Bell peppers can be good for your skin due to the high amount of Vitamin C the peppers naturally possess. This infusion of additional Vitamin C is optimal when you are seeking younger looking skin. As skin ages, the collagen in the cells tends to become not as strong, and thus sagging and less taunt skin becomes visible. In addition, extra Vitamin C is also helpful in fending off free radicals which can compromise the integrity of skin cells and impart damage to the cells themselves and even be a contributing factor in the development of cancer over time.

Red, green and even yellow bell peppers can all be added to salads, soups, sauces, meats and other recipes to add not only flavor, but additional boosts of Vitamin C. By adding such nutrient rich foods to your daily diet, or as often as possible, you will be giving yourself the natural benefit of better health through dietary changes that can be easily and readily made without causing you to make sweeping changes that may be hard to stick to.

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions.

From an overall health standpoint, brussel sprouts provide your body with the benefit of having high levels of Vitamin C, sulforaphane and are high in antioxidants. When these key elements are combined, you have a better change at protecting yourself against viral infections and cancer. In fact, brussel sprouts can be considered one of the top anti-cancer foods that is commonly consumed.

You skin can also benefit by eating brussel sprouts, as the high levels of Vitamin C found in this particular vegetable. The way in whcih the Vitamin C supports better skin is through the production of collagen which is manufactured through Vitamin C. This alone can give you skin that has better elasticity and thus looks and feels younger and more youthful looking.

Incorporating brussel sprouts in to your diet is one way you can help take better care of your body, on both the inside and on the outside.

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions.

This rare oil, also known as “Liquid Gold,” has been used by Moroccan women for hundreds of years. It is packed with phytoserols and vitamin E, which aids with diminishing scars and reducing the appearance of age spots. As a matter of fact, argan oil has twice the amount of vitamin E than the highly-nutrient dense olive oil. It also loaded with essential fatty acids, phenols and sterols, which are all needed to keep skin healthy and young looking.

In addition to its high concentration of vitamin E, it also has carotene rich vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential to combating fine lines and wrinkles as well as helping speed up the cell turnover process, which gives skin its healthy, clear, vibrant appearance.

Argan oil readily absorbs into the skin, producing immediate, visible results. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory abilities, which is beneficial for those suffering from skin disorders such as chicken pox, arthritis and acne, as it heals old scars and prevents new breakouts. It is also a powerful antioxidant, which protects skin against harmful free-radicals and the sun’s UV rays.

Not only do argan oil’s beneficial properties soften skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and stretch marks, but its production is part of a fair trade cooperative. This guarantees that the oil, which is solely produced by the Berber women of Morocco, is 100 percent organic and free of fertilizers, pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions, LLC All rights reserved.

Skin should be soft, well hydrated and have an even appearance. You can detect issues with someone when they have sallow skin tones, uneven patches of coloration, dry skin or even damaged skin. These can all be signs or symptoms of underlying medical issues. Though some of the reasons why skin looks unhealthy are rooted in poor diet, lack of sleep, stress or even improper skin care; other skin conditions can signify something more serious.

If you notice a person has yellow tinted skin, they may have an underlying issue which is presenting in the form of jaundice and one who has a bluish tint may be suffering from circulatory problems. The fact that the skin is the largest organ of the human body is one of the reasons why you can pick up subtle and not so subtle clues regarding someones health condition simply by evaluating the appearance of their skin. This is one of the ways you can determine if someone needs to seek out medical intervention or advice, simply due to the unhealthy appearance of their skin.

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions, LLC All rights reserved.

Shiitake mushrooms have been used throughout ancient Japanese culture for centuries as a skin care product. The mushrooms are rich in naturally exfoliating nutrients due to the high levels of L-ergothioneine which is an antioxidant. This use can aide in the breakdown of dead skin cells and assist in removing them to uncover brighter, healthier skin underneath. This is an organic option for exfoliation, as the mushrooms can be used in lieu of harsh chemicals.

One of the other uses of products containing shiitake mushrooms is the benefit of naturally occurring Kojic acid. Kojic acid is useful in lightening dark spots on the skin, brightening the tone and appearance of skin and even helping to fade sun and liver spots and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Though chemically induced forms of skin rejuvenation can be found, opting for a mushroom based solution is gentler and more effective on your skin.

The ability to help reduce inflammation, offer anti-aging benefits, brighten skin tone, improve skin elasticity and provide an all over radiant appearance are one of the reasons why skin care containing mushrooms are useful in having better skin. Mushrooms have been used for centuries due to their amazing skin care and beauty abilities.

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions, LLC All rights reserved.

Despite what some may think, there is no magic skin pill or cream that will make all of your problems go away just from topical application. It takes changes in lifestyle, sleeping habits, diet, and washing routines. Keeping your skin looking young decade after decade will take elbow grease, dedication, and an awareness of what your skin is “”telling”" you when you look in the mirror.

