3 Ingredients for Younger Looking Skin

By Rhaina Butler, Just Be Beautiful



The three most concerning area's were


1. Crows Feet/Wrinkling. Secret Ingredient: PEPTIDES


PCA Skin Care ExLinea™ Peptide There are many different peptides on the market that perform different functions in the skin. The peptide in ExLinea™, acetyl hexapeptide-3, is specifically targeted for relaxing facial tension that can cause facial wrinkling while reducing the depth of existing lines. ExLinea™ also incorporates hyaluronic acid to increase the skin’s moisture binding ability.

PCA Skin Care eyeXcellence This triple-action eye cream reduces puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles around the eye area. Its combination of three peptides increases collagen production, capillary function and circulation to leave the eye area smooth, even and bright. Moisturizing properties leave skin healthy and hydrated.


PCA Skin Care peptide lip therapy This scientifically advanced formula helps plump lips while improving overall lip health and appearance. It enhances barrier protection to shield lips from damaging free radicals, helps rebuild the collagen matrix for increased strength and resiliency, and boosts moisture retention and accumulation for maximum hydration.




2. Age Spots. Secret Ingredient: AZELAIC ACIDS


PCA SKIN CARE TCA PEELS


Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are often thought of as very aggressive and producing substantial discomfort. PCA Professional™ TCA peels are very different from the standard. Our TCA solutions are blends formulated with many ingredients including lactic acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), plumping phytohormones and kojic and azelaic acids to produce dramatic results without the discomfort and downtime associated with traditional TCA peels.


3. Scaly Dry Skin. Secret Ingredient: ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHA)


PCA Skin Care Facial Wash


This refreshing, skin-friendly AHA and aloe gel cleanser gently and effectively removes makeup and environmental impurities while leaving the skin supple and pH balanced. It soothes skin and loosens impacted cells to smooth surface texture.


PCA Skin Care Nutrient Toner


This formulation of vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids helps refine pores, remove superficial dead skin cells and provide added nutrients. It is recommended for all skin types and conditions. Pumpkin is the source for many of the important ingredients.


PCA Peels Enhanced Jessner's Treatments


This peel is ideal for more sensitive skin types, ethnic skin and/or those allergic to hydroquinone. This treatment will help unclog pores, clear acne and rejuvenate the skin. With its blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids and brighteners, it is also an excellent choice for maintaining even pigmentation and correcting pigment discolorations for those with hydroquinone sensitivities.

Ask your skin care professional to create a customized treatment plan that will address your personal skin care needs.

Straigt Answers on Scoliosis & Spine Health

By Dr. Randall Hensley, D.C., Hensley ChiropracticIt's likely your first and only exposure to this term was during a junior high scoliosis screening. As such this musculoskeletal condition is frequently surrounded by confusion, questions, and fear. The following points are offered to settle your nerves regarding this diagnosis.

What is it?


From the Greek “skolios” for twisted or crooked, the term “scoliosis” describes any functional or structural tilting or sideways curvature of the spine. The human spine should have three curves front to back as looking from the side but when looking straight at a mirror, there should be no sideways curvature or asymmetry.


What causes it?


Measured in degrees of curvature, scoliosis can be “structural” such as a curve caused by a malformed vertebrae or “nonstructural” as in a compensatory curve due to a muscle spasm caused by a nerve irritated by a disc herniation. Although there are 7 different classifications of spinal curves and 8 different types of “structural scoliosis” the “idiopathic structural” form of scoliosis is by far the most common and most frustrating because “idiopathic” means “unknown cause”. There is a strong hereditary and female predilection. Scoliosis is usually progressive during adolescent growth spurts and later as degenerative changes remodel the spine.


What are the signs and symptoms?


Very often scoliosis is totally asymptomatic until severe. A chiropractor or other health professional trained in screening for scoliosis will look for differences in shoulder or hip height, lateral deviation of the head or shoulders, rib-cage deformity, muscular imbalances, etc. In additional to the visual and orthopedic examination, the gold standard for curvature diagnosis is a weight-bearing standing x-ray of the full spine.


How much curve is too much curve?


Two main questions arise from a positive scoliosis exam. How curved is it and is it getting worse? The second of these questions is very significant because it is the driving force behind the selected treatment and timeline.

How is it treated?


The ideal goal of treatment begins with a correct and early diagnosis. Secondly, one must identify and eliminate any subtle cause or modifiable contributing factors such as poor postural habits, structural imbalance, asymmetrical foot pronation, etc. Although some debate exists regarding the efficacy of certain treatments, options range from simply watching for progression, corrective postural exercises, chiropractic adjustments, palliative symptom care, corrective orthotics, full spine bracing, traction, and invasive spinal surgery.


What to do:


Parents, please be observant of your child's posture, be pro-active in requesting a spinal exam from your health care providers, and do all you can in minimizing the consequences of this potentially life-altering condition.

Sleep - It's Good For Your Health!

By Dr. Randall Hensley, D.C., Hensley Chiropractic


Do you sleep like a baby?...awake every two hours, hungry and needing to use the bathroom? Or are you blessed with the ability to fall asleep the minute your head hits the pillow, sleep all night, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go? If you are in the later group, good for you. And I mean, good for you! Sleep is very important in maintaining your health and recovering from illness. Sleep allows your body the down time it needs to replenish, rebuild, and remove stress from your systems. If you are not sleeping well consider the following recommendations for a good night's rest. Remember everyone's sleep solutions differ so finding your perfect remedy is unique to you. Try one or all of them!

