EXFOLIATION: DOES CLARISONIC SKIN BRUSH EXFOLIATE THE SKIN? YES!!

There has been some debate as to whether the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush exfoliates the skin or not.  Following are some quotes from the Clarisonic website, as well as from Dr. Robb Akridge and aestheticians Kathryn Bruno and Marc Edward.

Dr. Robb Akridge, who helped to develop the Clarisonic, says that, "It gently flexes the skin to help release dirt and sebum from deep within the pores while gently sweeping away dead skin cells, environmental pollutants, and impurities from the skin's surface."

'Sweeping away dead skin cells' is the classic definition of exfoliation.  We are not talking about anything harsh like a 'skin peel' but rather deep, gentle cleansing that can be used everyday:  Cleaner, clearer, smoother skin - for a more 'polished look'.

The Clarisonic website itself states that, "The Clarisonic leaves your skin younger and smoother in no time - Fast, noticeable results."   It does differ from micro-dermabrasion, though, in that it exfoliates gently rather than abrasively.

Kathryn Bruno, a clinical esthetician, states that, "What the Clarisonic is doing is exfoliating the skin, deep cleaning the pores and helping with fine lines and wrinkles.  It also takes care of dry patches..." (because it's exfoliating the dry skin!). 

According to medical esthetician, Marc Edward, "Women who use the Clarisonic find that their makeup will go on better due to the fact that you're removing many dead skin cells with the machine."

The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Brush, whether you choose the Mia, Classic, Plus or Pro, sounds like the perfect way to 'exfoliate' your way to cleaner, clearer, younger-looking skin.

  

LONGEVITY CHART - ADAM TO JOSEPH

 

 

Those of us interested in Longevity know that environment is very important.  When the world was 'younger', the environment was also 'cleaner'.

If you have access to clean air, pure water, and an abundant variety of good food grown in fertile soils, you have a wonderful chance at a long and healthy life.

Radiation Detected In Drinking Water In 13 More US Cities, Cesium-137 In Vermont Milk - There is Help!

O.K. - Well, I'm just going to put this out there because it seems that it could really be of some help at right about this time.  Potassium Iodide Supplements alone may not be enough to protect us from all of the radiation that is getting into the environment from the Japanese nuclear disaster.

However, there is a supplement called ConcenTrace Mineral Drops from Trace Minerals Research.  This supplement contains Iodine (Iodide), but also Cesium and a whole host of other trace minerals which may be able to protect the body from nuclear radiation.  (See the full ingredient list HERE.)

How does this work?   

My father, who is a Chemical Engineer and who has been involved with Civil Defense for many years, has explained to me that if one ingests enough of a mineral - such as Iodine - from a supplement or a natural source, then the body (the thyroid, in the case of iodine) will be protected from absorbing Radioactive Iodine as it would already be saturated with enough and the rest would be 'expelled' from the body as waste.

Ionic Sea Minerals: ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops is a natural mineral concentrate.  Due to the purity and concentration of this product, it is naturally preserved and contains no bacterial growth. The minerals do not lose potency over time.  Also, contains no known allergens!  This supplement is also very good for re-mineralizing your teeth.  Just swish it around your mouth in some water, and then spit out when finished.

Low Sodium

The Most Powerful, All-Natural, pH-Balancing Trace Minerals in the World.

Soluble

Ionic

Certified Vegan

Gluten Free; Kosher

Dosage -

Begin regimen by taking 1/4 teaspoon (20 drops) for 3 consecutive days. Each day thereafter, increase dosage by 5 drops up to 1/2 teaspoon (40 drops) once or twice daily. Mix with any beverage or food at mealtimes to mask the concentrated mineral flavor followed by a glass of juice or water. Moderately increased dosages are safe if needed or desired, but larger amounts may cause a laxative effect.

The Laxative Effect -

This is an indication that you are at (or beyond) the level your body needs and there is no reason to increase the dosage past that point.  I find that I do not even need the 'minimum' dosage of 1/4 tsp. to reach the laxative effect.  I also find that this is not an undesired effect as it helps with constipation, and since at this time eliminating waste is very important to expel excess radioactive contaminants from the system, as mentioned above. 

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NATURAL RADIATION PROTECTION

Eating seaweed is good for you! - For radiation protection, for hair, for skin, and for overall health.  Seaweed has naturally occurring iodine, as well as many other trace minerals that will protect your health when added to your diet.

