Click Here to find out more about the only strand of DNA, telomeres, that we can actually mutate- simply by living a healthy lifestyle!

See what the Global Spa and Wellness Summit has to say about how to prevent aging and kept your Telomeres at their peak below:

]]> http://skinspanewyork.com/beauty-from-the-inside-out-skin-spa-new-york/feed/ 0 http://skinspanewyork.com/fashions-night-out-at-skin-spa-new-york/ http://skinspanewyork.com/fashions-night-out-at-skin-spa-new-york/#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2012 22:49:45 +0000 Katie http://skinspanewyork.com/?p=804 more »]]> Skin Spa New York participated in its first ever Fashion’s Night Out in NYC on September 6, 2012! Complimentary champagne cocktails, a beauty Brow Bar and Glo Therapeutics Makeover stations were just a few of the events held at three of the spa chain’s seven Manhattan locations.  A gift bag from Skin Spa New York and Glo Therapeutics worth over $400 was raffled off just in time for the kick-off of Fashion Week.  One lucky Manhattan-ite will surely be fresh-faced and fashion-forward this week!

For the moment, the miracle of interrupting the biological clock is still science fiction, however foreseeable the promise of immortality. And for the meantime we mere mortals must resort to more primitive means like food to slow the aging process. Yet, within this present reality of supplements and superfoods, there are many bizarre options. It’s both confusing and exciting. Who would have guessed that chocolate would become a sought after health food for its antioxidant content? And what about fish oil? There’s something fishy about fish oil. It was just a few generations back that children were being force-fed the stuff for their own good. Now, thanks to the gel cap, we can self-administer our Omega 3s and forego the pain. We’re still being told it’s good for us, though.

For the moment, the quest to combat aging, for both Skin Spa NYC Spa and our society, is still very much with us. Fads come and go, yet there’s something recurrent about most of them. Fish oil, for sure. And nuts and berries, part of the hunter-and-gatherer diet (aka, Paleolithic Diet). Even eating food raw has become au currant. Meanwhile, we’re still being urged to eat our greens, except we’re getting more intense about it? It used to be enough to eat spinach and broccoli and green beans. Now, for added anti-aging effect, we need to eat things like kale, blue-green algae and wheat grass juice to keep healthy and combat aging.

Now there’s even a dietary school which favors near starvation as the path to longevity. The science suggests that test animals add an additional one-third to their life cycle with reduced food intake. Living past one hundred may be cool, but severe calorie restriction is a pretty high price to pay.

We live in paradoxical times. Science is showing us how to identify and isolate specific aspects of foods that seem to hold promise in targeting age-related issues. Stem cell research is taking us into other futuristic territory. Meanwhile, we are reaching back into history and even prehistory to find a way to maximize health and combat aging. Even with such resourcefulness the mystery of aging remains, but for how long we can only wonder.

It is thought by many that antioxidants play an important role in fighting aging because of their interaction with free radicals, which can damage tissues. How this happens is not entirely understood, so, consequently, some methods to utilize antioxidants through food intake or supplementation have emerged.

The silver-bullet approach – SPA LOCATION

At Skin Spa NYC Spa we know that It may seem to make sense to take this or that concentrated antioxidant supplement in order to reverse the clock, but this could be an overly direct approach. Although antioxidant supplements are usually considered safe, beta carotene and Vitamin E in heavy concentrations become pro-oxidants and can actually harm you.

The Shotgun approach – Skin Spa NYC Spa

Donald Hensrud of the Mayo Clinic suggests that adding a variety of antioxidant-rich foods to the diet may be the best approach to combat aging, since each food contains a wide array of antioxidant compounds, not just one or a few as with many supplements. Foods contain a multitude of antioxidant variants, and precisely how these are assimilated is still in the theoretical stages of understanding. [http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2009/jun-05b.html]
Antioxidants come in so many foods, but a few of the more popular these days are the following:

• Berries
• Beans
• Nuts
• Veggies/fruits
• White/red potatoes (with skin)
• Grains (oats esp.)

As scientific understanding continues to develop in this field, we will likely continue to see more targeted means to combat specific age-related conditions, either with particular foods, or supplements, or drug therapies. For the time being, we at Skin Spa NYC Spa believe that it may make sense to hedge those all-or-nothing silver bullet approaches, with a diet containing a wide array of antioxidant-rich foods, with a heavy accent on fruits and vegetables.

Rather than look to the food you eat at meal time, and risk messing with holiday tradition, consider focusing on what happens between meals. In particular, consider adding healthy in-between meal drinks that promote digestion, and keep your temptation for over-indulgence in check.

