As we transition from the warmer season of summer to the cooler season of fall, we need to take extra care of our skin. Fall is the beginning of Vata season in Ayurveda; and Vata’s qualities are dry, light, cold and rough, so you may notice your skin taking on these qualities. As the weather gets colder, the body draws blood from the limbs into your core to protect the internal organs. This can cause the skin to look pale and become dry. So, you'll need to step up your skinca

Cleansing the skin with oil is also an ancient Ayurvedic practice, which may seem strange at first, so let’s take a look at the skin and why oil is better at cleansing than soap and water.  Cleansing Your Face with Oil About the Skin The skin contains sebaceous glands that produce sebum, which is an oily, waxy substance that protects your skin from environmental pollutants and infection. It also naturally hydrates the skin.  When you wash with soap and water, you can wash aw

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.  Your skin is the largest organ of your body; and its functions are to protect you from heat, sunlight, injury, and infection; control your body temperature; and store water, fat, and vitamin D.  Considering all that your skin does for you, protect your skin to prevent skin cancer as much as possible. Protect Your Skin This Summer Types of Skin Cancer There are different types of skin cancer, but the most com

The month of May makes me think of roses, especially with Mother’s Day this weekend.  Rose is the "Queen of Flowers" and has many benefits from physical to energetic.  It has been known for thousands of years for its beauty and fragrance.  Why Rose is the Queen of Flowers For skincare, rose has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.  Rose’s cooling and soothing nature is great for irritated, inflamed skin. The fruit of the rose plant is called “rosehip”, an

High dietary sugar intake causes so much damage to the body.  It can suppress the immune system, disturb vitamin and mineral balance, contribute to weight gain, and cause systemic inflammation. Chronic or systemic inflammation in the body leads to, or contributes to, the development of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. But high sugar intake can also contribute to aging skin.  Sugar and Your Aging Skin Cross-linking and glycation are processes that o

Autoimmune diseases are on the rise, in part to our ex posure to environmental toxins and chemicals. Skin care products may include toxins and therefore, there may be a link between skin care products and autoimmune diseases. Skin Care Products and Autoimmune Diseases Environmental toxins are in every one of us and stay in our bodies for years. For many of us, these toxins cause dysfunction in our bodies, particularly to the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems; and may l