Don't Risk It

In the heart of winter, when your stuck inside, sun-deprived, and really starting to notice your summer color gone, it's always a little saddening. While it seems all too easy to just stop by the tanning booths who are shouting their sales to cure our winter fever, we might want to re-think what the tanning bed's are really selling.

We all have heard about the dangers of excessive sun exposure and tanning beds and how they can lead to skin cancer. But there are alternative consequences that aren't often as well known. Dr. Rucker, MD discusses these and particularly how they pertain to teens and young people, "You may think you look too pale and love the tan look now, but you will regret it later in life. Besides the risk of cancer, you are also signing yourself up for heavy wrinkles and dark age  spots." Moreover, the Skin Cancer Foundation tells us people who have tanned in tanning beds are 74% more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors.

While many salons won't disclose all the risks of their tanning beds, it is important to know the dangers that can arise including risk of cancer, pre-mature aging, brown spots, etc. If you're going through the winter blues or simply dreaming of your summer glow, try self tanners or lotions while we count down the days 'til summer!

The Confidence Factor

It is the absolute worst when I wake up the morning of a presentation, interview or meeting with a giant, red blemish. I honestly feel like that is the only thing anyone will notice when they see me, and I know its all I will be thinking about anytime I'm talking with someone. 

I've actually been struggling with a few troubled spots on my chin and forehead that seem to just keep coming back. My first day of classes was this past Tuesday. After having 15 years of "first day of class," I've given up a little on trying to look really nice on those days, because after all, they're going to see my normal self the rest of the semester! But I was pretty annoyed that my skin was still acting up and the first time seeing my friends after break I would have pimples sticking out saying hello even before I could. 

Of course, it probably doesn't look as bad as I make it out to be- it never does. But no matter how well it seems covered or how much smaller it seems, I get really self conscious! It takes all my willpower to get my mind off it enough to not keep touching it, which of course, only makes it worse!  

But, after a nice relaxing facial and with a more consistent skincare routine, my skin is healing, and so is my confidence. My revised New Year's resolution? Stop obsessing over pimples!

Enjoy Your Resolution

It may seem like a lot-- trying to improve your skin as a resolution. All the do's and don't's, tips and tricks, the routines and products. But you can enjoy improving your skin too! Treat yourself to a spa day and try a relaxing facial! 

Facials are a treatment for the face that is meant to cleanse, firm, smooth and moisturize the skin. So what better time than now, to revive any dull winter skin! Other skin-improving effects facials have are:

• Deeply clean the skin and pores
• Improve skin that is either too dry or too oily
• Rejuvenate skin that has begun to look old or wrinkled
• To reduce stress and the effects of stress on your skin

We understand the journey to better skin takes time to show improvement. A facial can show off your glowing skin right away and instantly improve skin health and confidence. Not to mention the relaxing aspect of a facial! Treating your skin will help you stay happy and motivated as you look to improve your skin this year. 

What's Hidden in Your Kitchen

It's another morning, you're tired, unmotivated, and feeling a little dull. Before you begin your day, you stop at a restaurant.  You order a beverage, whatever the server recommends to make you feel and look more awake. Hoping for your normal tall coffee with extra espresso  your server comes back with three small drinks consisting of cabbage water, a yogurt-cucumber combination and a side of honey-tomato juice. Maybe not exactly what you had in mind.

But this server knew her stuff! These odd mixtures are actually some of the best ways to make you look and feel more awake (and don't worry, you don't have to drink them). By applying these directly to the skin, you can brighten up your complexion in a hurry. 

The following are a few natural skin tips that will keep your skin glowing all day long:

• Boil Cabbage, strain the water into a bowl and use that water to wash your face with your usual cleanser.
• Mix yogurt with cucumber water, apply it to your face evenly, and wash off.
• Pour coconut milk into a class and apply it to your body. Before applying it to your face, mix with red sandalwood powder to create an exfoliator. 
• Combine one teaspoon of vinegar with one teaspoon of rosewater. Let sit on your skin for 10 minutes, then wash off.
• Try one teaspoon of honey mixed with one teaspoon of tomato juice. Let sit on your face or body for 10 minutes then wash off. 

While these concoctions may seem strange at first, they surely will help you on your way to creating a gorgeous natural glow. These little mixtures can do what your regular coffee or caffeine boost would never be able to. So try it-- brighten up your morning with a few simple ingredients from your kitchen!

Be Awake without Waking Up

Growing up with three older sisters was never easy when I was young. I felt like I was constantly trying to be like them, meaning, I was slathering on makeup at the age of 6 and trying to get on the bus thinking I looked as pretty as my teenage sisters. Luckily, my mom didn't ever let go to school with my artwork on my face.

