Pearls of Wisdom for Summer-proof Health and Beauty!

Enjoy the outdoors! Being active outdoors in nature provides more brain benefits than the same amount of exercise would when done in a gym. A 30-minutes nature walk performed 3 or more times per walk as been shown to be as effective as anti-depressant medications in reducing depressive symptoms in mild to moderate depressed individuals. As Canadians, our summer season provides a great chance to be active outdoors with the added brain benefits of a little vitamin D boost from the sun. Whether it is a jog, run, cycle, swim or paddle in a kyak, canoe or stand up board- our Canadian landscapes, lakes and beaches provide endless options. Wondering which mode of exercise is right for you? Consider our gene based lifestyle programs to get a personalized integrative health plan designed precisely to your genomic, nutritional and metabolic needs and matched to your goals! Be Sun Smart! The longer days of summer provide 30% more light and sun exposure than the shorter days of winter. While light is good for our mood and energy, the added UV exposure can be damaging to our skin. Commercial sunscreens often lack sufficient protection from UVA- which are the rays that cause aging, pigmentation and skin cancer. The SPF rating of a sun screen tells you only about the UVB protection factor- which are the rays that burn and tan you. An ideal sunscreen, will provide broad spectrum UVA and B coverage with naturally occurring physical sun-blocks such as micronized (not nano-particles) zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as well as non-benzone containing chemical agents to ensure complete the UVB coverage. By carefully reading labels to avoid potentially irritating and harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates and benzone-derived chemical sunscreens you can help to reduce not only sun damage but also photo-sensitivity reactions that can be caused when commercial sunscreens interact with sunlight on certain sensitive skin types. Protect SPF 30 is a slightly tinted silky facial sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It combines perfectly with our C-Shine emollient gel that provides a perfect base for sunscreen as it potentiates the sun protective benefits. Boost your Block! Omega 3 essential fatty acids such as DHA have been shown to increase the sunburn threshold, potentiate the protective effects of sun screen and reduce the risk of sun damage and skin disease including acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer. The anti-inflammatory and brain benefits of omega 3 fatty acids like DHA have been well established, but their skin benefits are less well known. As our skin is comprised of cellulose, its maintenance and function hinges on a ready supply these important building blocks. A diet rich in healthy fats like salmon, nuts and seeds complimented by a DHA-rich omega 3 supplement can enhance the skin’s ability to shield from UV induced oxidative damage that can not only lead to skin damage but also DNA damage and skin cancer. Select a high quality omega 3 supplement that is pure from toxicities, potent in dose (aim for 1 gram a day of combined EPA and DHA), and enhanced with the additional benefits of astaxanthins, a super-charged carotenoid derived from fish and microalgae that protects from oxidative damage and UV exposure. Astaxanthins are what give salmon their rich pink colour and provide additional skin and eye health benefits. Bend anti-aging formula is a UV defense skin health omega 3 supplement with a high potency EPA/DHA blend and added zeaxanthin, vitamin D and lutein for skin and eye health. Bend is available in soft gel caps or liquid formula with a natural citrus flavour. Keep Hydrated! Hot and humid summer weather can easily leave our skin and body dehydrated. Ensuring ample fluid intake is a great start but –we need more than just water for optimal summertime health and beauty! Increasing our intake of natural body boosters like the vitamins, minerals and electrolytes found in colourful fruits and vegetables is a great start. But beyond veggies and water- adding super foods like a super-nutrient enriched marine collagen can boost summer time skin. Collagen maintains skin structure and hyaluronic acid maintains hydration- holding 1000x it’s weight in water. Ageless Collagen Protein is a vegan protein blend (hemp-rice-pea) combined with a marine skin matched collagen (10g) in a super-nutrient enriched formula delivering biotin, iron, vitamin C and digestive enzymes to optimally support hair, skin and lean body tissues. Available in unflavoured and chocolate, the formula can be taken with water or blended into your favourite smoothie recipe. Restore your Skin! For dry, dehydrated summer time skin- we offer a range of at home and in-clinic treatments to help you rehydrate and restore. Our HydraGlow hyaluronic acid serum is a perfect skin quencher to restore water content to the skin without clogging pores. For a more intense hydrating experience try our POLISH no downtime skin peel which uses a blend of antioxidants and moisturizers to hydrate and our new Nano-Gold Natural Collagen Rejuvenating Masks that boost any in-clinic skin treatment designed for the face, neck and décolletage. Call us for a complimentary consult to help you achieve Ageless Vitality and summer-proof health and beauty!