The naturally occurring iodine and other minerals in sea vegetables are safer for you as they are organic, not synthetic, and therefore more easily assimilated and more compatible to the human body.

You can easily add small amounts of Sea Vegetables to your diet daily by consuming them in soups and salads, or by taking supplements in the form of capsules or powders.  Purple Dulse Powder can be sprinkled to dishes for a salty flavor instead of table salt. 

Wakame is very mild and is delicious in Miso Soup made with just a little bit of miso paste, water, tofu (firm or soft, cut into chunks) and soaked wakame sea vegetable.  The wakame is similar in taste and texture to a mild spinach flavor.

Other products useful for adding a little bit of 'seaweed' to the daily diet are Gomasio, Nori (sushi wrap), Kelp and Arame.  The Gomasio is especially good as a sprinkle on many dishes as it also contains organic sesame seeds, sea salt, and various sea vegetables: organic dulse, nori, and kombu.

If you don't care for any of these, there are also many types of 'seaweed wrapped' crispy crackers that are very tasty.  One especially good brand is: Eden Foods Nori Maki Crackers with: Sweet brown rice, nori seaweed, tamari soy sauce (water, soybeans, sea salt), shiitake mushroom powder, kombu seaweed powder. 

***

PERFECT POSTURE -

Here is an easy way to remember how to stand for Good Posture:  DIBU®.  This acronym stands for, "Down, In, Back and Up."  It also has the same pronunciation as the French word for standing straight or upright: 'debout' (de boo).

DIBU - Down, In, Back, Up - This means buttocks Down, stomach In, shoulders Back, and head Erect.  Easy, right?!  Just remember 'DIBU' as you are walking along, and you will remember to do these four things.  You will feel and look better, too.

Good Posture is important for all of the body systems, including the digestive system.   It also keeps your spine flexible and gives you a more youthful appearance.  The 'Fountain of Youth' is your own perfect posture!

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HOW TO AVOID SUGAR -

For those of us trying to avoid the use of sugar, Stevia is a great way to do this.  This sweetener is great sprinkled in smoothies, hot or iced tea, coffee, yogurt, or any other item you would like to sweeten.  It not only tastes great, but it is actually beneficial for your health and well-being.  It does not elevate blood-sugar levels and is useful for both diabetic and hypoglycemics.

According to Dr. Michael Lam, author of How to Stay Young and Live Longer - The Definitive Guide to Anti-Aging, studies have linked a high sugar intake with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature aging.  This makes Stevia a useful tool in the quest for longévité!
 
Stevia extract is more costly than sugar, but a little goes a l-o-n-g way!  NOW Stevia Extract, available at iherb.com, is well-priced, has no bitter aftertaste, and is even Organic --  Perfection!

PURE & SIMPLE STRETCH

Stretching is a great way to 'become young' again.  You become more flexible and, best of all, more pain-free.  Above is a picture of my current favorite Stretch Workout DVD.  It is very relaxing, and very do-able.  There are NO Yoga moves in this routine.

One of the best features of this DVD is that there are 3 options for workout length.  The first is a standing routine that is only 10 minutes long.  This is great for when you don't have a lot of time.  There is also a 45-minute floor routine that can be done alone, or combined with the standing stretch for a third option.

Karen Voight has a very mellow, encouraging voice that does not detract from your concentration on the moves.  She allows enough time to relax into the stretch, and there is ample opportunity to vary the intensity of the stretches. 

If you remember to stretch a little every day, you will be able to keep your flexibility and to move without stiffness.  If you have lost flexibility, stretching is a great way to regain this ability.  Just start out slowly and work up to it by stretching a little further every day.

Moving in a fluid manner, rather than stiffly, will add to a more youthful appearance.  You will also feel more able to engage in other physical activities, which will bring more energy into your life.  Best of all, you will feel better.

If you are looking for a good stretch workout, but wish to avoid Yoga, this is a great alternative.

Oxygen!

Don't starve your cells - 'air' is our most important nutrient.  Below is a quote from Dr. Len Horowitz showing the importance of oxygen:

"Research shows that 90% of your biological energy comes from Oxygen.  Likewise, optimal healing of tissues depends on Oxygen levels."

Breathe deeply for good health and longevity!

LONGEVITY MADE BEAUTIFUL...

For those seeking to prolong life, and add health and productivity to those years.