But, now that a few years have past, and I've learned how to properly use mascara and eye shadow (more or less), it's amazing having older sister's to look up to and visit. What's even more fun is when they start to have families of their own. Two of my older sister's have babies in their family- one with a baby boy and the other, a baby girl. I'm lucky enough to be an aunt of the two adorable babies, who gets to come over to babysit and play without dealing with the pain of those late nights. 

Currently, my sister Meghan and her husband are the ones dealing with those kind of late nights, with their 4 month old, Emma. While there is no way I can completely relate, I know how obvious those all-nighters studying show on my face- whether it's the baggy eyes or the zombie-like complexion, it's usually pretty obvious when I don't get a good night's sleep. As a little Christmas surprise, I gave Meghan the Enza Essentials Eyebright Eye Gelee and Hydra Gel in hopes that this would help her look and feel a little more awake after those late nights. 

After about a month of using them, she said the Eyebright Eye Gelee really relieves the bags under her eyes and it does make her look more rested, even when she doesn't feel it. She added that the Hydra Gel helps her skin feel less dry and even seems to brighten up her face after using it in the mornings. Of course, as Emma gets older, Meghan is beginning to get a little more sleep at night, but nevertheless, she says the products really have been a quick, easy way to "wake up" in the mornings!

Do I Really Need to Use Toner?

If you were to browse the web or ask beauty experts about the value of toner, you may get some mixed responses. Some say that it's not necessary, others say it is only really helpful to acne-prone teenagers. But we at Enza Essentials are here to clear up any confusion. We say yes, you really do need to use toner! Dr. Joseph Rucker, MD weighs in on this topic. 

"Regardless of the effectiveness of a product, it will be of little help if the ingredients are unable to penetrate into the skin. Absorption problems can block even the best skincare lines. The pH balance of the product is one of the most important factors—it must be in a specific range to not only allow, but promote absorption. When an invisible, unintended barrier is challenging the product, you’ll get a less than optimal result because the deeper collagen layers are never reached."

The solution to this problem is, of course, use of toner.  Toner is the most effective way to bring your pH level back to normal when you wake up, before you go to bed, or anytime during the day, while it also helps keep a natural glow. 

As I mentioned earlier, after doing some research, I've found many beauty bloggers and writers say, in short, that toner is unnecessary. But from a personal standpoint, I'm not sure how they can say that. I never used toner until a few months ago. I am not an acne-prone teenager, but I do deal with the same skin issues most women do- waking up with surprise blemishes, all-too-obvious blackheads, an oily chin and nose, and often, a tired, dull complexion. After using toner, I've noticed a significant improvement my oily areas and minimized blackheads. For me, using toner has increased the effectiveness of my other products and has made me much more confident and lot happier with my skin!

Fighting Back to Winter Dryness

As I sit at my desk, applying lotion to my cracking hands every hour or so, I will be the first to commiserate with anyone dealing with dry skin this winter. While my knuckles crack and bleed, my legs look and feel scalier than a fish-- and I can't even begin to describe my knees and elbows. 

All my complaints aside, my dry skin has (believe it or not) improved this winter. I've learned more about skin care and finally looked into what I should be doing, besides complaining, to deal with my dry skin. Through a little research, trial and error, here is my list of the best ways to minimize irritated, dry skin. 

• Don't take too hot of showers. Although it is one of my favorite ways to de-stress and relax at the end of every day, the hot water can strip the skin of it's oil barrier that naturally softens the skin. If you notice your skin reddened after a shower, that is a sure  sign that your skin has already started drying out. Try using lukewarm water instead.
• Watch the blow-dryer. Lately, I've tried to let my hair air-dry before resorting to the extreme heat of the blow-dryer. The skin on your face and neck is thin and extended use of heat from a blow-dryer can break capillaries and permanently dry out and damage those areas. 
• Cover up! This winter, I've invested in warm hats, boots, gloves, mittens and scarves just to make sure that the least amount of skin is exposed to the harsh winds and low temperatures. The less your skin is exposed outside, the less it will be affected by the weather.
• Drink water. Water keeps your body hydrated and your skin hydrated. The more your skin is naturally hydrated, the less you will have to use alternatives such as lotions or moisturizers to sooth the dryness.
• Apply moisturizer after showering or bathing. By applying moisturizer to your body right after showering, while the skin is still wet, you can more effectively lock in moisture and maintain it longer. 

By making these simple changes in your daily life, you can reduce the amount of irritation caused by dry skin. Although the winter cold may still get the best of your skin, these tips will help you begin your fight back.

