Positive Thinking Helps You Feel Good

I just got back from the Optimum Health Institute.  Last time I was there Louise Hay was also staying at the Institute.

Louise Hay is an author who cured herself from cancer and has written many books about healing.  About 20 years ago, I discovered a small blue volume of hers called Heal Your Body and it changed my life.

This book gives us an insight in metaphysical terms to the probable causes of whatever health problems we may be experiencing and provides affirmations to assist our own healing.

The first time I read the book, I was awestruck.  I had never tried affirmations so I was eager to know if they worked.   I started with one that I repeated every morning for a few years.  Gradually, I started to feel better.

Eventually I stopped repeating the affirmation as my life was improving.  However, just this last week, I was reminded of Louise and her work so I wanted to revisit her little book Heal Your Body.

Here is the affirmation I read every morning to myself years ago – I just wanted to share it with you with my blessings and appreciation..

Cheers,

Sue

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LOVING TREATMENT

Deep at the center of my being there is an infinite well of love.

I now allow this love to flow to the surface.

It fills my heart, my body, my mind, my consciousness, my very being, and radiates out from me in all directions and returns to me multiplied.

The more love I use and give, the more I have to give, the supply is endless.

The use of love makes me feel good; it is an expression of my inner joy.

Yes, I love myself, therefore I take loving care of my body.

I lovingly feed it nourishing food and beverages.

I lovingly groom it and dress it and my body lovingly responds to me with vibrant health and energy.

I love myself, therefore I provide for myself a comfortable home, one that fills all my needs and is a pleasure to be in.

I fill the rooms with the vibration of love so that all who enter, myself included, will feel this love and be nourished by it.

I love myself, therefore I work at a job that I truly enjoy doing, one that uses all my talents and abilities, working with and for people that I love and love me, and earning a good income.

I love myself, therefore, I behave in a loving way to all people for I know that that which I give out returns to me multiplied.

I only attract loving people in my world for they are a mirror of what I am.

I love myself, therefore I forgive and totally release the past and all past experiences and I am free.

I love myself, therefore I love totally in the now, experiencing each moment as good and knowing that my future is bright, and joyous and secure, for I am a beloved child of the universe and the universe lovingly takes care of me now and forever more.

And so it is.

Optimum Health Institute

Hi Everyone!

I’m away from the office this week so I can complete my third week of study at the Optimum Health Institute (OHI) in San Diego.

Since I’ve started going to OHI, I have learned how the human body is self-cleansing and self-regenerating when given the proper tools with which to work.  These include diet and exercise and positive thinking.  And I love being able to share this information with you.

In the meantime here is a link to the OHI website if you want more information about their program.

I will see you when I get back!

Cheers,

Sue

Breakouts in Adult Women – What Can You Do?

I am reposting this entry from January 2008…

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Adult acne in women is becoming more common and we don’t really know why. However, the most likely causes are hormonal fluctuations and the onset of premenopause and perimenopause. I also think it can exacerbated from stress.

Many think that adding a special skin care regimen will help this condition and I have discovered that this is not always the case.

Because hormonal acne is deep within the lower epidermis and dermis and looks like inflamed pustules and cysts rather than blackheads / whiteheads and oily skin, topical products are not able to reach the source of the acne. OTC and cosmeceutical skin care products only work on the epidermis. Prescription products could probably help, but that would be up to your dermatologist.

It’s best to try to regulate hormones. Ask your dermatologist or OB Gyn for help with getting a BCP pill that can stabilize the hormonal fluctuations. There are several that are indicated for acne. If you prefer not to use Western Medicine to treat this condition, you can benefit from acupuncture and herbs (see my post from 05Oct07 Acupuncture Can Help Your Skin).

And finally, do what you can to reduce stress: exercise, eat well, and get plenty of rest. Enjoy your life and try to take time out to relax!

Cheers,

Sue

Quick and Easy Help for Blackheads

Just a reminder that salicylic acid helps to get rid blackheads and one of the easiest and most affordable products is Stri-Dex pads…

Use Stri-Dex pads daily (or as needed) on your blackhead trouble zones like forehead, nose, chin and inside and behind your ears to help dry up oil and break apart dead skin cells that form blackheads.  You can also use them on your body:  back, chest,  back of your neck (hairline), backs of arms or any place you have rough skin.

There are other brands of pads with salicylic acid, but the Stri-Dex brand is best because they are alcohol free.  They come in 3 strengths:  Sensitive with aloe .05%, Regular strength 1% , and Maximum strength 2%.  Purchase at your local drugstore for around $7 or order from Drugstore.com

Stri-Dex Regular Strength Pads

Inquiring Minds Want to Know…

…what do you do Sue?

Lately I’ve been hearing that I don’t look my age (which is 47) and I am most appreciative of these wonderful compliments.

There are so many ways to help yourself look and feel better for those of us who may not be genetically blessed with perfect skin, and it takes work.

So if you’re curious, here’s what I do:

Skin care AM ROUTINE – all products by SkinCeuticals
Cleansing Cream
Revitalizing Toner
Phloretin CF Antioxidant Serum
Phyto+ Botanical Gel for Hyperpigmentation
AGE Eye Complex
Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30
Becca Makeup

Skin care PM ROUTINE – all products by SkinCeuticals
Simply Clean (great for removing makeup)
Revitalizing Toner
Phyto + Botanical Gel for Hyperpigmentation
AGE Interrupter
AGE Eye Complex

Now that’s just what I use on my face every day. Anti-aging is much more than just products…

Twice weekly I use the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa treatment with their facial gels.  I’ve been doing this for about 8 months.

