Age Spots: Inevitable Or Are They?

When some of us were kids we had the freckle thing going on. Many of us hated them, some didn’t care, but our moms used to try and make us feel better by telling us they were “angel kisses” or some other positive story. And now that we are older we have finally lost the freckles only to be besieged by “brown spots”, otherwise known as age spots, liver spots or as our estheticians like to call them “skin tone irregularities”.

So where do these spots come from? Well it is true that our beloved sun is the major reason we have these spots as they are an accumulation of melanin (the pigment that is made when we expose ourselves to the sun). The problem is that we were not wearing our anti-oxidants at the appropriate time to keep the sun’s rays from doing damage, and we now have these “unsightly” age spots. So now how do we get rid of them?

There are many ways to do this: from bleaching agents like hydroquinone (linked to cancer) and synthetic ingredients, to very natural alternatives such as those derived from plants and animals. In researching the natural ingredients there is a vast array of ingredients now designed to fade age spots: alpha-arbutin (derived from bearberry), a combination of licorice, milk thistle, and vitamin c, active plant stem cells (there are dozens in this category) and the list goes on and on. And these I’ve mentioned so far are just the “natural” ingredients. If we start to talk about the synthetic ones that Estee Lauder, Clinique or perhaps that some online marketing companies use, the ingredients available are overwhelming.

If we just consider the “natural” category, many of these ingredients now have great clinical studies showing that after about 28 days (one skin cycle), these spots are diminished in appearance, and with continued use may seem to disappear. Being a cruelty-free company, derma e® cannot use many of the ingredients currently available but we have put together a terrific blend of licorice, milk thistle, vitamin c and alpha-arbutin in a rich moisturizing base that in our consumer studies has worked extremely well to banish brown spots. derma e®’s Skin Lighten is one of the best natural “lightening” products on the market that helps reduce brown spots, even skin tone and give the skin a more youthful glow.

Don’t forget that after the face, our hands are the second place that give away our age, so use Skin Lighten as a hand crème to erase the signs of aging there as well. And next time, remind yourself to be sure to use your antioxidants to prevent further damage from the sun.

Yours in health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

Treat Yourself this Halloween

Many of you know that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love the spooky atmosphere and things that go bump in the night. My father was a huge fan of Halloween and our house was the ultimate in “trick or treats”.

Our front yard was converted into a cemetery with headstones and crosses. Black cats, scary pumpkins, and spider webs with large black spiders greeted you on the walkway to the house. My dad and a friend had recorded some bizarre noises in an echo chamber and he had this soundtrack coming from speakers set on the roof. And if you made it to the front porch there was a coffin sitting by the front door. When you rang the doorbell the coffin opened and a skeleton sat up and looked at you. Of course dim lighting completed the overall aura. If you were still standing there when the door opened, you were greeted with “Boo” by either a monster or a giant hairy gorilla. Many children had to be chased back up the walk to give them the treat that they so deservedly earned.

Today’s Halloween is much different from my perspective. I see many more Halloween parties as the way children celebrate, and much less of the “trick or treat” activity. Either way, Halloween night is usually a long one for parents as they walk children from door to door or escort them to a party. At the end of the night, your feet are telling you they have had enough! They are probably tired, hot and achy by then.

derma e®’s Intensive Therapy Foot Crème is a certain “treat” for your feet. Cooling Peppermint and soothing and pain-relieving herbs like Arnica, Tea Tree, Peach Seed extract and Pycnogenol® refresh and revitalize your feet.

This crème was formulated with several diabetic issues in mind: neuropathy, lack of circulation, overall achiness and tired, dry feet susceptible to infection. Yet we have received great testimonials from marathon runners that using the Intensive Foot Therapy Crème after the 26 miles has been the best thing that they have ever found to relieve the stress their feet have suffered.

derma e®’s Anti-Ache™ Herbal Pain Relief Crème is another formula that is the perfect companion to help relieve muscle aches and pains. Whether it is Halloween festivities or marathons (that are in abundance between now and December) causing tired, achy feet or muscles, these two soothing crèmes are the perfect “treat”.

Yours in health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

What’s in My Skincare Products?

There seems to be so much in the news about the harmful ingredients “hidden” in our cosmetics and skin care products, that you often wonder how you are really supposed to know what to use. We are advised to avoid parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates and any ingredient from a petroleum source. The list goes on and on. So much of this “news” is truly misinformed, and as we are the keepers of our own health, it is really important that we become educated about what is true and not true.

