Skin and Tonic

Lahaina's Natural Skincare Specialists - Facials, Body Treatments, Waxing

(808) 250-9303

Chronic Stress and the Effects on Your Skin

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Have you made self-care part of your life maintenance yet?

  

If you haven’t you need to! 

 

Self care is your kryptonite to stress!

 

And it’s more important now than ever

 

84% of Americans report feeling stressed weekly & sadly 51% of adults who felt stressed reported feeling depressed, and 61% reported feeling anxious. Chronic Stress

 

Many of these mental conditions come from chronic stress which is what I am going to talk about.

 

Over 24 million Americans have autoimmune issues with the number of diagnosed conditions rising about 9% a year. 

 

Over 200 people every day are diagnosed with the same autoimmune condition that I have. This is definitely an epidemic

 

And how we handle or deal with our stress which can be challenging however it is within our control

 

We hear about self-care and we hear about stress relief… but do you really understand the importance?

 

At this moment in time more than ever it’s so easy for stress to become our normal functioning level or state in life and for our sympathetic nervous system to get stuck in permanent operation!

 

What does that mean?

 

Simply put, we have our parasympathetic nervous system and our sympathetic nervous system. Our sympathetic nervous system is our flight and flight response to help us get out of an emergency situation. And our parasympathetic is our rest and relax state. This is where our body heals and is able to repair itself.

 

The problem is in our modern life we have so many constant stressors. 

  • Your cell phone is constantly going off
  • Text messages
  • Emails 
  • Spam calls
  • FB & IG or social networking platforms
  • News
  • Family life 
  • Finances 

 

Basically we are on constant alert with 24/7 access.  These social platforms are where you go to relax but they don’t always have the most positive content.

 

We have news about the state of the world, or people marketing to our deepest fears triggering them! 

 

So once upon a time we would use our sympathetic nervous system to run away from a tiger or danger. Once we were away from the tiger, we could rest and relax and reset. 

 

The problem is we don’t make the time to rest because everything is constantly stimulating us.  We are  on sensory overload & constantly bombarded with things to pay attention to that our body easily reads as stress and we can get stuck in that state.

 

Stuck in Sympathetic Response = Chronic stress

 

When this is happening our body is releasing cortisol and other stress hormones, so our body can respond appropriately to the threat. 

 

Even though that last text wasn’t life threatening, that is how our bodies are responding to it. 

 

The constant release of these hormones can 

  • Deplete you of needed hormones
  • Affect other hormone actions in our body 
  • Exhaust the organs as they are constantly responding to stress. 

 

The Effects of Long Term Stress 

 

Long-term stress can affect many health issues in your body. 

You can see stress show up in your skin and in your sleep cycle. 

 

Other ways stress shows up is less obvious: 

  • Causing hormone imbalance 
  • Adrenal fatigue 
  • Thyroid problems 
  • Inflammation 
  • Leaky gut 
  • Weight gain/loss 
  • And in general wreak havoc on major organ systems.

 

It’s not a small issue.

 

The problem is most of us get stuck in this stress response state unless we are really diligent with a regular practice resetting, relaxing ourselves our nervous system through the day and week. It’s important now more than ever that we make the time to care for ourselves to nurture ourselves and build appropriate habits and responses inside our body.

 

Things that helps us to reset are:

  • Massage 
  • Breath work
  • Movement 
  • Laughing 
  • Essential oil 
  • To name a few

 

Better still…get a facial! 

 

I’ve put together a self care facial kit just for you. Any time you want you can give yourself a super relaxing and invigorating facial. Me time in a bottle. 

 

I want to invite you to participate in my Self Care Session Facial in a Box.Facial in a box

I will be leading you through the steps of a facial I perform on my private clients. But you get to experience it from the privacy of your own home and BONUS, you get a licensed esthetician to guide you. 

 

Come join in your comfy clothes with your favorite beverage and nurture yourself and help to reset your body with a relaxing facial & look great as a result of caring for your favorite person  – YOU!! 

 

Go here to let me know you are interested  ===> https://skinandtonicmaui.com/facial-in-a-box 

Remember what the airlines say …

You need to put on your oxygen mask first or in this case your facial mask first. 

 

If we truly want to help others in the world, we need to make our self care a top priority!

Really if we want to be able to offer any of ourselves to others we need to make  

 

Start today by joining my Self Care Session Facial in a Box . Go here and let me know if you are interested ===> https://skinandtonicmaui.com/facial-in-a-box

 

Today is the day to make a good decision for yourself, 

an Act of self love.

 

Say “yes” and start a new healthy habit for your number ONE fan – YOU! 

