Archives for March 2024

Foods for the Skin, Part 2 : Three “Savory Sensations” for Nourishing the Skin

March 24, 2024 by Charlene Bollinger Leave a Comment

In part one of this two-part series, we took a look at three “sweet treat” whole foods that are also amazing healing substances for the skin. If you haven’t checked that out, be sure to do that HERE. In this next article, we stir the pot on three “savory sensations,” whole foods sources that are not only deeply healing for the whole body, but the superfood natural substances within them are game changers when it comes to upgrading your skin health too.

So, let’s get started! Bon Appetit!

#1 Bone Broth

Bone broth is the liquid that is produced after bones and marrow (usually of chicken, beef, or fish) are boiled for a long period of time, usually 24 hours or more. People have been consuming bone broth for literally thousands of years, and there are some really good reasons why.

Bone broth contains specific amino acids that can be significantly beneficial for the whole body. Bone broth boosts the immune system, can lower inflammation, helps to purify the liver, and heal the gut. (1)

A big reason why bone broth is such a superfood is because of collagen. Bone broth is a major source of this particular protein and this is good news for your skin since alone is probably the most important substance overall for skin rejuvenation. It is the primary substance that makes up tissue in your body, including the dermis and epidermis layers of the skin.

Sadly, research states that, on average, collagen stores can decline by as much as 2% every year after age 30. Yikes! That’s why we need to consume healthy whole foods like bone broth to replenish those stores naturally. You can utilize the power of all natural collagen-rich substances to improve skin appearance, lower inflammation in the skin, curb acne and outbreaks, and start to experience that youthful glow to your skin again.

Of course, no one is suggesting that you put bone broth on your face (gross)! Luckily, for topical use there are other “face-friendly” substances that contain collagen which can be just as potent as bone broth. Of course, one of the most important substances that can help to renew collagen stores naturally is vitamin C. All citrus contains vitamin C, including sweet orange, grapefruit, and bergamot. And at least one of these sources are available in most CHARLíS Luxury Face and Skin products.

Marigold, or calendula, is another plant that has been shown to help activate and even boost collagen production in the skin. Calendula can be found in the CHARLíS Breath of LIfe Serum. Calendula also contains vitamin E and phytonutrients called carotenoids which can both nourish and protect the natural balance of your skin.

#2 Mushrooms

Besides being buttery, hearty, and just plain yummy, mushrooms are another savory whole food that helps your body both inside and out. There are literally dozens of varieties of mushrooms out there that can benefit the body and its functions, including metabolism, gut health and overall balancing.

Remember that research has shown a direct connection between good interior health and beautiful, radiant skin! On the other hand, poor health can often be directly connected to outbreaks and acne on the skin surface. (2)

Certain kinds of mushrooms can be especially helpful, again boosting collagen production and acting as anti-viral, infection-fighting, and anti-inflammatory agents as well. Shiitake, maitake, and turkey tail are all types of mushrooms that can calm inflammatory skin conditions since they contain heavy-hitting nutrients like essential fatty acids and vitamin D. (3)

Probably the most well-known mycelium for skin health, however, is tremella. In fact, tremella is often called the “beauty mushroom” for what it can do for the skin. This is why it has been included in beauty tonics, lotions, and formulas around the world for centuries. (4)

What makes tremella so special as a powerful anti-aging aid? Simply put, substances called polysaccharides. Polysaccharides can be described as “clumps” of specific kinds of sugar molecules. They are found in many whole foods, especially grains, tubers, and fungi. The particular kinds of polysaccharides in tremella are specifically designed, it seems, to help the skin. They (as well as other skin-benefiting natural substances found in these mushrooms) create an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and extremely hydrating powerhouse for the skin and the whole body. Some substances within tremella may even have the ability to stop cancer growth. (5)

Skin-saving polysaccharides are not just found in mushrooms like tremella, however. As I mentioned, they can also be found in whole grains as well. A powerful type of polysaccharides found in both mushrooms and oat grains is beta glucans. Oat-derived beta glucans are the “real deal” when it comes to whole body health, and especially skin health. They are a known immune system booster. They also have the ability to modulate and lower key hormonal reactions related to stress. (6)

Studies have shown that beta glucans can also help reduce scarring on the skin directly and have the ability to clear up the fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging skin. (7)

Oat-based beta glucans can be found in the CHARLíS Daily Facial Cleanser which is part of the CHARLíS Face Care Collection.

#3 Aloe Vera

Finally, we can’t forget one the most common yet one of the most healing plants – aloe vera. Aloe vera is known most for all the amazing things it can do for the skin (and we will get to all that goodness in a minute). What many people don’t know is what aloe vera can do on the inside as well. Again, health on the inside means healthy skin too!

