just for teens

According to the Mayo Clinic, the four main causes of acne are oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores, and bacteria. Other factors may be stress, hormones, and meds you may be taking, including contraceptives.

What causes acne?

An unhealthy diet heavy in carbs and dairy, such as chips, bagels, (and other tasty items such as bread!) doesn't help. Avoid sugary and highly processed foods, especially those with a high-glycemic load. This includes fried chips, cookies, crackers, white bread and pasta—as well as fruit juices and soda. There is a school of thought that working in an oil-heavy environment (greasy spoons?) may contribute.

What should you be eating? Recommendations include plenty of water or unsweetened tea to eliminate toxins. Eat as many fruits and veggie as you can. Also choose foods with lots of Vitamin A (spinach, carrots, cateloupe, kale),  Vitamin C (citrus fruits and brocolli), Omega 3 and 6's (avacado, salmon, nuts, olive oil) and even chocolate. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa factor is the best.

Avoid chemicals and harsh soaps on acne

You can get it at any age—from 16 to 60 and beyond. Acne can appear not only on your face and neck but almost anywhere on your body including your back, arms, and chest‚ “Wherever it is, I'm sure you want it gone,” says complexion expert Maxine Warsh.  According to the experts, and we're pleased to reference the Mayo Clinic again, acne isn't created by dirty skin, although gently removing oil, dead skin, and other substances including makeup will help.  But  “scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse,” according to the Mayo Clinic. 

“I've believed this for a long time and I'm glad to see other experts agree with me. That's one reason I introduced the Warsh Cloth for Acne, which is designed to give your face a gentle fresh, clean with only water and is finding fans of all ages! It's important to wash (Warsh...) your makeup off before going to bed—and the Warsh Cloth does a wonderful job of this and doesn't add any chemicals to your skin.”

What can you do about acne?

There are a number of home remedies, many of them natural and probably already sitting in your kitchen, to battle acne, from honey (use as a mask) to chamomile tea--dab it on your skin— to aspirin, and aloe.

Acne scars and what to do about them

But is there anything that can minimize acne scars? Yes, say skin specialists. One handy treatment that is also natural and probably in your kitchen is to use baking soda. This can be applied in a number of ways and in combination with other ingredients to battle acne scars. Other natural remedies for acne include turmeric (what isn't it good for?) and even tomato slices. 

So if you're tired of spending money on so-called “acne treatments” just take a look at home--and use the natural cleansing power of water (and the WARSH Cloth!) to clean up your skin.

p.s. And if you are a believer in Clean Beauty, you’ll love the Warsh Cloth!

p.s. and watch our video for 20% discount offer!

Honoring Mothers

Reflecting on motherhood—

I know how special it is to have a mother who has held the bar high and has been a unique example of strength and determination. It hasn’t always been easy towing her mark. Yet, as I age, I look back and realize my mother was exactly who I needed to shape me into all I needed to be in order to be successful in life.

As we near this Mother’s Day, I honor my very special mother and all the moms who have nurtured us into becoming the women we are today. Happy Mother’s Day every day.

What's a natural ‘Face Lift’ and will it rejuvenate me?

Microcurrent for skin rejuvenation

Youthful and vitality go together like health and well being, which may explain the ever-increasing popularity of cosmetic microcurrent for facial rejuvenation.
This ultra gentle and ultra simple anti-aging treatment used to be ultra secret. But with interest growing from baby boomers (of both sexes!) in being ultra ageless, it's not a secret anymore. Celebs love it—there are no after effects/scars, bruising, or wait times before you can go out in public—and the word is starting to get around about how effective it is for anti-aging, now and as a cumulative process.

Once people see this unique cosmetic microcurrent technology chase away wrinkles and creases to give a definite youthful glow, they don't need much persuasion. Clients like that it gives a bouncy, thicker feel to the skin, is non-invasive, has no bruising, down time, or side effects except improvement. This may be why it’s popular with those in the public eye, and why thousands have been given to our Toronto clients.

“I believe that people should do this to look and feel their best for now and for later. Consider it a preventative health measure. When we look good, we feel good. It’s popular now only with our main customer base—40 and up—but younger customers starting to see little crinkles and wrinkes are coming in, too—for prevenative anti-aging.”

This unique system of cosmetic microcurrent therapy is also applied to the hands, neck, and décolleté, where age is hard to hide. Treatment usually consists of 12 visits. A monthly booster keeps you feeling and looking fantastic. The benefits are cumulative so the earlier you start the better, but it’s never too late. Average client age is 51.

Cosmetic microcurrent grew out of applications to reduce atrophy for Bell’s palsy and stroke victims when its use showed, almost by accident, skin renewal properties. Treatment often helps with rosacea and blemish-prone complexions. It works on the same principle as training muscles in the gym to keep us functional and youthful and the same way exercise tunes and tones your body to plump the skin from the inside out.

Cosmetic microcurrent facial rejuvenation is the treatment a growing number of clients choose to look naturally revitalized, youthful, fresh, and wonderful!

