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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The Spirit of the Holidays

… is awesome! The pervading sense of kindness, hopefulness and cheerfulness makes this one of my favorite times of the year. But it also can be a time of intense stress trying to get everything done and meeting everyone’s expectations.

To keep yourself physically and mentally healthy during this time of year try to take time out for yourself. Take that ½ hour or hour and practice yoga or meditation. Or how about a bubble bath with candles and soft music? Or perhaps an active meditation like walking or running in nature without thinking (harder than you might imagine).

I am blessed to have a chocolate Labrador named Willie who “needs” a walk every day. I have hundreds of acres of undeveloped land across the street from me and my daily mile or two with her is one of my special times. It’s hard to stay stressed while watching the cavorting of a group of crows or the soaring of a red tail hawk or just listening to the conversations of mockingbirds, blue jays or mountain quail. My coyotes frequently watch me to ease their boredom and once in a while I’m treated to a glimpse of a mule deer that has strayed from the top of the mountain. If I can keep my mind from thinking, I always come back refreshed and ready to tackle the next thing on my list.

Remember, stress does add extra free radicals to your body’s load, so make sure you take your anti-oxidant supplements and of course, to keep your skin looking it’s healthy best use an anti-oxidant crème: derma e®’s Age-Defying Night Crème with Pycnogenol® and Astaxanthin is my favorite and the essential lavender oil it contains is also relaxing.

I hope that the holidays are a very special time for you and your family and that the New Year is a kind and generous one.

Warm wishes and yours in health,
Dr. Linda Miles, L. Ac., D.O.M.

Being Thankful

Thanksgiving Day is about counting our blessings. Yes, it’s also about sharing a meal with family and friends, but it was originally meant to be a time for us to give thanks for an abundant harvest.

Too often we do forget how blessed every one of us is. People who suffer from depression can be helped substantially by simply writing a list of things to be thankful for: from the taken-for-granted roof over our heads and food on our table to the support of our friends and family,the love of a special pet, etc. The longer the list, the better. Try to read this list at least twice a day. Science has shown that when we are thankful we actually are releasing positive brain chemicals that really do make us feel better. This technique can be used by all of us to have a better outlook on life.

I personally have so much to be thankful for: two great daughters, a supportive husband, wonderful pets, a comfortable home, a bountiful garden, fantastic neighbors and very dear friends. My list is multiple pages in length. I do try to spend a few moments every morning in prayer, meditation and thankfulness. It has made an amazing difference in my life. I invite you to add thankfulness to your everyday life and see how uplifting it can be.

I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day filled with abundant blessings.

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