The main points to keep in mind are to first get enough sleep each night, so that your skin cells can repair themselves and allow the old ones die off. When you lose sleep, your skin pays the price. The next thing to remember is to avoid foods that cause acne outbreaks and overly oily skin, try to incorporate fiber and fruit into your diet, as these are very skin-friendly foods. Avoid over-washing and drying out your skin, as this will just do more harm than good, and if done on a regular basis could accelerate an aging effect.

These are not all the things to consider for the decades to come, but if kept in check consistently these points will pay off for your skin in the long run and leave you feeling great.

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions, LLC All rights reserved.

But, what can be done to increase the bodies energy level???

There has been a lot of news lately about certain foods assisting in boosting ones energy, from guidelines on eating multiple meals a day to eating particular fruits. Fruits however, are not the only energy boosting food, vegetables can help increase energy levels as well.

Here are five amazing vegetables that can increase your energy levels:

Carrots are a quick and easy vegetable snack that is not only good for you but can help increase energy. Carrots are sweet so they can help curb cravings for cookies or cake, while adding the benefit of beta carotene to your system.

Celery is one of the best energy boosting vegetables, it is easy for the system to digest quickly, and is full of vitamins B and C as well as fiber. Additionally, Celery helps the body to balance salt and potassium.

Green Salads for lunch or snack, with a healthy dressing, helps increase your energy because green salads are filled with minerals and vitamins that our bodies crave such as chlorophyll. Green Salads are also very easy to digest, meaning the benefits get into your system faster.

Spinach is one of natures most nutrient-rich vegetables and is rich in iron. Iron deficiencies can cause people to feel tired. Just one half cup of boiled spinach offers 20 percent of you daily allowance of iron.

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin C, which helps to increase energy, as well as complex carbohydrates. Having a sweet potato for a snack will help keep you full in between meals and offer a long lasting energy affect due to their long sugar molecule chains, which break down slowly in the system.

So next time you are feeling out of energy, take a short break and snack on one of these energy boosting vegetables, and you will be on track in no time.

As a side benefit…your skin will look more glowing and thank you for it!

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions, LLC All rights reserved.

Chronic stress causes your body’s endocrine system to release hormones such as cortisol. Over time, chronically high levels of these hormones cause problems like an overproduction of sebum from the follicles of your skin. This can clog pores when combined with dead skin cells, causing acne and skin inflammation. Exercise naturally decreases levels of stress hormones, both during and after the actual workout. Inflamed skin and other skin conditions caused by chronically high stress hormone levels can also deplete your body’s immunity. As a result, you become more susceptible to illness and even minor cuts or breaks in your skin may take longer than normal to heal.

Exercise isn’t simply a good way to lose or maintain your weight, it can also improve your skin’s appearance. When combined with a program that includes a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, exercise can improve your mood, reduce your risk of chronic illness and encourages you to sweat. Sweating is beneficial because it helps to regulate your temperature but it also forces waste products from the follicles of your skin out and away from your body.

If you have any questions about the effects of stress on your skin, call our office to make an appointment

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions. All rights reserved.

Unplug for the Night: Many men and women have trouble sleeping well thanks to constant beeps and buzzes from their electronic or communication devices. Turn off any phones or computers each night, which will be helpful in relaxing. In addition, the lack of blinking lights can help people to fall asleep faster.

Exercise: Those who exercise during the day are able to sleep better at night. Even a short 20 minute power walk in the morning can play a role in helping tired women fall asleep faster each night. However, some people report that working out directly before bedtime prevents them from feeling tired, so avoid late night exercise if possible.

Avoid Stimulant Drinks Before Bed: Few people can deny that sipping a caffeinated beverage before bed has an adverse effect on the quality of sleep for the night. Keep in mind that caffeine is best avoided for several hours prior to sleeping. While alcohol is sometimes suggested as a way to cause tiredness before bed, in reality the alcohol disrupts sleep throughout the night and causes people to wake up in the morning feeling unrested.

Use Relaxation Techniques: Each individual can use different techniques to help them relax before bedtime. Some enjoy a warm bath, hot cup of decaffeinated tea or even a few pages of a novel.

By utilizing these tips each evening, it will be easier to fall asleep each evening, stay asleep all night, and wake up feeling rested.

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions. All rights reserved.

One good way to avoid acne is to watch your diet. If you eat a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables you are less likely to have acne breakouts than somone whose diet is high in fats and processed foods.

Another way to avoid acne is to watch your stress level. People who have a high stress level are more likely to have breakouts than people with very low stress levels.

One other great way to avoid having acne is by making sure you have a good cleansing routine. If you keep your face clean, then you are less likely to breakout. It is very important to have a regular routine to clean your face.

If all else fails, then you should go and visit a dermatologist. They will be able to diagnose your acne problem and provide ways to fix it. You could visit our practice to find out what should be your next step preventing acne.

(c) 2012 Total Social Solutions. All rights reserved.