You can drink organic, non-GMO aloe vera as a juice added to smoothies or just mixed in water. Consumed in this way, the most noticeable benefit is going to be for gut health. Research shows that aloe vera can provide relief and actual healing for some of the most discomforting and potentially serious gastrointestinal issues, including GERD (gastroesophageal reflux), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and severe constipation. In fact, aloe vera works so well to seal and heal the gut as well as promote elimination that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at one time promoted its use in FDA-approved aloe vera-based laxatives. (8)

When taken internally, aloe can also stabilize the metabolism, which can be a boon for diabetics and those with pre-diabetes.

Now let’s get to what aloe vera can do for the skin. As it turns out, consuming it internally can help you on the outside too. A 2015 Japanese investigation published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology found that consuming aloe vera increased collagen levels while it decreased the amount and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (in over-40 female study participants). (9)

Aloe’s ability to “seal, heal, and soothe” internally is exactly what it can do on the outside for the skin when used topically too. Aloe is a rich antioxidant, thanks to high polyphenol levels, and this protects the skin from internal free radicals and stressors in the environment. (10) Its anti-inflammatory properties are a benefit for people healing from wounds and burns as well as skin conditions like rash, dry skin, and andatopic dermatitis. (11)

Aloe’s unique properties help the skin retain moisture longer too, increasing elasticity and giving it that overall hydrated, healthy glow. All this and more is why aloe vera is a vital part of several CHARLíS luxury formulas, including one of our most popular and effective products, the CHARLíS Restorative Anti-Aging Overnight Serum.

Choose Whole Foods That Are Good for You Inside and Out!

There are so many health-promoting foods out there, why not choose the ones that are going to give you the most “bang for your buck” and help you on the inside and out. In Part 1, we talked about all those “sweet treat” whole foods that are good for you on all levels, namely berries, apples, and citrus fruits – who said you can’t eat your dessert first?

In Part 2, we relished in all the “savory stuff,” including bone broth (and other sources of collagen), mushrooms as well as oats with their beta glucan goodness, and, finally, tangy and refreshing aloe vera, which you can consume as a juice, apply topically as a gel, or benefit from when it is inside a high-quality skin formula, like those at CHARLíS!

When you stick with whole foods for your diet as well as for what you put on your skin, it really is a “recipe for success” that is going to offer you delicious goodness no matter how you serve it up!

References:

(1) Broth is Beautiful
(2) Understanding innate immunity and inflammation in acne: implications for management
(3) Extracts from Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Edible Mushrooms Enriched with Vitamin D Exert an Anti-Inflammatory Hepatoprotective Effect
(4)  7 Health Benefits of Tremella Mushrooms: The Ultimate Beauty Mushroom
(5) Free radical scavenging of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and its effect on antioxidant enzymes and immunity activities in cervical carcinoma rats
(6) Anti-stress action of several orally-given β-glucans
(7) Skin Wound Healing Promoting Effect of Polysaccharides Extracts from Tremella fuciformis and Auricularia auricula on the ex-vivo Porcine Skin Wound Healing Model
(8) 5 Tips: What You Should Know About Popular Herbs
(9) Effects of plant sterols derived from Aloe vera gel on human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and on skin condition in Japanese women.
(10) Aloe vera (L.) Webb.: Natural Sources of Antioxidants – A Review
(11) Aloin Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response and Apoptosis by Inhibiting the Activation of NF-κB

Can Too Much Technology Affect the Skin?

March 2, 2024 by Charlene Bollinger Leave a Comment

By now, most of us are aware of the most common forms of skin stressors “out there-” too much sun exposure, air and water pollution, and, of course, commercial sunscreens, moisturizers, and make-up riddled with toxic chemicals.

But what about stressors that may be “under the radar?” One hidden factor that can literally make or break the vitality and longevity of your skin is electropollution.

Electro…what?

Electropollution is another name for the harmful radiation, or electromagnetic frequencies (i.e., EMFs) that come from technology– everything from cell phones and cell towers to SMART meters, wi-fi routers, and dirty electricity. If you spend hours a day staring at a laptop or phone, or spend more than just an hour or two per day near another EMF-outputting device, your skin may be experiencing the effects of too much technology!

Why Technology?

Unless you live entirely off-grid and away from major population areas, odds are you probably spend a large portion of your time close to some harmful EMF-emitting technology. Sources can include:

cell phones
wi-fi routers
tablets
laptop or desktop computers
microwaves and other kitchen appliances
bathroom and bedroom appliances
artificial (LED) lighting
power tools
SMART TVs
Bluetooth devices
GPS systems
neighborhood 5G towers
major cell towers
SMART meters
electrical transformers
radio and satellite antennas
dirty electricity that comes from old or malfunctioning electrical wiring
SMART homes, neighborhoods, and entire communities

The National Institutes of Health defines EMFs as “invisible areas of energy.” EMFs in and of themselves are not always a bad thing. In fact, most living things emit EMFs, including our bodies, the planet, and the sun. The harm depends on the frequency. For example, EMFs that the earth emits naturally from the ground are proven to be very healing to the body. On the other hand, EMFs emitted from lightning can be deadly. (1)