It’s rejuvenating. And it's much more fun, and definitely more relaxing, than going under the knife.

Natural skin care and why it's good for you

INGREDIENTS IN NATURAL SKIN CARE AND WHY THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOUR COMPLEXION

Aloe Vera helps with everything from burns/sunburns to sores, wrinkles, and acne. It's a common ingredient in many over the counter preps (including mine, says Maxine!).

Studies suggest (many studies!) that endocrine disrupters such as phthalates and parabens in convenional beauty products cause harm long term and explains the major shift over the years to all-natural products.

Going natural is also good for the planet as natural ingredients are also more easily sustainably sourced. (See Elle)

The question many ask is do natural beauty products work?

Absoutely and to help illustrate, we're going to look at some of the all-natural ingredients found in natural beauty products, including in the Black Label epiCARE natural skin care line from Maxine Warsh. This will also give a little insight into why natural skin products are better for your skin than the chemicals/preservatives and other gunky things that last a lifetime on the shelves in your drug store—but aren't that great for your complexion.

ALOE VERA

Most of us have seen  aloe vera in shampoos and face creams and recognize its value—it's great for sunburns, acne, and dry skin. Apparently, in ancient Egypt it was considered the “plant of immortality.”

SKIN CARE PRO TIP TO FIGHT ACNE: You can extract aloe vera gel from the leaves and spread on your skin to improve it. Mix a dab with a few drops of lemon juick to apply to blemishes, wash off with water in the morning, and, voila!

Aloe vera is a key ingredient in many of the Maxine Warsh natural care skin creams and lotions and one of the main reasons is because it boosts collagen production, plumps your skin, and thus helps eliminate wrinkles. It also helps reduce redness and inflammation. Read more. 

Natural skin care products from Maxine Warsh.

ROSEMARY

Rosemary is an essential oil (which means deriving from plants—leaves, bark, or roots. It boosts skin tone by "neutralizing free radicals.” The damage by free radicals leads to loss of tone, wrinkles, and sags!

Rosemary is also considered to be an excellent treatment for wounds and problem skin conditions (including acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis) and can be applied topically to moisturize and help skin circulation. Rosemary combats dry skin and helps with the glow!

SHEA BUTTER

Extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, shea butter is used in a number of the Maxine Warsn natural skin cream and care products including epiMOIST Moisturizing Skin Creme.

But why is it so good for you? Shea butter is not only a natural moisturizer and extremely hydrating because of  Vitamin A, it improves a number of skin conditions from blemishes to eczema. In different formulations it works on everything from insect bites to sunburn.  Shea butter also has Vitamin E, which is believed to help with micro-circulation and to prevent/repair environmental and sun damage and it is also believed to boost collagen production.

ROSEHIP OIL

Rosehip oil is also excellent for your skin—a lot of celebs swear they use it including Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr, and even the Duchess of Cambridge. According to Health for all Women, it “penetrates to the deepest layers of the skin where it regenerates cells, increasing collagen production. It is rich in vitamin C and the essential fatty acids, all of which help heal scar tissue. It is also high in retinoic acid, which studies show reduces the appearance of wrinkles and brightens skin.” Rosehip oil also helps with antihyperpigmentation.

Rosehip oil is one of the special ingredients included in the Maxine Warsh Simply Rose Moisturizer—a light and gentle moisturizer perfect for summer use. Rosehip oil comes from the seeds of Rosa moschata and is brimming with antioxidants, fatty acids, and other age-fighting good things. Since it's great for firming and regeneration as well as battling fine lines, it's the perfect addition to an anti-aging cream.

GRAPESEED OIL

Grapeseed oil has been around for over 6000 years, used especially for eye and skin conditions and diseases (and is used in Maxine Warsh natural skin care products!). While you don't want to use it too much in your cooking, because it is high in Omega-6 fatty acids, and too much in your diet can increase inflammation and cholesterol. However, using it on your skin, as in some of the Maxine Warsh natural products is a great idea. It is loaded with Vitamins C, D, and E so it helps to reduce wrinkles. Vitamins C and E and the fatty acids make it an excellent cream or emolient--and the antioxidants battle acne. 

GINGER FOR YOUR SKIN

The epiSILK Toning and Lifting Vitamin C Serum is just one of the good-for-your-skin natural products from Maxine Warsh that contains ginger as a key ingredient. Why is ginger good for your skin?

You probably already know that ginger taken in your food and drink has benefits for your health—to calm upset tummies and reduce inflammation, for example. Ginger tea is good if you're feeling congested or facing down a cold or flu. Applied topically, it helps soothe burns—and this is only a sampling of ginger's uses and benefits. ( More ways to use ginger.) It also helps encourage elasticity in your complexion. As well as its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is excellent for your skin because it is full of antioxidants that boost collagen production.

BE GOOD TO YOUR SKIN—Perhaps keep a chunk of ginger on hand—it is said to be great to battle a spotty skin and also helps with 'brown' spots.