In Case You Need Another Reason

So maybe your resolution doesn't have anything to do with skin care. Maybe it's to break some of those bad habits--smoking, drinking in excess, not getting enough sleep, not working out, poor diet, etc. Well lucky for you, we can help you with that too! It turns out that these bad habits can really negatively impact your skin along with other aspects of your health. Whether your reason to drop these bad habits is to save money, live healthier, lose weight, etc.-- we'll give you yet another reason to drop those habits! 

• Smoking- Did you know smoking is one of the top aging accelerators for your skin? And more than that, it's the fastest acting of those three. Noticeable aging sets in after only 10 years of smoking!
• Drinking Excessively- Of course your class of wine with dinner or an occasional social drink will not harm you, an excessive consumption of alcohol over time can dehydrate your skin, making it appear dull and dry. 
• Not Getting Enough Sleep- While the obvious immediate effect on your skin is puffy-eyed complexion, a more lasting effect is your body's stress that will produce the hormone- cortisol which can increase breakouts, breakdown collagen and age the skin.
• Skipping Your Workout- Working out is key in giving your skin a healthy glow by increasing blood flow which helps nourish skin cells throughout the whole body while also decreasing stress.
• Poor Diet- By not eating enough antioxidants, healthy fats, or by eating too many carbohydrates, you are taking away your body's ability to protect, nourish, moisturize and improve your skin!

Now it's time to just do it- whether it's your resolution or not, it's time to kick those bad habits to the curb. Your health, appearance and the sanity of your skin depend on it!

Simplicity is Bliss

It's late on a Friday night. You've just gotten home after a long week and a night out with friends and all you want to do is crash in your bed. You skip the night routine and fall into bed and a deep sleep. But little do you know, while you're happily snoozing in your bed, your unwashed, makeup caked face will already begin retaliating. By leaving makeup on and your face unwashed before bed, you are putting yourself at risk for breakouts, blemishes, and clogged pores.

 As you continue on your skin care resolutions, you may find its the little things, like not washing your face at night, that are keeping you from beautiful skin. Here are a few more small skin care changes that will make the biggest difference. 

• Clean Your Brushes- Your brushes and makeup applicators can often become dirtied overtime by bacteria. Keep your brushes clean to ensure you are not applying bacteria-infested blush!
• Wash Your Pillowcases and Sheets- After sleeping for weeks on the same pillowcase, your face is bound to leave excess oils or bacteria that you will be exposed to every time you sleep on it.
• Cleanse After Working Out- Of course, you're tired after working out and washing your face might not be first on your priority list, but storing cleansing wipes in your purse makes doing this task easy, convenient and effortless.
• Stop Touching Your Face- Touching your face, and especially the new pimple you noticed this morning, introduces your face to more oils and bacteria which is sure make that new pimple much worse before it gets better.
• Drink Water- We all know the importance of water for our health, but water is important for keeping your skin hydrated and creating that youthful glow we're all aiming for! 

So even as you walk like an overtired zombie through your front door, be sure to take care of your face before collapsing in your bed. Whether its taking a pit-stop in your bathroom to wash your face or using the cleansing wipes on your nightstand, be sure to have a routine and stick to it! Remember, you must start with the little things before you start to see the big differences. 

Like Mother, like Daughter

Fair, freckled, easily burned and dry--that about sums up family's skin. Our Irish background gave us our fair and freckled look, while our home in the heart of Minnesota has blessed us with red, sun-burned skin in the summer and dry, cracked skin in the winter. Lucky us, right?

I know, I know- I've gushed enough about how the Enza products have saved me from dry, flaky skin this winter, but because I feel their pain, I wanted to help with my mom and my sister's skin this winter, so I gave them each a few products when I saw them for Christmas. 

My Mom, my niece Emma, and me on Christmas

This weekend, I did some catching up with my mom on the phone. After talking about plans for my Dad's birthday, my classes and the usual updates, she told me about her new products. She's using the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator every morning and night along with Enza's Sunscreen in the mornings. My mom has always been a stickler about us always wearing sunscreen on our fair skin, so she got a kick out of me giving her sunscreen to wear. She loves this product, though, more than other sunscreens because she's noticed it also acts as a really great moisturizer--making it all too perfect for our family's skin. 

And as a new Grandma of two, with another grandchild due in April, my mom was excited when I told her about the Tri-Peptide and it's anti-aging properties. After using it a few weeks, she said she's already noticed some fading in her wrinkles, especially from when she wakes up to when she puts it on in the morning. She also commented that it makes her face feel really soft- which for our dry skin is no easy task. 