Skin Spa NYC Spa would like you to consider a couple of possibilities to help you combat aging and keep you feeling energized rather than lethargic through the fall and winter holidays.

African Red Rooibos

This African tea has a rich red color and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Fruit added by some producers may give it a pleasant tartness. It is naturally caffeine free, contains antimutagenic and antioxidant properties which, though not conclusive, may retard the aging process, and is low in tannins. [https://www.blueshieldca.com/hw/articles/hw_article.jsp?articleId=HWHN-3938007&fromCategoryId=33&_requestid=674743] Historically, this drink has been popular in South Africa. It is becoming increasingly popular in North America and around the world. Rooibos tea has a light consistency and a full, uniquely pleasant taste. Enjoy.

Green Tea

This tea of course has a long history in East Asia and is widely acknowledged around the world for its health benefits.  Preliminary research suggests that green tea may play a role in bringing down LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of some cancers, improving fat burning potential and alleviating depression. [http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03092/My-Life-With-Tea-Part-One.html] It does contain caffeine.
While consuming drinks like tea that have healing potential makes sense, employing a strategy to maintain a healthy diet regimen through the holidays makes sense too, helping you keep the balance necessary to keep healthy and combat the effects of aging.

Happy Holidays from Skin Spa NYC Spa!

On-going Benefits of Microdermabrasion

Once the dead skin cells have been removed, your skin’s natural defense system kicks in.  Seeing the removal of these cells as a wound, the body shifts into action replacing the cells.  The resulting new, healthy cells provide the skin with a younger-looking radiance and lessen the appearance of wrinkles.  In addition, microdermabrasion can improve other skin conditions including rosacea, acne and scarring as well as reversing sun damage.

In addition to the immediate results offered by a microdermabrasion treatment from Skin Spa NYC, it has proven to have enduring benefits to the skin’s condition.  Removing the stratum corneum layer of skin often removes clogged pores and allows medication to be more effective in reaching the lower layers of the epidermis.  Because of this, it often proves to be an effective supplement to the treatment of mild to moderate acne.  Also, preliminary analyses show that repeated microdermabrasion treatments can actually improve your skin’s production and replacement of dead skin cells.

Furthermore, a Skin Spa NYC microdermabrasion therapy treatment also boasts a minimal of side effects.  The most common adverse effect is minor, short-term skin irritation.  With all of the benefits of this non-medical procedure and because microdermabrasion is less abrasive in nature than other procedures including Botox and plastic surgery, It is no surprise that microdermabrasion is quickly becoming one of the most popular weapons in the fight against aging.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of microdermabrasion treatments or finding out how to make the most of your complexion, call Skin Spa NYC today for a consultation.  You will find that improving your skin does not have to be expensive or difficult!

Understanding How Microdermabrasion Works

Each of us has two main layers of skin, the epidermis and the dermis. The outermost layer of skin is called the epidermis.  It is comprised of an outermost layer of dead skin cells covering another layer of aging cells. This outside layer of dead skin cells is known as the stratum corneum. It is a protective layer of cells keeps the destructive influences of the outside world from damaging your skin by blocking all but the tiniest molecules. It is also the layer of your skin that, left alone, is responsible for the dull look of aging skin and it’s also the home of fine lines and other skin issues such as blemishes.  However, at the same time that it is protecting your skin from toxins and the elements, it can also block beneficial influences such as moisturizers and medications.

A spa microdermabrasion treatment from Skin Spa NYC works at the stratum corneum skin level to improve skin texture and rekindle your skin’s youthful glow.  We used a specialized, professional wand to both suction a small section of skin up and apply microdermabrasion crystals to slough-off the dry skin of the stratum corneum.  This specialized tool is the key to the amazing results that can be achieved with a spa microdermabrasion treatment from Skin Spa NYC.

(Read “The Benefits of a Skin Spa NYC Microdermabrasion Treatment – Part 2”)

In part 1 of ”The Art of Resilience in a Complicated World – Skin Spa NYC Spas” we explored the importance of identifying what truly makes you happy by examining your internal motivation.  Through this process, we begin to see the parts of our lives which are “non-negotiable,” and where we can clear some activities and simplify our lives.  In part two, Skin Spa NYC Spas takes a look at the value of nourishing positive thinking and taking time out of our schedule to renew.

Nourish positive thinking

Whether or not you are a proponent of the law of attraction, it’s hard to deny the importance of a positive attitude.  Study after study has shown that viewing the glass as “half-full” rather than “half-empty” not only improves your quality of life, but also enhances performance.  At Skin Spa NYC Spas, we believe that this is why the art of visualization has become a powerful tool in everything from sports to business and the performing arts.  Simply envisioning success serves to boost achievement levels.  By this same method, envisioning peacefulness and happiness can increase these same feelings within your life.