Evidence suggests that electropollution emitted from the technology we encounter daily can damage our health when we are in close contact with it for long periods. The Bio-Initiative Report, first published in 2012 and recently updated in 2022, is one of the most comprehensive studies to prove specific health dangers from manufactured sources of EMF. These dangers include increased oxidative stress and damage at the cellular level that can pave the way for cancer, heart disease, and more. Of particular concern are cell phones. Studies that go back to the “2G” era (about 20 years ago) have found a correlation between close-to-the-face cell phone use and brain cancer. (2)

Blue Light and the Skin

When it comes to the skin, eyes, and nervous system, there is another threat from the long-term use of laptops, tablets, computers, and cell phones. The threat is even greater at nighttime. “Blue light,” also known as High Energy Visible (HEV) light, is the kind of light that the sun emits. But guess what? This HEV light also comes from screens. Eye strain, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and skin-related conditions such as dry spots, rashes, spotting, acne, and wrinkling can all be consequences of long-term exposure to screen-related blue light. This is mainly caused by the fact that hours in front of the screen can wear down and weaken the skin’s natural collagen.

The solution? First, never (ever!) put your phone close to your face, in your pocket, or in your bra; Cancer can develop in these areas of close contact. (3) Secondly, turn devices off at night! Research proves that this one act alone can significantly help regulate melatonin levels, a hormonal substance responsible for regulating the sleep cycle. A study conducted by researchers at New York’s Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that blue light exposure significantly lowered nighttime melatonin levels. Red light exposure, however, did not affect melatonin. (4) If you want to know more about how important sleep is for skin health, be sure to read this article!

If you must “burn the midnight oil,” try using a blue light filter app on your phone or computer. Dozens are available online, including many free apps. And for extra protection, look no further than CHARLíS! Experts state that the best topical protection from screen-derived UVs are formulas that include iron oxide as well as antioxidants like vitamin C. (5)

Our Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer and our SPF25 Neutral-Tinted Face Moisturizer are the perfect combination for daily use. Our Daily Moisturizer is packed with time-released phytonutrients, supplying hydrating and repairing vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural anti-inflammatories. The CHARLíS Neutral-Tinted Face Moisturizer contains iron oxides that can directly shield the face and neck from UV light. Both the CHARLíS Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer and the CHARLíS SPF25 Neutral-Tinted Face Moisturizer are available as part of the CHARLíS Face Collection.

Tech Neck

“Tech Neck” is another consequence of our high-tech world. It is a term that describes the discomfort and downright pain that can happen when a person tilts their head downward when viewing a screen. We’ve all seen those crowds of people craning their necks downwards to look at their phones while standing in line or even walking down the street (and let’s admit it, most of us have been guilty of this too). But “tech neck” can also happen when sitting in a chair working at a monitor or laptop. The head itself weighs an average of about 7 pounds. A mere 15-degree tilt can triple the force, making the body feel like it has to hold up a 30-pound bowling ball! (6)

All of this neck strain day after day can affect the state of your skin too. Tech neck can lead to long-term back and neck issues, weakening of the gut, the immune system, and our ability to absorb skin-healthy vitamins like vitamin C. More directly, tech neck can lead to “dynamic” fine line wrinkles on the neck and face, i.e., wrinkles resulting from stretched-out skin and repeated muscle movement.

To avoid all the consequences of tech neck, be sure to adjust your sitting position when you are at your computer so that you are leaning back and not tilting forward. You can also use a tall table or a standing desk. Take breaks often, and get up and gently stretch your neck, back, and whole body.

When looking at smaller devices like cell phones, the best remedy is to simply be aware of how much time you spend “on screen” and take measures to limit your time. Again, take breaks often, and be sure to stretch!

Fine line wrinkles caused by tech neck often come with the loss of collagen as we age. You can help your skin (including the skin around your neck) return to its youthful plumpness by following the recommendations mentioned above and by supplementing with collagen-promoting CHARLíS Restorative Anti-Aging Overnight Serum! This formula contains sodium hyaluronate, a natural substance found in your body and in minerals that help restore hydration, repair the skin post-injury, and smooth over fine lines and wrinkles that can come with aging and stress.

You CAN Have Vibrant Skin in a Tech-Filled World!

Did you know that the typical adult picks up their cell phone more than 100 times per day? The average is about 150 times! And since 2020, the number of Zoom meetings has increased exponentially, with 300 million meetings now happening each year, versus only 10 million in 2019. (7)

It’s safe to say that our screens, tablets, and cell phones aren’t going away anytime soon. But this does not mean that they must control us or our health– including the health of our skin.

Take measures to protect yourself and your skin from UV light, “tech neck,” and more by “turning it off” when you sleep and keeping your cell phone at arm’s distance as much as possible. In addition, using the natural, hydrating, revitalizing goodness of CHARLíS Luxury Face and Body formulas can add that extra amount of protection, which can take your skin from grim to glowing no matter what it is exposed to!