Green Spa Treatments

With everyone becoming more aware of, learning about and implementing ways to be "green", lessening our carbon footprint on our only planet, has not escaped notice of spas as well. Not only are the services green, they are partaking in recycling and sustaining to becoming LEED certified.

A massage is an earth-friendly treatment. As long as the oils are eco-friendly, such as an aromatherapy massage with certified organic essential oils is one of the green treatments. Using pure oils is more eco-friendly than creams or lotions. 

Most people will take the time to research spas before attending to feel more comfortable with the environment and the staff. Obviously reviewing websites of spas and salons as well as reading "customer reviews" is a great benefit. Look for spas and salons that offer organic, or eco-friendly services and products. Sixty percent of what is applied to the skin is absorbed into your bloodstream. 

A body masque and facial is also a great treatment provided they utilize organic products. Scrubs are also a wonderful earth friendly service to partake, exfoliate and rejuvenate.

For more info, visit us at: http://www.floridaspagirls.com

Top 10 best skin-cities

We have the worst, now we need to have the best list. The best cities for good skin, according to TotalBeauty.

Cheyenne, Wyoming is number 10 on the list as one of the least polluted cities in the US. Pollutants create free radicals that damage skin. Cheyenne also has moderate humidity, too little can dry skin and make wrinkles more obvious, too much humidity can cause sweating which can lead to breakouts). 

No. 9, San Francisco, CA - residents are likely to have little sun damage. Plus, they have a very low amount of tanning beds! In addition to fewer sunny days, relative humidity, they also have one of the lowest rates of smokers in the country. Washington, D.C., is number 8 on the good skin city list. Attributed to their low rate of skin cancer, according to the CDC and the sun only shines about 50 percent of the year. They also have a low amount of tanning beds, only 2.1 for every 100,000 people. Also, they get their anti-oxidants as they drink more wine per capita. Number 7 is San Antonio, Texas - one of the lowest instances of skin cancer and lack of tanning facilities, 3.4 per 100,000 people.

New York, NY is number 6, on the good list. They are lacking tanning salons and only 58 percent of the days (per year)  are sunny. they also have average levels of humidity and low instances of skin cancer. Billings, MT is number 5, Big Sky country doesn't just refer tot he lack of tall buildings. Billings has some of the cleanest air in the country. There are a lot of tanning salons around, but they also have moderate humidity and average amount of sunshine.

Flagstaff, Arizona is number 4, although the sunshine will rival Florida. They have one of the lowest rates of skin cancer and also low levels of pollution. 

A favorite destination comes in at number 3, Honolulu, Hawaii. A lot of sunshine, however the air is pollution-free and very few tanning salons. The humidity is moderate and there is little weather change, so your skin can acclimate. Number 2 is Bismarck, ND. Bismarck has a great recipe for healthy skin; clean air, moderate sunshine and humidity and it has very low rates of skin cancer. And number, the best city for your skin is..... Anchorage, Alaska! Seriously. it's not polluted, has the least amount of sunny days (41 percent) and low rates of skin cancers. Your skin should look stunning.

But if you don't want to move, we have alternatives, visit us at www.floridaspagirls.com or beautipage.com/lorettalynn

Worst cities to live in for our skin

Are you having troubled skin? TotalBeauty looked at pollution levels, sunshine, humidity averages, skin cancer, smoking rates and even tanning salons per capita to determine which US cities could be disastrous for your skin. 

Portland, Maine, came in #13 thanks to skin cancer and  smoking rates, and there are 25 tanning salons for every 100,000 people. Tanning beds have been known to aggressively speed up your skin's aging process. Number 12 is Tacoma, Washington. According to TotalBeauty, you may want to avoid Tacoma, like the plague, because along with 21 tanning salons per capita and a high incidence of skin cancer, according to the Center for Disease Control, it's the most stressed out cit in our country. Stress raises your level of cortisol, which can affect oil glands and acne.

Macon, GA, is number 11 on the list. "Macon ma be the Heart of Georgia," but it's residents might want to run to the borders for the sake of their pores." macon is one of the most humid cities in the country. Your skin needs some humidity to prevent it from dehydrating, but too much can trigger breakouts. When you sweat, it mixes with oil and dirt which can clog pores and cause breakouts. 

Number 10 is Tampa, FL, with our above-average sunshine, tropical humidity levels and a smoking rate of 23.4 percent (the national average is about 20 percent). No excuse for UV worshipping. Say it ain't so, Kansas City, Missouri is number 9 on the skin care worst city list. Missouri has one of the highest levels of skin cancer in the country, more than one quarter of the residents smoke. Heavy pollution an 81 percent average humidity aren't helping complexions either. Smoking is the quickest way to age the skin. It prevent oxygen from reaching the skin, restricts blood vessels and triggers mmp1, the enzyme that destroys collagen. Collagen loss means looser skin tone and sagging skin. 