Since I'm involved with skin care it is frustrating for me to read that skin care companies are basically being blamed for all forms of chronic and deadly illnesses including cancer. And while there are ingredients that should be avoided such as mineral oil, lanolin, formaldehyde donors and FD+C colorants because they may clog pores or irritate skin, for the most part the ingredients found in skin care are relatively harmless given the exposure that we have in the air we breathe, foods we eat and of course beverages that we consume. It is far more important to be concerned about what you are putting into your mouth than what you are using on your skin and hair, since the percentage of the ingredients in topical products is extremely small.

Here is a case in point. Recently, it was my husband Ron's birthday and his favorite cake is angel food with ice cream inside and whipped cream frosting. Now I have never claimed to have any ability to cook, so I thought I would just get the cake mix and make it. Imagine my surprise when I got the mix home and was glancing at the ingredients to find Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as “a whipping aid”. I was appalled. We are now being admonished not to use this soap ingredient in our hair or skin care because it is a possible carcinogen, yet we are supposed to consume it? I immediately got out the cookbook to make it from scratch, but after seeing the time and work involved, decided that this time I would eat the soap!

So now let's take this scenario one step further. Next time when I can't use the mix and I'm not willing to take the time and effort to make it from scratch, I will probably buy a readymade cake. But what ingredients did the baker use? We usually assume ‘good’ ones but who really knows?

So my message to you is simply this: use your common sense in buying anything you put on or in your body.

Use skin care products that have healthy, natural antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and botanicals and avoid ingredients that may clog pores or irritate skin. Keep your immune system tuned and ready to fight with fresh food (stay away from processed foods containing lots of who knows what), great supplements, lots of water, and appropriate sleep and exercise. And with today's hectic pace, make sure you keep a healthy balance of stress and relaxation in your life. Stress really is a silent killer.

Yours in health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

Bye Bye Blemishes

For many of you, fall generally means that it’s time for the kids to go back to school. To make sure they are prepared, you may be getting their school supplies and fall wardrobe in order. During this time, they are also paying close attention to their skin, or blemishes rather, so you may find yourself searching for blemish-fighting products. To make sure they go back to school with the confidence they need to look and feel their best, I would like to share with you why the natural approach really is the best approach when helping your kids achieve clear, healthy skin. 

What you see as a pimple has actually taken days or weeks to create. Deep in the pore, for a variety of reasons, an accumulation of dead skin cells mix with sebum to form a plug and that creates a whitehead. If the plug is in contact with the air, it darkens and a blackhead results. The plug continues to grow until the duct bursts. In combination with bacteria that can cause infection, you then have a red inflamed papule or zit.

To start, choose skincare products for your kids that contain gentle yet effective herbs that have been scientifically proven effective on blemish-prone skin. Tea Tree, one of my favorite natural first-aid remedies, contains powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help clear blemishes and prevent breakouts. Willow Bark, the natural source of salicylic acid, is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter blemish-fighting products. It can help remove dead skin, dirt and toxins, and unclog pores. Rosewood acts as both an antiseptic and an astringent and can help balance both dry and oily skin. Lavender, another one of my favorites, contains astringent and antibacterial properties to help fight breakouts. Lastly, Chamomile has strong anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for helping reduce redness and calm skin. These herbs work very well together in skincare products to help clear and prevent breakouts.

As for their skincare routine, because blemishes can also be the result of too much bacteria, make sure they cleanse skin 2-3 times a day with a gentle anti-bacterial cleanser. Then, have them follow with a moisturizer that is formulated to balance yet hydrate the skin. Breakouts do not occur because of too much moisture from a facial moisturizer, they result from skin that is not balanced. A spot blemish treatment is also good for those that have specific breakout areas. Exfoliating at least once week will also be beneficial because it prevents build-up of older skin cells and stimulates new cell growth.

Since hormones and nutrition can also cause blemishes, helping your kids make healthy lifestyle choices will also make a difference. To help prevent hormonal fluctuations, any type of exercise such as joining a school sports team or participating in outdoor activities are good. If they are easily stressed, maybe take walks together, or practice stretching and breathing exercises. A good night’s sleep, about 7 to 8 hours is also ideal. Because food can trigger the occurrence of blemishes, help your kids eat a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and very few processed foods that can be high in sugar and salt. Drinking plenty of water is also very important. If possible, pack a water bottle in their lunch, or make sure they have one with them at all times so they are less likely to give in to sugar-laden drinks.

