And yet, ANOTHER benefit of daily exercise!

The key to a healthy lifestyle: diet and exercise. Living a healthy lifestyle can help you live longer and help you look younger while doing it!

Studies show that regular aerobic exercise is a must for anyone committed to slowing the aging process. With an increase in blood flow to the skin, there is also an increase in the rate of new cell growth and oils for moisture. Exercise not only helps keep your body in shape, flexible and healthy, but your skin as well as it helps keep the skin supple to prevent wrinkle formation.

So what will you do to slow the aging process? Jogging around your neighborhood? Heading to the gym? Joining a yoga class? Or my personal favorite, rollerblading! Now it's your turn- what's your favorite stay young activity?

It's not just us, see what anti-aging treatment everyone is talking about!

With each increasing year come increasing wrinkles. No matter how much we fight it, the wrinkles fight harder. But just in case you haven't yet heard, the anti-aging world is starting to make a comeback!

We at the Enza Mediaspa started using Pelleve in their office, the new buzz in the beauty world, and we're crazy about it! Our patients are raving, telling us the immediate results and about the non- invasive, no downtime procedure is incredible!

And we're not the only ones, this new wrinkle reducing treatment is a hit with celebrity clients and is virtually a painless treatment. It's all over the beauty blogs and people all over are asking about this warm facial-like massage that can reduce wrinkles!

Want more? See what Dr. Rucker has to say about Pelleve!

Is it true? Is your makeup causing wrinkles?!

Have you heard that before? That wearing makeup may actually be causing you to age? Is this true? We were curious too, so Enza Essentials did a little digging and found out the truth.

Now take a breath and relax- makeup itself will not lead to wrinkles. But don't stop reading here.

Now what you do (or don't do) with your makeup may be causing you wrinkles...

•  Not taking makeup off- I promise, those 9 hours of sleeping can make a world of difference. While the makeup you wore begins clogging your pores, it also leaves remnants on your pillow to come back and haunt you!
• Not wearing sunscreen- Not wearing sunscreen under your makeup (or makeup with SPF) makes you are prone to sun damage which leads to premature aging! And don't think that you can't get sun burned through a window or when it's cloudy, the sun is relentless!
• Tugging at your skin- So even when you do everything you are told and take your makeup off daily, wear your SPF, you still need to watch out while applying and removing. Tugging on your skin, especially where the skin is thin around your eyes can cause the skin to lose it elasticity, leading to under eye. 

Now after a little Wrinkle 101 class, you can keep the skin you love for longer!

Afraid of needles? We've got you covered

Anti-aging without pain, a procedure or needles?! You heard right, now you can prevent and reduce signs of aging without even having to schedule a procedure. Sound too good to be true? Think again! 

SO, if you are anything like me, needles may not be your thing. Or maybe you're just not sure the best way to reduce the damage that past years have allowed on your face. Either way, the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator might be the perfect product for you. This serum can...

• offer a safe and effective alternative to collagen injections
• is clinically tested to improve fine lines and wrinkles
• evens skin tone
• prevents pigmentation
• contains skin firming and moisturizing properties

It's never too early- Even in my 20's I really appreciate and love using this product! 

Check out how the celebs get their gorgeous skin- It might be easier than you think!

Somehow or another, every celebrity seems to have perfect, flawless skin. In every movie, ever episode, every award show- they never have a day where the don't look perfect. How annoying is that? What's even more annoying is that they make it sound so easy!

Demi Moore says she simply focuses on moisturizing her face, Naomi Watts just drinks plenty of water and gets facials every 6 to 8 weeks, Sarah Jessica Parker promotes sunscreen use for healthy skin, and Jessica Alba reveals her secret as washing her face every single night- no exceptions.

Now you must be wondering "Huh? So if I do those simple things, I can have skin like theirs?"

Maybe not exactly- but these simple steps sworn by the celebrities themselves, will prove for long-lasting healthy skin.

It's just like Zooey Deschanel said, "Take care of your skin and you won't need too much makeup." 

