Glow Notes

Optimizing Testosterone for Skin Health

Little attention has been given to the importance of adequate levels of testosterone, known as the “male hormone”. In this blog post, we specifically dig into testosterone’s relation to skin aging. 

Truth be told, testosterone is not a gender-specific hormone. It is a necessary androgen steroid for optimal metabolic function and well-being. It has been well documented that this important hormone decreases with age in both men and women. When it comes to skin, lower testosterone levels correspond with a decrease in overall skin health, density, and elasticity.

Alcohol & Skin Health: Is Drinking Aging Your Skin?
Most of us are aware of the negative effects that chronic alcohol consumption can have on our health. Countless studies have verified that regular drinking is associated with a range of health problems including liver and pancreas diseases, hepatic encephalopathy,...
3 Foods for Acne-Free Skin
According to statistics over 80% of American’s struggle with acne. While the severity of the acne can differ, the fact of the matter is that a very large percentage of people today experience less than optimal skin. And despite the wide range of anti-acne protocols including dermatologist, mediations and over the counter ointments, the problems persist.  
For Youthful Skin, Improve Your circulation
The circulatory system is the proverbial river of life that flows throughout our bodies. It carries precious nutrients, hormones and other chemicals through organ to organ and cell to cell. It is a very important aspect of overall health and metabolic function. It is through the circulatory system that immune cells are delivered to protect the body from pathogens. The bloodstream also carries away metabolic wastes, toxicity and pathogens to be eliminated from the body. We need circulation for both nourishment and detoxification. Therefore, poor blood circulation can lead to the possibility of many health problems; it can especially cause an issue of unattractive, unhealthy skin. One of the key factors in healthy, glowing skin is great circulation. Proper blood flow ensures even skin tone, nutrient delivery to the skin cells and the healthy detoxification of the skin. But what happens when circulation goes bad?
The Best Herbs for Your Skin
Glowing, healthy skin is a goal for many and it isn’t necessarily a vain one. Healthy skin is often a reflection of strong, healthy organs and overall good health. Additionally, the skin is an important organ in the body, which protects our internal organs from the outside world. However, most of us have been misled on the path to optimal skin wellness. Rather than supporting the health of our internal organs, we have often been sold on chemically manufactured, synthetic “beauty” products that have ended up causing more harm than help. 
How to Stop Wrinkles at the Cause
The general culprit of wrinkles is often thought to be sun damage. However, while excessive sun exposure, to the point of burning, can play a role in the formation of wrinkles, there is a cause overlooked. Not many people are aware of the fact that sugar actually ages the skin much faster than the Sun, especially when you consider the anti-aging and beauty benefits of healthy sun exposure. Yes, that’s right, a diet rich in sugar (even the healthy stuff) can lead to the formation of wrinkles. This occurs through a process known as glycation, where sugar binds to proteins in the skin, causing the formation of new molecules known ironically as AGEs or Advanced Glycation End-Products.
Foods That Set the Mood
Whether you love or hate Valentines Day, I think we can all agree that there is something about the holiday that acts as a bit of a natural aphrodisiac. In an effort to help you get the most out of your sex life, here are some of my favorite foods that set the mood that I have noticed make a positive difference in mine.
The Most Common Skincare Myths
The skin is the body’s largest organ; it is so much more than a surface to be cleaned and dressed up. In fact, the skin is an alive, dynamic and complex organization of microorganisms, nerves, glands and trillions of cells, which orchestrate together to serve as a protective barrier, detoxification system and a large part of your immune system. As a barrier system, the skin helps shield your internal organs and body from thermal, chemical, environmental, electromagnetic and other types of external stress. It is also capable of producing its own protective microbial layers to protect you the body from infection, while enabling the body to manufacture vitamin D when exposed to sun light.
Why Sunscreen Does More Harm than Good
Over the last century, people have used many different forms of “sunscreen” in an attempt to block out ultraviolet light emitted by the sun. The early sunscreens resembled that of a DIY sunblock paste you might find on Etsy, consisting mostly of a zinc oxide base. These were largely unpopular due to their pasty texture. Over time, the formulas became both smoother and increasingly more complex and toxic, possibly causing more harm than good.