While blemishes can zap your kid’s confidence this time of year, hopefully this natural approach will help them look and feel good on the inside and out.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Linda Miles, DOM, LAc

The Simple Act of Volunteering

I personally find volunteering to be one of the most rewarding and satisfying activities that I can engage in.

As many of you know, every Tuesday I volunteer my time providing acupuncture treatments and Traditional Chinese herbal consultations at MEND (Meet Every Need with Dignity). MEND is a full service organization that provides food, clothing, showers, and all types of dental and medical services, ranging from family practice and counseling, all the way to massage therapy and of course acupuncture.

Sometime in May a stroke victim was referred to me. Everardo was 6-months post-stroke, which is not ideal, as the closer to the stroke that treatment can be provided, the more beneficial Chinese Medicine is. He arrived in a wheelchair in essentially a vegetative state. His eyes were fixed, his body slightly slouched, and he made no indication that he even knew that his wife and I were in the room. It was his right side that was affected and he had a slight right eye and mouth droop with drooling, in addition to the right-sided limb paralysis. To get the best results from acupuncture, ideally you need a minimum of several treatments a week to begin with, but as my clinic is only once a week, I instructed his wife Mirabel to continue a simple part of his treatment at home.

The results have been amazing! After a couple weeks Everardo had rejoined the living. He was alert, greeted me and had begun to move his right leg. His mouth and eye droop were gone and facially you would never know that he had had a stroke.

Everardo continues to improve, although slowly. His wife is an excellent caregiver and has made sure that in addition to what I can offer, she has gotten him physical therapy, and has him swim as much as possible. Today, Everardo visibly brightens when he sees me, complains about all the needles (his way of teasing me) and basically tries his best to converse, although his speech is still garbled. His right leg gets stronger everyday and we are hopeful he will be walking by Christmas. His right arm remains the major challenge, as well as getting his speech to “normalize”.

It is still such a great feeling to see a person who was basically unresponsive be able to interact with his family and children again. If you haven’t yet tried volunteering, I strongly encourage you to give it a try. The gifts you get back are amazing!

Yours in health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

Firmer Skin with DMAE

I’ve heard the question all my professional life, “How can I firm and tighten my loose, sagging skin”? While plastic surgery might be the first thing that you think of, the amount of money you would spend, the long recovery time or the unnatural-looking result may seem rather unappealing. However, with so many different skincare products promising a “facelift in a jar”, it can also be hard to tell which products really can make a difference. That is why I want to share with you one exciting ingredient that has received a lot of attention lately, and one you should look for when searching for skincare products: the ingredient is DMAE.

DMAE is naturally found in fish, such as salmon, and it may also exist in the human brain in very small amounts. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is responsible for the cell communication required for many cognitive functions.

Not only has DMAE become popular in the media (you may have seen DMAE recently on Dr. Oz for its ability to help “stop the signs of aging”, and increase radiance and tone), research has shown that this ingredient can offer benefits to skin. DMAE can improve skin tone and increase tensile strength of the skin, suggesting that the topical application of DMAE firms skin and reduces facial sag. Another study using DMAE reported similar improvement in skin firmness and added that DMAE reduced the appearance of lines and wrinkles. DMAE has also demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, both of which help slow the aging process.

derma e^® has taken this exceptional ingredient and created a full complement of skincare products; a crème, serum, toner and cleanser. We have blended DMAE with antioxidants Alpha Lipoic Acid and C-Ester, and beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and botanicals to help visibly firm, tighten and tone skin for a vibrant, younger-looking complexion.

If you do decide to try skincare products with this ingredient, as with all new skincare products, I recommend that you do a patch test for sensitivity before starting regular use of any product. You should apply a small amount of product beneath the ear or below the jaw line, and wait at least 24 hours. If you have a reaction, discontinue use, as this product is not for you.

For noticeable results, choose natural DMAE products for visibly firmer, younger-looking skin.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Linda Miles, DOM, LAc

Resolving Pain Naturally

Each of us has experienced a strain, sprain or joint pain that we wish would just “go away”. And there seems to be a grocery list of ways to help heal or relieve pain. But which one will work best?