Have you seen Zooey Deschanel's skin? Need I say more?

As one of my favorite actresses, I often wonder: How does she do it? How does she get such radiant, flawless skin? Sure, she's a celebrity, but even so, what are her secrets? And why can't I have skin like that?!

Zooey is adored for her clear skin and "clean" makeup look when compared to many other actresses. She says, "Take care of your skin and you won't need too much makeup." It's great to see a celebrity so focused on skincare and flaunting her natural glow.

However.... speaking for myself, I know I still need plenty of makeup for my skin to look anywhere near Zooey's level. So for now, I'll cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize- anything to get skin like Zooey Deschanel!

Don't Believe in Multi-tasking Products? Think Again.

It's that time of year, when my skin just cracks. Whether it's my elbows, my hands, or my legs, no amount of lotion can keep up with how dry my skin is right now. In my desperation, I tried Enza's NutriGel. After getting out of the shower, I put it on the driest parts of my body- my hands and elbows and it has truly worked wonders!


My skin feels much more refreshed and much less irritated. And get this, the Nutri-Gel is packed with aloe vera. So about that sunburn prone skin (it's the Irish in me, ugh)... Sunburn and sun damage won't stand a chance come summertime!

Sounds like my skin's new best friend.

Why Trust a Plastic Surgeon with your Skincare Needs? Dr. Rucker is about to Tell You!

The Best Sleep you Never Got

I've learned a lot in my college classes- about terms, theories, and practices-  But more than any of these, college has taught me how to function with the least amount of sleep possible. 

There are a few simple ways to do this. The first and most important of these is looking like you are perfectly well rested. Because if you look awake, you feel awake. First, I chug a glass of water which usually gets me going enough to start boiling water for my cup of (caffeinated) tea. Then I assess the damage in my bathroom mirror. 

With my Enza products close by, I start with normal routine and finish with the Sustaining Glow Creme to brighten up my zombie-like complexion. And to get rid of those dark circles and puffy under-eyes, the Eyebright Eye Gelee usually does the trick. And while I'm not a makeup artist by any means, by using a light eye shimmer on my lower lash, brow bone and corners of my eyes, can truly work wonders on tired eyes.

Next thing I know, I'll be sitting through class, trying to pay attention to whatever new theory my professor is talking about, and I probably won't really be learning anything. But I sure look like I am. Oh the things you learn in college. 

Believe in Beauty Sleep

It's that internal debate between getting a the full eight hours or staying up to finish that last chapter, writing that last email, or in my case- watching one more episode on Netflix. It's only a half hour, so sleep can wait, right? Hours and episodes later and its only about five hours until you have to be up-- there goes your good night's sleep. Your initial reaction is that it's no big deal, but over time, you'll be seeing a few more consequences than just spending a little extra on your morning caffeine fix.

The truth is, sleep affects all aspects of our body and our health, and skin is a major one. Because your body doesn't have to work at skin protection while you are sleeping, it has time to repair the damage done throughout your day. Therefore getting  your beauty sleep really is vitally important! When you don't get enough sleep, your skin will display it prominently, for all to see. 

• Dark, puffy Eyes-You'll start to rock the 'tired eyes' look. The lack of sleep may alter the regulation of blood vessel tone which will contribute to these under-eye bags. 
• Dull, Dehydrated Complexion-Sleep deprivation reduces the skin's ability to stay hydrated, leading to a duller appearance. 
• Acne Prone Skin- Decreased sleep leads to increased levels of cortisol in the body- the stress hormone which is blamed for many stress-related breakouts and inflammations. 
• Skin Sensitivity& Irritation- Poor skin habits can lead to trouble with skin sensitivity and irritation as you are decreasing the amount of time your skin has to repair damages done during the waking hours.

Of course those few late nights are bound to happen, but the more you can avoid depriving yourself of your precious beauty sleep, the better! Next time your faced with the choice between sleep and that one last episode, remember the value of your sleep-- and I'll have to start taking my own advice!

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!

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!

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!

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!