Every 4 weeks or so I get a salicylic acid peel or skin treatment.
Every 4 months I get a photofacial with the Palomar Star Lux IPL

Also every 4 months, I get a little Botox for my crow’s feet (sorry Mom, I can’t give that up just yet, I’m in the “beauty business”)
Twice a year, I might get some filler to smooth out laugh lines…

Every 2 weeks, I color my hair to erase those pesky grays
Every week I do yoga or pilates or some exercise at least 3-4 times

I take no medications and follow an alkaline diet consisting of primarily raw food – avoiding caffeine, sugar and alcohol (for the most part).
Every day I drink kombucha and either juice fresh fruit /veggies or have wheatgrass and I do regular cleanses to help rid my body of toxins.  Every year or more I visit Optimun Health Institute for a one week cleanse – go wheatgrass!

Every day I meditate and thank God for my health
Every minute I try to focus on positive thoughts..

Everyone is different.  This is what works for me….and there’s more… but this is enough for now.

Your body and your mind are your most precious assets.  Protect yourself, love yourself, and focus on positive thoughts and see how it works for you!

Thanks for reading,

Sue

here I am with no makeup - yikes!

What is the Best Moisturizer??

…and the answer?

I don’t know…I simply don’t know anymore!

Why?

I know a few good ones, but there are thousands of products there out there and it’s a lot to keep up with.  So I stopped trying a long time ago.

So now I recommend that everyone to do a little research to help narrow things down in order to help find the perfect product.

Check out Paula Begoun’s new site  Beautypedia to find answers and reviews on thousands of products.  You might remember that book “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me”?  Well ’nuff said…

I’m a big fan of Paula, so go over there, sign up, and knock yourself out!

Cheers,

Sue

Sue’s Drugstore Home Care Routine for Back Acne

The weather is starting to improve finally!

Is your back ready for the warm weather?

If not, then you’d better get busy with some consistent home care.  Here are some drugstore products to consider.  Keep in mind when you use Benzoyl Peroxide that it bleaches fabrics and towels!!

Also, coming in for treatments every 2-3 weeks helps to give you fast results.  It normally takes 6 treatments to correct the skin, even though you will notice improvement after the first 3…

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For mild acne and blackheads on the back try this routine daily:

AM or PM

1.  Wash with Neutrogena® Body Clear™ Body Scrub using a nylon buffing cloth (loofahs hold bacteria so avoid them)

2.  Use Stri-dex Triple Action Acne Pads with Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength (2% Salicylic Acid)

3. Spot treat as needed with Benzoyl Peroxide Gel (see below)

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For moderate acne on the back try this routine daily:

AM or PM

1.  Wash with Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser using a nylon buffing cloth

2.  Use Stri-dex Triple Action Acne Pads with Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength (2% Salicylic Acid)

3.  Apply Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10% Benzoyl Peroxide (wear a white T shirt at night)

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For severe acne on the back try this routine TWICE daily:

AM & PM

1.  Wash with Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser using a nylon buffing cloth

2.  Use Stri-dex Triple Action Acne Pads with Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength (2% Salicylic Acid)

3.  Apply Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10% Benzoyl Peroxide (wear a white T shirt at night)

If you do not see any improvement using this routine exactly as directed in 4 weeks, please go to a dermatologist!

Keep Your Routine Simple

One easy way to have better skin is to consistently follow your home care routine.

I’ve found that streamlining your product choices and focusing in on what works best will help you stay consistent.

The basics are to have a cleanser and sunscreen that you love, and a night time treatment product that actually works…

Your AM routine should be

cleanser
toner (optional)
treatment product (serum, treatment lotion, exfoliating product, etc)
moisturizer/SPF

Your PM routine should be

cleanser
toner (optional)
treatment product (serum, treatment lotion, exfoliating product, etc)
eye cream (if your treatment product isn’t suitable for use around eyes)

Get rid of products..

- you don’t like
- you don’t use
- you don’t enjoy
- you don’t see any benefit

A good rule of thumb for products you are not currently using is: anything older than one year opened and two years unopened should go…

I love to help people streamline their products to find a routine that works.   If you feel you have too many products or maybe just want to update your routine, then schedule a Consultation and bring in all your products.  We will go over everything together and sort it all out.

I love to educate people about their products:  what are the active ingredients and why they work.

Visiting a good skin care specialist can actually help you save money because you are not buying a lot of expensive products that don’t work trying to find one that does….

Onward and upward!

Cheers,

Sue

I Like This Drugstore Sunscreen

Formerly known as:  “Extra Protective Moisture Lotion, SPF 30″.

Sensitive Skin
Dermatological Skincare

• SPF 30
• UVA + UVB Protection
• Non-Comedogenic
• Fragrance-Free

Many facial moisturizers are not appropriate for sensitive skin, because they contain ingredients that can irritate, or they don’t provide sun protection.  The solution? Eucerin® Everyday Protection Face Lotion SPF 30, a gentle non-irritating way of protecting and moisturizing facial skin at the same time.

• Microfine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad physical block against UV induced skin damage
• is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, non-irritating and clinically proven safe for sensitive skin
• Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective UV sunscreen
• Provides all day moisturization
• Has a lightweight, non-greasy formula
• Can be used alone or under make-up

Purchase at your local drugstore or order from www.drugstore.com for  only $8.99

Cheers,

Sue

I Love My Juicer

If you have a juicer you know how delicious fresh juice can be.

I just juiced some organic apples and WOW that was yummy.

If you are thinking about getting one, here is a link that will help you learn about the different types.

I have a twin gear juicer because it extracts the most nutrients and it also juices wheatgrass – which is the most beneficial superfood you can have.

Excellent health is your most valuable possession…

Cheers,

Sue