With winter approaching, we asked Dr. Murad if there was anything estheticians and beauty professionals can and should do to guide their clients to maintaining and perfecting their skin during harsh weather.

“A common misconception is that once the summer ends people feel like they can put away their sunscreen,” says Dr. Murad. “Just because the sun does not seem as strong during the winter does not mean it is not there. It is so important to remind your clients to wear a sunscreen everyday that not only protects you from UVA/UVB rays, but also helps keep cells healthy by fighting off free radical damage.

“It is also important to keep skin hydrated properly during the winter. Depending on where you live your skin can go through dramatic changes when the weather shifts. Dehydration of the skin causes the appearance of premature aging and wrinkles.”

He then offered one easy way to keep hydrated. “Eat your water! Colorful raw fruits and vegetables are the best form of water for your cells since they provide structured water which stays in your system long enough for your body to put it to good use. As a bonus, these great sources of water are rich in cell-protecting antioxidants and health-enhancing fiber. Your skin will look and feel healthier even in the harsh winter weather.”

On top of this, Dr. Murad suggests that you remind your clients to continue to visit the spa regularly for facials and treatments, and continue to use the right products to protect their skin.

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As women age, keeping hair healthy, shiny and strong can be a challenge. Turning gray and thinning hair are common problems, but overall brittle and dry hair can be problems too. External influences like blow drying, coloring, and over styling contribute to the lack of moisture in the hair, reducing luster.

According to Andrea Wentz, senior brand manager at Schwarzkopf Professional. “Human hair is composed of up to 95 percent keratins. Over time, two essential keratins are no longer fully produced and fewer components are available to define the hair structure, so the hair becomes weak and more fragile.”

To keep hair healthy and revitalized, clients should opt for leave-in conditioners, deep conditioners or hair masks to combat dryness.

Wentz recommends your clients try Schwarzkopf Professional’s BC Time Restore, which contains Q10 Plus Complex.

Andrea-Wentz

“Now with five percent more Q10, we are able to stimulate the hair roots in turn activating the production of the two keratins that subside overtime,” says Wentz.

“The combination of the Q10 and collagen in this technology help to counterbalance the effects of aging, and renew elasticity and strength to the hair.” Visit schwarzkopf-professional.com.

By ModernSalon.com

1. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or scarf, especially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2. No hat? Use a protective product before venturing outdoors. Try Aveda Sun Care’s new, high-performance
formulas to protect hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours.

3. Use a gentle cleansing shampoo to get rid of sea or sand buildup.

4. Sunlight can change the tone of hair color—so balance it with a color-enhancing shampoo.

5. Deep condition at least once a week to lock in moisture.

Most of us are looking for ways to live healthier lives. And, many times we feel that, for the most part, we’re avoiding the things that are really bad for us. However, there may be some everyday items you’re still using that are bad for your body. Here are some common things in your home you might want to avoid.

1. Teflon – this non-stick coating used for many years on pans can be very harmful. The gases released when the pans are heated to a high temperature can be noxious – it has even been known to kill birds. In addition, as the pans get worn, the Teflon coating flakes off into our food and eventually ends up in our water system. The EPA’s outside science board has listed the PFC chemical used to make Teflon as a “likely human carcinogen”.
2. Carpet – Whether your carpet is new or old, it likely contains chemicals that are dangerous to your body. New carpets contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), some of which are on the EPA’s list of extremely hazardous substances. Old carpet may be even worse, as some of the chemicals used in carpets in years passed have been banned. Other substances, such as adhesives and stain resistors may be dangerous when breathed in.
3. Plastic food containers – Most of our plastic food containers are harmless, unless they are exposed to heat. Plastics used to make food containers contains bisphenol A. When exposed to heat, the plastic melts just a little and the bisphenol A leaks into your food. The substance is believed to be related to an elevated risk for breast cancer, prostate cancer and diabetes. So, for the sake of your health, don’t microwave in plastic or drink from a plastic drink bottle that’s been exposed to heat. This same substance is found in most food cans, because it helps keep the food from tasting like the can. It’s believed to be safe in food cans as long as you don’t heat up the can itself.
4. Microwave popcorn – The fumes from microwave popcorn have been shown to be toxic, because of the substance diacetyl, which gives the popcorn its buttery taste. Several cases of lung disease have been directly related to inhaling large amounts of diacetyl. Check your microwave popcorn labels carefully. Many companies have already removed the substance from their brand because of health concerns, but it is still in a few brands.
5. Your humidifier – A humidifier need not be dangerous if it’s cleaned properly, but many people fail to clean theirs as often as needed. Humidifiers that are not kept clean can harbor all sorts of harmful bacteria, such as legionella, which causes respiratory infections, and several types of mold. Your humidifier should be cleaned with bleach at least twice a week if you use it regularly.

We all want to live in a safe home, and it’s frightening that there are so many items we take for granted that might be harming us. Keep your eyes open for things in your home that might make it less safe for your family.