Retin-A Treatment

Retin-A or Tretinoin comes in a cream or a gel. Its a prescriptive skin care product that is used to treat acne and aging (as if that's a disease!). It is a derivative of Vitamin A and is the treatment of choice for comedonal acne. It works by increasing skin cell turnover promoting the extrusion of the plugged material in the follicle.

Ayurveda can compliment this dermatologist treatment by offering topical Pitta pacifying products. During Retin-A treatment, the skin becomes redder and super sensitive - ESPECIALLY TO THE SUN. Apply Shankara's anti-inflammatory mask 3 times a week. The mask contains algae, cucumber, neem, Brahmi, calendula and essential oils of sandalwood and lavender all in a lecithin gel base. It feels so cool going on and brings back that healthy look we all want.

The Jane Iredale mineral makeup is also a wonderful way to cover the redness, cool the skin with natural minerals, and protect with a non irritating SPF 17 or 20. This makeup will not clog pores, but it will facilitate the healing process during Retin-A treatment.

Yoga

I can't hold it in any longer . . . I'm now offering private yoga sessions. 1- 1 1/2 hour sessions to explore breath, movement, and meditation. $45-65 in the privacy of your own home . . . preferably on a clean wooden floor. Carpets can be tough on the wrists and feet.

There is an option to rent space at local yoga studios for $30/hr. Let's discuss this further, if that is something you are considering for a group of friends or a yoga party.

My experience with yoga began in 1997 when I lived in Burlington, Vermont where I met amazing friends who passed on their knowledge of Astanga yoga. In the Burlington studio, I was given the opportunity to teach classes. Since then, I have lived around the country, always sharing what I know of yoga. Without a yoga studio here in Boulder to call home, I have been missing my yoga practice. Much of yoga for me is about practicing with a community and sharing the intimacy of breathing in silence with the occasional giggles and friendly adjustments.

In a private session, you will have my full attention to assit your body in the poses and my knowledge of different yoga systems to customize an ideal sequence for your needs and goals. Yoga, Ayurveda's sister science, is a wonderful way to bring a sense of balance and inspiration to your everyday.

Books

Here are some books I love to recommend for people looking for more information about Ayurveda and self care.

Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing by Vasant Lad
Absolute Beauty: Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony Through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda
by Pratima Raichur

Inner Beauty : Discover Natural Beauty and Well-Being with the Traditions of Ayurveda by Reenita Malhotra Hora
Ayurvedic Beauty Care by Melanie Sachs
Stop Your Cravings: Satsify Your Tastes Without Sacrificing Your Health by Jennifer Workman

Paraben Controversy

Parabens are a group of chemicals used as a preservative in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, toothpastes and sometimes as a food additive. They are inexpensive and widely used. They do occur in nature, for example, methlyparaben in the fruit on the blueberry shrub serves as an antimicrobial agent. Although, all commercial parabens are synthetically produced. It is understood that parabens are rapidly absorbed, metabolized and excreted. HOWEVER, parabens have been found in breast cancer tumors. There is no scientific evidence that links parabens to any types of cancer.

Take what you will from this information.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, any synthetic additive will destroy the ojas or essential vitality in the product. Rest assured, all my products are alive and well, ready to inspire your beauty.

Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup Sale

Just in time for the holiday parties . . .

15 % off eye and lip makeup

Jane Iredale is a proud sponsor of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics and is included on the Breast Cancer Action list of paraben and phthalate free cosmetics.