Desert Health News - November-December 2023

. www.justusskincare.com Oats (anti-inflammatory). Oats contain compounds that soothe irritated skin. In skincare, oat-based products like oatmeal masks or bath soaks can help relieve conditions like eczema and dry, itchy skin. When included in the diet, oats’ anti- inflammatory properties contribute to a calmer complexion. Be happy if you see oat oil on a label. For a face mask, mix ground oats with water to form a paste. Apply, leave for 15 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water for a soothing experience. Papaya (enzymes). Papaya contains enzymes like papain, which exfoliate dead skin cells when used as a face mask. If you look, you will find papaya on labels that claim cell turnover. Eating papaya supplies vitamins A, C and E, promoting collagen production and skin repair. Peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. They play a crucial role in skincare due to their ability to support collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin's firmness and elasticity. In skincare, peptides can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We find them in our diet through protein like lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Note, it is never a good idea to make a masque of lean meats or fish. Turmeric (anti-inflammatory). Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When used in skincare, it can reduce redness and inflammation. You may notice it on a label for a mist or a masque. As a spice in cooking, it supports overall skin health by reducing inflammation internally. Resveratrol (found in red grapes and berries). When consumed, resveratrol can help combat oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to premature aging. In skincare, you will see resveratrol in serums and creams often cohabitating with retinol or other heavy hitters. It’s a classic beauty builder and yes, it is found in red wine. Shop with purpose In the pursuit of timeless beauty and a healthy body, it’s helpful to enter both the market and the beauty aisle armed with a list. It’s so easy to fall prey to marketing promises, but when you shop intentionally, you have a better chance of coming out with what you went in for rather than what some marketing guru thinks they can sell you this month. Complement your dietary choices with topical skincare products containing ingredients you recognize, and you'll be on your way to authentic glow even with all the challenges our desert weather presents. Brook Dougherty of Indio is the founder of JustUs Skincare and welcomes your questions. She can be reached at (310) 266-7171 or brook@justusskincare.com . For more information, visit www.justusskincare.com . At the Farmers’ Market, we shop for the ingredients our bodies need. At Sephora or Ulta, we shop for those ingredients we think our skin needs. With a little knowledge, our shopping missions can complement one another, and we can achieve total glow from the inside to the outside rather than finding the odd vegetable or product decomposing in the medicine cabinet or the vegetable bin because we can’t remember why we bought them in the first place. What to look for in the market and on your skincare labels Almonds (vitamin E). Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, which protects the skin from UV damage and supports skin repair. Chomping a few almonds daily can help maintain youthful skin, while almond oil is beneficial in serums and creams to hydrate and soften. Avocado (healthy fats). Avocado is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which help maintain the skin's natural lipid barrier. Mashed avocado can serve as a nourishing face mask, providing essential fatty acids to the skin. If you see avocado oil on a skincare label, that’s a good thing. Blueberries (antioxidants). Blueberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. Blueberry oil on a beauty product label is right up there with raspberry oil and lets you know the product will help maintain skin's elasticity and prevent premature aging. You can create a homemade face mask by mashing a handful of blueberries and applying them to your skin. Leave it on for a short time and rinse with lukewarm water. Citrus Fruits (vitamin C). Oranges, lemons and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, which is known for its antioxidant properties. When consumed, vitamin C helps protect the skin from free radical damage. In skincare, topical vitamin C serums can brighten the complexion, reduce the appearance of dark spots and boost collagen production. Easy DIY Face Masque: mix fresh citrus juice with yogurt or honey for a refreshing treatment. Apply the mask to your face, leave on for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water. Kind of gooey, but kind of great. Coconut Oil (moisturizing). Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, both when consumed and applied topically. It helps lock in moisture, making it an effective moisturizer for dry and mature skin and a soothing treatment for conditions like eczema. Pina coladas may finally have found a place in your skincare routine. Yay. Green Tea (polyphenols). Green tea is a rich source of polyphenols that combat skin aging.Drinkinggreenteaprovidesantioxidantprotection,andlater,whentheteaisgone, try applying the cooled teabags as eye compresses to reducepuffiness anddark circles. www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2023 Journey to Naturopathic Residency Continued from page 13 Health & Beauty The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 18 www.desertglowspa.com glow Enhance your • Injectables: Botox, Fillers, PDO threads, Sculptra • Laser services: skin resurfacing, acne treatment, hair removal, tattoo removal • IPL photofacial • Hair restoration Feel more confident and beautiful "Pam was great. She was very thorough during my consultation and offered several options for treatment, without any pressure to do any particular treatment. I was very nervous going in, but Pam is very gentle and reassuring." Leslie Burns 760.565.3990 73261 Highway 111, Suite 100, Studio #25. desertglowspa.com Pamela Gossman DNP, APN, BC-FNP, CPHQ Board Certified Nurse Practitioner • PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) • Microneedling • Chemical peels • Medical weight loss • Vitamin shots inside and ou t Blueberries are one of many foods good for skin from the inside out and when applied topically. Papaya provides vitamin support when consumed and enzymatic benefits when applied to the face. connecting to the present moment. I have personally confronted the challenges of leading a healthy life and often need to remotivate myself. Thankfully, in my personal and professional practice, I am constantly reminded of the importance of the foundations of health, particularly for those who want to thrive after cancer. I amnot just a practitioner; I am living testament to the profound transformation holistic healing can bring. My goal is to empower individuals to find their motivation for health, offering them the wisdom and guidance that I receive from my esteemed residency director, Dr. Fung, who has dedicated over 15 years to supporting healing in those with cancer. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained at four-year, post-graduate, accredited medical institutions. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, NDs are required to complete four years of training in holistic and nontoxic approaches to treatment with a strong emphasis on disease prevention, such as nutrition and lifestyle modifications, and in-depth lab testing and diagnosis. After licensure, NDs can choose to apply for the small number of residency positions available, typically, a 1-3-year family medicine training at an approved out-patient clinic or hospital residency sites. However, due to the lack of funding, there is a lack of available residency positions for all students. Through a partnership with Institute for Natural Medicine (INM) Residency Consortium under The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC), Live Well Clinic was approved as a residency site and started accepting resident doctors in2018. Becausenaturopathic residencies arenot fundedbyMedicare/ Medicaid dollars like conventional medical residencies, this limits the availability of these positions, as many small clinics are not able to afford the cost associated with training and paying a resident. We are so blessed to nurture the next generation of naturopathic doctors through residency opportunities made possible through the support of our strong, health- minded community. Live Well Clinic is honored to be the first ND residency site in the Coachella Valley, giving new medical students the opportunity to further their training as integrative primary care doctors to serve our community. Dr. Fung is a primary care naturopathic doctor with a focus on integrative cancer care and PRP regenerative joint injections at Live Well Clinic in La Quinta. Now accepting new patients. For more information, call (760) 771.5970 or visit www.livewellclinic.org. Sources: 1) https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-residencies/; 2) https://www.naturemedpro.org/project-2 ; 3) www.naturopathic.org ; 4) www. calnd.org ; 5) https://cnme.org/ ; 6) https://www.huffpost.com/entry/who-pays-for-resident-sal_b_12967008 From Plate to Face The intersection of diet, skincare and beauty By Brook Dougherty