A New Year and a New You!

Here at Bellanina we receive messages every day from women (and men!) looking for ways to look and feel better about themselves. The most common complaint we receive is just looking “tired” and “worn”. It seems that this New Year is the perfect opportunity to invite people to try something new and different, shake up their routine and not accept aging gracefully. After all, your age is just a number and at Bellanina we think people only improve with age.

Start by taking command. Look into the mirror after a shower and before you apply any make up or lotions. Really look at your skin and ask yourself, “What do I want to change?” Are you looking for smoother skin? Do you hate the sight of lines around your eyes or mouth? Or do you just want to feel and looked refreshed?

It is important to take this step because in order to truly take control, you must take action with this first step.

By being honest with yourself and your goals, it will be easier to target the best way to achieve them. Most people can’t afford or do not want to pursue drastic and invasive medical procedures (such as plastic surgery) and at Bellanina, we don’t think you should have to do this at all. With proper skin care and the right products, smoother and younger looking skin is not just a dream. It is a reality we can all have for our own.

Here is a simple checklist of areas to consider:

1) Eyes: Are there fine lines beginning to form around the corners or lids? This could be from squinting or rubbing this area. The tissue around the eyes is especially fragile and can be easily damaged or show premature signs of aging.

2) Mouth: As we get older the expressions we hold our faces in most often will eventually develop into lines around the face. “Laugh” or “frown” lines are especially common once people reach their mid thirties. This can be caused by a reduced elasticity in the skin and lowered collagen production.

3) Neck: As the skin begins to lose elasticity it can begin to “droop” in certain areas, especially the neck and chin.

4) Hands: The most overused and abused area of the body. Your hands are exposed to chemicals, weather, water, bacteria and all sorts of germs that can affect how their appearance. Lines, dryness and flaking are all common culprits of “old” looking hands.

5) Thighs and Stomach: At any age a common skin problem is cellulite. Small “dimpling” of the skin that can lead to a cottage cheese appearance. This can be minimized with corrective skin care products.

6) Uneven Skin Tone/Pigmentation: Brown spots, freckles or even patches of skin that don’t match your overall coloring can be minimized. If you have been living with these common issues but unsure of how to deal with them, take charge this year!

7) Facial/Body Acne: Blemishes can be an irritating and ongoing struggle. Don’t let this problem go on for another day!

We invite everyone to contact us and let us help you achieve your goals this year. Our highly trained staff welcomes questions and will help you design a daily routine that will reduce fine lines, smooth skin and replenish lost moisture. By taking the time to incorporate this into your morning routine you will begin to see the results faster than you can imagine.

So contact us today and let us help you achieve your New Year’s resolution! E-mail us your questions at operations@bellanina.com to receive expert advice on how to achieve your skin care goals in 2011!

Bellanina Basics: Keep Your Skin Looking Great (Even on Vacation)

Just because you’re taking a break from reality doesn’t mean your skin won’t suffer the consequences. Whether you are heading to a tropical paradise or snowy ski resort, exposing your skin to the harmful elements can only lead to trouble. Be sure when you’re packing for your trip this holiday to include your Bellanina Basic Travel Kit.

Travel sized skin care products are small enough to carry easily in your purse or luggage and offer all the benefits of your home skin care regimen out on the road. Sun, cold wind, dirt and debris are all major causes of premature aging and skin conditions such as acne. It may seem like only a small break to you but every day matters in skin care and every day you leave your skin exposed is another step you’re going to need to take to repair the damage later on.

Bellanina Cleanser: A cleanser is the basic foundation of any skin care. Remember that soap can leave residue behind and therefore is not effective for truly cleaning your face and removing the build up of debris on your skin. Most soap actually has a drying effect on the skin and lead to dryness or flaking. A good cleanser should be non-abrasive and gentle remove residue without causing damage to the skin. Some cleansers contain a mild exfoliant (tiny beads or a grainy texture) that will remove dead skin cells at the same time.