5 Natural Ways to Protect Your Skin from the Sun
The sun’s warm rays are a magical source of healing and beauty. The right amount can energize you on a cellular level, give your skin a beautiful golden tone, ward off bacteria and improve a wide variety of skin issues....
Bright Light Therapy for Anti-Aging & Beauty
These are not even all of the known and proven benefits of bright light therapy either, you could easily search the internet for a few hours finding many others. 
Hacks for Reducing Skin Inflammation: Rashes, Allergies & Dermatitis
Imagine investing generous amounts of money and time caring for your skin only for it to breakout in an unsightly rash - for skin enthusiasts like us, nothing is quite as aggravating as this. Fortunately, skin allergies can be controlled and, through understanding how to do so, a new level of skin wellness can be achieved.
Holistic Self-Care Tips For Mastering Your Mind & Body
Holistic health plays a bigger role in our lives than we tend to realize on a day-to-day basis. When your body and mind are not in balance, you have low energy, are fatigued, experience hormonal fluctuations and even skin problems....
Infrared Sauna Detox Benefits & Tips: Get Rid of Heavy Metals
Unfortunately, most of us have some level of toxic heavy metals in our bodies. Over a lifetime of exposure, they accumulate and circulate within the body, burdening it with an array of unwanted side effects. The good news is that there are natural solutions for handling our increasingly toxic environment - one of which is sweating toxins out. Here we've put together all you need to know about the benefits of infrared saunas and tips for optimizing your experience.
Quick Tips for Getting Rid of Zits
Around 85% of teens and young adults suffer from acne, but this skin condition includes more than your average pimple or two. (1) Acne encompasses blackheads, whiteheads, zits, cysts, and more. As teens, most of us think that when we grow up, our acne will magically go away. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the case. There are various reasons why pesky pimples bother us throughout all stages of life. In this article we are going to provide our favorite tips and tricks for fighting pimples and zits. Let’s dive in!
Biotin for Treating Eczema & Dry Skin
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of dermatitis. It is often considered a “genetic” condition, however, this may not be the full truth.  We know that stress, diet, and environmental factors are involved in its pathogenesis or development. People with eczema tend to have very dry and itchy skin that is more susceptible to infection. Dry skin is a common feature of poorly functioning skin. Therefore, restoring proper skin hydration is the most important part of treating eczema. 
Enhancing Your Skin & Beauty Naturally
In a world of Botox, fillers, FaceTune, and Instagram filters, many are left feeling self-conscious about their natural appearance. We’re here to tell you that the power to radiate natural beauty is alive and well, and to prove it we are providing our favorite ways to enhance your beauty at home!
The Miracle Skin Benefits of Blue German Chamomile
Blue German Chamomile, also known as Blue Tansy, is a small flowering plant spread throughout Europe and Asia, and one of the most deliciously sweet and aromatic flowers used in organic cosmetics. If you come across this perennial herb while...
Ashwagandha Benefits for Women
Ashwagandha has a wide reputation in the world of herbal medicine as a potent adaptogen. Traditionally, ashwagandha has been used to improve energy, stamina, resistance to stress, libido, immunity and more. Today, research on ashwagandha’s broad-range medicinal effects has given it modern recognition. 
The Worst Oils for Your Skin: How Polyunsaturated Fats Age Skin
For a long time, fat has been demonized, being blamed for everything from heart attacks to obesity. However, you’ve probably heard the good news, the science is in and as it turns out, fat isn’t bad for us after all. What most of those old claims failed to point out was key discernment between types of fats. The fact is, not all fats are created equally. There are many different types of fats, some of those fats are incredibly nourishing and necessary for hormone production and thyroid function. A total avoidance of fat can lead to a variety of problems, particularly thyroid issues, which can cause the skin to become dry, weak and aged. Not only will the right types of fats improve our overall metabolic function, they can work miracles on our skin. However, before you begin, you should be aware of which kinds of fat you should add to your diet to for good health and a healthy glow.
The Benefits of a Clay Mask
Why You Should Use Clay on Your Skin:Beauty & Health Benefits of a Clay Mask The use of clay for topical healing and internal medicinal uses traces back throughout ancient history. Clay as medicine has been referenced as far back...