What is interesting to me is that in Chinese Medicine the temperature of the pain or the body’s constitution in general enters into the treatment decision. Most of the patients I see have a “cold” element associated with their pain. In these cases, I recommend “hot” topical applications like Tiger Balm and/or a heating pad that gives relief and starts the healing.

With sciatica, in 95% of cases it is “cold and damp” in the channel that is causing the pain. Western Medicine sees it as an inflammation of the sciatic nerve and no matter how you look at it we want the pain to be gone. Acupuncture is excellent at relieving sciatica, but a simple combination of topical crème/ointment plus a heating pad in the evening for several nights can sometimes resolve it without too much trouble. Pain in general is a stagnation of Qi & Blood in the painful area, so the goal is to move that out and resolve the pain. The heat or cold helps to maintain it, so that’s why we care about the temperature.

So how do you know if your pain is “hot” or “cold” and what difference does it really make?? Well, if your pain is truly a “hot” pain, applying a hot topical will only make the situation worse. And if you have a “cold” pain and you apply a cold treatment, again the same result: it will be worse. So how can you tell? Well an easy way to tell is when you stand in a warm shower and your pain feels better, then it is a “cold” pain. If it’s still there or worse, then it is a “hot” pain.

Tiger Balm, Ben Gay or any of the hot topicals are great for “cold” pain but very few products on the market are good for “hot” pain. derma e®’s Anti-Ache™ Herbal Pain Relief Crème is unique in that it is a neutral-temperature formula and can be used for both. We have blended botanicals Arnica and Hypericum with Calendula, Peppermint, and Menthol to help relieve pain fast and start the healing process. This fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula is the perfect companion for the “weekend warrior over-do”, workout soreness or chronic arthritic pain. And Anti-Ache™ works perfectly on all-temperature pain. So the next time you have one of those pains that you wish would just “go away” give derma e®’s Anti-Ache™ Herbal Pain Relief Crème a try.

Reduce Your Stress

Many years ago I went to a seminar where a complementary medicine doctor was speaking on the basic fundamentals needed to live a healthy and happy life into “old age”. He said that life-style studies had shown that the most important elements were:

• A firm spiritual basis or faith
• A positive attitude
• A circle of friends (both human and animal)
• An hour a day of being outdoors
• And a healthy lifestyle ( eating right, getting exercise, drinking plenty of fresh water, and getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night).

If we look at these tips, the most important factor underlying several of these is stress reduction. In my clinic I see stress as either the basis or a contributing factor in almost all of my patients’ problems. Stress magnifies pain and can be the cause of many internal conditions (IBS, Ulcers, Gastritis, etc.)

The stress hormones cortisol and catecholamine break-down into free radicals, setting up the body for inflammation. That is why it is so important that we supplement with powerful anti-oxidants like Pycnogenol® or astaxanthin to help prevent free radical damage.

However, reducing stress is a far better broad spectrum solution. My first recommendation for stress reduction is always yoga. With the right yoga class and instructor, the benefits for mind, body and spirit are unsurpassed. Meditation is also a powerful way of reducing stress. The last one that I frequently recommend, and the one I personally use, is Active Meditation. This is simply the art of being involved in a physical activity such as walking or working-out while focusing your mind on all aspects of what is around you and not allowing yourself to “think”. I’ve mentioned before that I love to hike with my dogs, Willie & Maxx. Hitting the trail and focusing on the flowers, listening to the birds singing, feeling the wind kissing my cheek, catching the smell of sage, a glimpse of a rabbit or coyote, seeing the joy of the dogs being “out”, and getting out of my head for those 20 minutes or more is the best form of stress reduction for me that I have found.

Stress is truly a silent killer. I encourage you to find the best and most enjoyable stress reduction technique that will work for you and really embrace it as a daily habit. The benefits are priceless.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

Ready, Set, Summer!

Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is just around the corner. Stores have had their bathing suits, shorts and flip flops on shelves since Valentine’s Day. And of course, flowers are blooming, trees are leafing-out, and the grass is now growing at nearly 100 miles per hour it seems; all sure signs that summer will soon be here.

Now too is the time that we look in the mirror and go "OMG" and then try to figure out how we are going to get into our swim suit of last year gracefully. Or for some of us, we’d be happy with just shorts and a tank top. Many of us are still packing a few extra pounds from our winter hibernation (yes, your body does try and add some fat in the winter as a reserve). The problem is we usually don’t need the extra weight, and we really don’t like the “muffin-top” or “love handle” look.