5 Myths about Stem Cells for your Skin

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I’m sure you have heard all the rage about stem cells and how they can make you look years younger.

But do you understand how these little gems work? 

Today I want to bust some myths about stem cells and give you the real 10-4 about what stem cells are and WHY you should be using a product with stem cells in it. (scroll to the bottom if you just want to order now 🙂 

Myth 1: I don’t need a product with stem cells. I have a really expensive serum that will fix my skin.

Basically, your skin has a memory problem. It has forgotten how to make good cells over time. That is why we age. 

For example if you give your skin vitamin C, but your skin has lost the ability to recognize vitamin C and know how to process it, you won’t have great results. In fact your skin may get irritated because it has “forgotten” what to do with vitamin C. 

While a good serum is important, stem cells are working much deeper into the skin to “remind” your skin to create new beautiful cells.

I like to start most clients with a stem cell serum and see what kind of changes their skin will naturally have from stem cells. Later we can address any specialized concerns that haven’t been met with stem cells alone.

Myth 2: Plant stem cells and human stem cells are exactly the same.

I have used plant stem cells and I think they’re a really nice product but they’re not even comparable to human stem cells.

The reality is you are not a plant.

While plant nutrients can be beneficial for your skin, plant stem cells do not hold the codes for how and why the human body works. 

Stem cells work by providing your skin with any nutrients or information that your skin cells have potentially lost through exposure to toxins or elements or the aging process. 

What they offer your skin is incomparable to any antioxidant, amino acids, or peptides, which is what the skincare industry is based on.

But if your skin doesn’t know what to do with antioxidants, amino acid or peptides, they won’t work and this is where stem cells come in and they tell your skin what to do with them. So while a plant can offer your skin benefits, it can never tell your body how to replicate itself.

Myth 3: Stem cells are from aborted babies. 

All stem cells manufactured in the US are ethically sourced. Currently there is a United States federal law against the use of human embryos for research purposes. So while you may want your skin to look like a baby’s, there will be no baby on your skin. 

 Myth 3: Stem cells are only found in our bones. 

Stem cells provide identical nutrients needed to balance and return cells to a healthier state. 

You have stem cells in every part of your body: heart, brain, bone, and skin. A stem cells job is to heal and maintain your body throughout your entire life. 

Myth 4: Only certain types of skin can benefit from stem cells.  

Every skin type can benefit from stem cells. They are especially great for aging, and any compromised skin conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, even burns.

Many plastic surgeons will use stem cells to aid the healing process after a procedure.

Stem cells are very anti-inflammatory, and restore vital nutrients.  If you have extensive damage regardless of age, you will want to use a serum with a higher concentration of stem cells.  

 I have found stem cells to be so amazing and transformative for every client’s skin.

 Myth 5: All stem cell products are the same.

The stem cells that I use and love are human skin stem cells because they regulate skin production. Plant stem cells cannot do that as effectively. 

This makes these stem cells safe for oncology patients(cancer) because it will regulate cell production. It will only allow good healthy cells to be produced & re-populated.

Below is my FAVORITE stem cell serum. My clients have used Neo Genesis for years with amazing results.

Neo Genesis Skin Serum is a unique anti-aging skin serum that reduces all visible signs of aging, and contains patented S²RM® technology for smoother, softer, and younger looking skin. Used daily, this serum will give your skin the nourishment it needs to protect itself from daily exposure to environmental impurities.

BENEFITS:

  • Works synergistically with peptides to provide nourishment to the skin
  • Uses antioxidants to fight free radical damage
  • Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improves the overall tone and texture of the skin
  • Supports and enhances collagen
  • Reduces signs of environmental damage

So ditch the myths and try a stem cell serum and get your skin looking young again.

Go here to order today. 

When All Else Fails, Look Inside

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There are so many times I have had a client come in for a skin issue. My client is thinking it is a topical issue.

Should she change moisturizers?

Does she need a new serum? 

And yet, so often it is related to an internal issue. 

Here is a prime example. 

I had a first time client come in the other day because she was having breakouts around her jaw line and one on her nose that she had had for over six months.

Neither her primary care doctor nor dermatologist could diagnose the problem.

As I examined her face, I realized these weren’t breakouts but more skin lesions.  I see this often. Clients explaining that they have a “breakout” but not being specific as to what kind of breakout. If you don’t know, you may end up using super drying products on your face and making the breakout even worse.

I started looking at her skin and I could tell that this was an internal problem. Because she had a concentration of breakouts in one area of her face, I knew it wasn’t acne. These were not typical breakouts in that they were not whiteheads or blackheads. 

