Tag Archive for: pedicures Aurora

negative effects of sugar on our skin

Not only does sugar affect our waistlines but it can also have a negative impact on our skin.  Refined sugar is the type of sugar we are consuming when eating products like donuts or candy, sodas, or many pre-packaged food.  These types of foods can cause many issues in our bodies such as digestive problems, joint pain and problem skin.  If you want youthful, glowing and clear skin, discover the negative effects of sugar on our skin.

Inflammation

Refined sugar wreaks havoc throughout our body.  Acidic foods cause inflammation in our body and since sugar is highly acidic, it is one of the worst to consume.  When you eat sugar, your blood sugar level fluctuates quite drastically causing inflammation.  This inflammation stimulates the activity of our oil glands which leads to acneic breakouts.

If you need something sweet, it is best to try a complex carbohydrate like fruits and vegetables.  They break down slower in the body thus avoiding the surge and plunge of blood sugar levels.

Dehydration

Sugar is a dehydrating product that causes the skin to look dull and sallow.  It sucks the water from your cells which leads to the appearance of under eye circles and mild swelling of the skin.  Eliminating sugar and increasing your water intake is best for alleviating these problems.

Wrinkles

Dehydration causes wrinkles as well.  Sugar attacks collagen and elastin, which are the duo that naturally keep our skin wrinkle free.  This attack is a process known as glycation.  Glycation not only causes wrinkles to appear but can also cause a condition known as hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth throughout the body. It can also cause dark spots or patches on the neck.

Using creams and cleansers as a cure for any of these issues will not work.  You need to take care of your body from the inside out first and foremost.  A proper and balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and staying properly hydrated every day are the best things we can do to allow us to have beautiful skin and optimum health.

After you’ve been working on your self-care, why not try one of our amazing facials to really make your skin glow?

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

preventing ingrown toenails

Our feet have been hibernating in boots and socks all winter long.  It’s time for them to emerge! Spring and summer mean it’s time for a pedicure to get your feet looking and feeling their best.  And with our feet cooped up for so long, some of us may have acquired the dreaded and painful ingrown toenail.

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrown toenail is a problem usually occurring in the big toe, where the toenail grows into the skin instead of over it.  It can become painful and swollen.  An infection can occur if left untreated and the nail continues to grow like this.

Preventing Ingrown Toenails is Easy

Let’s discuss a few ways to do so. Here are a few tips to prevent this painful condition:

Shape and Length of Toenails:

Be sure to cut toenails straight across, as well as not too short.  Toenails that are trimmed too short can create pressure from your shoe to direct the nail to grow downward into the skin.  Trimming them straight across and even with the tips of your toes is the best when preventing ingrown toenails

Buy Properly Fitted Footwear:

Shoes that are too narrow or too tight can create pressure on your toes and cause ingrown toenails. The best solution is to shop for shoes later in the day when your feet are at their largest.  This is when you will get a shoe that fits you properly.

Foot Hygiene:

Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent ingrown toenails.  Moist, sweaty feet are a breeding ground for this and other foot conditions.  Keep footwear and socks dry as much as possible to prevent a dirty environment for your feet.

Know Your Feet:

Check your feet daily. This may sound silly but people with conditions such as diabetes or poor blood flow to their feet are more vulnerable in acquiring ingrown toenails. The more you know, the better you can take care of yourself and your feet.

Easing the Pain of Ingrown Toenails

If you think you may have an ingrown toenail here are a few things you can try to help ease the pain.

  • Soak your foot in warm water for about 15 minutes a few times a day with either some Epsom salts or just plain table salt. Salt water aids in the reduction of bacteria growth.
  • If able, dry your foot and gently lift the corner of the nail after soaking and apply an antibiotic cream.  Ask a pharmacist which cream would be best.
  • Bandage your toe to protect it and wear open toed or loose fitting shoes so your toe can have some extra room to heal.

If the pain and pressure lasts longer than 2 or 3 days, it’s probably best to see your doctor.

Our feet carry us everywhere we go – we cannot take them for granted! Taking good care of our feet is of the utmost importance in our overall health.

Hopefully these tips to prevent and treat ingrown toenails will be beneficial to you!

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone, leave a comment right here on the site or click the contact tab at the bottom of the screen if you are reading this post on the website.  Join in the conversation on Facebook too!

Here’s to summer ready lips!

Jana

Young beautiful model holding facial cream and applying it on her healthy clean skin. Concept of anti aging cosmetic and treatment.

Natural remedies and beautiful skin are always in-style.  Especially with the holiday fashion season right around the corner, we want to look and feel our best.  For some, that means buying gifts for our loved ones, and dressing our homes for the holidays.  For others, it is going on a sun-filled adventure somewhere south. Oh how dreamy!

Regardless of where you’ll be, part of your everyday year-round skin care regimen should be caring for your skin. Proper skin care should protect you from UV rays from the sun’s rays, and can also lessen or even eliminate dreaded dark spots! Read more

care for dry skin on the well-groomed feet and heels with creams

As we head into the colder months, our feet will be taking us indoors.  We’ll be putting away our summer sandals and flip flops, and slipping into shoes, boots and cozy slippers.  When our feet are somewhat exposed to the elements in the warmer months, some of us discover that they may feel a bit drier and rough feeling heading into winter.

Did you know the skin on our feet have no oil glands? Read more