Bellanina Toner: After cleansing use a clean cotton pad to apply a thin layer of toner over your face. Water has minerals that can be left behind and toner is the final clean up to ensure your skin is as clean as possible.

Botanical Moisturizer: Although removing excess oil and debris from your skin is essential to keeping it healthy, your skin thrives when it is well hydrated. After removing the natural oils it is important to rehydrate the skin with a light way, non greasy moisturizer. Using a moisturizer without excess grease and oils will prevent the skin from becoming clogged and leading to break outs. Bellanina moisturizer is great for all skin types.

Bellanina Body Lotion: Skin varies in different areas of the body and has different needs. Bellanina body lotion is a wonderful solution for dry hands, neck, chest, back and legs. Applying a thin layer after your shower or bath will rehydrate your skin and leave it feeling smooth all day long. The convenient travel size makes this easy to carry around during the day should you need a second application.

Bellanina Eye & Throat Crème: The skin around your eyes and neck is especially delicate and prone to wrinkles. Apply this lightweight moisturizer with your pinky to avoid pulling at the skin and causing damage. Massage in thoroughly and it will help to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. **Bonus Tip: Excessive squinting or grimacing can lead to wrinkles and premature aging in the face – try to remember to avoid doing this habitually to keep your skin looking smoother and younger.**

Bellanina Advanced Protection SPF30: Whether you are lying on a beach or hitting the slopes you need to cover up! The sun is detrimental to the skin and although you may be in a cold environment the sun can still cause burning. Apply at least an SPF30 every two hours (or following a swimming or showering) to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Remember that a beautiful tan today is leathery wrinkles ten years down the road.

Organic Lip Balm SPF15: Keep your lips smooth with this great organic lip balm. Dry lips can occur at any time during the year and this spf15 lip balm is a great way to protect your skin and give your lips the hydration they need to stay smooth and beautiful

The Bellanina Basics Travel kit comes in its own bag and can be easily added to your luggage or carry on bag. Don’t leave for your trip without these great essentials. It also makes a great holiday gift for friends, co-workers and family!

Natural(s) Beauty

Okay, it seems you can’t walk down the street without being hit in the face with a new product that is all natural and organic! Like most trends, this move towards a more “natural” lifestyle has crept up slowly in popularity over the years and now is a dominating force in the Market. From your fruits to your shoes, all natural materials are now the “it” thing to have, to eat and to wear.

Aloe + E Broad Spectrum SPF 30

What you put on your skin is as important as what you put in your body. You wouldn’t drink a gallon of dangerous chemicals would you? So it stands to reason you wouldn’t want to spread hazardous ingredients all over your skin either. Remember your skin is porous and meant to absorb ingredients and nutrients applied directly to it. That means that every time you apply a moisturizer, any chemicals it contains are going right into your body.

Skin care is perhaps one of the most important and overlooked areas of home health care. Your skin is your first and strongest defense against disease and foreign invaders that could cause serious damage to your body. By taking care of your skin you are giving yourself the best chance to stay healthy and look your best for years to come.

So now you may be thinking: Where do Natural Skin Products Come In?

Excellent question! Natural and Organic skin care products utilize ingredients that do not contain hazardous preservatives or chemicals to enhance results. Unlike their Cosmeceuticals cousins, natural skin care products consist of ingredients like fruit, vegetable, mineral and vitamin extracts. They utilize the remedies provided by these ingredients to improve skin tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, cleanse and refresh.

For example: Aloe is a popular treatment for many skin conditions such as rashes or burns and is most effective in its natural, unprocessed state.

When selecting a new product to try on your skin, glance over the ingredients and try to pick out key phrases such as parabens, paraffin, sodium laurel, acrylamide or propylene glycol. These are some of the most common ingredients used in Cosmeceuticals and some of the most important to avoid. The real danger comes from exposing your skin to free radicals which can lead to early aging, tissue damage and in some cases diseases such as cancer.