Well don’t despair. There are lots of things that can be done to look and feel your best for summer. Here are a few simple tips to help you drop the weight somewhat painlessly:

1. Drink one full 8 oz. glass of water 10 minutes before each meal. Most of us don’t drink enough water anyway, so this adds to our healthy lifestyle and the water will help you feel full. However the real trick is to only eat enough to feel satiated and then get up from the table, or at least remove your plate so that you are not tempted to keep nibbling.
2. Avoid sugar. Period. Sugar is responsible for so many health problems from obesity to diabetes. We would all be well-served to eliminate it from our diets, but life is about balance so eat less of anything sugary like sodas, that morning cup of coffee with a hefty spoonful, or the granola snack loaded with sugar. Sugar seems to be everywhere so start reading labels and avoid it where you can. High fructose corn syrup is another form of sugar that needs to be avoided. Stevia or honey is an acceptable alternative if you can’t live without the sweet taste.
3. Increase your exercise level. I’m not talking about joining a gym and pumping iron for an hour. Little changes give huge benefits. If you’re already walking or working out regularly then just increase the time by 10 minutes a day. And if you’re not, then start. An easy way to increase your walking is when you go to a store or mall, always park in the furthest parking spot and use the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
4. Increase your intake of vegetables. This doesn’t just mean salads. Many of us shouldn’t be eating cold vegetables and would be better served eating a hearty vegetable soup. Listen to your body and you’ll know whether hot or cold is better for you.

The second biggest “issue” when looking in looking in the mirror is those spider veins that make your legs look a little like a roadmap of the state. Spider veins and varicose veins are there because your body has a weakness and the blood isn’t being held in the vessels correctly. Strengthening your body with your acupuncturist or naturopath would be ideal, but there is an easy at-home solution to the spider veins themselves. A combination of Horse Chestnut, Witch Hazel, Pycnogenol® and Grape Skin extract applied topically will work to help support the veins and diminish the leakage. In Europe a high dose of Horse Chestnut is given internally to actually diminish varicose veins. While derma e®’s Clear Vein® Crème doesn’t promise to work on varicose veins, it does a great job on spider veins. Within 4 weeks of twice a day usage, spider veins will seem to have disappeared. Just in time for summer!

Summer is truly a magical time to enjoy the gifts of nature. Be sure to get out there and enjoy yourself.

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

Spring Cleaning

I recently had the opportunity to go on a road trip through the southwest US (California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico) and Spring has definitely sprung. The wildflowers lining the freeways and on the hiking trails were just awesome. Also, here in my own backyard we have Blue Lupine, California Poppies, Indian Paintbrush, and a bouquet of other flowers that I don’t know the names of. Purple, yellow, blue, white, orange: a rainbow of color in fact. This is truly one of my favorite times of the year.

Traditionally I also try and do a spring cleaning; getting rid of the dust, dirt and clutter that has accumulated during the winter months. (Did you know that the more “stuff” you have, the more it will energetically weigh you down? I highly encourage you to look around and get rid of anything that is no longer meaningful or useful in your life – you will notice an immediate lightness in your being.)

In addition, your skin could use a “spring cleaning” as well. Winter’s dryness and cold has left an excess of old skin cells just waiting to be shed to reveal those younger, plumper cells and healthier looking skin. Why not treat yourself to an at-home facial? Light some candles, put on some relaxing music and put out the Do Not Disturb sign for 30 minutes. Gather up the following skin care items: a cleanser (my pick is the Hyaluronic Hydrating Cleanser), a scrub (my # 1 recommendation is the Microdermabrasion Scrub), a mask (I like the Hyaluronic Hydrating Mask), a toner or astringent (Pycnogenol® Facial Toner is my choice here), and finally a moisturizer (as I’ve said before, my favorite is the Age-Defying Night Crème). Grab some cotton balls or pads, and put a couple of small towels into very warm (almost hot) water. Make sure you have a place to either sit or lie down comfortably during this process.

