Desert Health News September-October 2024

www.justusskincare.com www.cetinasalon.com www.desertglowspa.com Today many of us choose natural body products as healthier options knowing that what we apply is absorbed into our skin. But what about our regular trips to the beauty salon? Fortunately, healthier options can be found there as well. When it comes to color, choosing organic over traditional options is becoming increasingly popular and important. Organic hair color is derived from natural plants and minerals, often combined with oils that help to protect the scalp. This is particularly relevant today, as many individuals are experiencing allergies, autoimmune issues and hair loss. These factors highlight the benefits of opting for organic hair color, which is gentler on both the scalp and hair. Significant advantages of using ammonia- free hair color include a reduction in risk of allergic reactions and protection of the hair cuticle from damage. It is also less harmful to the respiratory system. Organic hair color avoids harmful chemicals like paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is commonly found in many hair dyes and can lead to allergic reactions. Even if you have never experienced a reaction, it is possible to develop one over time, especially with darker shades that contain larger dye molecules. Another hair dye ingredient which can trigger harm is resorcinol, which can irritate the skin and is considered an endocrine disruptor. Research shows that it can affect thyroid function and may manifest in hyperthyroidism and an enlargement of the thyroid gland. 1, 2 The World Health Organization warns that repeated exposure can lead to increased sensitivity and potential allergies. The application for organic color is quite similar to conventional hair dye, requiring a 30 to 45 minutes process. You can expect complete gray coverage, and one of the standout features is how your hair fades naturally without harsh lines, unlike traditional dyes. This is largely due to the absence of PPDs. Additionally, organic hair color is free from strong odors; instead of ammonia, it utilizes an organic compound that gently penetrates the hair shaft. Color lasts just as long and it is safer for both you and the environment. To keep your hair color vibrant and maintain your scalp's natural oils, using sulfate- free and vegan shampoos is essential. Remember, our skin absorbs what we apply, making it crucial to choose products wisely. Ana Cetina is founder and owner of Cetina Raw Natural Beauty with 14 years in Palm Springs. For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.cetinasalon.com , or call (760) 778.1374. References: 1) .hisari 4, Bonefeld-1orgensen ,.C, 200 ) ,Ɉects of plasticiaers and their mixtures on estrogen receptor and thyroid hor- mone functions. ;oxicology Letters 18 : 6 - ; 2) +ivi R, +oergel +, 1 4)4echanism-Based 0nactivation of Lactoperoxidase and ;hyroid 7eroxidase by Resorcinol +erivatives, 5ational Center for ;oxicological Research. September/October 2024 www.DesertHealthNews.com Health & Beauty The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 17 Salon services using natural, artisanal ingredients without harsh chemicals Haircut and styling • Certi ed organic colorist • Lashes and brows Holistic facials • Special occasion makeup • Makeup and hair styling tutorials Sugar hair removal • Organic spray tanning • Skin dry brushing • Wood therapy Infrared sauna blanket for detox and inammation Detoxing scalp and hair treatments All services are customized with herbs, oils and natural minerals curated by our team. 760.778.1374 | 354 S. Indian Canyon Drive | Palm Springs Cetinasalon.com Cetina raw natural beauty • Injectables: Botox, Fillers, Sculptra • Laser services: skin resurfacing, acne treatment, hair removal, tattoo removal • Non-surgical thread lift • IPL photofacial • PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) • Microneedling • Chemical peels • Medical weight loss • Vitamin shots • IV drip • Body sculping "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 73241 Highway 111, Ste. 5A | Palm Desert desertglowspa.com Pamela Gossman DNP, APN, BC-FNP, CPHQ Board Certified Nurse Practitioner Feel confident and beautiful inside and out Desert Glow Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Organic hair color delivers similar results with less physical and environment effects. Is the beauty industry tempting us with another ingredient we don’t need or is the new retinal worth the hype? Retinol has been a skincare staple for years, but now, retinal (retinaldehyde) is being marketed like it’s a scalpel-free version of a face lift. Right or wrong? Wrong. Nothing is like a scalpel-free facelift. But retinal is pretty darn fabulous. Both retinal and retinol are members of the retinoid family. They are derivatives of vitamin A, long celebrated for its anti-aging benefits. Retinal is more potent, requiring fewer conversion steps to become active in the skin. This happy situation leads to faster and more noticeable results to remedy the pesky trio that plagues us as we age: age spots, wrinkles and rough texture. Due to its faster action, retinal is particularly beneficial for mature individuals dealing with age spots or melisma (darker patches and spots). Like hot air circulating through the beauty world, many myths surround retinoids: “Retinal and retinol thin the skin.” Reality: They stimulate collagen production, leading to thicker, more resilient skin. “Retinal and retinol cause extreme sun sensitivity.” Reality: While they can increase photosensitivity, using them at night and applying sunscreen during the day mitigates this risk. “Retinal and retinol are too harsh for sensitive skin.” Reality: Many formulations, especially those made with retinal, are suitable for sensitive skin. “Retinoids are only for anti-aging.” Reality: They are effective for various skin issues, including acne and texture improvement. “Retinoids will make your skin look worse before it gets better.” Reality: Possibly true when used for acne, but when used on mature skin, retinoids hit the ground doing good things. There's a common belief that retinoids should be used only at night, while vitamin C should be reserved for daytime. This stems from the idea that retinoids can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and that vitamin C, being an antioxidant, provides protection against environmental damage during the day. In fact, studies show that using retinal and vitamin C together can enhance their effectiveness, even within the same routine or product.œ Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinoids, also enhances retinal’s effectiveness. Finding these ingredients in the same product is a good way to give your skin a noticeable dose of oomph. To attain maximum glow, it’s a great idea to use a vitamin C product in the morning right after cleansing, followed by a serum and moisturizer. For night, add the retinal product with vitamin C alone or alongside your nighttime moisturizer. For mature skin, especially in a desert environment, retinal is worth exploring. Its superior potency and ability to target hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and texture make it a valuable addition to any skincare routine. Paired with complementing ingredients like vitamin C and bakuchiol, retinal can be the new star of your tool kit. Start slow, protect your skin from the sun, and pay attention to how your skin responds. With consistent use, retinal can be a game-changer in your skincare journey. 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. Reference: 1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1 6 6 / Retinal vs. Retinol Understanding the differences By Brook Dougherty Going Organic…with Hair Color By Ana Cetina