Tips to Remember:

Natural or Organic products have a shorter shelf life once they have been opened so buy smaller quantities. The average natural product will be good for 1 to 2 months after initial use.

Most skin care conditions have a natural solution! Ask your esthetician or dermatologist for a natural or organic alternative for any particular condition you may wish to treat!

Know your allergies! Organic ingredients can lead to allergic reactions! Study all ingredient labels carefully and do not use if you are the least bit concerned about possible aversive side effects.

As with all skin care products, discontinue use if you develop a rash, itching or swelling after application and seek medical attention.

A Natural Way to Better Skin

Protect your skin and your body by trying natural skin care products today! See the benefits to the look of your skin while knowing you are doing something to protect your health at the same time!

The Dimple Effect: Cellulite

You don’t know quite when it happened but one day you see it in the mirror staring back at you: little dimples on the back of your thighs. Sometimes compared to as “cottage cheese” in texture, it can be a woman (or man’s) worst nightmare. Although you’re not alone, as much as 95% of the female population develops cellulite at some point in their lives, it can still be a difficult burden.

There are three layers of fat beneath the surface of your skin. Cellulite occurs in the subcutaneous (top) level of these layers. Within this layer there is a structure of connective tissue called the septae and is composed of compartments that store fat cells. These help to insulate the body and offer structural support for your skin. When cellulite occurs the subcutaneous fat cells are pushed upwards and the septae move downwards and – ta da – the dimple effect.
Many women know that as we age, our skin becomes thinner and more transparent. Although cellulite can occur in girls as young as fourteen, it becomes even more visible as we get older. Cellulite can develop in the thighs, buttocks, neck, stomach and the upper arms. Although men can develop cellulite, it is a much rarer occurrence due to a different structure in the subcutaneous layer of the skin.
Cellulite is not simply a “fat person” problem. It actually can be the result of a variety of factors, some beyond an individual’s control. Believe it or not, some women are genetically prone to develop cellulite, regardless of their weight (although excess weight will be a major factor). Other sources include hormones (when and where it develops); pregnancy, stress, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and obesity are all major contributors to this condition.

What is happening to the body when cellulite develops?

It is actually a five stage process whereby blood circulation and lymphatic drainage activity to the cells is drastically reduced. As the weakened cells that results from this begin to leak blood into surrounding areas, there is also an accumulation of lymphatic fluid. This leads to a pressure on the cells which will begin to swell and push upwards, creating an initial bumpy texture on the skin. As the cells become more deprived of oxygen they begin to thicken, worsening the cottage cheese appearance. Over time, these cells become trapped and have such poor circulation; fat continues to build up in these cells and cannot be removed (even with diet and exercise).

Treatment

While there are is no sure fire “treatment” for cellulite, it is important to remember that it is not a disease. Cellulite occurs in all types of women and all body shapes. It can appear in extremely thin women just as easily as obese women so don’t blame your eating habits for those unsightly bumps.
Over the past decade the market has become flooded with cellulite solutions and although some may be more effective than others, no one product will work miracles on everyone. Creams have become especially popular and utilize a variety of ingredients (including caffeine) to smooth the texture of your skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Remember though, cellulite may never truly go away but it is possible to minimize the appearance.
Exercise may not get rid of cellulite but toned muscles will certainly help mask its appearance. Skin lying over taught muscles will have a smoother appearance than skin lying over layers of excessive fat. Target the areas of your body most prone to cellulite to see more effective results.

Don’t give up!

Cellulite may seem like the end of the world and although it may never completely go away, maintaining a regular routine of exercise and daily moisturizing with specially designed creams will help in the long run. As with any skin care plan, patience will be your greatest ally and an important motivator when nothing seems to be changing. Remember, as previously stated, cellulite is not the result of bad behavior – sometimes it just happens and since so many women deal with it every day, you’re in good company. Think positive and don’t let the development of cellulite keep you from feeling confident and beautiful!