In addition to the typical remedies such as avoiding caffeine, sipping chamomile tea, or counting sheep, there are many other factors that can affect your sleep quality and duration. For example having a mattress and pillow that suits your particular preference is very important. If you wake up less than “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” check your bed. As a rule of thumb if you sleep better at a hotel, your in-laws, or when camping...it's likely your bed. You should also be sure to go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. This builds consistency in your sleep-wake cycle. This “circadian rhythm” is set by your pituitary gland deep in your brain and is triggered by light entering your eyes. Therefore, be sure to sleep in a dark room and then let bright light or better yet let sunshine greet you in the morning.

Other hints include:

• making your room colder and avoiding hot baths just prior to retiring. (for some overheating the body delays sleep),
• take a daily “power nap” for 20 minutes just after lunch,
• participate in moderate exercise earlier in the day to promote physical tiredness,
• eat healthy, drink plenty of water, cut back on late night snacks such as ice cream,
• don't play video games or watch overly stimulating or stressful television (news/horror/etc),
• quit smoking, and don't drink alcohol before bed.
• use a “white-noise” machine to block out sleep-disturbing noises.
• Always try to find ways to lower your emotional stress and learn the not-so-simple act of relaxing.
• If your brain is racing, keep a paper and pen next to your bed to write down those “must-remember-to-do-tomorrow” notes or “must-not-forget-brilliant-ideas” so your subconscious brain can rest easy.

More advanced relaxation techniques include abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, massage, visual imagery, or cognitive behavioral therapy. You should also visit your favorite chiropractor, acupuncturist, or health care provider to investigate and treat the cause of your insomnia. Chiropractic adjustments for example can decrease pain and increase the secretion of serotonin and melatonin facilitating better sleep. Lastly, keep a “sleep diary” and record how well you slept, what time you went to bed, what you ate or did the night before, etc. This information can help you and your health care providers identify your sleep issues.

Overall, once you find your “perfect” combination of bedding, environment, preparation, timing, mental attitude toward sleep, and professional help, be consistent and don't give up. Soon that biological clock will chime in rhythm with the clock on the nightstand. Sweet dreams and sleep well. 

B.A.C.K. To School Spine Health

By Dr. Randall Hensley, D.C., Hensley Chiropractic



No matter what time of year... don't forget these simple rules to help your children enjoy their school year on a healthy note.
B Backpacks: To protect the spines of your young scholars, don't let them carry more than 10-15% of their body weight in their school back pack. Try to lighten the load by removing extra water bottles or excessive blank paper. You can also get an extra book to keep at home. Lastly, and most importantly, make sure the pack fits their body and your child wears it at or above their belt line. (Parents, I know this may not be the cool way to wear backpacks so consider permanently shortening the shoulder strap by cutting off the extra length.)


A Adjust your child's posture to promote a tall, upright spine, maintaining the curve in the lower back, and avoiding twisting or slouching. (Teachers: Please do not arrange your rooms in clusters or squares where half of the children are facing the back or side walls. This will force the students to twist their spine or neck to see you at the front.)


C Check your children's spine for “Scoliosis”. This sideways curvature of the spine is more common in developing girls but can affect boys and kids of all ages. Have your chiropractor check each of your children's spines. Most will do this brief scan for free. Early detection is key.


K Keep nagging your children, especially teenagers to stand tall, exercise, stretch, and eat healthy. Poor posture at the computer, video game, or desk can develop bad habits that are hard to break, lead to tension headaches, back pain, and early degenerative disease.


Enjoy and stay healthy.

Is Juice a Problem for Children's teeth?

By Dr. Scott Thompson, DDS - Winning With Smiles

For over 2 generations now juice has been espoused as a health food. Though dentists have been aware for decades this is not really true, it has not been until very recently that the health industry and the medical establishment has taken a closer look at juice. It is definitely not a health food. The question arises if it is even healthy!

Juice now sits on the top of the list as a probable causative agent for the medical chronic disease pandemic facing our children; namely diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis, among others. The journals of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have in recent years recommended that juice be avoided in an infant’s diet. They also recommend that if it is introduced to a toddler that it be limited to 6 oz. daily (a small glass) and consumed with a meal.

Juice is at the top of the list of causative agents for dental disease for our children and youth. For that matter, in today’s culture it probably is equally at cause for adult dental decay.

Juice is worse than soda! That doesn’t mean soda is good; it is also terrible for teeth and health. But, juice is worse. If you look at nutrition data for foods and compare juice with whole fruit, you quickly see what is lost when juice is squeezed from fruit. A couple highlights:

You do get water and calories; i.e., an 8 oz glass of orange juice has the calories squeezed from about 5 oranges. Who ever heard of eating 5 oranges in one sitting? And today we often do this at breakfast and again in the afternoon. Yikes… all those empty calories!

Lost with the fruit when we make juice is a) nearly all the vitamins except some of the water soluble vitamin C, b) insoluble fiber, roughage, c) soluble fiber, unique to fruit and an important aid in digestion, d) and minerals, key components to our enzyme systems that process our body functions. Without the minerals the enzymes cannot use the calories we consume so the calories get stored as fat.

Rarely mentioned about juice is the acid. Acid that will dissolve your teeth. Those of us that took analytical and organic chemistry in college know the issue here. Though organic acids are often called “weak” acids, they are far more effective in organic systems like mouths because of their sustaining power. They don’t register in the pH scale as strong (lower number) as inorganic acids because they hold their acid potential in “reserve.” As the acid is used (dissolving calcium out of teeth) the reserve releases more acid out of solution. This is part of the steady state (homeostasis) systems that sustain organic (life supporting) systems. When misused (juice rather than fruit) the power released can be devastating. It turns out the acid potential (titrateable acid) of juice is nearly twice that of colas!

So put juice at the very top of the destructive beverage list that includes: juice, sports drinks like Gatorade, sodas, juicers and sweet energy teas.