For more, visit, FloridaSpaGirls.com

Sunscreen what works, what doesn't

Sun worshippers I hear you, but heed me, you will thank me later. I know how we all look awesome with a tan, but here are a few quick points to consider before going out. 

1. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to the top of your head, whether you have a lot of hair or not. The scalp is often forgotten. If you look at older people you will see where they often get skin cancer; their nose, around the hairline, on the scalp and around the ears. There are spray sunscreens you can spray on and don't forget the part and the back of your neck! For those who may have less hair, apply sunscreen more liberally and often!

2. After you've been in the sun a while, been in the water or been sweating while out in the sun, it is also imperative to re-apply sunscreen, as we deplete water and other minerals, etc. the sunscreen will come off. So re-apply after swimming, playing in the sun or after about 90 minutes. Most sunscreens will not still be working after 90 minutes and often times re-applying may not be helpful. 

3. It is also imperative to use a sunscreen that says, "broad-spectrum protection", on the label. Don't be fooled by more expensive brands. Usually the inexpensive sunscreens will contain the ingredients to both both UVA an UVB rays. UVA rays in addition to burning the skin, penetrating deeper, and causing genetic damage in cells they also suppress the immune system.

4. Even if you're not outside, you should apply sunscreen as the UVA rays can also pass through glass and cause skin cancer. So for those of you who work in offices, especially around computers, or even if you're working around the house (inside), running errands, you are still exposed. 

5. Choose products with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or Parsol 1789 (avobenzone) - the best ingredients for UVA protection. 

For more info, go to www.FloridaSpaGirls.com

10 Fun ways to live longer

Top 10 Fun ways to Live Longer

We've all come across advise (tips, techniques, etc) to live longer, or healthier, we know we should exercise, that we should cut out trans fats, eat healthier and so on but here are the Top 10 FUN ways to live longer. Enjoy! Remember, everything in moderation.

1. Drink Red Wine (over 21 please) Red wine contains resveratrol an antioxidant. These work to protect the body against the effects of aging. One or two glasses of red wine a day can help keep your body young.

2. Eat Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate also contains antioxidants that protect the body from aging. Find a good quality dark chocolate and eat a little bit each day. It is recommended two ounces, so don't overdue it. Eating chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost. 

3. Smile! Smiling is a great way to change your attitude, connect with people and give benefit to your body. Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the effects of some stress. When smiling we actually trick our body into believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. Like a switch, smiling can actually change your mood. 

4. Have more sex. (also for consenting adults) Sex and touching are thought to be essential parts of health. Sex releases and assortment of beneficial chemicals in the body. Intimacy helps us bond with someone special, strengthens relationships and increases our own self-worth. Frequent sex may event extend your life by years.

5. Relaxation- while stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. By practicing daily relaxation techniques, you can train yourself to turn off your stress and replace it with calm energy. this will improve your blood pressure, heart  rate and ability to cope with life's challenges.

6. Make Exercise Play - Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy! Simple exercise routines are great for maintaining balance, flexibility, endurance and strength. Group games and sports can give your mind a workout as well as you anticipate other people's actions and how to work together. 

7. Sleep, an essential body function. Most Americans don't get enough sleep. The body needs sleep to regenerate itself, renew and rejuvenate. The health benefits of sleep include more energy and better immune function to name a few.

8. Spend time with loved ones. Most people may not realize it, but relationships are an important aspect of their health, mentally and physically. Not only do strong bonds with people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression and mental illness. 

9. Solve puzzles. Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain while keeping you connected with others. 

10. Be positive. Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to you life, according to researchers. Find ways to have pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy learning. 

(modified, from Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com)

Acne skin treatments

If you, or someone you know has mild to moderate acne here are a few suggestions for home-remedies, to help control this annoying skin condition.

You are what you eat. You've probably heard this before and it's still true. Both inside and out. You can also use fruits and vegetables, and some herbs as the core products for skin treatment. 

A natural sweetener, honey also disinfects, and promotes tissue regeneration for skin lesions. If you use a honey-based masque twice per week, this will aid in keeping acne under control. 

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the toxin level in the body as well as being more consistent cleaning of the skin. Citrus juice are used in peels for the skin, also great for oily/combination skin. A smoother treatment, Almond oil helps minimize scarring on the skin and tea tree oil is also a natural disinfectant. A more common known plant, Aloe vera, also tomatoes and cucumbers are also beneficial for the skin, from the outside. 

Remember to drink plenty of water or clear juices to stay hydrated as well as cleanse the body of toxins. 

One more treatment, this one for red or inflamed skin, use hot and cold compresses. The cold compress reduces swelling and the hot dilates the pores to allow for elimination of clogging residues. 