I focused on the main breakout area which was her nose. In face mapping the nose is link to the esophagus. I asked her if she had any issues with her esophagus. She was stunned that I would ask that because she had a torn esophagus. 

Her torn esophagus was creating the skin lesions on her face and nose. 

How do you fix a torn esophagus you may be asking? 

It starts with addressing the acids in our stomach. Acids in our stomach help to tonify (tone) our esophagus and when we get acid reflux it’s actually because we have low stomach acid not the other way around. Our stomach acid is not keeping our esophagus tone which is creating the problem where the acids can then leak up.

 My solution?

Osmosis Recovery Oil And Osmosis Skin Perfection Elixir

Skin Perfection Elixir

 

Osmosis Recovery Oil is an amazing supplement to help repair the micro biome. I put her on Osmosis Skin Perfection Digestive water to help create balance. Recovery Oil

Osmosis Skin Perfection Elixirs are one of my favorite products. Osmosis has these harmonized waters that are vibration (sound waves), minerals, and gold. 

Every organ in your body has a vibration that it makes when it’s operating properly. From quantum physics we know that everything has a unique vibration. 

This knowledge is not new. A physicist named Rife in the 1940s mapped out these vibrations that are happening throughout our entire body. As technology has advanced, the technology has been expanded upon and now we are able to imprint these vibrations onto water.

 

We know that sound travels really well through water. Think of the whale songs that travel miles through the water. 

These waters are absolutely amazing! I recommend them to client’s based on their skin or health issues. I match the water depending on which system is out of alignment for the client. The vibrations from the water helps bring the client’s systems back into alignment and balance. 

Think of the waters as a tuning fork on a piano. 

We could all use a little fine tuning 🙂 

Are you struggling with a skin issue that you can’t seem to get an answer for? Please reach out to me via email and let me help you.  Maybe one of these products would be beneficial to your skin and body. 

Check them out: Osmosis Recovery Oil And Osmosis Skin Perfection Elixir

Are You Hiding from the Sun?

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It’s peak summer and if you’re anything like me, partially hiding from the sun. Every year I become more aware of the toll these summer months take on my skin.

We’ve all heard the term Free Radicals and Antioxidants right…. but do you know what they mean and how it affects your skin?

Let’s talk a bit about that….

 

Free Radicals vs. Antioxidants

Free Radicals are cells that have been damaged by environmental stress, sun, elements or toxins (chemicals we are exposed to topically or airborne).

A “free radicals” has lost an ion molecule so they go around bumping into all their neighbor cells looking for an ion to steal from their neighbors. But “free radicals” are damaged so even though they have stolen this missing piece from all of their neighbors, it doesn’t correct the “free radical” cell. Free radical cells keep taking and turn all the cells that they have now stolen from into a free radical cell as well!

This is where an antioxidant comes in. Antioxidants bond to the free radical and stop it. Antioxidants prevent the “free radicals” from damaging the healthy cells around them. 

Having an antioxidant or Vitamin C treatment Serum is so important for your skin health. Antioxidants (which Vitamin C is) protect your skin from environmental stress and damage. It gives your skin important nutrients to repair the damage.

The benefits of Vitamin C Serum are: 

  • boosts our skin’s ability to protect itself from the sun. 
  • raises our skin’s natural SPF throughout the day
  • Brightens your skin which evens out your complexion
  • minimizes brown spots.

To get the best results from Vitamin C Serum use it first thing in the morning during your skin care routine. 

My favorite is Replenish ANTIOXIDANT INFUSION SERUM

This botanical powerhouse fights free radicals, holistically promotes collagen production, and reduces inflammation resulting in stronger, healthier skin. It is the most advanced antioxidant serum because of its unique, pharmaceutical-grade delivery system that delivers 17 antioxidants deep below the surface to prevent the ravages of aging.

Not all Vitamin Cs are made the Same

There are so many kinds of vitamin C but there are only two categories – Active and Stabilizing. 

Stabilizing or a preservative forms of vitamin C  would be for maintaining the lifespan of a product and stabilizing other active ingredients but is not going to give you the benefits of an active Vit  C on your skin

Active forms of vitamin C are highly unstable and need to be formulated and packaged properly. This makes the product more expensive, so if you find a cheap vitamin C serum it’s definitely too good to be true.

Never buy a skin care product that contains active vitamin C from Amazon where stocks could be sitting or heavily discounted items as they could have sat longer and as I mentioned in its active form it has to be well stabilized.

 

There are a lot of different types of vitamin C skin care products and not all of them have the skin boosting effects as Replenish does. 

My clients all fall in love with this product! The complexion boosting benefits are amazing and the less expected benefits are fun as well..

