NEW! Introducing Lumi*Essence Organic Advanced Brightening Repair Treatment with Kojic Acid, Arbutin & Vitamin C

Lumi*Essence Treatment is an Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate recommended for:

* Dark spots / Sun spots / Age spots
* Uneven skin, Melazma
* Skin discolorations

Lumi*Essence visibly corrects dark spots and helps even skin tone with a breakthrough formula that delivers professional-grade results. Contains Kojic Acid (helps lighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots), Alpha-Arbutin (derived from the leaves of cranberry, blueberry and bearberry shrubs. Skin lightening agent that prevents conversion of pigment-forming enzymes) Papaya and Pineapple extract (provides intense exfoliation to help reduce the size and color intensity of dark spots and help even skin tone). Niacinamide has an inhibitory effect on the transfer of melanosomes to skin cells, thus it can interrupt the process that causes irregular pigmentation to form. Milk thistle (sometimes called Silymarine) There are many studies that show it to be effective as an anti-oxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and for UV protection and repair. It has also been shown to reduce the spread of skin cancer.

Benefits

* The appearance of dark spots and discoloration is visibly diminished
* Skin radiance is increased
* Skin complexion is more uniform
* Lightweight, fast absorbing essence leaves skin fresh
* Artificial Fragrance free
* Non comedogenic
* Hydroquinone-free
* Safe for sensitive skin

Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe), Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Oil), Glyceryl Stearate, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Octyl Palmitate, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Butter), Cetyl Alcohol, Potassium Stearate, Organic Beeswax, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba Oil), Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Organic Centella Asiatica (Kojic Acid), Rosa Damascena (Rose) Essential Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca (Tamanu Oil), Organic Borago Officinalis (Borage Oil), Organic Linum Usitatissimum (Flax Seed Oil), Organic Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose Oil), Organic Rosa Canina (Rose Hip Oil), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Organic Lycium Barbarium (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract, CoQ10, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Organic Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi), Caviar Extract, Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea), Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Silk Protein Amino Acid Blend (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, L-Arginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Organic Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle), Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Organic Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry), Organic Myrica Cerifera (Bayberry), Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Essential Oil, Helichrysum Italicum (Helichrysum Essential Oil), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn Oil), Carica Papaya (Papaya), Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Pearl Powder, Citrus Limon (Lemon Essential Oil), Organic Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos Tea) Extract, Silica, Allantoin, Organic Arnica Montana (Arnica), Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia Nut Oil), Sodium Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin.

Buy it here.

The great-skin diet

All sorts of supplements, special eating plans and complexion drinks promise glowing skin from the inside out. But not everything that is being dished out is based on science. We digested the research and polled experts to determine which foods to add to your diet to truly benefit skin, which may be worth an occasional munch and which to pass up. Get ready to eat, drink and be beautiful!

Proven complexion perfecters

Pile these on your plate. All pack nutrients essential for healthy skin.

Strawberries, citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli

Beauty benefit: a smooth texture

Eat-right evidence: Vitamin C, plentiful in this produce, is vital for the production and formation of collagen, skin's support structure, says Toby Amidor, R.D., director of nutrition for DietTV.com in New York City. And a strong support layer helps smooth what's on top and prevent wrinkles, she says. Aim for: two 1-cup servings of fruit and 1 cup of red peppers and/or broccoli a day

Sunflower seeds and almonds

Beauty benefit: sun protection

Eat-right evidence: These seeds and nuts are loaded with vitamin E. Collectively, antioxidants act like an army, protecting skin from UV-spawned free radicals. But E is on the front lines; skin's top layers contain high levels that guard cells' outer membrane so cells stay healthy. Plus, strong membranes hold water in, keeping skin hydrated. Aim for: 2 tablespoons hulled seeds or 23 almonds daily

Dark orange, leafy green and red veggies

Beauty benefit: a fresh complexion

Eat-right evidence: Squash, sweet potatoes and spinach are full of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Your body converts it to vitamin A, which regulates cell production and turnover so skin's surface is smooth, says Valori Treloar, M.D., coauthor of The Clear Skin Diet (Cumberland House Publishing). Carotenoids may also decrease skin's sensitivity to sun. Aim for: three 1-cup servings a day

Fortified cereal, lean meat, pork, poultry, oysters

Beauty benefit: a youthful glow

Eat-right evidence: You'll get zinc and iron, minerals key to skin functioning. Zinc contributes to cell production, plus natural cell sloughing, which keeps dullness at bay. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen to skin, helping give you a glow, says David Bank, M.D., a derm in Mount Kisco, New York. Aim for: 1 serving of cereal (a cup), 1 palm-sized serving of meat or poultry or 3 oysters per day

Water

Beauty benefit: dewy skin

Eat-right evidence: Skin cells contain mostly water, and if you're dehydrated, skin will look and feel parched, too. But you needn't chug 8 cups a day; University of Pennsylvania researchers found no studies to back up the recommendation. Simply ward off dehydration—and dryness—by drinking when you're thirsty. Aim for: 6 cups a day. It's a good starting point, says Keri Gans, R.D., of NYC.