First cleanse your face thoroughly, then wrap a nice warm towel around your face with your nose exposed for breathing. Let the warmth, music and candles do their magic for 3 to 10 minutes. Do not allow your face to get cold. Stop when the towel is starting to get cool. Next take the scrub and gently massage the face avoiding the orbital areas (around the eyes) and focusing on the T-zone where dirt and oil tend to be trapped. I stress that you should do this gently because you want enough pressure to exfoliate effectively but not abrade the skin to the point of irritation. Rinse off the scrub with warm water. apply your mask and again wrap the face with a warm towel. Rest for 3-10 minutes.

Remove the mask with a warm water rinse and towel dry. Then use your toner to close pores, restore pH balance, remove any additional residue and prepare skin for your moisturizer. I like to use either a cotton ball or pad with my toner. Then finally apply an ample amount of your favorite moisturizer and spend a few minutes thoroughly massaging your face. Take a few more minutes to rest and relax. Now look in the mirror and see a new, refreshed, and hopefully very relaxed and healthier looking you!

If you have a specific skin care issue then use the products that are appropriate for that issue, such as:
Problem skin or acne – Use Very Clear® products
Sagging or loss of firmness – Use DMAE or Ester-C® products
Sensitive skin or rosacea – Use Pycnogenol® products
Lines and wrinkles – Use Age-Defying products

Obviously I feel the derma e® products are the best, but if you have another cleanser, toner or scrub that you prefer, then use those. Most importantly: “spring clean” your face and take the time for yourself!!!

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

The Paraguay Project

I’m frequently asked about derma e®’s The Paraguay Project and how it began. So here is the story.

My daughter, Sonny Miles, was in the Peace Corp in Paraguay. As a volunteer in a rural community teaching health and environmental education, she soon fell in love with the country and people and wanted to help her “second home”. When she returned to the U.S. she proposed The Paraguay Project to David and me. At first we began by buying the beautiful spiderweb lace (nanduti) from women’s co-ops. It has been proven over and over again in many less developed countries that giving women income elevates the entire community.

While we still sell the lace on the derma e® website, it soon became apparent that our limited sales were not enough to make a real difference. So David and I decided that a percentage of each sale of derma e® products would also be donated to Paraguay. Sonny was able to identify organizations that would actually put the money to good use instead of helping themselves.

Guyra Paraguay is an organization dedicated to educating the people of Paraguay in order to save the wild habitats that are still left (Rainforest and Chaco (desert)). Global Infancia works directly with women and children (who are often abused) teaching self-esteem, life skills and providing shelter if necessary. Clyde E. Bay Foundation teaches nursing skills and establishes health clinics so that remote villages can have medical assistance. derma e® is very proud of the fact that our donations have enabled this organization to finish a nursing school!

Our most recent special project was in the little village of San Pedro. The community needed another school classroom and asked derma e® for help. This became a joint project between the community and derma e®. We supplied the needed funds and the community supplied the labor. It took only 6 weeks for the community to build a new classroom.

David and I feel very strongly about giving back. derma e® also supports Special Olympics, Heal the Bay, World Wildlife Fund, The Brittany Foundation, The Coalition To End Family Violence, and of course I volunteer at MEND - Meet Each Need with Dignity on a weekly basis giving acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs to my patients there. Volunteering is one of life’s blessings and if you would like some extra happiness, I highly recommend you give it a try.

I would also personally like to thank YOU for your support of derma e® products, as you too are contributing to the support of all of these great and worthwhile organizations.

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D.O.M.

The Power of Natural

The skin is the largest organ system in the body responsible for thermoregulation, waste removal, and protection. To perform these functions, skin needs to be healthy and by being healthy, it in turn also will look its best. Skin is the outward expression of our inner health and we cannot discount the importance of a healthy lifestyle which should include a balanced diet, exercise, plenty of sleep and minimizing stress.

However the most important thing that we can do to achieve healthy skin is to use powerful natural ingredients topically. Dr. Lester Packer, of the Packer Lab at UC Berkeley, California has proven that the very best way to provide essential vitamins and nutrients to the skin is to apply them topically.

Yet, are natural ingredients really that powerful? The answer is an undeniable “Yes”. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and many Western drugs are derived directly from plants. A good example of this is Salicylic Acid from White Willow Bark. One of the main reasons that natural ingredients are so powerful is their complexity. One ingredient may contain a mixture of antioxidants, carotenoids, bioflavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, volatile oils, and even more. The body responds better to this complexity and many natural compounds work synergistically so that the total effect is greater than either one alone.