Along with visualization, other tools to nurture positive thinking include affirmations, gratitude journals and surrounding yourself with positive-minded people.  What’s more, applying these skills will help to promote a resilient attitude sure to help in dealing with whatever life throws your way.

Take time out to renew

One of the most effective analogies of stress management involves a glass of water.Holding it out for a minute is no problem at all.Hold it out for an hour, and you’ll have an aching arm.But hold that same glass of water out all day and you’ll need an ambulance.The same holds true for even small burdens.We all have challenges in our lives.However, carrying them around 24/7 can make even the smallest ones insurmountable.Also, the fatigue arising from carrying your other burdens all of the time will make it more difficult to deal with new challenges as they arise.

With this in mind, it is important to make a conscious effort to set aside your worries.This can be done by “leaving work at work,” practicing meditation, enjoying a relaxing treatment from Skin Spa NYC Spas or simply participating in an enthralling activity that will keep your mind focused on something else. This small break from your concerns can leave you feeling refreshed and often contribute to finding new solutions to your problems that you hadn’t thought of before.

(Read the Art of Resilience in a Complicated World – Skin Spa NYC Spas
(Part 1))

As much as we can’t slow down the world around us, or turn back the clock to a more simple time, there are some great strategies to help us relieve some of the pressures of modern life and find harmony in our lives.

At Skin Spa NYC Spas, we know that feeling confident about the way that you look is a huge key in reducing stress in our lives as well as improving our overall feeling of wellness. However, this is only one means to keeping sane in an ever-demanding world. Skin Spa NYC Spas would like to suggest a few steps that you can take today to experience a more serene life:

Identify what truly makes you happy – Skin Spa NYC Spas

It often takes a great reflective effort to figure out our motivation for doing what we do.  After all, many of our behaviors have been engrained in us since childhood and we’ve been acting them out for so long that we’ve forgotten the reason we began the activities in the first place.

At Skin Spa NYC Spas, we believe that this is where it’s important to look inside ourselves and observe our own feelings.  The best way to do this is to take a few days or more, and commit yourself to being conscious of your feelings as you move through your day.  Notice whether you are experiencing joy or pleasure from the actions that you take throughout the day.  Ask yourself what your purpose in doing each of the activities of your day is and consider what the consequences would be if you did not do it.

Once you’ve identified the purpose, ponder how important it is.  Is this a purpose that you have created?  Is it something that you feel society requires of you?  Is it a goal that you have taken on for someone else; whether consciously or unconsciously? At Skin Spa NYC Spas, we believe that taking the time out to consider these questions will, in time, reveal to you your priorities and help you to pare down your life where needed, or even choose a new direction if you find that your goals and activities are not truly internally generated.

Acting in congruence with your internal priorities can go a long way in reducing stress in your life, increasing motivation and increasing your sense of purpose.

Next week:  Nourishing positive thinking – Skin Spa NYC Spas

Many folks planning to celebrate traditional weddings or parties this season also aim to curb their budgets and try something unique. We asked Sophia Paliov in Los Angeles, an “active party planner” to show us how to shape up our own festivities
this season:

Game Night. Instead of hosting a typical game night with static board games, try one of the hyper Wii games for fun. “For kids’ parties and bar mitzvahs, I suggest the Just Dance, Sports Resorts, Wipe Out or Minute to Win It WII games,” says Paliov.

Bachelor(ette) Revelry. Morph your celebration into something healthy with golf getaways, badminton tournaments, tennis lessons for the wedding party or sushi-making dinners. “You can always do the spa afterwards,” says Paliov.

Summer BBQ. A poolside cookout is perfect! “Competitive games between all your guests, like water polo is ideal. “Everyone works up an appetite for the main course,” she says. “The invitation should remind your guests to bring swimsuits and sunscreen.”

Gal’s Night. These wild eves usually involve cocktails and fatty food, so turn it into a “Girl’s Workout Night” instead, and invite chicks over for a new DVD workout (try Pilates or belly dancing!). “It’s the best way to girl-bond, giggle, and get in shape,” says Paliov. Afterwards serve a low-cal meal you create together, such as salmon salads with wine spritzers…fun!

Park Picnics. Plan ahead when you pack. Family gatherings should include calorie-smoking volleyball games, a Hackey Sack or Frisbee, and balls for basketball or soccer. For more playful party ideas, log onto galpalfriday.com.

Nicole Dorsey Straff is Organic Spa Magazine’s Contributing Editor of Play and Adventure.