This weekend I'll be heading back to Minnesota to see my family, and I'm looking forward to talking with my sister's about their products!

Feature: Oily Skin

As you are trying to improve your skin in the new year, it is important, first, to understand your skin and your skin type. Keep in mind that each individual's skin is different and their skin care will be specific to not only their skin type, but also their lifestyle, location, etc. 

Understanding your skin type  is step one in proper skin care. One of the goals at Enza Essentials is targeting specific skin types and creating products to create beautiful skin for each of them. Dr. Rucker has created three systems that focus on each skin type: oily, dry and combination. This post will focus on  how to care for oily skin. 

First off, if you do have oily skin, it is not because you're dirty or you don't wash your face enough. You have oily skin due to mostly uncontrollable factors including heredity, hormone levels, and climate. Even though you cannot control your skin type, you can control how you deal with it. The products you choose and your skin care routine will make all the difference. 

When caring for oily skin, be sure to use warm water when washing your face. Use a cleanser that prevents pores from clogging- a gentle cleanser rather than harsh soaps. Exfoliating using a mask or clay can help with clogged pores and drawing out excess oils can be useful 2-3 times a week. Also, it is important not to skip moisturizers. Many believe that this extra lotion will worsen their condition, but that is not the case. Using an oil-free moisturizer is key in protecting and nourishing your skin. 

For products to combat oily skin, try Enza Essential's Extraction System, formulated by Dr. Rucker, MD. This system and others can be found at www.enza.com.

Forever Young

If we could find that mythical fountain of youth, we could do just that-- live forever young. But rather than spending the time, effort, and stress searching for it, there are ways that to  prevent your "appeared age" from catching up to your "actual age." So here the following tips is our version of a fountain of youth. Start with these easy tips, and while you might not be able to push off signs of aging forever, you certainly will be able to keep you youthful glowing skin for longer. 

• Stay hydrated: Drinking water allows your body to flush out toxins and helps hydrate your skin along with the rest of your body. By drinking 8 glasses a day you will help brighten your complexion. 
• Apply SPF and minimize sun exposure: Sun damage such as sun burn and tanning is a major factor in skin aging. It causes wrinkling as well as a dryer, worn appearance. By wearing SPF, you can protect your skin from this premature aging, but limiting sun exposure is key!
• Moisturize: Be sure to apply moisturizer after cleansing your face every morning and night, and as needed. By leaving your skin dry and flaky, your skin will age and wrinkle sooner.  
• Quit smoking: Smoking majorly increases your age. Not only does smoking increase wrinkling and dryness, but it also exposes your skin to to harmful cigarette smoke that can be just as dangerous as ultraviolet rays from the sun. 
• Rid your stress: Stress has the ability to damage your skin by causing breakouts, circles around your eyes and of course, wrinkles. 

If you've already started noticing signs of aging, there is still ways to "reverse" aging without having to undergo surgery. Enza Essentials offers a topical serum, the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator that prevents the skin from aging while improving fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Rucker also talks about the newest anti-aging treatment Enza offers, for more information, check out his blog!

With the new year just beginning, what better time to work on improving and protecting your skin than now! It may not last forever, but you can keep your youthful look for longer than you may think!

Are You and Your Skin Care Products Compatible?

When purchasing your skin care products, what do you look for? Do you look at for products that match your supposed skin type- dry, oily or combination? While this makes sense, it is not the main factor to take into account when purchasing your skin care products. According to Dr. Rucker, MD, "Skin type certainly plays a role in product choice, but it is not the primary determinant. In fact, lifestyle, age, priorities, nutrition, genetics and environment all trump skin type."

Rather than defining your skin by the typical three categories-dry, oily, or combination- it is important to include your overall lifestyle as well. Dr. Rucker presents a few examples: Athletic Teen with Acne, Outdoor Active Teen on Acne Medication, Stressed Young Mother, etc. Once you define your skin type by taking all these factors into account, you will successfully find skin care products that are truly compatible with with you and your skin type. 


To define your skin type and product match, visit www.enza.com 

They do, they Don't

Not to lecture you, as we all get enough of that without reading Enza's blog, but as we begin the new year with our improved skin care resolutions, there are some things that are essential to know. So on second thought-- we might need to lecture you just a bit (don't worry, there won't be a quiz!). The following is Enza Essentials' friendly list of skin care do's and don't's to help you along your skin care journey. 