Natural ingredients often are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and antiseptic yielding a vast array of benefits. They can stimulate the body’s own healing powers, restore balance, fight inflammation, and sooth irritation to mention a few.

Of course in the fight to maintain young, great looking skin, there is nothing as powerful as super antioxidants that can counteract free radical damage. The key to anti-aging is the wide array of amazing natural antioxidants.

So look to the power of natural for young, healthy and great looking skin!!

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L. Ac., D.O.M.

Anti-Aging Skin Care Ingredients in the News

Recently, Oprah and Dr. Oz have recognized some of my favorite natural ingredients that help reduce the signs of aging and promote radiant, youthful skin. These key natural ingredients include powerful anti-aging antioxidant Astaxanthin, wrinkle-fighting peptide Argireline and skin-firming DMAE, all of which I use to formulate some of our best-selling products here at derma e^®.

Featured on The Oprah Winfrey show by best-selling author and dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, and the Dr. Oz show by Joseph Mercola MD, Astaxanthin is becoming well known for providing benefits to the human body. This anti-aging nutrient is harvested from micro-algae and is reported as the most powerful antioxidant yet discovered, 500 times more powerful than vitamin E.

Applied externally, this powerful antioxidant is reported to help protect the skin from the damaging effects of sunlight and premature signs of aging, and reduce the look of wrinkles. Astaxanthin has long been a featured ingredient in some of my favorite products such as derma e^®’s signature Age-Defying Day, Night, and Eye Crèmes.

Recognized on Dr. Oz for fighting crow’s feet, Argireline^® is a powerful peptide that helps relax facial muscles and diminish the look of deep lines and wrinkles. Clinical studies demonstrate that Argireline^®reduces wrinkles by 17% over 15 days and 27% after 30 days of treatment. Inspired by the anti-aging effects of peptides derma e^® combined powerful peptide Argireline^® with powerful peptide Matrixyl^™ to create our Peptides Plus^® Wrinkle Reverse Crème, Peptides Plus^® Wrinkle Reverse Serum and Peptides Plus^® Wrinkle Reverse Eye Crème.

Also featured on Dr. Oz by Dr. Perricone was skin-firming DMAE. Highlighted to help “stop the signs of aging”, DMAE was recognized for its ability to help increase radiance and tone. DMAE (an abbreviation for the compound known as dimethylaminoethanol) has been touted as a “face lift in a jar.” Youthful skin is firm because the muscle fibers under the skin are short, thick and taut. With age, these fibers lengthen and loosen. Skin sags, and becomes thinner. As a natural, gentle solution, research shows

DMAE increases tensile strength of skin, reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for healthier, youthful skin. Here at derma e^®, we feature this ingredient in our DMAE – Alpha Lipoic Acid – C-Ester Cleanser, Toner, Crème and Serum to visibly improve skin tone and elasticity for vibrant, younger-looking skin.

I will continue to stay ahead of ingredient trends, and at derma e^® we will continue to develop natural anti-aging skincare formulas that contain optimal levels of scientifically proven effective antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and botanicals that promote healthy, beautiful and youthful skin.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

Salon-perfect Skin for Spring

I recently visited my Mom in Springfield, MO. Spring is definitely around the corner as the grass is greening, the birds are moving back and the crocus flowers are blooming everywhere. Her birthday is in March and I decided this year to surprise her with something fun, so I took her to have a facial. She is 76 years old and had never had one. We went to a local salon/spa, had the best time, and emerged looking 20 years younger (not really, but the experience was terrific).

The spa facial consisted of seven steps: cleansing, a mask, hot towel wrap, another cleansing, a second mask, another hot towel, and finally a serum-type moisturizer was applied along with a shoulder, neck, arm, and scalp massage. Our skin definitely looked brighter and more vibrant and I was reminded how essential cleansing and exfoliation really are for great looking skin.

Aging skin, and problem skin (acne and other issues) experience a slowing down in the natural exfoliation process. It is very important that we encourage this vital function with either physical or chemical exfoliation. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA Beauty Fluid) are chemical exfoliants that dissolve the lipid bonds between the surface cells and reveal younger, plumper and healthier looking skin. Physical exfoliants are scrubs with different types of abrasive materials.

derma e® makes several excellent scrubs that feature some favorite skin-pleasing ingredients such as the: Vitamin A Glycolic Facial Scrub, Fruit Enzyme Facial Scrub, Tropical Solutions™ Facial Scrub and the Very Clear® Cleansing Scrub. And finally, I think the best facial scrub is the Microdermabrasion Scrub, which is based on a crystal-blend system featuring magnesium oxide crystals from Dead Sea salts for the most effective exfoliation possible. If you haven’t tried this amazing product before, I invite you to ask for a sample from your favorite store and then use it on only half your face (to begin with). The results will be visible and immediate. (Of course, then do the other side so that you won’t appear lop-sided.)