Smart skin suggestions

New research hints at these foods' beauty power, but effects aren't totally proven yet. No need to wait, though; the goodies are part of a healthy diet.

Wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, walnuts

Beauty benefit: fewer wrinkles

Eat-right evidence: These fish and nuts, plus fortified eggs, are bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation in the body caused by sun and stress. "Inflammation produces free radicals, and free radicals contribute to aging by attacking collagen," says Susan Taylor, M.D., a dermatologist in Philadelphia. But research still needs to connect the dots definitively and show that the anti-inflammatory abilities of omega-3s translate to younger-looking skin, she says. One study did find that older people who consumed more fish and veggies over their life had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports. The research didn't focus solely on fish, however; vegetables' antioxidants, for example, may have been a factor. Aim for: two 5-ounce servings of fish per week; on other days, 1 oz of walnuts or 2 omega-3 eggs

Whole wheat and grains

Beauty benefit: clearer skin

Eat-right evidence: In the past, derms have maintained that unless you wipe greasy fingers on your face, food doesn't cause zits. But some are rethinking the party line: Australian researchers found that a low-glycemic diet (more whole grains, protein and produce versus refined carbs such as white bread) may reduce acne. One explanation: Low-glycemic foods keep insulin steady, and refined carbs and sugar spike it. The surges may boost production of androgens, hormones that, when elevated, can cause zits. After 12 weeks of a low-glycemic diet, subjects' pimple counts dropped 20 percent, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes. More studies are needed to prove the link, but no doctor will discourage you from eating whole grains and veggies! Aim for: 3 servings a day (one serving equals a slice of bread or 1/2 cup cooked grains)

Today's special: gorgeous skin If your complexion could choose everything you ate for the day, here's what would be on the menu, says Keri Gans, R.D., who put together this plan.

Breakfast

• 1 cup whole-grain, fortified cereal such as Total
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 cup sliced strawberries or 1 medium grapefruit
• 1 cup green tea

Lunch

• Grilled chicken sandwich
• 5 oz chicken breast
• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• 2 slices tomato
• 1 leaf lettuce
• 1/8 of avocado
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 medium apple

Dinner

• 5 oz wild salmon
• Spinach salad
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato
• 1/2 cup broccoli
• Toss with 1 tbsp each olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• 1 medium baked sweet potato

Snacks/dessert

• 8 oz nonfat plain yogurt or 1 part-skim string cheese
• 1 oz sunflower seeds
• 1 small orange or 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 oz dark chocolate or 1 glass red wine

Beauty treat or trouble?

Guess if the following foods are good or bad for your skin—and find out the reasons why.

Sweets

Trouble Chowing candy and other sugary snacks may make you feel like a kid, but it's likely aging you. The rush of glucose into your bloodstream sets off a process known as glycation, in which sugars attach to proteins and form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These molecules naturally build up in skin as you get older, but the more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you have. Bad news: They cross-link with collagen and elastin fibers, making the normally resilient tissues weak or inflexible, Dr. Bank says. And skin that doesn't bounce back easily leads to wrinkles and sagging. In fact, the study showing fish lovers had fewer wrinkles revealed the opposite for those with a sweet tooth.

Dark chocolate

Treat Although there might be some truth to the claims that sugar-laden chocolate contributes to acne (and wrinkles), the high-quality, dark variety—70 percent or more cocoa—may actually be good for your skin. Preliminary studies found that cocoa's flavonols (a potent type of antioxidant) can help increase blood flow, supply skin with oxygen, improve skin hydration and reduce sun sensitivity. But dark chocolate is high in calories, so treat yourself to only 1 oz a day.

Milk

Trouble Got acne? Milk may not be doing your skin good. Three new studies have found a connection between teens' milk intake and pimples. This could potentially translate to adults; however, it's not been proven. More research is under way, but the probable explanation is hormone-related. Androgens naturally found in milk (even organic versions without added hormones) may add to a drinker's own level of androgens, which are associated with oily skin and acne. Milk also raises insulin levels and contains growth factors that act like insulin, Dr. Treloar says. Both may lower the production of molecules that bind to and deactivate hormones—meaning there may be more free-roaming androgens able to cause pimples. It's too early to prescribe a dairy ban for anyone zit-plagued. But it may be worth experimenting with a milk-free diet if you have excessive, stubborn breakouts, Dr. Treloar says. (Be sure, however, to take a calcium supplement with vitamin D.)

