Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Spiritual Awakening

Dear Darling beings ,

As I continue on my life journey there are many lessons I have learned and discoveries I have to share. When things are falling into place and we are enlightened it is like a outer body experience which I have from practicing meditation and following  my spirit which leads me to pure happiness.  Today I got the chance to understand what the third eye is all about and it is connected to the Pineal Gland which is located in the Crown Chakra. Here you can find more information on all seven Chakras.


One of the most important thing I am learning and have been aware of, is that mental health is key. The mind is a great part of the body and spirit (trinity) working to progress people in the circle of life. This video is very educational and opened me up to tapping into the power of my being. Pineal Gland is a Gateway. Our true self leads to what makes us truly happy without compromising out "trinity" mind, body and spirit. Anything that jeopardizes the true essence of your being should be left behind or simply shout out of your life. Letting go of all fears will allow any perceptions of pain to disappear from your mind because that is where all the power resides, always take care of the body and let that spirit of yours be your guide.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Layers of Skin...

The two main layers of the skin are the the Epidermis and Dermis. As a Esthetician I only have the authority to work on the Epidermis which as five layers and a Dermatologist can work on the Dermis.  Keratin is what makes up most of the epidermis as well as melanocytes, immune cells and Merkel cells.







The top layer is Stratum Corneum which is also known as the "horny layer" which is appropriate because this is were touch is felt and responses are made to stimuli. Also, there is a cell turnover rate of 28 days which is when the skin sheds and known as desquamation. The health of this layer is determined by the fat in cell membranes known as phosolipids and essential fatty acids.



The next layer would be the Stratum Lucidum which is very unique because here fingerprints and footprints are formed. This layer is clear and light passes through the small cells. Also, the soles of the feet and palms of hands are thickest with this layer. 



Next is the Stratum granulosum is where cells become keratinized to replace the old cells at the top layers. Natural moisturizing factors absorb water, prevent water loss and hydrate the lipid layer surrounding cells.


Stratum Spinosum also known as the spiny layer that have desmosomes which are the protein bonds that create communication between the cells. This is the largest layer of the skin which makes sense because antigens are discovered and the Langerhans immune cells help destroy foreign invaders that are a threat to the health. Pigment granules are formed by the synergy of keratinocytes and melanocytes.



The closest layer to the Dermis is the Stratum 
Germinativum also known as the basal cell layer which is the foundation of cell division, sensory cells and melanocytes. Melanin is what determines the color of skin, eye, and hair color while also absorbing or blocking UV radiation. The two types of melanin are pheomelanin in more light-colored people and eumelanin is in dark-colored people. The enzyme that urges melanoctyes to produce more melanin is Tyrosinase

Good Terms: Pt. 2

I have been reacquainted with Nutrition and it gave me a huge wake-up call. Unfortunately, I did not pass this test but the good news is that I actually passed a whole class dedicated to Food Science and Nutrition at a Four- year university. Receiving a less than desirable grade in  Chapter nine of Milady not dedicated to my career choice is not the end of the world. Also, I turned in my extra-credit before my classmates did which puts me ahead in a way. The Nutrition is not the main focus of Esthetics, although it is important to overall skincare and is something that I can consult about if push comes to shove.


Reunited and it feels so good......


1. Adenosine triphosphate- ATP; the substance that provides energy to cells and converts oxygen to carbon dioxide, a waste product we breathe out.

2. amino acid- Organic acids that form the building blocks of protein.

3. arteriosclerosis- Clogging and hardening of the arteries.

4. B vitamins- These water- soluble vitamins interact with other water-souluble vitamins and act as coenzymes (catalysts) by facilitatitng enzymatic reacctions. B vitamins include niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, pyridoxine, folacin, biotin, cobalamine, and pantothenic acid.

5. calories- A measure of heat units; measures food energy for the body.

6. carbohydrates- Compounds that break down the basic chemical sugars and supply energy for the body.

7. cholesterol- A waxy substance found in your body that is needed to produce hormones, vitamin D, and bile; also important for protecting nerves and for the structure of cells.

8. complementary foods- Combinations of two incomplete foods; complementary proteins eaten together provide all the essential amino acids and make a complete protein.

9. disaccharides- Sugars made up of two simple sugars such as lactose and sucrose.

10. enzymes- Catalysts that break down complex food molecules to utilize extracted energy.

11. fats- Also, known as lipids; macro-nutrients used to produce energy in the body; the materials in the sebaceous glands that lubricate the skin.

12. fortified- A vitamin has been added to a food product.

13. glycosaminoglycans- A water- binding substance between the fibers of the dermis.

14. hypoglycemia- A condition in which blood glucose or blood sugar drops too low; caused by either too much insulin or low food intake.

15. linoleic acid- Omega-6, an essential fatty acid used to make important hormones; also part of the skin's lipid barrier.

16. macronutrients- Nutrients that make up the largest part of the nutrition we take in; the three basic food groups; protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

17. micronutrients- Vitamins and substances that have no calories of nutritional value, yet are essential for body functions.

18. minerals- Inorganic materials required for many reactions of the cells and body.

19. monosaccharides- Carbohydrates made up of one basic sugar unit.

20. mucopolysaccharides- Carbohydrate- lipid complexes that are also good water-binders.

21. nonessential amino acids- Amino acids that can be synthesized by the body and do not have to be obtained from the diet.

22. Omega- 3 fatty acids- Alpha-linoleic acid; a type of "good" polyunsaturated fat that may decrease cardiovascular diseases. It is also an anti-inflammatory and beneficial for skin.

23. osteoporosis- A thinning of bones, leaving them fragile and prone to fractures; caused by the reabsorption of calcium into the blood.

24. polysaccharides- Carbohydrates that contain three or more simple carbohydrate molecules.

25. proteins- Chains of amino acid molecules used in all cell functions and body growth.

26. retinoic acid- Also known as Retin- A; vitamin A derivative that has demonstrated an ability to alter collagen synthesis and is used to treat acne and visible signs of aging; side effects are irritation, photo-sensitivity, skin dryness, redness, and peeling.

27. tretinoin- Transretinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A used for collagen synthesis, hyperpigmentation and for acne.

28. vitamin A- Also known as retinol; an antioxidant that aids in the functioning and repair of skin cells.

29. vitamin C- Also known as ascorbic acid; needed for proper repair of the skin and tissues, promotes the production of collagen in the skin's dermal tissues; aids in and promotes the skin's healing process.

30. vitamin D- Fat- soluble vitamin sometimes called the sunshine vitamin because the skin synthesizes vitamin D from cholesterol when exposed to sunlight. Essential for growth and development.

31. vitamin E- Also known as tocopherol; primarily an antioxidant; helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun rays.

32. vitamin K- Vitamin responsible for the synthesis of factors necessary for blood coagulation.