So if you too would like to look like you just stepped out of the spa, make sure you cleanse, exfoliate and use a nutritious moisturizer for great looking skin.

Yours in health,

Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

A Bundle of Love for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day came early at my house this year. I adopted a 13-month old Rottweiler from a rescue: www.petmatchmaker.org. My “bundle of love” is the sweetest, gentlest puppy you could imagine. He is essentially an 8-week old puppy in a much bigger body, in that he had never seen cats, horses, chickens, television and almost everything was “new” to him. He is quickly learning what his new world is about, and has readily bonded to Ron and me. Willie, our chocolate Labrador, still has her nose bent out of shape but she will get over it.

When I got him home I noticed he was tracking unnaturally and that one hip seemed painful. Big breeds are very susceptible to hip dysplasia and that was the obvious conclusion. I have always given my dogs 1000 mg of Vitamin C per day for immune and bone health and have never had this problem before. In researching what I could do from a natural standpoint, there are now several actual studies on Vitamin C or Ester-C® at 2000 mg/day that show it can reverse the symptoms of hip dysplasia and that it did improve the animals’ mobility and reduce pain.

Interesting to me, was that one of the studies did before and after x-rays showing the joint was only marginally improved, yet the dog was running, jumping and seemed to be pain free.

As a doctor, I know how vital Vitamin C is for connective tissue health, re-growth and repair. Connective tissue forms the basis of bones, ligaments, tendons, and the elastin and collagen fibers in the skin. These elastin and collagen fibers in the skin are responsible for helping to keep the skin smooth and wrinkle-free from repetitive movements such as smiling or frowning. They also form the foundation of the skin and keep it firm and supple, preventing “sagging”. derma e®’s Ester-C® Crème is the perfect moisturizing crème if your primary skin issue is lack of firmness. And of course, make sure you are taking at least 1000 mg/day internally to keep your body healthy.

My new puppy will be getting his Vitamin C regularly along with other joint-specific supplements and I hope that soon he too is running, playing, and pain free.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L.Ac., D. O. M.

PS My puppy has a brother, Goliath, who still needs a forever home. If anyone is looking for a sweet, gentle and beautiful, Rottweiler please contact www.petmatchmaker.org in California.

Winter Skin Woes

I commonly hear the question, how can I keep my skin moisturized in the winter? This can be more challenging during this time of year because of chilly weather conditions, low humidity and indoor and car heating. A healthy lifestyle in combination with natural ingredients that effectively deliver moisture can help relieve dry, cracked and irritable skin.

I firmly believe that our skin is the outward expression of our inner health so make sure you drink plenty of water. At least eight glasses a day. A healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and proteins are also essential. And don’t forget stress reduction – yoga, exercise, or whatever works for you.

To aid in hydration, apply crèmes directly to the skin that are rich in natural moisturizing ingredients. The first ingredient that comes to mind that delivers maximum moisture is Hyaluronic Acid. Nicknamed “Nature’s Sponge” or the “Moisture Magnet,” Hyaluronic Acid hydrates skin in a way that no other ingredient can, and is a recent addition to the list of exceptional skincare ingredients. This molecule earned these nicknames because of its remarkable ability to attract and bind water molecules, thereby hydrating, softening and smoothing dehydrated skin.

Daily application of crèmes enriched with Hyaluronic Acid restores needed moisture for plump, healthy and radiant skin.

If your skin becomes dehydrated to the point of cracking, it is essential to seek a combination of ingredients that not only deliver moisture, but that also offer anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to help relieve skin discomfort and repair damaged skin. An excellent combination would include Bay Leaf Oil, Arnica Extract, Clove Oil, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil. derma e® has combined these ingredients in our Cracked Skin Relief Crème.

For healthy, happy skin this winter, remember to hydrate the inside with water, as well as the outside with crèmes rich in effective natural ingredients.

Yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L. Ac., D.O.M.
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