DO

• Limit sugar intake- A large sugar intake can destroy your skin's collagen and elasticity resulting in quicker aging
• Include Vitamin C- Be sure to include vitamin C in your diet and apply it directly to your skin as it fights off free radicals
• Choose red wine- Red wine contains anti-oxidants and flavonoids that can help your body fight against skin cancer
• Drink water-Dr. Rucker recommends drinking at least eight glasses per day to help cleanse your system of impurities

DON'T

• Rub your skin dry- Pat your face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it, in order to protect your sensitive skin
• Use products with mineral oil or petroleum- These ingredients may lead to clogging your pores and prevent your body from naturally flushing out your skin's toxins, leading to breakouts
• Skip toner-Apply after cleansing and throughout the day in order to keep your skin's pH balance normal, rid your face of excess oils, and keep you looking fresh
• Touch your face- Touching your face leads to an increased exposure to bacteria and oil which will quickly show up as acne and blemishes

My Christmas Aftermath

January 4, 2013, 11:00 AM--

After spending time at home with my family, it's always a little hard to leave, and this Christmas was no exception. With my huge family, there's never a dull moment when we're all together-- whether its watching my 18-month-old nephew dancing to "Gangnam Style" or hearing that my sister and her boyfriend finally got engaged, there is always so much going on- even in just the week I was home. 

This Christmas, I treated my three sisters and my mom to products from Enza Essentials and I'm really looking forward to seeing if they like the products as much as I do!  I'll keep you updated on their favorite products, but in the meantime, I think I may have found my new favorite product... 

As with any holiday (or anytime I go home) I shoved my healthy mind-set aside and had my fill of Christmas cookies with hardly any exercise. And I'm paying for it this week. My skin started breaking out right after Christmas. So when I got back to the office yesterday, I was given the Spot Extractor to get rid of my painfully apparent blemishes. 

I applied it a few times yesterday afternoon and before I went to sleep, and I can see and feel the blemishes significantly reduced. I'm still applying it a few times throughout the day today in hopes I get rid of it before it drives me crazy!

Your NEW New Years Resolution

There's always the cliche New Year's Resolutions-- eat healthier, exercise more, be happier-- but how about improving your skin? We at Enza Essentials value the importance of healthy, glowing, youthful skin and you should too! By resolving to take better care of your skin in 2013 you can rid yourself of blemishes, maintain a youthful appearance, fight skin damage/cancers, minimize wrinkles now and later, and simply feel more confident! 


We'll help you through it, every step of the way as you learn how to manage troublesome acne, deal with dry skin, find out your most common mistakes, and you're biggest questions: answered. As we enter into the new year, you can improve your health, confidence and appearance by understanding and taking care of your skin. So join us, and make your 2013 resolution to improve your skin!

No Excuses

So maybe your resolution is to get back in shape or to start exercising again, but the gym membership just isn't something you want to do- whether its because of the the cost, the pressure, or the embarrassment. But just because a gym membership isn't for you, doesn't mean you can't fulfill this resolution! Here are some at- home workouts you can do at your own leisure, pace, and best of all- it's free! 

Cardio Workout

• 40 Jumping Jacks
• 30 Seconds Jumping Rope
• 20 Seconds High Knees
• 20 Seconds Butt Kickers
• 30 Mountain Climbers
• 5 Jump Squats
• 5 Burpees
• 30 Seconds Jumping Rope
• WATER BREAK
• 25 Jumping Jacks
• 20 Pivoting Upper Cuts
• 30 Seconds March in Place
• 5 Burpees
• 35 Jumping Jacks
• 40 Seconds Jumping Rope
• 5 Jump Squats
• 30 Seconds High Knees

Leg Workout

• 10 Forward Lunges
• 10 Plie Jumps
• 10 Reverse Lunges
• 10 Squat Jumps
• 10 Step Ups
• 10 Leg Lifts 
• 10 Single Leg Bridges
• 10 Leg Lifts
• 10 x 10 Second Wall Sits

Arm Workout

• 20 Jumping Jacks
• 10 Wrist Circles
• 20 Arm Swings
• 10 Kneeling Push-ups
• 10 Tricep Dips
• 10 Arm Circles (w/ light wights)
• 10 Tricep Dips
• 20 Incline Push-ups
• 5 Burpies
• 1 Bridge
• 5 Tricep Push-ups
• 20 Arm Swings
• 10 Kneeling Push-ups
• 5 Burpees

Ab Workout

• 30 Second Plank
• 20 Second Side Plank (each side)
• 30 Oblique Crunches
• 20 Scissors
• 20 Mountain Climbers
• 5 V Sit-Ups
• 30 Second Plank
• 10 Vertical Leg Crunches
• 10 Russian Twists
• 15 Mountain Climbers
• 10 Scissors
• 30 Second Plank