by stimulating both the superficial and deep muscles that control facial expres- sion. Beauty benefits include a brighter complexion and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, dark under-eye circles and puffy eyes. It also lifts sag- ging at the neck and jaw. Hypnox. This 25-minute guided


hypnotherapeutic audio recording is touted as a natural alternative to the neurotoxin Botox. Instead of paralyzing targeted facial muscles, which inhib- its natural facial expression, Hypnox targets and retrains the same muscles to stop habitual frowning, lip pucker- ing and squinting. The process is said to promote overall relaxation, allowing wrinkles to fade away. Facercize. Muscle resistance


training helps tone and enliven the 30 muscles of the face to render more youthful-looking features. Muscle fibers literally smooth out, shorten and lift the attached skin on the face and neck. Enzyme Mask. A weekly exfoliat- ing fruit enzyme mask gently dissolves dead surface cells and embedded impurities, while restoring hydration. Adding an organic, fruit-based peel of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids supplies an ideal boost that can result in an even brighter complexion and firmer looking skin.


Retinols. These naturally occurring forms of vitamin A are a gentler, over- the-counter version of retinoids. They likewise promote healthy cell renewal and collagen production. Gentle Microdermabrasion. At- home microdermabrasion kits work to reduce the visibility of pores and fine lines. Many come with battery-operated brushes, aluminum-free scrubs, balanc- ing toners and moisturizing serums; look for natural ingredients. Microcurrent Facial Sculpting. “Electrical stimulation forces facial muscles to do sit-ups,” says Charlene Handel, owner of Skin Fitness, Etc., in Carlsbad, California. Twenty years of experience with handheld commercial products have convinced this certified holistic esthetician that if the current can’t be felt, it isn’t doing the job. Trained by Elina Fedotova, CEO of Elina Organics and founder of the As- sociation of Holistic Skin Care Practitio- ners, Handel cautions that techniques


intended to move skincare products be- yond the outermost dermal layer—such as microcurrent, cold laser, ultrasound and LED—should be 100 percent natural and organic. “Read labels to find the USDA Organic seal and avoid subjecting skin to synthetic chemicals and ingredients that contain petroleum derivatives from crude oil; artificial fra- grances, which frequently contain toxic chemicals; and synthetic preservatives


such as parabens,” she advises. The ultimate responsibility for sk-


incare is our own. When a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, exfoliation, hydration and natural topical treatments are no longer keeping gravity at bay, individu- als of either gender need not hesitate to seek help from skin-care professionals.


Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings magazines.


Gluten in Lipstick Speaks Volumes About Allergies P


by Betty Murray


eople with celiac disease are used to check- ing labels for gluten in food, but new research


shows that gluten lurking in cosmetics, shampoos and body care products can cause symptoms. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, spelt, rye and triticale. When people that have ce- liac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, crucial for absorbing nutrients from food. The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. Food label laws passed by the FDA in 2009 require products to start labeling gluten, al- though they have yet to be enforced. But body lotions, lipsticks, toothpaste and other beauty products rarely provide that information, even though many such products contain substances derived from grain that can be swallowed and cause immune reactions. The top 10 leading makeup companies do not provide any information about products that contain gluten, according to researchers from George Washington University. Gluten can’t be absorbed through the skin, but people may accidentally ingest small quantities of lotion, lipstick and other products if they have it on their hands or use it around their mouth. A handful of companies do make gluten-free cosmetics, and the public can contact manufacturers directly to find out which of their products contain gluten. The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org/skindeep) maintains a database to search for gluten-free and toxin-free ingredients. When products do list their ingredients, careful label reading is a must; but simply looking for the word “gluten” isn’t sufficient, researchers say. For instance, vitamin E and many oils found in cosmetics contain wheat and gluten, even though the label just lists vitamin E.


Betty Murray, CN, HHC,


Betty Murray, CN, HHC, is a certified nutritionist, health counselor, author, public speaker and founder of Living Well Dallas, an integrative medical center in Dallas. For more informa- tion, visit Livingwelldallas.com.


natural awakenings May 2012 17


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