  • moisture balance is increased 
  • skin retains moisture so much better 
  • beautiful glow to the skin 
  • dramatic increase in skin health 

The truth about vitamin C is it is really about playing the long game. Vitamin C is a restorative and preventative product.  

But What about these Dark Spots…

If you are looking for some major skin correction like lightening of dark spots,  tightening of the skin basically correction of sun damage I would recommend another product more focused on correction called Catalyst AC 11. 

Here’s what some experts are saying 

“Expert clinical grading revealed immediate, statistically significant improvements in the appearance of the skin after just one application.”

“This is the only serum to show improvements in precancerous lesions without causing any irritation to the skin attesting to its powerful ability to reverse signs of aging. “

“The majority of subjects saw immediate improvements in the skin’s firmness, elasticity, tightness, and radiance. Formulated to repair DNA and build collagen, Catalyst AC11 shows just how transformative a serum should be.”

Here’s some fun statistics from patients after using  Catalyst for 8 weeks:

  • 110% increase in skin elasticity
  • 64% reduction in broken capillaries & redness
  • 32% improvement in skin radiance and luminosity
  • 15% tightening of eyelids
  • 15% reduction of pre cancerous skin lesions

We all know it’s easier to prevent damage than to repair but if it’s already happened try this winning combo of of Replenish (to repair) and Catalyst AC 11 (to correct)  for a limited time save $20 when you buy the two together. 

Special Offer

Now until August 5th…. When these two items are in your cart on my website, you will save $20 when you purchase both items. 

Quit hiding from the sun and combat its effects with Replenish or Catalyst AC 11.

 

 

Vacation Planning Maui

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sun care in hawaii

vacation planning

Planning a vacation takes time. First, you’ve researched the best destination based on your vacation goals and budget. Then you’ve booked your flight, your car rental and finally your accommodation. Now on to the fun stuff, activities and dining!
When it comes to Maui, outdoor activities and beach time will likely be at the top of the list, but have you thought about sun care in Hawaii and how you will protect your skin while having so much fun in the sun? Sunburn has the potential to seriously ruin or at least damper vacation plans and that risk is much higher in Hawaii than other destinations.

sun care in hawaii

a unique environment

The Hawaiian islands are the most remote islands on the planet, which is part of the unique appeal in visiting but also creates a phenomenon called the ‘albeno’ affect.  Our islands are super tiny and cannot absorb the sun rays and heat, plus we are surrounded by a minimum of 5000 miles of water in all directions. Since water reflects the sun, everywhere else around the planet the landmasses absorb the sun rays and heat, but in Hawaii there is nothing to absorb the suns rays, and then the water intensifies it!
Most likely, your makeup and skin care products will not work here as they do back home.

reef safe

One of the very best things about Maui lies under the surface. Our reef systems and marine life are some of the best in the world and can easily be explored from shore or on a snorkel cruise. But our reefs have suffered from decades of exploring by visitors intent on protecting their skin from the sun. Hawaii recently became the first state to ban certain sunscreens as a measure to protect the state’s essential coral reefs. We are so proud to support that ban and have done our research to find products offering the best reef safe sun care in Hawaii.

a trusted source

I’m Kim, an esthetician for 20 years here in Maui. I’ve had the pleasure of working with tourists and celebrities for over 17 years and have seen how their skin responds and reacts to our unique tropical environment. I am the owner of a boutique spa in historic Lahaina town where I offer holistic skin care services. I am passionate about healing the skin through non invasive therapies and love helping my clients achieve radiant skin. I’ve seen too many clients with sunburns that could leave permanent skin damage so am constantly encouraging responsible fun in the sun.

My favorite part of living on Maui is spending time at the beach with my kids. We are so fortunate to live on the West side of the island with many beautiful stretches of white sand and clear blue water to choose from. Some of my recommended beaches are Napili Bay, Kapalua Bay and Ironwoods Beach.

I am extremely aware of the potential for burns and feel that it is important for me to make sourcing the best reef safe and eco conscious sun care products as easy as possible for island visitors.

sun care concierge

We have a variety of Sun Bundles to choose from, all of which contain eco friendly, reef safe products ready to be delivered to your hotel or vacation rental. When you arrive on Maui, your curated products will be waiting for you, so no need to deal with TSA or shop on arrival. You’ll be set to apply and enjoy everything that beautiful Maui has to offer without the risk of a sunburn ruining those well researched vacation plans. Our sun care in Hawaii products will protect and balance your skin and assist with quick healing from any overexposure from the elements like sunburn or windburn.
I hope that I can help to protect your skin, our reefs and your vacation.

ALOHA, Kim

Ready to order your sun bundle? Check out our products at www.skinandtonicmaui.com/suncare

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