From the kitchen to the laundry and closet

With the ever growing green ideas and needs for our health and our planet, and to keep toxins down in our home, as well as safeguard our families, here are a few new (old) solutions for baking soda. (from Publix Greenwise)

Baking soda is more than a riser for cakes and baked goods, here are a few household uses:

1. Pour it down the drain to eliminate odors.

2. Sprinkle it to extinguish a kitchen fire.

3. Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle for fresher laundry.

4. Use it on a clean, wet sponge to scrub and freshen your kitchen microwave.

5. Try it to make stainless steel pots shine.

6. Sprinkle in sports shoes and gym bags to deodorize them.

7. Freshen your dog by rubbing baking soda into his fur, then brushing it out.

8. Get rid of tea stains in mugs with a mixture of 1/4 cup baking soda and a quart of warm water.

9. Eliminate food odors in the dishwasher by sprinkling baking soda in the bottom, then runnig the dishwasher as usual.

10. Use it as a facial scrub--just moisten to make a paste.

Myths about Skin Cancer, Tanning

People actually get less than 25 percent of their total sun exposure under the age of 18. Each 20 year period after that averages another 25 percent. Therefore, it is imperative that you use sunscreen all the time, beginning as soon as possible. Even if you are just driving to and from work, or sitting in front of a computer, slather on sunscreen. Ladies, the SPF in your foundation or moisturizer is probably not enough either.

More than a million people, 71 percent of women under 30, go to tanning salons which is more deadly than the sun itself. The high-pressure bulbs in tanning beds emit as much as 12 times the UVA the sun does, increasing your chance of melanoma by as much as 75 percent! So, the only safe tan is the one that comes in a bottle.

Wear sunscreen everyday, especially if you are going to the beach and reapply after 80 minutes, or after swimming. 

What is a good sunscreen?

Read the labels, look for "broad spectrum", zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, these will shield you from UVA and UVB rays. Use at least an SPF of 30, for fair skinned people, try to use a higher SPF.

Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your neck, chest, back of neck, ears, top of your head and tops of your feet!

For more info, visit our website at, www.FloridaSpaGirls.com

Eyes, the eyes have it

Everyone is at risk for eye damage from the sun, year round. The greatest risk is between the hours of 10 a.m and four p.m. Those with the highest risk, are the ones outside the most; truck drivers, fishermen, farmers, beach-goers, skiers and the like.

Ultra violet (UV) radiation in sunlight is commonly divided into UVA and UVB and your sunglasses should block both forms. 

People who spend long hours outdoors without adequate eye protection can develop photokeratitis, reversible sunburn of the cornea. This is painful condition can result in temporary loss of vision. When sunlight reflects off of snow, sand and water, it further increases exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These invisible high-energy rays lie just beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum. The same harmful rays that damage the skin, can also increase your risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts- a clouding of the eye's lens that develops over years.

For more information, go to www.floridaspagirls.net

Healing Music

Music touches the soul in any language. Music can be a powerful catalyst for healing since it touches the very core of our soul. Listening to (healing) music; lowers our blood pressure, boosts the immune system, relieves depression, improves concentration, enhances creativity, manages pain and lowers stress hormones.

A fine wineglass sings when resonated with its fundamental frequency. Jeffrey Thompson, D.C., discovered people also resonate when exposed to their fundamental frequency. Incorporating his special knowledge of binaural beats formed by programmed phasing of sound between the channels in headphones, he synchronizes both hemispheres of the brain as visualized on various scientific medical monitors. The brain synchronizes with the beat and then  he beat is slowly changed to the frequency of the state of mind desired, such as alpha for relaxation or delta for deep sleep.

Dr. Thompson has incorporated various isolated frequencies that elicit the desired responses into musical notes and then composes nonlinear music using complex algorithms of musical notes combined with up tot 50 channels of various sound elements. 

The type of audio stimulation one selects should be based on the desired entertainment of brain waves and the state of consciousness associated with that frequency. For example, for insomnia; music designed to increase delta brain waves might be best for those seeking a sleep aid or state of deep relaxation.

Even in times of war, soldiers and personnel have been saved by music, http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/2008/10/Healing-Lessons-from-a-War-Zone.aspx?p=2

Natural Remedies

As consumers we are always looking for something to help alleviate an ache, pain, skin irritation or other problem. More people are looking towards homeopathic remedies as these are effective, but they have fewer side effects and, are less expensive.

For superficial burns, cuts and scrapes, trim part of an aloe plant and squeeze some of the sticky juice onto the affected area two to three times per day to soothe and aid in healing.

For deeper cuts and scrapes, add a few drops of water extracted calendula tincture to a bandage and apply to the cut or scrape. Change the bandage to to three times per day.

For sprains, bruises and minor aches and pains, apply traumeel ointment, botanical and mineral substances with anti-inflammatory and other healing properties, to painful areas and rub in as often as needed.

For more natural remedies, visit; www.FloridaSpaGirls.net