Spicy foods

Trouble Rosacea sufferers know to avoid five-alarm meals. But if you have fair, sun-damaged skin, hot-and-spicy foods may lead to the condition or to a red, blotchy complexion. "UV exposure weakens blood vessel walls. If your skin then repeatedly flushes, which swells vessels, they may not be able to shrink back down," Dr. Treloar says.

Wine

Treat Reds are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that help fight skin-damaging free radicals. But sip no more than one glass a day, says Katherine Brooking, R.D., of NYC. Excessive alcohol halts your body's release of its antidiuretic hormone. As a result, you make extra visits to the ladies' room and end up not only feeling dehydrated, but having skin that looks dry, with a dull tone and more visible wrinkles. So enjoy wine in moderation—and make a toast to great skin! Cheers!...

Importance of exfoliation for younger, clearer and beautiful skin

Over the past decade the popularity in chemical peels, surgery, and chemical based products has greatly increased due to the promise of drastic results and eternal youth. Today however, the trend is beginning to lean more towards natural ingredients and simpler treatments for skin care and health.
Natural ingredients incorporated in exfoliators, scrubs, toners, moisturizers, and face cleansers are proven to be safer and healthier than the popular chemical approaches while delivering just as great results. The antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, enzymes, and other nutrients in these products are becoming more understood as society becomes better educated on their health and well being. Today we want to feel young and look healthy at all ages. Although aging is a natural process that we cannot stop (oh nooooo), we keep ourselves healthy inside and out so the aging process will not be so harsh on us.

You can’t really reverse the process of aging, but you can improve and slow it down by encouraging collagen production, increasing the skin’s moisture content, improve the skin’s ability to protect itself, neutralize skin damaging free radicals, and stimulate the skin cell renewal and repair. Over time, the skins ability to accomplish these processes lessens. Skin needs proper care and nourishment inside and out in order to protect itself and prevent further damage as well as encourage the repair and rejuvenation process.

In addition to regular cleansing and moisturizing, exfoliating is a must to reveal the most healthy and ageless complexion. During the aging process, visible changes in tone and complexion occur as circulation slows providing less of the needed nutrients. As these changes occur, skin can begin to sag, become dry and start to lose its elasticity. The internet provides a great deal of information regarding exfoliation, often conflicting for consumers. Most of us are aware of the general benefits of exfoliation; softer, smoother, less aged complexion. However, the science behind why we need to exfoliate is a mystery to most and likely not thought of enough to know the importance of exfoliating properly.

Exfoliation occurs naturally every day, the technical term “Desquamation” means the shedding of the outer layers of the skin. For example, the skin sheds dead skin as it heals from a wound. This process however is faster for some more so than others. Aging causes the cells in the skin to become thickened, resulting in a buildup of skin cells atop the skin causing a less toned complexion and thicker appearance, preventing absorbency of any skin treatment applied to it. Once this process begins to slow, the natural exfoliation process slows and becomes more difficult to exfoliate.

Environment influences can cause slowing of the natural exfoliation process, influenced by the actual physical environment, hormones (estrogen, androgens, and epidermal growth factor), vitamin deficiencies, and let’s not forget smoking. Aside from smoking, these factors sometimes happen whether we like them to or not, making exfoliation vital to the health of your skin. Eliminating the dead skin cells (known as stratum corneum) allows for new skin cells to rejuvenate, resulting in an improved appearance, tone, and feel. The two most widely used approaches for exfoliation are chemical and physical exfoliation.

Over the past decade, dermatological peels costing consumers thousands of dollars have become popular. On the milder side, toners and scrubs containing ingredients that assist in exfoliating (natural ingredients used by Sweetsation are: Papaya, pineapple, vitamin C) have become popular as well as people tend to turn to natural remedies these days. Chemical exfoliation treatments contain a variety of hydroxy acids, enzymes, and retinols (not limited to) and have been most commonly used. The ideal physical exfoliants contain natural ingredients that are massaged gently on top of the skin.

The idea behind exfoliating is to normalize cell turnover in the epidermis; stimulating the formation of healthy skin, ridding dead skin cells and dry scales, and stimulation of new cells, reviling the new beautiful you. It is important to note that exfoliating on irritated skin can slow the healing of that skin and should be avoided. Further, sun protection is a must as you rid the out layer of dead cells and your body produces new cells your skin is left exposed. Studies recommend between SPF15 and SPF30, however, we recommend nothing less than SPF30 for maximum protection.

Consistent exfoliation can benefit and enhance your skin. The process prevents clogged pores, acne, ingrown hairs, some types of infection, prevent small scarring from blemishes and reduces the appearance of present scars. In addition, exfoliation unblocks pores through the increases of blood circulation in your skin, the cleanser and moisturizer you use will work better to clean and protect your “healthy” skin as the dead cells clear away.